A photographer's dream come true! Michael Meighan, with the help of his friend Nathan Edwards, has successfully recreated a magical moment from the beloved movie ET. This achievement, almost two years in the making, is a testament to their dedication and creativity.
The ET Moon Scene: A Challenging Recreation
Meighan and Edwards set out to capture the iconic scene where Elliott's BMX, carrying ET in its basket, soars past the Moon. This scene, a favorite among fans, has inspired the duo to recreate it in real life. But here's where it gets tricky: the alignment of the Moon, the bike, and the camera had to be perfect.
The Perfect Alignment
After numerous attempts and scouting different locations, the planets (quite literally) aligned during the first full Moon of the year. Edwards, a plasterer by trade, pushed his bike uphill to a precise spot on Eglwysilan Mountain, Rhondda Cynon Taf, while Meighan, a care support worker, waited patiently with his camera from a distance of 1.4 miles (2.3km) away in Treforest, Pontypridd. The pair kept in touch via phone, attracting curious onlookers who wondered about the strange activity.
A Unique Perspective
Meighan, 39, from Cardiff, recalled the curious reactions of the locals: "They came out wondering what was happening when they saw a man with a huge camera lens next to their house." He showed them the scene through his camera, and Edwards, 33, from Cwmbran, Torfaen, could be heard "huffing and puffing" on the other end of the phone as he got into position after a strenuous five-minute uphill bike push.
The ET Replica
Edwards had fastened a plastic wash bowl with a teddy bear wrapped in a blanket to mimic ET sitting on the front of his bike. This attention to detail added to the authenticity of the recreation.
The Moment of Truth
After all the planning and attempts, Meighan finally captured the shot they had been dreaming of. "We were over the Moon to finally get this one," he said. "The actual planning is the hard part. Once it's planned, it's very simple to execute."
A Friendship Bonded by Photography
Meighan paid tribute to his friend Edwards, whose dedication made this project possible. "He's a fantastic person, a fantastic friend, and without him, this would not be possible." He admired Edwards' enthusiasm and commitment, driving to random locations and enduring the physical exertion for the sake of the perfect shot.
A Well-Deserved Celebration
After the successful shoot, the friends shared a "huge embrace" and celebrated their achievement in a nearby pub. This story is a reminder that sometimes, the most magical moments in life require a bit of planning, a lot of perseverance, and the support of good friends.
And this is the part most people miss: the joy and satisfaction that come from pursuing a creative vision and seeing it through to the end. It's a testament to the power of friendship and the magic that can happen when you dare to dream big.
What do you think? Is this a worthy recreation of a cinematic moment? Share your thoughts in the comments!
