Looks very nice!  I'm definitely looking forward to it.  Are you going to use official Ice Planet sets, or make custom props/backgrounds?  I'd love to see vehicle/base designs that pay homage to the classic theme, yet also look modernized--kinda like the "Neo-Classic Space" MOCs. 

As for the grid sky, it's a really cool (pardon the pun ) idea, but I think it would work best for window-type things rather than the sky itself.  I'm thinking the explorers' base could be a giant transparent dome, or at least have one or several, or large windows, which have that sort of grid pattern.  Inside the base, the explorers would have a huge vista over the icy landscape.

In terms of ice, I think brick-built is the best way to go, since I think that it fits in the best as non-LEGO stuff usually looks really out-of-place and incongruous in brickfilms.  That being said, though, I really loved the sand effect in Egyptian Holiday, so I think you might be able to pull it off.

I also agree with Squid, the planet should be dark and mysterious.  I think it would look great if it had really dark starry skies, but be lit by diffused ambient light that seems to emanate from the ground (preferably bluish in colour).  Also, having tinted lighting in general would give the film a great futuristic/scifi feel.

Well, that's all for now.  Can't wait to see what you come up with!

Oh boy! I am looking forward to this! I have not seen those LEGO sets in ages!

How's this project coming along?

"Nothing goes down 'less I'm involved. No nuggets. No onion rings. No nothin'. A cheeseburger gets sold in the park, I want in! You got fat while we starved on the streets...now it's my turn!" -Harley Morenstein