Final Evaluation

During the SDP unit I wanted to achieve some of the aspects that my CIC unit lacked, therefore I started by looking at my marking sheets from CIC to see how I could improve. The Mother Courage half of my CIC was closer to this unit than Battle for the Winds, however, something this lacked was considering the audience enough, which applies to film as the little details are definitely what matter. Having done a lot of set building for theatre I jumped at the chance to do production design for the Vampyr film. I worked on a graduate film earlier this year assisting with costumes, but was in awe of the work done by the art department; this was a perfect opportunity to try it myself.

I knew this unit was going to be a massive learning curve as this hasn’t been a project available for a costume student before, however I was determined to pull it off. I found working with the film department brilliant, the technicians were so helpful and were willing to collect props for me and spare some time to explain a few starting points. At times I felt I struggled during this project as the costume department doesn't specialise in production design, therefore I felt I didn’t have much guidance on how I could go about starting to build the set as I had never done anything like this before. I know this unit is titled self directed; however it seemed at times I was working with the film department not the costume department. However costume tutors did show their interest when they saw me and were on set, and when I did approach them with questions they were very willing to answer and help as much as they could.

I was very lucky and appreciative of two second year production designers on the film course who offered to help me during my build, having built sets before, they were able to show me how to erect the flats correctly and safely. It was also an awkward time to find a team to help me with the build as everyone I asked either had hand-ins, an extension with a lot of work to do, or were leaving to go home for summer. I managed to get a small team together, mainly consisting of film students and we got the work done, a few people did let me down, and it became clear how much longer work takes on your own to complete.

During this unit I have definitely picked up many new skills including being able to set up film flats, wallpapering and making items look real for the shot needed instead of spending a lot of money for the real item, the prime example being the four poster bed. Being on set allowed me to appreciate how much time is needed to set up lighting and frame the shot before shooting, patience is key in film, as the camera team don’t like to be rushed. Working along side a Director is also crucial in film; they are the person who makes all the final decisions above everyone else. I learnt this as the director took out the coffin from the vampire’s lair as he thought it gave a comical look to the set, this made me realise sometimes you have to take a step back and see their point of view in order to get a better result.  A moment of panic was when the extra room was added a week before filming and I had to work out how to convert the 18^th century bedroom into a 2012 bedroom in a short period of time. This made me think on my feet and I had to get it right as a colour scheme was given to me and I knew the director had a certain image in his head. The director was very reassuring that he was confident in my ability to create the new set in the time given; this helped me to deliver what was asked of me.

Something which I have learnt is that you have to create a space and be aware that all of your work may not be in shot, but it is important that it is available for the camera team to use if the shot list gets changed. Continuity on set is similar to costume especially where drapes and fabric are concerned, I just remembered to always have my camera on me, and be quick to take photos in-between takes. This was also the biggest budget I have been in control of spending, I managed to keep on top of thing, and ended the project under budget, which I am proud of.

Overall this project has been so exciting I loved working as production designer on this film shoot, it was an educational experience and I have learnt so much. Working with the film department was great practice for me as they were very helpful and understanding. I would love to do a project like this again, and this has confirmed my incling that I want to work in set design and building over costume.