Local Company Builds Pool for Warner Brothers Backlot – Look for Premier Pools & Spas on TNT’s Animal Kingdom

When producers from the hit show Animal Kingdom contacted Rick Starsmere of Premier Pools & Spas, they presented a clear challenge: Build an intricate replica pool for their television set at the Warners Ranch backlot, and do it in half the time.
Using a pool in Long Beach as the practical location for the pilot, the Animal Kingdom team needed to replicate the same pool on the Warners Ranch backlot once the show was picked up.
“Our challenge was to recreate what was shot at a real house in Long Beach on the backlot space here at Warner Brothers, so we could film in controlled circumstances throughout the course and history of this show,” explained Llewellyn Wells, a producer on Animal Kingdom.
The challenge was significant.  Not only did producers have specific design needs, but they also were working against the clock.  On a normal timeline, a pool takes about three months to build – about a month for planning and permitting and two months for construction.
“They wanted the pool done in 45 days,” Rick Starsmere said of the Animal Kingdom build.
Premier Pools was able to get the job done in 30 days.  More importantly, however, the job was done correctly, surpassing the producers’ expectations.
“In our industry, things need to be perfect,” said Production Designer Nina Ruscio.  “We don’t compromise; we don’t make any exceptions to the rule.  Premier Pools did a great job and in an amazing, record time.”
A designer herself, Nina compared the team’s grace and precision to a ballet, moving with coordination and speed as they quickly constructed each phase.
“It was an amazing thing to watch,” Nina said.  “It was phenomenal.”
The production team watched on as Premier Pools built in each detail.  Seven 30-watt lights were dispersed throughout the pool to match the lighting levels and create a consistent, controlled filming environment for all the show’s current and future needs.
“We can turn each individual light on and off, or dim at the rate that is appropriate for the shot,” Llewellyn said.
The pool was also dug deeper than a standard pool, to accommodate various stunts and effects.
“What we needed them to do was serve both practical and visual purposes, so it had to look fantastic – and it does,” Llewellyn said.  “Rick was able to deliver this pool on time and on budget.”
Known for its superior design capabilities, Premier Pools was an obvious choice for this project.  The entire staff at Premier Pools has extensive knowledge about design and construction.  In addition to knowledge, the pool builder also offers a wide range of design services and features, including: all designs from geometric to one-of-a-kind freeform pools; add-on feature such as LED lights, vanishing edges, mosaic tile, rock designs and grottos; as well as landscaping projects from fire pits to patio walkways.
Other Premier Pools franchises have also made it to the television screen – most notably on the production of Ultimate Pools.  The show’s aim is to enable viewers to experience the most luxurious and expensive swimming pools across America and throughout the world.
Premier Pools & Spas also has been identified as a Pool King – from the hit DIY Network show – in the custom pool industry.  This honor puts Premier Pools in a prominent role in the making of the next season.  From custom lakes to show-stopping backyard water parks, the sky is the limit when the Pool Kings are on the job!
Premier Pools isn’t just for the Hollywood set, however; the local pool builder specializes in small pools, or spools, as well.  With the right design, a pool can fit in any space, Rick says.  And his team can even handle the landscaping.
“Premier Pools was able to create a pool that was perfect for us, as filmmakers and designers, and perfect for this project,” Nina said.
To create the pool that’s perfect for you, please call Premier Pools & Spas at 661-799-7276 or visit www.premierpoolsandspas.com.  

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