Art by Peter Bodnarus
Stargate set itself apart with some amazing ship designs, both alien and Earth-made, both large capital ships and those sleek fighter craft. Would you rather fly an F-302 or a Puddle Jumper? An Asgard warship or a Lantean battle cruiser?
So how did the franchise’s unique ship designs come about? The person to ask is Bridget McGuire, Stargate’s long-time art director and production designer. In her more than 10 years with the franchise she helped to create such iconic pieces as the Puddle Jumper, the F-302 fighter interceptor, the Wraith Dart, and many more. She talked with “Dial the Gate” about the look and functionality of Atlantis’s “Gate Ship” (both inside and out).
The final shape and size of the Puddle Jumper was dictated both by in-universe lore and real-world, practical filming needs. “It had to be round, because it was going to go through the Stargate,” McGuire said. “We had to be able to see the actors. We also had to travel it” for shooting on location, which meant being able to disassemble the set piece and transport it.
The show’s writers also set entire stories in the Jumper — fan-favorites like “Thirty Eight Minutes” and “Grace Under Pressure” — which required the ship to have enough space for the cast and crew to move around a little.
Check out this clip from the conversation:
Original concept art for the Puddle Jumper, from artist Peter Bodnarus
Art by Peter Bodnarus
McGuire also talked about building the F-302, and how certain ships were extended using visual effects. She also revealed what household device inspired the Puddle Jumper’s unique shape.
“The shape is based on, in a sewing machine, a little shuttle,” which moves back and forth carrying the bobbin and thread in traditional sewing machines. And “the Wraith Dart came from a hummingbird skull. That, and the whole Wraith organic thing — I love that sort of stuff.”
Head over to “Dial the Gate” on YouTube for the full conversation with Bridget McGuire, which runs for about 80 minutes. And while you’re there, for more Stargate subscribe to GateWorld’s YouTube channel.