"I was always keen to take the film in this direction as I've been a fan of model miniature work since I was a kid," he tells BBC Culture.
Models, miniatures and dioramas present us with an idealised and simplified version of the world.
These are stand-alone and separate exhibitions but they do have some intriguing conceptual links, not the least of which is a shared fascination with models, miniatures and dioramas.
Other activities include walking tours and talks in nearby Chelsea galleries from noon to 6 p.m. Visitors can see the Kitchen's art galleries, with models, miniatures and masks by the puppeteer Ralph Lee.
A small second-floor gallery overlooking the grand staircase has a display of extraordinary, masterpiece-quality, structurally correct architectural models — miniature basilicas, foot-high Brancusi-like staircases to nowhere, to heaven — donated to the museum in 2007 by Clare and Eugene Thaw.
Mr. Chaintreuil, who began working in film with models and miniatures, said there were two levels of digital set designers.
Instead of relying on computer graphics, the team built physical models and miniatures, using some of the design techniques to be found on real-life spacecraft.
The spaceships and planets for the film were shot using models and miniatures.
Imageworks created more than 350 visual effects shots, using a combination of model and miniature shots and digital computer work.
Smith says, "I think the reason models and miniatures are awesome is that they let adults return to that golden age of imagination.
Principal photography took place at Shepperton Studios near London, while model and miniature filming was done at Bray Studios in Water Oakley, Berkshire.
