JCB Machines Featured In New Film: Alien: Covenant

The “Alien” films make up a science-fiction horror franchise that depicts Warrant Officer Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) and her battles with an extraterrestrial lifeform, commonly referred to as “the Alien” or “Xenomorph.”

Produced by 20th Century Fox, the series began with Alien (1979), directed by Ridley Scott. It was followed by three sequels, released in 1986, 1992 and 1997. A prequel series directed by Scott began with the release of Prometheus (2012) and continues with Alien: Covenant.

A fleet of more than 20 JCB machines is playing a starring role in Alien: Covenant. JCB skid steer loaders, Loadall telescopic handlers and JS excavators were supplied to 20th Century Fox for the making of the film, which was released in the United States on May 19.

Starring alongside actors Michael Fassbender and Katherine Waterston, the JCB machines are wrapped in stunning gold to give them a futuristic look as Alien: Covenant is set almost 100 years in the future.

“This is one of the highest-profile film projects in JCB’s history, involving approximately $1.3 million worth of machines,” said Michael Plummer, JCB’s worldwide marketing director. “Ridley Scott’s idea to wrap the machines in gold delivered a stunning result and is certainly an eye-catching addition to a film which will be seen by millions of people around the world.”

The various machines – which appear in the film’s finale – arrived at the movie set in Sydney with the help of JCB dealer Construction Equipment Australia. The dealer also provided film makers with six JCB generators for additional on-site power.

The equipment is used in the so-called “terraforming bay” in the film, an area that alters the environment to make it capable of supporting terrestrial life.

JCB is a privately owned, global company that manufactures more than 300 different machines from 22 plants on four continents including the United Kingdom, India, Brazil and the United States. Equipment lines offered include: backhoe loaders, Loadall telescopic handlers, excavators, wheel loaders, rough terrain forklifts, compact excavators, skid steer loaders, compact track loaders, compaction equipment and the unique Fastrac tractor.

Images are reproduced with the kind permission of 20th Century Fox in whom all copyright rests.

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