Directions Unit: Costume and Props
Props
Finding props was one of the most challenging parts to this project. I knew this would be an issue right from the beginning, especially with finding the instruments but when theres a will theres a way. Props wise, I was being a little ambitions but I didn't let it steal me away from the project.
Instruments:
I posted adverts for violins and a Cello. Unfortunately I was only successful in gaining one violin so branched out to contacting local music shops, theatre/music groups etc to see what I could find. After having no luck here either, I contacted a local school and I was pleasantly surprised to find that they had two violins and a cello that were no longer in working condition. They're surplus to requirements at the school due to their poor condition, and was therefore able to have them on permanent loan.
I later contacted them thanking them for their help and a confirmation email.
The suitcase I used was one which belonged to my Grandfather, from the navy. This suitcase was an ideal size and very fitting to the age of the piece. The next problem was to fill it with money. I went out a brought some fake money tissues and filled the entire suitcase with bubble wrap, placing the money tissues on top to give the illusion that the case is full. In therms of filming the scene where the money goes everywhere, I knew it would be unrealistic to fill the cello case with money. The case was a soft bag so wouldn't have worked, and too big to keep filling up and throwing again (also time consuming) so I just used a violin case in the end.
The photographs that I used to be displayed in Mrs Wilberforce's house were simply old family photos that I photocopied and and put into frames purchased from charity shops. The tissues were too light that when they fell it didn't seem like real money. Instead I cut up paper, and photocopies some fake money to fill it out. This process was quite time consuming, and used up a lot of printer ink, but I feel it was still worth it.
Another essential prop I needed was a Record Player. I myself already owned one that was made 20 or so years later than when the LadyKillers is set, but I feel still acceptable and a believable prop. It is a Garrard Turntable, and its wooden frame gives it the look of the period.
In terms of costume my actors were very good in supplying their own. I sent them all a description of what I wanted them to ware and said I'm open to any other ideas and if they can provide anything similar. I also said how I don't expect mhm to go out and buy stuff so f they had trouble providing anything to let me know. I couple came back to me and I needed to provide a cardigan, hat and scarf. this wasn't an issue as I simply brought a hat and cardigan from a charity shop, the scarf I was able to get my grandmother to knit. A prop I also used was a mallet for Mrs Wilberforce to hit the pipes with; this wasn't essential and so I did initially leave it out, but luckily one of my actors had one in the back of his car amongst other tools, so he was able to provide one, which only added to the scene more.
Finding props was one of the most challenging parts to this project. I knew this would be an issue right from the beginning, especially with finding the instruments but when theres a will theres a way. Props wise, I was being a little ambitions but I didn't let it steal me away from the project.
Instruments:
I posted adverts for violins and a Cello. Unfortunately I was only successful in gaining one violin so branched out to contacting local music shops, theatre/music groups etc to see what I could find. After having no luck here either, I contacted a local school and I was pleasantly surprised to find that they had two violins and a cello that were no longer in working condition. They're surplus to requirements at the school due to their poor condition, and was therefore able to have them on permanent loan.I later contacted them thanking them for their help and a confirmation email.
The photographs that I used to be displayed in Mrs Wilberforce's house were simply old family photos that I photocopied and and put into frames purchased from charity shops. The tissues were too light that when they fell it didn't seem like real money. Instead I cut up paper, and photocopies some fake money to fill it out. This process was quite time consuming, and used up a lot of printer ink, but I feel it was still worth it.
Another essential prop I needed was a Record Player. I myself already owned one that was made 20 or so years later than when the LadyKillers is set, but I feel still acceptable and a believable prop. It is a Garrard Turntable, and its wooden frame gives it the look of the period.
In terms of costume my actors were very good in supplying their own. I sent them all a description of what I wanted them to ware and said I'm open to any other ideas and if they can provide anything similar. I also said how I don't expect mhm to go out and buy stuff so f they had trouble providing anything to let me know. I couple came back to me and I needed to provide a cardigan, hat and scarf. this wasn't an issue as I simply brought a hat and cardigan from a charity shop, the scarf I was able to get my grandmother to knit. A prop I also used was a mallet for Mrs Wilberforce to hit the pipes with; this wasn't essential and so I did initially leave it out, but luckily one of my actors had one in the back of his car amongst other tools, so he was able to provide one, which only added to the scene more.
Comments
Post a Comment