Photographer Captures Iconic ET Scene After Two Years of Effort
A dedicated photographer, Michael Meighan, has finally achieved his dream of recreating a famous scene from the beloved movie ET. With the help of his friend Nathan Edwards, they spent almost two years planning and executing this unique photo. The scene, featuring Elliott's BMX with ET riding in the basket, flying past the Moon, was a challenging endeavor.
The perfect alignment occurred during the first full Moon of the year, when Edwards, a plasterer, positioned his bike on Eglwysilan Mountain in Rhondda Cynon Taf. Meighan, located 1.4 miles away in Treforest, Pontypridd, captured the shot through his viewfinder while maintaining contact with Edwards via phone. This unique setup attracted curious neighbors, who witnessed the setup and the dedication of the duo.
Meighan, a 39-year-old care support worker from Cardiff, described the experience, recalling the neighbors' surprise at seeing a man with a large camera lens near their homes. Edwards, 33, from Cwmbran, Torfaen, crafted a plastic wash bowl with a teddy bear wrapped in a blanket, creating the illusion of ET riding on his own bike. The pair's persistence paid off, as they had previously attempted the recreation using a phone app, but the limited success rate due to the Moon's position and weather conditions made it a challenging feat.
Meighan expressed his excitement, stating that the perfect shot was a result of their perseverance. He highlighted the difficulty in planning and executing the shot, emphasizing the importance of timing and weather conditions. The duo's hard work culminated in a successful photo, which they celebrated with a heartfelt embrace and a visit to a nearby pub.
Meighan's dedication and Edwards' commitment to the project were praised, as they turned a simple idea into a memorable achievement. This unique photo serves as a testament to their friendship and the power of perseverance in pursuing creative endeavors.