LEGO designer shares behind-the-scenes details for Piece by Piece set
A LEGO designer and Pharrell Williams have revealed behind-the-scenes details for Piece by Piece’s 10391 Over the Moon with Pharrell Williams.
10391 Over the Moon with Pharrell Williams is the only set for the upcoming Pharrell Williams LEGO biopic – Piece by Piece. Following its reveal last week, a new interview has surfaced on LEGO.com, offering insight into the new set from Pharrell Williams and LEGO designers.
“When I was a child, my perception of reality was based on a 20-mile radius,” shared Pharrell. “And at the centre of it was Atlantis Apartments. We lived in the crash zone of the Air Force Base, where the Blue Angels would fly all the time. So, my reference for looking up was always jets. And when you think beyond – what typically flies the highest, if you will, is space shuttles.”
“I was raised at a time when mankind was obsessed with the heavens, technology, and ultimately rocket systems. Growing up, the space shuttle was the thing that we saw as something which could take you beyond not only where you were, but, like, to the Moon.”
The LEGO Group’s affinity with space may have played a role in the making of this decision too, but either way 10391 Over the Moon with Pharrell Williams is a space-centric model with some interesting elements up for grabs next month.
“The most notable recolour is the windscreen canopy, made in drum-lacquered gold colour for the first time ever,” explains LEGO designer George Gilliatt. It’s one of the largest elements we have ever applied this lacquering process to, and it certainly stands out as a focal point to the whole model.”
The angle of this ship on the rainbow stand is a striking feature too, and this was a challenge to achieve.
“The most exciting building challenge with this model was how to build the jet-stream at an angle to create the dynamic look of the final model,” says Gilliatt.
“Many different techniques were trialled, including making the entire bottom of the model out of slope bricks, but in the end, we settled for creating some triangles out LEGO Technic elements that happened to perfectly match the angles of some of our slope bricks – which allows the jet stream to protrude seamlessly out of the cloud base.”
Another notable inclusion in 10391 Over the Moon with Pharrell Williams is an abacus of LEGO minifigure heads, which may just be the best part of the build for collectors.
“The abacus was a beautiful opportunity for the LEGO Group and me to help open the doors for all humans – not just one kind,” notes Pharrell. “The minute that you put those bricks in your hand, and you decide to build with those pieces, you can make them into specifically anything you want. But you should feel welcome. So, the abacus created this really beautiful opportunity for us to make sure this set felt like a welcome mat.”
Overall, 10391 Over the Moon with Pharrell Williams is one of the most unique LEGO sets of 2024 so far and you can pre-order the build now for £94.99 in the UK, $109.99 in the US, and €109.99 in Europe. It launches and will be on shelves on September 20.
Williams has been doing the round for interviews recently, speaking on the decision to use LEGO as the medium for Piece by Piece.
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Author Profile
- LEGO has been a part of my life ever since I was young. It all started when my brother passed down 7657 AT-ST to me. It’s guided me through my early years, through school and eventually through my degree in journalism. I still have all my collection proudly on display, including my many NINJAGO sets, my favourite of all the LEGO Group’s themes. Outside of Brick Fanatics I am an avid gamer and enjoy a good game of Dungeons & Dragons.
