Shoot Day!

So yesterday was the shoot day! We met bright and early at 7:30 and were on set by 8am.
The set was this amazing run down farm building, with one end filled with all sorts of interesting bird cages, which were added to with 5 more cages containing 6 very sweet birds. It had this great antique feel to it among the dusty run down space. 
As the only internal space was the shooting area we had a gazebo for our green room and costume area and a tent as our changing room! This actually worked really well, and luckily after some initial rain in the morning we had some great weather and our giant umbrellas were left unused!

Initially the plan was to get the actors on set for 10:15 to start shooting at 10:30, though with a combination of a bit of heavy rain and some electrical problems with the lights we had a late start at around 11:30. 

I had been a little worried about the costume the day before as we hadn't been able to arrange any fittings for any of the 3 actors. I'd taken a variety of potential costume items so we had the option to mix and match on the day, however my 1st choice items worked exactly as I had wanted them to and the girls fitted perfectly in everything! Des had bought a selection of shirts, trousers and shoes for me to chose from. I wanted a plain white shirt and plain black trousers, with black shoes, and he had perfect items for what was needed. I had two waistcoat options and the preferred one fit perfectly.

 Hattie Gotobed - Girl 1

 Melissa Gotbed - Girl 2

 Des Barron - Aviary Keeper

It was amazing to be on set. I'd worked on films before but nothing with the high level of equipment and planning as this shoot. Even when costume wasn't particularly needed it was really great to be able to watch on the monitor and see how the shots were looking. It was also great to have Charlie assisting me, as sometimes it felt like I needed to be in 2 places at once! 

Even after the late start, the rest of the day went relatively smoothly. A couple of shots had to be cut because of the delay as the birds were due back early, but they got everything they needed and I thought it looked amazing! We managed to wrap on time just before 5.

It was such a great experience and a really enforced for me that film is definitely where I want to be working! I literally can't wait to see how the film's final edit will look, and it seems sort of strange that even though my job as costume is done there are still so many steps before we'll see the finished product. I'm really proud of the work I've done for the shoot. 

Here are a few more detailed pictures of the set:

Final Options for the Shoot

So the shoot is tomorrow and I'm really looking forward to it! I've put together my final design choices and am excited to see them on the girls for the first time. The main dress for the young girl is an adult size 50s dress that I think will work really well and can be easily disguised as the Victorian era with the additional details. It'll be interesting to see how everything fits, though luckily the design choice for both girls includes a tie around the waist which will pull them in nicely. 
These are the quick sketches that I've done with the final designs for them. 


 

Characters Cast!

So finally today the characters have been cast! Which is very exciting. I have measurements for the girls so have collected the right items from Hirearchy today. I don't have measurements for the Aviary Keeper and have found out today that we will be unable to have a fitting prior to the shoot. As this is the case I have asked him to bring a selection of white shirts, black trousers and black shoes for me to chose from, as its unlikely I'll be able to get the right size from the store. B has given me a rough sizing and the waistcoat should fit, though I have taken a 2nd slightly bigger, though not as rustic, waistcoat just in case. 

Hattie Gotobed

Melissa Gotobed

Des Barron

Hirearchy Visit!

The children haven't yet been cast, though it is likely that now it will be 2 girls instead of a girl and a boy. B is seeing 2 girls later today. 
Despite having no measurements yet I wanted to at least get an idea of what was available at Hirearchy in Boscombe, so that I could make quick decisions as soon as I did have measurements! Here are some photographs of what's available.

The white pinafore is an almost definite yes. Obviously size dependant, though as it's tie at the back it should be fine whatever size. 
The coats are lovely, however I don't think the budget will allow me them, and actually for the film I'm not sure that they fit with the feel. I do really like the black shawl, though again I'm not sure it's necessary.

Aviary Keeper at the Costume Store

I think the Aviary Keeper should be quite simple. 
B has asked me to use the set as influence for this character and keep him textual and so he would be "at home" in the set.

We've agreed to keep him very basic, a white shirt, black trousers, black shoes and a rustic waistcoat. He hasn't yet been cast, though she has someone in mind. Today I went to the costume store to see what they had in terms of waistcoats and this is the one I've chosen. It's a very rough fabric and looks very worn down. I'm hoping that it will fit as this is the best option that we have! 

Character Change

Today I heard from B that as they've been unsuccessful in auditioning any appropriate young boys the character has now been changed to an older sister. This will probably mean I will need to spend more on the costumes, but I think I prefer designing for girls, as it gives me an extra level of freedom and creativity in terms of colour and style. 

As the majority of my research on young girls has been geared towards the innocent younger sister I've had a look at a few more paintings that encapsulate an older sister. I've decided I want her to be in dark tones, probably navy as a representation of her bad side. 

I love this painting by Kate Perugini. The girl is a little younger, but the dress is perfect, and this is definitely a similar style to what I will be looking for. 

Kate Perugini, Dora (1892)

Victorian Photographs

The next step for my research has been to look at portrait photos from the Victorian era. The pictures are all very posed, as they would be an expensive and rare occasion. All the children are dressed in their Sunday best, so I will need to soften that for my piece. I love the quality and atmosphere these photos have. 
These are some of my favourites:

I've also come across the photography of Lewis Carroll under the alias Charles Dodgson. These pictures have an eerie creepiness to them and have been seen as very controversial as he only photographed young girls. Some of them are really interesting in terms of dress and fit in really well with the feel me and B discussed for the film. 

A Bit of Attitude!

To replicate the Lord Stuart's regal attitude in the original painting I've been looking at a bit of derby attitude. The image of girls who play the sport is of strong, independent, feisty women, so for some inspiration I've turned to the Dorset Roller Girls latest promo shoot with photographer Tim Churchill. He really captures the feisty essence of what I'm looking to replicate in my shoot. Here are a couple shots of Boots Electric and Naz T Bitch from the team.