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.