Editing

Due to some technical difficulties we weren't able to see all of the footage untill yesterday but here it is! Very successful first day editing, a very long day but it's almost complete already. Absolutely thrilled with how it's turning out :) :) :)

Plan of Action and Reasons Behind Choosing not to Storyboard.

Right so I'm filming in five days time! I have spoken to the guys who are doing the filming. I have worked with them on music videos before so they are returning the favour for this project and they are really really talented guys. Plum, the main guy is also a close friend of mine so I really trust his artistic vision. I have been in back and forth communication with him for the last couple of weeks and I have sent him the Forest Swords - The Weight of Gold music video which is shown and discussed in earlier blog posts. This best shows the kind of thing I am after, so after discussing this and the location which Plum went and photographed for me, I asked him whether he would like me to provide him with a storyboard. He has told me that the high street isn't very long, and as I am unsure yet which sections of it to use he told me not to worry about a story board. I already have a strong idea of what it is i am wanting, and I cant draw out specifics until i have seen the location with tyler. We have arranged to arrive early the previous day so me and tyler can walk up and down the high street and see the skatepark and decide which areas we both think will work the best. We will then shoot plenty of footage the following day and when editing I can fit the imagery to the audio and music.

P.s. My step-dad Brian who has done editing for the BBC will be editing this for me. This is unlike anything he has ever had to edit before but he is welcoming the challenge! He is also doing it free of charge which is brilliant. I will travel home in order to spend a couple of days by his side, overseeing the whole process. 

I am excited! 

Styling choices

Hair

After much consideration I decided not to include dread locked hair. I started to make dreadlocks using old hair extensions of mine which luckily matched the colour of Tyler (my dancer's) hair. I did this quickly and easily through back combing, twisting, and the use of dread wax (which I nicked from my step sister). After forming the rough dreads and applying to the head still in the strip formation, I found that with a lot of head movement they were a real strain on the hair and when I asked to see them on someone else whilst throwing their head around (like I predicted would happen in the film) the dreads looked kind of unnatural and often the extension became visible. I had looked at pre-made dreads online which were singular and easily attached to the head via a loop at the top before then plaiting the hair through. Unfortunately little time was left to order these and guarantee their arrival. 

During this minor dilemma I came across and article which really caught my attention describing the potential boost in extra-sensory perception caused by naturally long hair that was worn loose. The article (which can be seen by clicking here) focused on native Indian groups that were recruited as trackers during the war. As part of recruitment they had to cut their hair, when then sent to perform the task they were hired for, the native Indians who had undergone the hair cut lost all tracking abilities. When more were recruited and allowed to keep their hair, tracking abilities appeared to work as usual. This article also points out how long hair "has long been a common element of many spiritual prophets such as Jesus, Moses, Buddha, Shiva, or the story of Samson and Delilah from the Bible, when Samson lost his strength with the loss of his hair."

Despite weather or not you choose to believe this theory, I really liked the idea of loose flowing hair being the tentacles of awareness that felt out into our environment providing us with intuition and knowledge, without us even realising to what scale. Apart from making me never want to cut my hair again, this made me want to move away from the more grungy, hippy style dread look and choose something freer with more movement and favour something much more simplistic and not over worked. 

Tyler's hair is long but needed a few extra small extensions to increase the length. I tested these in the hair and as the weight of a singular clump of hair wasn't there, the hair wasn't pulled enough to reveal the extensions so a solution was found!

Makeup

With regards to makeup, I was initially torn between three different kinds of style that I had pictured in mind. These were: 1) the use of symbols arranged in pattern or included into design. 2) more straight-forward tribal line approach, still using thin lines as previously explained, a more refined take on simple tribe markings. 3) fluid line design mimicking contours of face and reflecting natural occurring pattern (i.e. tree bark) 

Below is an example of each three of these possibilities in the order I have described: 

When trying to decide what style of makeup to go for I had finalised on another aspect of the styling, the jewellery. To the right is an image of a necklace that has been handed down through the women of my family for generations. It has huge personal meaning to me as it represents the history of women in my family but I also love it's unique design and use of material "Moss Agate". I have always been told that this stone is supposed to have earthy healing properties so it seemed rather appropriate, then I read the following description: "Throughout history and all cultures, Moss Agate has been known as the crystal of gardeners and agriculture. It was considered a miraculous healing stone for tribal priests of the past, giving them power to interact with our human organic system, and was used as a talisman to make warriors strong and victorious. [Mella, 69] Metaphysically, Agate has a lower intensity and vibrates to a slower frequency than other stones, but is highly regarded as a stabilizing and strengthening influence. [Simmons, 6] Agate is excellent for balancing emotional, physical and intellectual energy, and in harmonizing Yin and Yang, the positive and negative forces of the universe. [Hall, 39]". I also like how the shape is relevant to this, a diagonal cross representing the four different elements of the earth. It really couldn't be more appropriate for the message of my film - a reconnection with our true inner self who hasn't been heavily influenced by technologies and modern living. My dancer is also a fighter for his truth, a representative of another possible way of life. I felt like the necklace was a representative of my character, and I chose make up to reflect this: 

 I have chosen this style of contouring to alter the way we view his face. As I have mentioned, I want him to appear slightly other-worldly, maybe ethereal. This contour is designed to push forward his main features and enhance his already strong bone structure. Lips will be left natural but hydrated, pale foundation will be applied all over face neck and chest which will also be on display. The inner corner of the eyes will be heavily contoured using the same colour as on the face, again to increase his angular features and draw attention to the eyes. Minimal mascara will be applied for definition. Brows will be brushed upwards and colour put through where necessary. It is important the makeup doesn't look to over done. I am anxious for the film to be a product as a whole, I want everything to work together and have no one element that stands out above the rest. It has to be a complete product. 

Tokyo Tribe

Knowing that I will be drawing from tribal influences, I went on a hunt to try and find some makeup style that included fine lines and plenty of detail. I hadn't expected to come across anything so perfect as the 2010 "Tokyo Tribe" editorial from VMAN Magazine in which the concept of Japanese samurai has been given a modern twist. 

This is exactly the kind of fine lined marking I am after, I really love the striking simplicity and effectiveness of this makeup. 

Intricate Bridal Makeup

Below is a video I just stumbled upon by chance, but after learning a little more I can tell you this is the traditional bridal face painting of a small village in Kosovo. The design, which includes the evil eye symbol has been worn for generations to ward off judgement and bad wishes. 

I included the video because I love the evil eye symbology, as well as the use of intricate lines which I have already expressed an interest in using for my project. It is interesting to note the ways in which the face painter achieves these lines, using a fine metal rod, covering it with some form of pigment before laying it onto the skin. Perhaps this would be a good way to achieve straight lines and shapes over a soft surface.

Ideas Behind the Makeup

Considering the nature of this project and the message that I am trying to put forward, it is important that the makeup reflects the themes on which I touch. These themes are roughly; freedom of expression, spirituality and reforming connections with ourselves, one another and the natural world, the fight against mass greed and consumption. If I am to think of a kind of people who reflect these themes it would be people who live from the land, follow spiritual traditions such as ethnic tribes, whether they be from the Amazon, North or South America, Africa. The way these people present themselves, whether day by day or for ritual purposes, contains much symbology. I decided to look at a few example of tribes men and women:

These pictures demonstrate the clear use of colour and symbol on the face, each relevant to their own people. In particular I am a fan of the image third from the bottom, where finer lines have been used to create the pattern above his eyes an on his cheeks. This appeals to my attention to detail so perhaps I will focus my attention more to this form of marking, which I will be using on my model. However I don't think I want the imagery to be as earthy as these examples. I need my character to look more like somebody who is worldly, who has emerged from the other side of the consumer driven culture that is today.

Styling

So I began thinking about the styling for my shoot, I am still a little undecided about the type of image I want to create. All I know is that I want for Tyler to look as though he has lived a life free of western influence so naturally, I have started looking at tribal imagery. I don't want it to look totally earthy though, as if the character could be existing in a world with all the wonders of modern technology but with zero influence from corporate companies. Perhaps a world whereby advertising didn't exist and self image was something purely created for one's pleasure. 

He need's to be striking, it's very important he sticks out of the crowd. I'm unsure whether to stick to monochrome look perhaps with coloured accessories or weather to go totally bold and multicoloured. As I am not a natural stylist the latter scares me a little however I have enjoyed thinking up possible combinations. Either way, a strong look can be created.

First of all is my monochrome mood board:

The benefits of choosing something along these lines is the type of material used, I said earlier in this blog how I would like a lot of movement with the clothes and with this style of shirt/dress I can get materials like cotton, nice and lightweight. 

And here are some examples of some rather more colourful option:

For me, definitely more challenging to style, however I love the potential for a really wow outfit. 

Below are some accessory ideas I've been having:

I love the idea of a headdress or hood of some sort, however I'm not sure how well these would work with the movement of the dancer. I love the rag headdresses especially, a colourful take on something more traditional. I've included images of dreadlocks as I've always been a fan plus think it's definitely a symbol of a certain way of lifestyle, one that shys away from convention.

Recording the Dialogue!

Today was a really exciting day. I came back home to record the dialogue in the BBC studios (below) where my step-dad works! It took several attempts but I am pleased with how it sounds, and surprisingly don't hate my own voice quite as much as I thought I did. Right up until the last moment I was trying to persuade my Mum to read it out for me as she has a lovely voice, but both her and my step-dad agreed that they were my words, so I should read them. In hindsight they were correct, this really is a very personal project to me and it would be wrong for someone with a different belief set to speak those words. Pleased I didn't chicken out.

Inspiration for Tyler

Below this post are some dance examples I sent to Tyler for him to draw inspiration as he saw best. By this point Tyler also had images of the location which I will include at the bottom of this post.

Example 1) Bat For Lashes - All Your Gold

This is a nice example of interpretative dance, I like the slow, emotion packed body movements, although the jerkiness of the arm gestures is not something I picture for my final product. 

Example 2) Forest Swords - The Weight of Gold

Here's a track I actually considered to use as the soundtrack for my short film - before realising the dance film that accompanied the track in a separate you tube video! I was amazed that a piece of music I had been listening to over and over whilst trying to ascertain whether or not it was suitable for my work, could then provide me with exactly the sort of imagery I was hoping to achieve myself - long haired boy and all! I particularly liked the mixture of journey and dance, as we see cuts between walking and impulsive movement.

Example 3) Flume & Chet Faker - Drop the Game

I love this video. Although I equally appreciate the dance I don't necessarily want my piece to reflect it's style, what I really like about this is how the dance engages with his environment, especially seeing as it's using a city landscape which is where my film will be based. 

Example 4) Grimes - Nightmusic ft. Majical Cloudz

I like the ethereal quality to this video, although I don't want my character ethereal in the sense of delicate and precious, more out of this world, a being of greater understanding. I have explained this to Tyler also. There is however aspects of movement I really like.

Inspiration for Tyler

Inspiration for Tyler

Inspiration for Tyler

Inspiration for Tyler

Update

So I am nearing completion of my dialogue for my short film and I have decided to base it around the structure of Sassoon's Pacifist Statement. I have organised for a professional dancer to be the focus of my film and also choreograph the piece. I want my character to have no fixed influence as far as styling and looks go, it's important he/she appears to have had no direct influence from advertising and popular culture. I want a creature, wild and unrestrained from social construct. Below is a picture of my beautiful model and dancer Tyler Lloyd-Curtis:

I've chosen Tyler because of his striking androgynous appearance. I like how there is no fixed sexual identity, which reflects my theme of trying not to allow outside influences with interior motives to shape you. As far as styling is concerned I have yet to settle for definite on the type of imagery I want, I just know I want it to appear free and unrestricted somehow. Then, whilst procrastinating, I came across the very simple yet affective music video below for a song called "A Thousand Thieves" directed by Matthu Placek for artist Trixie Whitley. This video has me set on choosing some really gorgeous billowing clothing to emphasise the free movement of the piece. Check it out.

As far as movement and dance go, I am fairly open to suggestion. I have a list of music videos that I will show Tyler, who (having choreographed many dance performances in his time) has agreed that he is happy to use these as inspiration for his moves which he himself will come up with, taking into consideration the location (which has now been decided, pics below) I do however know that I want the movement to be slow to start, increasing in size and energy to the fit the music which I think I have decided on! A track called Steede Bonnet by Tarantel.

As I am travelling to my camera men for the shoot, the location had to be close enough for them to travel by train with their equipment. I discovered this place on google madps and thought the highstreet had the slightly gloomy feel I am after. My camera men offered to take some pictures of the location so here are a couple. I have nice plans for the subway and black wall. It is important this place looks fairly anonymous and bleak. This can be aided by desaturation of the final image.

Inspiration - The Greatest Speech Ever Made

Whilst completing my dialogue for my film I have just gone through my blog trying to find where I might have posted this in order to reference it. I'm rather surprised that this hasn't however been posted yet! It must be some kind of mistake on my behalf because this video is one that I was shown during my first year at uni, when my entire perspective on life really began to change. It helped to secure the beliefs I was starting to have but it also instilled a sense of hope. Please watch the vid below.

This piece of dialogue is taken from the 1940 film The Great Dictator, which Charlie Chaplin himself wrote and starred in. Whilst this written in or before 1940, much of what is said in this clip is still very relevant today (is not all of it) but one section that stands out to me is "To those who can hear me, I say - do not despair. The misery that is now upon us is but the passing of greed - the bitterness of men who fear the way of human progress. The hate of men will pass, and dictators die, and the power they took from the people will return to the people" . I almost feel as though humanity are approaching a new set of cross roads and as Chaplin has suggested in this speech, this time in which we all exist is a time for greed to pass. For humanity to move forward, or perhaps divide. I am not saying liberty is around the corner however people are starting to open their eyes and wake up to what's going on around them. Are we at the cusp of change? Is this just the beginning? Will it get worse before it gets better? I believe, especially over the last few years that I have started to see a greater divide in the people who surround me during my day to day life. Those who (and I am not criticizing this) strive to achieve the western ideals of individualism (careers, wealth, material objects, personal image etc) and those who choose to shy away from this constructed idea of success, instead really embracing the attitudes shown in this video: compassion, togetherness, appreciation, the natural good of the earth we live on etc. I believe that this is the human progress Chaplin speaks of, the realisation that we must practise the 'love of humanity' as he call it, not remove ourselves from it by placing ourself into a self-constructed world were personal promotion rules.

Pacifist Statement

In my original production schedule I had aimed to have all the dialogue finalised by the 17th March, which is tomorrow. Unfortunately I had seriously underestimated how hard I was going to find writing this. I have pages of notes (of which I will include some photographic evidence) and plenty of ideas and some drafts on the kind of things I would like to say but whenever I've gone to put these things together I have been really unhappy and  with how they've sounded. I spoke to my Mum about the problems I was having with this and it's only through speaking to her I realised the reason behind my struggle. I'm anxious about putting out there my true feelings. I think the reason for being so hesitant is because I am trying to outline some of the faults I believe there to be in today's modern living whilst still being a part of that way of life. I have really cherished my time at uni and I've enjoyed my course, but it is also during this time that I have grown up a huge amount and began to realise how different my opinions where when first entering into a fashion based hair and makeup degree.  I don't wish to attack the experience I've had over the last three years, but I am trying to make a stand against a lot of the things that have been brought to my attention during my studies.

Siegfried Sassoon

Mum recommended I look at a famous statement written by the pacifist Siegfried Sassoon. Sassoon was a British poet and writer who fought as a soldier during the First World War. After two years in the forces, a letter by Sassoon was published in The Times which caused a stir with it's claims that the war was beings purposefully prolonged by the government. I think this letter is still incredibly relevant today and when I read it I felt as though much of what Sassoon was saying could be related to a different kind of war: The war against self confidence, or as mentioned in a post below, the encouragement towards the "Cult of Self".

Below is Sassoon's statement.

 'I am making this statement as an act of wilful defiance of military authority, because I believe that the war is being deliberately prolonged by those who have the power to end it.

I am a soldier, convinced that I am acting on behalf of soldiers. I believe that this war, upon which I entered as a war of defence and liberation, has now become a war of aggression and conquest. I believe that the purposes for which I and my fellow-soldiers entered upon this war should have been so clearly stated as to have made it impossible to change them, and that, had this been done, the objects which actuated us would now be attainable by negotiation.

I have seen and endured the sufferings of the troops, and I can no longer be a party to prolong those sufferings for ends which I believe to be evil and unjust.

I am not protesting against the conduct of the war, but against the political errors and insincerities for which the fighting men are being sacrificed.

On behalf of those who are suffering now I make this protest against the deception which is being practised on them; also I believe that I may help to destroy the callous complacency with which the majority of those at home regard the continuance of agonies which they do not share, and which they have not sufficient imagination to realise.'

I'm so happy I have been introduced to Sassoon. After reading through this several times I felt as though I really have something to work with here in relation to the dialogue for my film. After all, my piece has always been about my personal response to this 'attack' against humanity just as this letter is a personal response to an 'attack' against soldiers. Also, I have all these ideas and half constructed sentences but creating a solid format or order in which to place these scribbled notes is something I've really struggled with. Perhaps the layout of this statement could be a good foundation on which to build my personal letter.

Lupita Nyong'o Speech on Beauty

After her recent Oscar win, actress Lupita Nyong'o gave a touching speech at the annual Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon, when she collected an award for Best Breakthrough Performance. In this video, Lupita addresses the curse of western perceptions of beauty and her personal battle with confidence: 

She talks about how she experienced the same disappointment everyday, as her reflection in the mirror didn't change, no matter how much she willed it to. She talks of how the colour of her skin was an obstacle, which stopped her from feeling beautiful. Even after watching the black model Alek Wek being praised for her skin colour and beauty on the television, Lupita makes an interesting comment; "It was perplexing and I wanted to reject it because I had begun to enjoy the seduction of inadequacy.". And this is what I think is most damaging about the society we live in. Through our television and the internet, we are continuously fed a look and a lifestyle that we are led to believe will result in our happiness if we can somehow obtain it. As we continuously fail to meet the standards set, we become so familiar with the feelings of inadequacy, failure and self-loathing. What is really scary about this mental state, is how comfortable it can be. It's safe, removed from a place where potential failure is possible, but instead an accepted way of life. With so many people existing within this mind set, no wonder personal growth, compassion and gratitude are slipping away from so many. 

When speaking of her own struggle with the concept of beauty, Lupita says "Suddenly I realised beauty was not a thing I could acquire or consume, it was something that I just had to be and what my mother meant when she said that 'you can't eat beauty' was that you can't rely on how you look to sustain you. What actually sustains us, what is fundamentally beautiful, is compassion for yourself and for those around you. That kind of beauty inflames the heart and enchants the soul." She goes on to suggest that the little girl to whom she is indirectly aiming this speech towards, who represents all those who feel inferior to their beauty rivals, that whilst feeling the validation of their external beauty, it is the deeper business of being beautiful on the inside which truly counts. "There is no shade in that beauty."

The Cult of Self

Recently, a good friend introduce me to the non-profit organisation and magazine, Adbusters. The Canadian project, founded by Kalle Lasn and Bill Schalz in 1989 seeks to educate and comment, bringing together like minded individuals on topics such as anti-consumerism and pro-environment. Adbusters describe themselves as "a global network of artists, activists, writers, pranksters, students, educators and entrepreneurs who want to advance the new social activist movement of the information age."

I have read their magazine and follow their Facebook page and often find myself sparing a few minutes to read any posts that I might come across. Today's post seemed most appropriate, bringing together the collective issues that I think hinder modern societies ability to appreciate real beauty. Here is what I read:

"It is the cult of self that is killing the United States.

This cult has within it the classic traits of psychopaths: superficial charm, grandiosity and self-importance; a need for constant stimulation; a penchant for lying, deception and manipulation; and the incapacity for remorse or guilt.

This is also the ethic promoted by corporations. It is the ethic of unfettered capitalism. It is the misguided belief that personal style and personal advancement, mistaken for individualism, are the same as democratic equality. It is the nationwide celebration of image over substance, of illusion over truth. And it is why investment bankers blink in confusion when questioned about the morality of the billions in profits they made by selling worthless toxic assets to investors.

We have a right, in the cult of the self, to get whatever we desire. We can do anything, even belittle and destroy those around us, including our friends, to make money, to be happy and to become famous. Once fame and wealth are achieved, they become their own justification, their own morality. How one gets there is irrelevant." - Chris Hedges

It struck me, the comparison between psychopaths and this way of thinking and behaving that is so encouraged by the modern world. The modern world tell us that no matter what, we as an individual have the right to succeed. This much is true, and whilst I am a firm believer that only you alone can be responsible for your journey and your winnings, I often find myself disappointed by those telling me that in order to succeed financially, or in order to be beautiful and even happy, I must compete with those around me. Everyone is so fixated on the prize. A prize that is so often unobtainable, because I don't think success, beauty and happiness lie in financial stability, or fit into the stereotype of 'regulation hottie'. Someone with these assets may believe themselves to be and perhaps they are, but I'm not sure it's possible for someone's soul to sit easy if you view that happiness as a success over someone else's failure. Food for thought for my dialogue.

Inspiration - A Father's Advice to His Daughter

Co founder of All Walks Beyond the Catwalk, Caryn Franklin tweeted a link to a blog discussing the works of Dr Kelly Flanagan, a a licensed clinical psychologist and happy father of three. The blog shows a letter that the Dr has addressed to his daughter, slamming the beauty industry. Below is a copy of this letter:

Dear Little One,

As I write this, I’m sitting in the makeup aisle of our local Target store. A friend recently texted me from a different makeup aisle and told me it felt like one of the most oppressive places in the world. I wanted to find out what he meant.

And now that I’m sitting here, I’m beginning to agree with him. Words have power, and the words on display in this aisle have a deep power. Words and phrases like:

Affordably gorgeous,

Infallible,

Flawless finish,

Brilliant strength,

Liquid power,

Go nude,

Age defying,

Instant age rewind,

Choose your dream,

Nearly naked, and

Natural beauty.

When you have a daughter you start to realize she’s just as strong as everyone else in the house—a force to be reckoned with, a soul on fire with the same life and gifts and passions as any man. But sitting in this store aisle, you also begin to realize most people won’t see her that way. They’ll see her as a pretty face and a body to enjoy. And they’ll tell her she has to look a certain way to have any worth or influence.

But words do have power and maybe, just maybe, the words of a father can begin to compete with the words of the world. Maybe a father’s words can deliver his daughter through this gauntlet of institutionalized shame and into a deep, unshakeable sense of her own worthiness and beauty.

A father’s words aren’t different words, but they are words with a radically different meaning:

Brilliant strength. May your strength be not in your fingernails but in your heart. May you discern in your center who you are, and then may you fearfully but tenaciously live it out in the world.

Choose your dream. But not from a department store shelf. Find the still-quiet place within you. A real dream has been planted there. Discover what you want to do in the world. And when you have chosen, may you faithfully pursue it, with integrity and with hope.

Naked. The world wants you to take your clothes off. Please keep them on. But take your gloves off. Pull no punches. Say what is in your heart. Be vulnerable. Embrace risk. Love a world that barely knows what it means to love itself. Do so nakedly. Openly. With abandon.

Infallible. May you be constantly, infallibly aware that infallibility doesn’t exist. It’s an illusion created by people interested in your wallet. If you choose to seek perfection, may it be in an infallible grace—for yourself, and for everyone around you.

Age defying. Your skin will wrinkle and your youth will fade, but your soul is ageless. It will always know how to play and how to enjoy and how to revel in this one-chance life. May you always defiantly resist the aging of your spirit.

Flawless finish. Your finish has nothing to do with how your face looks today and everything to do with how your life looks on your last day. May your years be a preparation for that day. May you be aged by grace, may you grow in wisdom, and may your love become big enough to embrace all people. May your flawless finish be a peaceful embrace of the end and the unknown that follows, and may it thus be a gift to everyone who cherishes you.

Little One, you love everything pink and frilly and I will surely understand if someday makeup is important to you. But I pray three words will remain more important to you—the last three words you say every night, when I ask the question: “Where are you the most beautiful?” Three words so bright no concealer can cover them.

Where are you the most beautiful?

On the inside.

From my heart to yours,

Daddy

I was moved by this father's need to set the record straight with his daughter, but what I like most of all was how this father chose words and phrases from beauty magazines and offered his own definitions of what these should mean. 

For Dr Kelly Flanagan's blog please click HERE.

All Walks Beyond The Catwalk

This project was initially triggered by my true concern for the way modern women are made to feel about the body in which they live. Drawing from those personal 'realisation' moments as a child when it dawned on me that I did not fit exactly into the beauty ideals, as well as the upset, dissatisfaction and lack of confidence within so many of the women I have met throughout my life along with the knowledge I have gained completing a dissertation that focused on the concept of a post-feminist society, I am campaigning for a change. 

Today my tutor introduced me to 'All Walks Beyond The Catwalk' which is a campaign founded by Caryn Franklin, Debra Bourne and Erin O'Connor which highlights and challenges the way in which the fashion industry heavily relies upon an image of beauty that is unavailable and unachievable for so many. Whilst working with some of the top industry creatives as well as creative students and their respective colleges or universities, the website says that "By highlighting the responsibility our industry has to recognise the psychological impact of its messaging upon the minds of young women and men, we believe we can encourage a shift towards a more ethical position.". Their overall aim is to promote diverse body shapes on the catwalk and in fashion imagery.  I just can't believe this is the first I have heard of it!

 

Here's what some well known supporters of the campaign had to say:

 

“I wholly admire and support the endeavours of the All Walks Beyond the Catwalk campaign. As a photographer, I am constantly confronted by perceived ideals of beauty. The models, actors, musicians, and ‘real’ people who I see down my lens are all influenced by an oppressive world of unattainable physical goals. I always work hard to break through the artifice and capture something unique, original and beautiful in each of my subjects. Interest and creativity is not about perfection but quite the opposite; beauty comes from our idiosyncrasies.” - Rankin

 

 

“The most important thing is to have a confidence in what you are and not to feel that you have to be like someone else; thinner, younger, blonder. Originality is the greatest treasure.” - Alexandra Shulman (editor of Vogue)

 

 

“When it comes to choices around fashion, we’ve never had more, yet our choices around body shape appear increasingly limited. Why is it that 99% of all the attractive and intelligent women I know, models or otherwise, do not feel good about their bodies? Let’s change this.” - Debra Bourne (cofounder of All Walks)

 

 

“I became a make-up artist because I was fascinated by the rich and varied interpretations of beauty and form I saw in the 1980s when I first started. This is an element lacking today, making things seem rather dull in comparison. We need to celebrate diversity to the point where it no longer appears diverse. From this freedom, true beauty can be found. With this intention All Walks creates a pioneering space for change.” - Kay Montano

 

I really like the ethos of this campain and although I haven't wanted my film to be so focused on the fashion industry, I really like the message that All Walks Beyond The Catwalk are presenting here and I think there is a lot to be learned from these people who although enjoy careers within the fashion industry, are not settling for discrimination. Any organisation that fights to make something more inclusive of a wider range of people has my true support!



Green-Screen Challenges and Update.

I'm not sure if i've mentioned this earlier but my lovely step-dad (Brian) is teaching himself to work with a green screen as he has all the relevant equipment available to him at his work, so my film will all be filmed there. He has been running through some tests, unfortunately the content has failed to be sent over email but as soon as I have access to these initial trials I shall post them.  Brian has only tried out the green screen with still images, no moving imagery has been trialled yet.
Problems encountered:

• Images have morphed slightly, proportions aren't staying exactly the same
• Some residual green spill in the image
• Blue screens are far more effective if the model in front of the camera has blonde hair
• No access to blue screens! However a colleague has offered to lend a blue backdrop 
• If filming using a blue backdrop, it would have to be shot out of Brian's work place which would require borrowing lights and camera equipment. Realistic?

Inspiration

This is my all time favourite Lana song and it's definitely because of the film. Absolutely adored it from the moment I first watched it. I like how she's used dialogue to introduce the viewer to the song and although I picture my film as being very different to this, I think this is a fair representation of how I imagine it to sound. Speach over music, leaving behind the idea of rhythmic poetry but instead choosing the use of fluid language.

Trend Forecasting to be included?

Last term we had a trend forecasting project and I produced a small piece of text to go with my concept that heavily focused on the celebration and imortance of nature. Here is what I wrote:

"The journey of the growth of the mind is undeniably and intrinsically linked with the forces of the growth of nature. How distracted we have become. In times of distressed equilibrium, the eye will be reminded of the archetypal elegance of our home planet. Now we will observe and appreciate the details of nature’s harmonious rhythm as we embrace a global consciousness. Pay homage to the magnificent insect and the habitat in which he lives. Celebrate the complexity of a singular flower. Most of all, understand the importance of finding true pleasure in a beauty that cannot fade but can only be destroyed."

What I felt when writing that hasn't since changed. It's very relevant to what I'm trying to produce here. Not because I want to focus on nature necisarily, but I want my piece to encourage or suggest the truth that a better world will never be achieved untill we decide to become better people.

 

Higher Conciousness, 2011, Sarah Ollis

Production Schedual

This is my original production schedual, that went with my original propsal. Please note than my ideas have chaged somewhat and not all of this is relevant. For example, after much though and a few wobbly attemps at writing a poem with a certain type of rhythm to it, I've realised that although I'm a huge fan of this type of work I think something slightly more abstract and less rythm focused would suit my style a lot more. I think I've decided I want my dialogue to be more like the strange introduction to a book's first chapter.  Looking at all of the notes I have gatherd in my notebook, they would suit this style more.

In this production schedual I have also suggested the use of gathering information through surveys or discussions. Although I will of course be drawing influences from discussion with friends etc I reall think I want this to be very personal.

I think this is still a good rough basis on where I should be with timing of things though. I have whole day on Thursday to spent on the dialogue as everything is still very rough at the moment.

Baz Luhrmann - Everybody's Free To Wear Sunscreen

know that worrying is as affective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubble gum. the real troubles in your life are actually things that never crossed your worried mind.

Inspirstion - Tara Dancing

This is a personal response of English artist Michael Daks in relation to 9/11. Originally titled 'Tara dances for World Peace'. The artist says of his work '... if only peace could be achieved by dancing.'







Similarly to Daks, my video will be a personal response to the daily attack against self-confidence in western societies. I love how he has used flour and spray paint on Tara's body to create a peace symbol. The still shots paired with imagery of war make an effective piece. The use of still images set to music in this way could be another possibility for me to explore.

Inspiration

Ocean of Pain is something I was introduced to nearly a couple of years ago now, through a mutual friend of the artist.







This is lyrically brilliant. The words are everything here and I definitely draw inspiration from the way metaphors and rhythm have delivered such a clear insight into the artist's troubled mind.

The effectiveness of paired down, simple visuals and a continuation of background audio make for a video that causes impact upon seeing and hearing. I would definitely like to include some music in my film, to keep the thread of continuation and aid impact as it does in this example.

Inspiration

Spoken word is often used to deliver personal and political messages of angst, I'm a big fan of this art form so I'm including some examples that have undoubtably influenced me in my decision to make this film. Firstly, here's a vid of Jess Green, one of my favourite spoken word artists:







I just really love her work.  I chose to include this one in particular because of the amount of hours I must have sat and contemplated the stories of strangers. She's a champion of the individual and sees the importance in each of them, a message that I really need to get through in my film.

Week One: Introducing

Yesterday I presented my idea of producing a short art film, influenced by spoken word poetry and motivational type speeches, on the subject of women's position in contemporary western society and how the identity of the feminine often hinders women's personal growth.
I have a green screen available to me to use so as far as aesthetics are concerned I have pictured the film to consist of me, the performer or speaker, sitting in front of a green screen on which can be played another film. The purpose of this film will be to hopefully reinforce the message, whilst providing interesting visuals that will hopefully set this film apart from other short films focused around social comment.

I am eager to make this film worthy of those seen in short film festivals and the ultimate goal would be to enter this film for a position in this type of competition. As suggested by my tutor, I have looked at several film festivals and the entry requirements. This is what I have come up with:

Encounters Festival - accept films under 30 minutes in length from every genre (animation, live action drama, documentary, experimental, music video), and do NOT have a premiere policy. Films must have been completed after 1st January 2013.
Early deadline: 28 March 2014 (films completed in 2013)
Final deadline: 16 May 2014 (films completed in 2014)

London Short Film Festival - website says that LSFF is now closed for submissions, however entries requirements were as:
We accept drama, comedy, documentary, experimental, animation, lo/no-budget, music videos, or a combination of any or all of the above.
Films must be made by UK based filmmakers
Films must be made after September 2011 to be considered for the festival.
We accept films up to 45 minutes in length
London Short Film Festival does not require premiere status

LSFF requires payment for all entries, earlybird deadline being £15, regular deadline £20 and late deadline £25. LSFF also has this to say of lo-budget films: Have you made a film under 5 minutes long for less than £500? Then submit for FREE via our Lo-Budget form. Simply fill it out and send to us along with a DVD copy of your film. Deadline for entries is Friday 30th August.

Other festival to look at include the Kinofilm Festival which is Manchester's International Short Film Festival, the website is currently under construction. Their blog however states: All categories of short film are welcome, fiction, experimental, animation, documentary, student films and music videos. The maximum length is 20 mins (unless agreed in advance with the festival director) and films must have been produced within 18 months prior to the festival dates. ALSO -WOMEN IN FILM – as always in Kinofilm we present a special programme for the best outstanding women filmmakers. You may submit your film to this category if you wish to be considered for the Women in Film programme. (this could be an appropriate category to enter my film!) As with the others, entry fees are applicable but students can enjoy discounted fees. There also appears to be a category '3 Minute Wonders'.

In general, all festivals seem to have similar entry requirements. There doesn't seem to be a specified minimum on length for the films, having said that I can't imagine my film being as short as three minutes which is the shortest category relating specifically to time. If my film is under the five minute time scale I could enter it to the LSFF for no entry fee, but I won't aim to keep my film within this time frame if I believe more time is needed to get my point across.

I am pleased that all the festivals offer really broad entry requirements regarding the type of film you are able to enter. This gives me a lot of scope, ideal as I am yet to nail what kind of visuals or film style I want to incorporate. I haven't made much progression on the visual front yet. I think it's key that the spoken word aspect at least has a vague framework and real direction before I can begin to add imagery to this. I am continuously visiting various moving imagery for inspiration though, a separate post will be made for this.

Aim for the end of the week is to have a basic framework for spoken word.