The styling unit of the SDP was initially the main reason that I chose this project. I wanted to be able to put into practice my passion for History and Art in a practical way as well as being able to research theoretically. I was, however, very pleasantly surprised at how much I have enjoyed all the aspects of this unit. I particularly enjoyed location hunting. It seemed too good to be true that I was HAVING to go visit my favourite National Trust homes and posh hotels to find a suitable bedroom. I also really enjoyed the 'administration' side of it, being in contact with he hotel staff etc. I feel that I have learnt a great deal more about how to be professional in the industry. The help I got from others was invaluable and while the vast majority of this unit was done individually, for the photo shoot where I had a 'crew' of 4 others to help I felt the same sense of security that I felt on the two film sets. Having a team around you is so helpful and I appreciated their input greatly.
I will defiantly consider doing something similar to this unit again in the future as I found the entire process from initial gallery research and in depth research to location hunting/ costume sourcing and the final shoot very enjoyable and interesting!
Showing posts with label SDP002Reflection. Show all posts
Showing posts with label SDP002Reflection. Show all posts
Sunday, 20 May 2012
Saturday, 19 May 2012
Reflection: Final Photo
My final image came out very well and I am very happy with it. While I did chose a different era and one that was not contemporary to now, to be the period in which I set this remake, I feel that I have managed to encompass the mood and all the themes from the original into it. From this I have learnt a lot about the trails of a photo shoot for a period piece including settings and sourcing the costumes, however, it was all worth it for the final outcome.
The final photo, while not identical has achieved what I set out for it to and that is to present an alternate story in a different era but based fairly closely upon the original.
The final photo, while not identical has achieved what I set out for it to and that is to present an alternate story in a different era but based fairly closely upon the original.
Wednesday, 16 May 2012
Reflection: Styling Setting
When I first started out on this unit of Paintings for Inspiration I was so excited by the overall prospect of the final image that I almost overlooked the technicalities of setting a photo in a non-contemporary period. I also overestimated the amount of locations I had to choose from when deciding on a Victorian era remake. From this I have learnt the challenge behind finding a suitable location as well as one that is actually available for hire! I now know that National Trust houses (while they may be more than willing to open their doors for big feature films) aren't so accommodating to University students with very little funds!
While my minor setback,(my request being rejected from Kingston Lacy National Trust) was frustrating, I feel that it allowed me to do what I planned to do all along with this project, to extend my researching skills. Therefore by visiting other types of property, the Hotels for instance, I got a much larger cross section of options for the bedroom which resulted in me finding the perfect room at the Lillie Langtry Manor Hotel!
One thing that I was not anticipating was how much I enjoyed the location hunting. I have always had a love of Historic buildings and stately homes and to be able to use this knowledge and passion for my photo was really exciting.
While my minor setback,(my request being rejected from Kingston Lacy National Trust) was frustrating, I feel that it allowed me to do what I planned to do all along with this project, to extend my researching skills. Therefore by visiting other types of property, the Hotels for instance, I got a much larger cross section of options for the bedroom which resulted in me finding the perfect room at the Lillie Langtry Manor Hotel!
One thing that I was not anticipating was how much I enjoyed the location hunting. I have always had a love of Historic buildings and stately homes and to be able to use this knowledge and passion for my photo was really exciting.
Tuesday, 8 May 2012
REFLECTION: FILM UNIT
The filming unit of our Self Directed Project was one that I was greatly looking forward to. I have always been interested in working on film and since the start of this year I have been more and more sure that it is what I wish to specialise in, in level 6 next year. I knew I would learn a lot about the industry but I feel that I have gained a lot more knowledge than I could have anticipated.
This unit has really helped with my confidence after the last project knocked me slightly. It also helped with my confidence in meeting new people. Being alone and having to become a member of a team who already know each other (the film crews) was daunting at the beginning but as soon as I had my first meeting I realised that working as a team on such a chaotic project made it very easy indeed to make friends.
A key lesson I learnt while participating in Painting for Inspiration was how patient you must be to stay sane while working on a film! Working with a Director and a writer together meant that the script changed a great many times and in turn the characters to dress. I made sure to keep all my research and to be open to any changes that were given to me.
Most valuable of all was learning how being a costume designer/ supervisor/ assistant actually works out on a shoot and on an actual film production team. While all of our tutorials and workshops have been constructive and very helpful, gaining real experience was so much fun! I really enjoyed working as part of the two film teams and learning a little about a few different specialities such as the camera dept, the sound dept and editing.
This unit has really helped with my confidence after the last project knocked me slightly. It also helped with my confidence in meeting new people. Being alone and having to become a member of a team who already know each other (the film crews) was daunting at the beginning but as soon as I had my first meeting I realised that working as a team on such a chaotic project made it very easy indeed to make friends.
A key lesson I learnt while participating in Painting for Inspiration was how patient you must be to stay sane while working on a film! Working with a Director and a writer together meant that the script changed a great many times and in turn the characters to dress. I made sure to keep all my research and to be open to any changes that were given to me.
Most valuable of all was learning how being a costume designer/ supervisor/ assistant actually works out on a shoot and on an actual film production team. While all of our tutorials and workshops have been constructive and very helpful, gaining real experience was so much fun! I really enjoyed working as part of the two film teams and learning a little about a few different specialities such as the camera dept, the sound dept and editing.
Wednesday, 2 May 2012
Reflection: Filming Shoot 2
The shoot day for 'Memorial' came as somewhat of a relief. There was not a clear route from the film pitch to the shoot as differences between the Writer and Director meant that the script changed quite a few times and the characters along with it. This meant that for me, the creative process was rather disjointed and my final ideas that are seen on screen are the result of just 2 days work due to all the previous research being redundant.
While this was frustrating at times, I believe that it has taught me a valuable lesson about the designing industry. I have had to alter designs and ideas to correlate with what the Director asked me to but I still managed to find a way to put my own ideas forward to help him to make decisions.
Other things I learnt a great deal about is the basic workings of the camera and sound crew. This learning is a continuation from last weeks shoot where I sat and chatted with the sound guy for a long time. I also learnt about the clapper and how it is also their job to put in the film. I found it extremely interesting to see how you have a separate person standing with the camera man at all times just to adjust the focus on a shot if the subject moves from close up to far away.
I really love finding out about all the aspects of the filming process and I have even been chatting to the editor about his role in post production. I know that it isn't really anything to do with a costume designer's role at all but I much prefer to know a little about all the elements of filming as it helps me to to make more informed choices on my work. And also because I love learning about new things!
As a final reflection on this filming and also the 'Bridges' shoot as well I have discovered just how much I love being involved in a film. Even though it is stressful, changeable and tedious at times and you have to be very patient indeed I have made a great many friends already, have learnt a lot about the film industry and how it works and, most importantly to me with regards to my future career choices, I absolutely loved the shoot days themselves. I had so much fun on this project and I can't wait to do more next year.
While this was frustrating at times, I believe that it has taught me a valuable lesson about the designing industry. I have had to alter designs and ideas to correlate with what the Director asked me to but I still managed to find a way to put my own ideas forward to help him to make decisions.
Other things I learnt a great deal about is the basic workings of the camera and sound crew. This learning is a continuation from last weeks shoot where I sat and chatted with the sound guy for a long time. I also learnt about the clapper and how it is also their job to put in the film. I found it extremely interesting to see how you have a separate person standing with the camera man at all times just to adjust the focus on a shot if the subject moves from close up to far away.
I really love finding out about all the aspects of the filming process and I have even been chatting to the editor about his role in post production. I know that it isn't really anything to do with a costume designer's role at all but I much prefer to know a little about all the elements of filming as it helps me to to make more informed choices on my work. And also because I love learning about new things!
As a final reflection on this filming and also the 'Bridges' shoot as well I have discovered just how much I love being involved in a film. Even though it is stressful, changeable and tedious at times and you have to be very patient indeed I have made a great many friends already, have learnt a lot about the film industry and how it works and, most importantly to me with regards to my future career choices, I absolutely loved the shoot days themselves. I had so much fun on this project and I can't wait to do more next year.
Friday, 27 April 2012
Reflection: Filming
Today I received an phone call from the director with regards to a further change in the script. The characters have been altered again to three principles and 10 funeral guests. Now it is all to be set contemporary which makes dressing the funeral party a lot easier as I will try to ask the extras themselves to supply their own outfit.
This change to the script so close to the shooting date is frustrating, I have felt that it may have happened, which is why I have left sourcing my costumes until so late. But I really need to get them on Saturday so that I have time to break them down. Working on this particular film has made me realise how changeable pre production on a film can be, right up until the last minute. I have also learnt that costumes are not a Directors priority, however they do understand how important it is to the overall film. I have tried to be as helpful and calm as possible about all of the decisions and elements of costume when discussing with the Director and I really feel that he is interested in my ideas and that he can trust me to make informed decisions without him for the final film.
The main issue the Director found with the original and second script was finding child actors to star in the film. I learnt that they can only work for 4 hours a day and must have a parent on set with them at all times. For such a short film I think it was decided that it was not worth it to get in children to act. Also being set outside it would be inevitable that the film will run on longer than just 4 hours!
This change to the script so close to the shooting date is frustrating, I have felt that it may have happened, which is why I have left sourcing my costumes until so late. But I really need to get them on Saturday so that I have time to break them down. Working on this particular film has made me realise how changeable pre production on a film can be, right up until the last minute. I have also learnt that costumes are not a Directors priority, however they do understand how important it is to the overall film. I have tried to be as helpful and calm as possible about all of the decisions and elements of costume when discussing with the Director and I really feel that he is interested in my ideas and that he can trust me to make informed decisions without him for the final film.
The main issue the Director found with the original and second script was finding child actors to star in the film. I learnt that they can only work for 4 hours a day and must have a parent on set with them at all times. For such a short film I think it was decided that it was not worth it to get in children to act. Also being set outside it would be inevitable that the film will run on longer than just 4 hours!
Wednesday, 25 April 2012
Reflection: Filming Shoot 1
The 'Bridges' shoot yesterday was my first ever experience on a location film shoot and I absolutely loved it! I was anticipating the very early start and the team work needed to complete a shoot in just one day but on top of this I learnt a lot more valuable lessons from this day which I will gladly take with me to my shoot next Tuesday and even further.
One of the most key aspects of my role as an assistant this day was to basically take the stress off the designer in anyway I could and to keep the two actors warm and happy. I ended up taking photos for one actors portfolio and driving to and from a pub restroom a lot!
Most importantly on this shoot and, I am assuming, on my one as well was how patient we had to be. There was a lot of sitting around in the cold chatting with the actors, set photographer and the Make-up designer while cameras were moved and new shots set up. I was aware that this would be the case and there was apart of me that was a little worried that it might be tedious, however, I have found every single one of the crew to be fab to hang out with and time flew even when we did have very little to do during the day.
The director of this film was exceptionally well organised and professional for a second year student and it was a pleasure to work with him and his team. I cannot wait to work on the film I have designed for next week and experience a shoot all over again!
One of the most key aspects of my role as an assistant this day was to basically take the stress off the designer in anyway I could and to keep the two actors warm and happy. I ended up taking photos for one actors portfolio and driving to and from a pub restroom a lot!
Most importantly on this shoot and, I am assuming, on my one as well was how patient we had to be. There was a lot of sitting around in the cold chatting with the actors, set photographer and the Make-up designer while cameras were moved and new shots set up. I was aware that this would be the case and there was apart of me that was a little worried that it might be tedious, however, I have found every single one of the crew to be fab to hang out with and time flew even when we did have very little to do during the day.
The director of this film was exceptionally well organised and professional for a second year student and it was a pleasure to work with him and his team. I cannot wait to work on the film I have designed for next week and experience a shoot all over again!
Friday, 20 April 2012
Reflection: Filming
Today we had a whole team production meeting and, as I anticipated, it was far more dynamic than my one to one with the Director. There was a dispute over the how the storyline had been changed between the Director and the Writer which resulted in an almost complete change of the script.
This has meant that I have begun researching different characters and styles from the original but elements have been retained and I like seeing the progression of ideas as this project goes on. One thing that the disputes within the creative team proves is the passion that the whole group hold for producing a thoughtful and high standard film which I feel is better than if they were to not show much enthusiasm at all.
In terms of where Costume Design fits into these production meeting I am very pleasantly surprised as to how much importance the team put into it, while there was lengthy discussions over cameras/ lighting/ post-production, when we were talking through Costumes, everyone seemed very interested in what ideas I had and were inputting ideas themselves. I am really enjoying working on part of a team where everyone's disciplines are so different but combine together so neatly to create a final piece!
This has meant that I have begun researching different characters and styles from the original but elements have been retained and I like seeing the progression of ideas as this project goes on. One thing that the disputes within the creative team proves is the passion that the whole group hold for producing a thoughtful and high standard film which I feel is better than if they were to not show much enthusiasm at all.
In terms of where Costume Design fits into these production meeting I am very pleasantly surprised as to how much importance the team put into it, while there was lengthy discussions over cameras/ lighting/ post-production, when we were talking through Costumes, everyone seemed very interested in what ideas I had and were inputting ideas themselves. I am really enjoying working on part of a team where everyone's disciplines are so different but combine together so neatly to create a final piece!
Wednesday, 18 April 2012
Reflection: Filming
After my first meeting with the Director for the 'Memorial' film on which I am Costume designer I have learnt the importance of team work within a Film crew. The meeting was only two of us and it gave me a great insight into how a Director thinks and works in terms of portraying their ideas and it really helped me to begin my research into the period and the overall feel of the piece.
I am interested to have the group production meeting on Friday so see the dynamics between a whole crew and how the Director and Writer communicate each of their own ideas, but what I can already sense is I will have to be resigned to the fact that things will change, i.e. the storyline, characters (gender/age) etc and for my input into the film to be successful I will need to be flexible and supportive of the other members of the team.
I am interested to have the group production meeting on Friday so see the dynamics between a whole crew and how the Director and Writer communicate each of their own ideas, but what I can already sense is I will have to be resigned to the fact that things will change, i.e. the storyline, characters (gender/age) etc and for my input into the film to be successful I will need to be flexible and supportive of the other members of the team.
Saturday, 14 April 2012
Reflection: Styling
So far in my Styling unit of the SDP project I have decided on a painting to remake and a period in which to set it. This project has helped me progress with my researching techniques and I broadened my ideas before honing in on my chosen period, Victorian England. I feel that by allowing myself a little longer to find other ideas, my final choice is much more informed. I also realised just how much I love to include my passion for History and Art History within projects and that I really want to continue to include this in my future projects. A really great quote that inspires me is 'You Can’t Expect A Future, Without Learning From The Past.' and I feel that this is relevant to me for any project I may work on even if it is sci-fi!
Most importantly I have learnt that working as an individual is all about time keeping and this unit in particular, where I don't have a team around me for any part of the Styling project. Having to set my own personal deadlines has been of a great advantage to me as I don't feel under pressure to complete tasks that I haven't worked into my plan at different times. Also I have found so far that using a blog to document my work has been far more successful than a sketchbook alone. I find it easier to sit and type for half an hour at a time and I feel that this means I am getting more ideas down at a time and won't have missed anything out!
Most importantly I have learnt that working as an individual is all about time keeping and this unit in particular, where I don't have a team around me for any part of the Styling project. Having to set my own personal deadlines has been of a great advantage to me as I don't feel under pressure to complete tasks that I haven't worked into my plan at different times. Also I have found so far that using a blog to document my work has been far more successful than a sketchbook alone. I find it easier to sit and type for half an hour at a time and I feel that this means I am getting more ideas down at a time and won't have missed anything out!
Wednesday, 22 February 2012
Reflection and Advancement from CIC
For the previous project, Concepts in Context, where we were charged with designing for a live, site specific performance 'The Battle for the Winds', I learnt a great deal about my working methods. Most significantly I learnt that the initial brief is the most important part of the whole project and having a sound and in depth understanding of this is key. I also found that while research has always been a passion for me, I am starting off too narrow and deciding on one pathway right at the beginning.
For this Self Directed Project, Painting for Inspiration, I have set myself the goal of keeping my research lateral and pursuing a few ideas before honing in on my final choice. I feel that this will greatly improve my final work, especially on Part 1, the styling project.
For this Self Directed Project, Painting for Inspiration, I have set myself the goal of keeping my research lateral and pursuing a few ideas before honing in on my final choice. I feel that this will greatly improve my final work, especially on Part 1, the styling project.
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