CHAPTER SIXBuilding the Hero Whole Sandwich
When the lighting and set are fi nalized, it’s time to
build the hero. Because there are usually numerous ele-
ments in a sandwich, you will need a large table space
on which to assemble all of the components, plus space
for your tools and supplies. You will need to cut approx-
imately 10 toothpicks in half. Keep the cutters and extra
toothpicks nearby during the building process.
use the same techniques as described earlier in the ham-
burger section. Other types of lettuce and sandwich ele-
ments can also be pinned into position using toothpick
halves. Snip ends of toothpicks as you build so they
do not extend more than 1/8 inch above the secured
element.Th is is the technique I used to achieve the appearance of
the deli meat in the sandwich images in this chapter.
Work with one hero slice or half slice portion of deli meat
TRICKS OF THE TRADE Because a photo sandwich is diffi cult
to handle after it’s built, whenever possible, I build the hero on the
hero plate. It is not a good idea to build a sandwich on set due to
the amount of room needed to assemble items and because it can
be a messy job. If for some reason you must transport an already-built
sandwich to set, I recommend building the sandwich on a large fl at
metal spatula. Turn the handle of the spatula to the back or opposite
side where you will be working. Support the spatula handle with a
stable object like a brick that is the right height so the metal spatula
will lay fl at on the surface where you are working. If the spatula
wants to slide forward, tape the handle to the support. After the
sandwich is built, remove the support from the spatula and carry
the sandwich resting on the spatula to the set. Carefully slide the
sandwich onto the hero surface on set.
Start with the bottom piece of bread and build the sand-
wich upward in the order you’ve planned. As you con-
struct the sandwich, if one of the elements is leaf lettuce,