Hasta La Motion!

I’m planning on shooting a spec commercial this next month set at the SETI institute. Think the stereotypical image of the big brick buildings and then fields of giant parabolic dishes pointed at the sky.

So basically, I can’t actually shoot on location, so I’m trying to figure out doable ways to fake it given my budget (or lack thereof) and my own skill level. My first thought would be to find some brick administrative buildings to shoot at, then use matte paintings to add the parabolic dishes, etc. So I guess, technically, we’re talking set extension (or modification?) here.

Also, the spec involves a spacecraft hovering overhead, i.e. independence day. I have three actors and am planning on shooting them from behind to get the reveal of the ship.

I was wondering if anyone has any advice as far as setting up the shots and such in production, considering the VFX that will be needed? Obviously, a lot of it will depend on which location I can find, but I was wondering if it would be easier to do green screen in front of the actors and create a new background as a whole (Including the ship) or to film the background as is, roto my actors and composite in the ship?

What can I do to make it easier on the VFX end in post?

Thanks in Advance!