Major Project Production Unit - Buying Costume

Since I know the type of costume that I want for my main character to wear through various research in the pre production stage, I decided to go out shopping and try to find the items as best as I could to match. I felt that the best time to do this would be january as it will be cheaper with the sales on to help on the budget side of things. I looked in various different shops like Primark, House Of Fraser, H&M, Topshop and Miss Selfridge. I found a lot of costume in the sales that would work perfectly for the glamorous and elegant look I am trying to achieve. I layed all the pieces out and took pictures which you can see below:

Look One: White Blouse, Leather Trousers, Sunglasses, Earrings, Heels.

This look is very much what I set out to achieve when I planned it out in the pre production stages. The white blouse came in at £10 and the leather look trousers were in a topshop sale at £8. This meant that I could achieve the look I wanted within budget. I didn't just want to have clothes, I felt the character would accessorise a lot. I also brought earrings and sunglasses that matched the outfit really well and would really add to the characters look. 

Look Two: Jumpsuit, Laced Boot Heels, Sunglasses.

I originally planned for a dark green jumpsuit but this proved very difficult to find being so specific. Myself and Andreya had a look in New Look and we found the stripy jump suit. I felt this was very elegant but also striking with bold colours that would come out on camera really well. I Matched this with black boot heels and optional sunglasses as I did not want to over do it with colour. I also reached out to a friend who gave me a darker jump-suit as an alternative just incases it doesn't quite work. 

Look Three: Gold Sequin Dress, Fabric Enclosed Boot Heels, Black Tights.

This look is a lot more glamorous than others but I feel by sticking to just 2 colours of gold and black its not going to be too over the top. I wanted to capture the characters side of being bold but also someone who likes to have fun and go to social events. The sequin dress I felt really gave this impression and would add some depth to the character. We ordered this online in a sale so this outfit also came in line with the budget which works well but it also looks expensive. This look also coincides really well with what I had planned in the pre production stages. 

Look Four: Fur Coat, Ribbed Dress, Rose Sunglasses, Fabric Enclosed Boot Heels.

This look will be for the shopping scene in the film. I wanted to ensure that she still looked expensive and glamorous but show a slightly more casual side to her character. I feel the ribbed dress and heels on there own do this but adding the coat could help make it a little less casual and more expensive if needed. The sunglasses are a lot more modern than the other pair so I'm not sure if they will work as well but I feel its a good option to have. I ordered the dress online in a sale and I've made the decision to use the same boots as another outfit to save on costs but it would not look like she only has one pair of shoes as we have others and this scene is at a different point to when she wears them again in another. 

Look Five: Blue Ballgown.

The ball gown was the most difficult thing to find. I wanted something that looked really classy, bold and would stand out amongst a crowd as this is for the London scenes. We looked in sales at a shopping centre and there were some great finds but the cheapest we could get to was £50 which was way over budget. I decided to ask around my friends to see if they had any that I could use. One of them said they had a ballgown in bright blue and when she brought it round I felt it would look perfect for what I was trying to achieve. It had great shape and really stood out in colour as well as looking expensive and flattering. I will be using this dress and Im really pleased I found one that would work well as well as saving on the budget. 

The next thing that I wanted to buy was something for the scene where Sophie kills Lorna. This is a big change in the script so I felt it was right for the costume to dramatically change as well. In the script she wears a long pvc mac coat so I began looking for something similar. When shopping, this item was really hard to find. I could see mac coats but none of them were shiny and I was adiment that I wanted it to be. The reason for this is because of the way I have envisioned the scene. When digging deeper into why she would be wearing something like this, I feel if she is going to kill someone, it has to be something that would not get blood on her clothes or herself. I feel she would be thinking that having a pvc material would not let the blood soak in and would run off the jacket. An apron or plastic sheet would do the same thing but I still wanted to keep the character stylish and sleek so I felt a PVC mac coat would be the best thing to work. As this is quite a stand out scene, I also wanted to ensure that she was wearing something that was more of a statement like the dress was in Piccadilly. Having a PVC coat would grab eyes as its unusual but is still stylish and almost thrilleresk. I decided to have a look online and I found one on amazon that was similar to what I was thinking. It was oversized but had a belt so I feel it could work well. Since all the other clothing was under budget I decided to spend a bit more on the coat as I felt it was important for the look I was going for. 

Finally I needed a house keeping outfit for the end scene. This scene is a really key and important part to the film revealing its twist. I had to make sure I got the outfit right otherwise other people would not connect the dots that I want them to. I went into maidstone after researching and finding there was a uniform shop there. When I got there the uniform was not at all what I had hoped for. They had a couple of cleaner outfits but they were very plane and you would not necesarilly know that it was for house keeping. I decided to go back home and have another look online. I had a look on Amazon like I did for the coat and there was a few options but they looked more like health care worker uniforms. I then found a website called Simon Jersey. This website specialised in uniforms and had a great selection. 

I looked into house keeping uniforms and they had a variety of different colours and styles to choose from. I decided I wanted to keep it very classic so that people could identify easier with what she was wearing. I finally chose a black tunic with a white collar which ties up with a bow at the back. I feel I have made the right choice and people will be able to connect with the scene well rather than trying to throw together a uniform myself. 

Major Project Production Unit - Further Casting

Due to the script changing, I need 2 more characters to cast. This is someone for the cleaner role and Lorna who is the character who owns the house. I decided to go onto mandy.com (previously known as Casting Call Pro) to put out another advert. You can see the listing below:

Once this was done, the advert went live within 24 hours and I started to get applications flooding in. I then was able to look at showreels and narrow them down to possible potentials. With the cleaner role, I was being even more decisive. With one of the stories plot twists being revealed that when Sophie shoots the cleaner earlier in the movie, she is actually shooting herself, I wanted the cleaner to look a little bit like her so we get a clearer hidden message or its noticeable when re-watched. There are two people who applied that have similarities to her. 

I have contacted these actresses asking for showreels and what their availability is like on the production dates. 

With Lorna, I can picture what she looks like in the film. Making sure I incorporated this into the script I made sure I was looking for these attributes through the applicants. I wanted her to have quite a hard looking face to fit with the bad attitude business character and to make sure she gives an unfriendly feel to her. I came across a woman named Cate who seemed very interested to play the role. She has the type of look I was thinking and her showreel was very impressive carrying the sort of acting I am looking for.  

With a hair and makeup artist, I can achieve a look that is glamorous to fit the idea that Sophie is trying on her clothes and everything matches up. I will be skype interviewing her in the next few days to find out more information and to assure she will be suitable. 

Major Project Production Unit - Researching Lana Del Rey Ride Video

When writing the script, I wanted it to tell a narrative in a non traditional way. I felt it like it needed to be viewed as something that has a story, but also leaning on the side of a piece of video art. Being different to a normal film structure, I wanted to research deeper into something similar to get as much inspiration as I can before I go into shoot week. Although I have already got my script and planned shot lists, I still feel looking at something similar can still help me to discover different techniques that I havent thought about and can inspire scenes further in many aspects.

I was looking online and found it very difficult to find short films that have been done in this way. I tried to think of other things that my involve a short story of some sort. I then thought about how sometimes music videos have a story element before the song. Although I will be looking at a music video, I will very much be focused on the story element to it and stay clear of the song side. I want to make sure I am capturing techniques of how the story and narrative is being told to help me with my film rather than the song itself.

I decided to look into the video for Ride by Lana Del Rey as it starts similar to what I am trying to achieve. The video features a whole 3 minute opening sequence before the actual song comes into it. Please view the first 3minutes 25 seconds of the video below:

The video fades in with an establishing shot of hills and mountains setting the scene, I have allowed for this in my script and feel its important to show where the story is going to be based. It sets up the whole film. I like the way the video has no music at this short point just ambient sounds. We then hear the strings music fade in as we are introduced to the main character. She swings back and forth on a tyre swing and everything is very cinematic. The music really compliments the shot so I will make sure that this will be something to consider when choosing music for the edit. The shots are also very smooth and glide along with her which is how I picture our film being. 

After these first few shots, the voice over starts. Its starts of by her saying she is in the winter of her life. This very much contrasts to what we are seeing on screen with the beautiful sunny desert and she summer clothing. She is referencing a metaphor to how she is feeling as she goes on to say the men she met along the road where her only summer. I find this really interesting as we are hearing the voice inside her head and the shots half match what she is saying. I have decided to do something similar with my own project as this really stands out for me as a unique way of taking a viewer through a story. We go on a journey with the character but only listening to her inner thoughts, maybe the private, guarded thoughts that she doesnt want everyone to know. I feel that Sophie has a great connection with this. In the script, we are listening to Sophies thoughts and feelings, things she does not want to share out loud and feels to deep to share. 

All the shots that follow on are very cinematic. The majority of them are in slow motion and create a fluid movememnt. This reinforces to me that Sophie should be shot in slow motion for the most part of the film. Since the story of this video is very dream like and reflects and internal monologue, I want to create a very similar effect marrying slow motion and fluid movement into dream like sequences to help capture the aspirations and lifestyle that Sophie wants to have. Adding voiceover to unravel her thoughts and feelings I feel is a really interesting way that can take the viewer on a journey with her and still drive a narrative but through a different approach. 

The opening sequence visits different scenes starting with the desert, the open road, the petrol station, performing stage and the gaming arcade. It seems to visit each location based on what she is speaking about but the scenes also intergrate with eachother flashing back to the locations we have already seen. I find this works really well and will consider suggesting this when it comes to drey editing the film. When viewing the shots as a whole, they really all work together and feel like one piece. The voice over compliments whats on screen, all the shots have a cinematic feel and a glossy look and the music creates the emotion of whats being said. I feel like this is a perfect representation of how I want Sophie to be told. The difference with this video is that the story is a little vague. I feel that my script is heavier on the narrative especially towards the end to bring it away from the music video genre. I want to bring this style and look into my film but keep in mind the narrative and plot that have to stand stronger. I also still feel its important for my story to show the oposite of whats being shown on screen to help the ending make sense and create mystery. 

Major Project Production Unit - Researching Techniques For Directing Actors

I feel a strong performance in film is something that really can make something stand out and is vital to the telling of its narrative. Actors may have the ability to deliver a good performance but I wanted to see how a director can really push them to make it even better. I decided to look into some research focusing on how I can improve my focus in this area.

First of all I came across an artical called '5 Techniques For Directing Actors' on a website called Amy Clarke Films. This article was really intersting as I could break down exactly what I needed to do in order to help my cast deliver a great performance. The first tip was to write some background on each character. I did this for the characters Sophie and Lorna so that when I have a meeting with my cast I am able to explain exactly what the character is like and has been through and why they are like they are. You can see extracts below:

The second tip was to remember the scene previously. This explained that as a director on a shoot, remember where you are in the script and make sure the cast know where they are emotionally. Sometimes shooting out of order can effect what the character has just gone through and where they are in the scene. This is a good tipe to remember and I will make sure to put this into practice when shooting.

The third tip explains that its really important to have time alone with the actors. This is something I will definatly ensure I do. I want to make sure that on shoot I find a quiet room so that I can sit with them individually and go through exactly what I want from them. This way they can ask me any questions they have about what is expected from them in terms of performance and blocking. 

The Fouth tip says to block out all of the action before filming. This is something I will ensure I do as its important that I rehearse with them and they know where they are and what they are doing. I will make plans to reflect the rooms of the locations and what the movement is in each scene. 

The fifth and final tip is to stay focused. When on set it can be very easy to get lost concerntrating on the actors performances. You can be thinking about the lights, the set, the shot. Although these are important things, its also important when the camera is rolling to watch the actors and ensure the performance is being delivered. I will make sure I do this on set as I really want these performances to be the best that they can be. 

I next found a website called No Film School that also gave a few extra tips on an article called 'Dircting 101'. They explained that sometimes having an emotional beat map can really help the characters to know how to feel by a piece of music. This is something I will consider as this can be an alternative way in making them feel something rather than just telling them how to. For example on a tense scene, I could play some music I have in mind so they really understand the pace and flow of how I am expecting it to be. Alternativly on a dreamy scene I can play serene like music to convey its beauty.

Moving away from articles, I decided to have a read of a book called 'Changing Direction: A Practical Approach To Directing Actors In Film And Theatre'. By Lenore DeKoven, she explains first hand experience working with actors and how to ensure great performance out them. Something very interesting she says is "One of the directors biggest jobs, which also goes beyond acting, is that of creating a world for the characters to live in - the costumes, the physical setting, the historical details. The process of filmmaking involves the directors 'aura', the personality he or she projects when on set. Actors are not made of clay, but flesh and blood with tempers and wills of their own. You cant simply manipulate them; you must be able to invite them into your world, and they must feel inspired working within it". This quote really stood out for me. It really made me think about how I am going to approach the whole situation. Rather than just tell them what there character is and how I want them to act, I have to make sure I am selling my vision and reflecting it onto them so they are aware of the world they live in. 

She also speaks in the book about language and how that can change things. People are trained from birth to speak a certain way. When acting as a character, its imporant for a director to step actors out of that comfort zone and get them speaking in a way that the character would. Changing language can make an actor really feel like they are a different person and delivers a fresh performance. This is something I would never have thought of. I will make sure in the voice over that I experiment with this to reflect how the character speaks but also on set so they understand who they are and where they have come from. 

All these tips I have found really useful and I will ensure I use them when it comes to delivering a great performance from the actors helping them play their characters well. 

Major Project Production Unit - Researching Hair and Makeup

I feel that for this film, hair and makeup are really important. In order to make sure the character is portraying elegance, it is not just about where its filmed and what the shots look like. It is important that Sophie is looking elegant and sophisticated to match. I have already sorted out most of the outfits and the costume that she is going to wear but I wanted to have a closer look at what sort of hair and makeup I want. I looked on the internet for inspiration and came across several images that I feel will work really well in terms of an expensive and elegant look. You can view some these images below:

Look One:

Look Two:

Look Three:

Look Four: 

Look Five: 

Look Six:

Eye Look One: 

Eye Look Two: 

Eye Look Three: 

Hair & Eye Look One:

After reviewing these images I decided to narrow them down and make it more simple for a look I am trying to achieve. Out of the first 6 looks, I really like the hair in two and 6. I feel the down wavy hair can look really nice and slick. It's modern and elegant whilst still looking effortless. I also like the way things have been done in hair and eye look one at the bottom as a slicked back ponytail could contrast and show a difference with what's already been done but still give the same feel. The makeup is very understated but gives a high-end look which will compliment the character. Out of the eye looks, I feel Eye look two would be the best thing to go for. I want the make up to look nice but not too over the top. As the character is only dreaming about this as her life, I feel she may not necessarily know how to do complicated make up so this look seems to fit the best.

I will relay these images to the hair and makeup artist so that she knows the sort of looks I am trying to achieve ensuring we are on the same page.

Major Project Production Unit - Location Permissions London

Since we know where we want to film, I want to ensure that everything is confimed by boroughs and companies to make sure we know we are covered and will have no issues.

With London, after several emails from each individual borough, they all had different responses. The borough for Picadilly Circus replied explaining that no permit will be needed as they are fine with crews filming that are 5 or less, not including the actors. Since we are a group smaller than that size, we will not need the permit that I was applying for and should only re contact them if the crew increases or if we need to use tripods etc. Although I would like to have some sort of paperwork, I have accepted the fact that their email clearly expresses that a permit will not be sent to me as they are happy for us to film without one.

In regards to Chelsea and the financial district, I was told it would be fine but if we wish to obtain an insurance permit for our records we needed to go through the film app website which deals with film permits. I wanted as much paperwork as I needed to ensure we were fully backed up if someone was to stop us. I Applied for the permits with both locations by using the film app website and went through the process.

I first off had to make an account from the main homepage. Once I had done this I was able to log in and move onto the next stage.

The next part was applying for the permit itself. I clicked on the section apply for a permit and selected a new application.

After this, I had select the borough and exact area of where I wanted to film and then enter a lot of details including the production name, a short story synopsis, release date, where it will be shown, budget costs, cast and crew number and equipment being used. I filled all of this in and then explained the type of shots we were doing as well as uploading a copy of the universities liability insurance. Once this was complete I was able to pay and submit my application to be reviewed and then agreed or disagreed. 

After a few days, I received a number of mandatory phone calls from the borough asking us what we were doing, reconfirming crew size and the nature of what we were filming, I was finally given a permit to film in the financial district which you can see below.

I will ensure to take a copy of this on the shoot so if there are any issues I can show them this documentation. 

Major Project Production Unit - Briefing

Today we had a briefing with Simon to help with the process of moving forward into the production of our major project. He explained that this unit is designed to bring together all the creative and critical experience of the course. We will have to make a final piece that will be put together using all the skills we have learnt in previous units.

Since we have planned a project in the previous pre-production unit, myself and Andreya will be taking the project forward and shooting it as well as editing it in post-production to create a final piece. In this unit, I will be carrying forward my roles from pre-production and I will be making sure I am applying all the skills that are needed when making the projected. I must ensure that I have advanced creative methodologies and to give insight into why I am making decisions on each part of the project. Lastly, I must also show clear management throughout showing that I am clear in my direction and have set everything up well in order to guide the process smoothly.


Overall there should be:

1x Complete Major Project Production (Uploaded to the course drive)

1x 2 - 3-minute extract (Uploaded to the course drive)

5x Production Stills (3x Action, 2x Behind The Scenes)

1x Production Poster (A1 size, high res, digital copy for course drive, print copy)

1x R&D Journal (Research, Professional Practice, Development)


A schedule must be clear and accurate to ensure we are keeping on track with the production and being organised. Real actors must be hired rather than friends, family or people on the course, the crew needs to be hired for each role that needs to be filled to ensure I am concentrating on my specific roles. Locations are really important to work for the story so I must ensure I am getting the right places that fit. The music should be well fitted and scored to the film to set mood and tone. Ensure contracts and risk assessments are carried out before any filming takes place. Production stills need to be taken with both the action and behind the scenes. Sound design needs to be elaborate and detailed. It needs to work well with what's happening on screen and to build the project to a professional piece.

Producers Role
Needs to be overseeing the whole production right the way through making sure the organisation is in place.

Writers Role
Ensure the scripts are up to date and if anything needs moving about and adjusting then it's important to make the changes.

Directors Role
Directing all the way through the process and have a very clear creative plan of how to get all the shots and the final edit.


There are many key things to think about moving forward into this unit. These are, do not under produce, find the right cast, have enough crew and make sure they are suitable, give enough time, have enough money, gain plenty of coverage in both video and sound, include lots of detail in everything done like set design/ dressing at a location and communication is key.