Day 75 Friday 16th March 2012 Fashion Constructed Image (Team progress/Set Build Workshop)

Friday 16th March 2012 Set Build Workshop

Prior to today's session I got to see some of the outstanding work the rest of the team are doing. Casting is coming on in leaps and bounds and we now have a nice casting folder all thanks to the girls (see their individual blogs). Fashion have provided some lovely drawings of dresses and advice on all things material and related to fashion! The 3D model now has figures as well as decor. We have Google sketch images by the dozen which have been produced by Ian who is also updating the budget as we start to spend on materials.
I'm really impressed with the work that is being done. Lots of very late nights and hard work, well done guys! I understand that some reorganisation is occurring regarding ownership of some of the lead roles, with Lucie taking on more fashion related tasks (using her excellent contacts). The build aspect moving closer to props due to the contacts Sacha has with people able to supply free materials. It's all positive movement to fully utilise the strengths of the team members and assist with the speedy progression of the required tasks. I've added some images relating to these items at the end of the blog.

Set Build Workshop 

Starting at 10:00 we met Mike Cooper and has a session discussing the role of the set designer/builder and some insight into the industry. Mike also went on to give a number of hints and techniques that could assist us regarding the set build. Mike recommended Dulux paints which can be colour matched or custom mixed. The words "Quick drying" with regards to varnish and paints seemed worthy of note. The technique for building a ceiling was discussed and considered although I never saw us needing or wanting a ceiling in our image. With regards wallpapering we were advised that a lining paper was required and possibly a filler between the joints in the flats, again all really helpful tips that relate to our set build concept. I liked the concept of 'Paste the wall' and I'm sure we'll be adding a square bucket and 9"-7" roller to the build list.

Chatting with Mike and Ian we discussed a lot of small but interesting ideas that give our image greater depth with regards props and there use that supports our narrative, i really want to inject drama into the image. The conversation with Mike was really interesting and has really fired up my imagination.


After this we set about building a 'flat' and progressed to erecting a few flats to represent key elements of our build. Although this seemed to crossover with the proposed 'Mock-up' workshop it was really valuable. Somewhat rushed and a bit chaotic again the session did confirm that the image we wanted was possible. The set we had was good, and we were on track. JS joined us and we had a good chat about the choice of lens, and the voyeuristic nature of our image. It was all in line with how I (and the team) saw the image working which was good.

Material samples

Figures added to the 3D model, I shot this on my G11

Plan with numerical props list and locations mapped out

Some of the excellent Google sketch images produced by Ian

Camera positioned as far back as we could get it and we struggled needing a bit more space. Here we block the door, and our best test shots were taken in the corridor!

We needed to twist the whole set (as our sketches show the camera position at a shallowish angle looking through the window

Ignore the crossbeam (the 'window' was knocked up out of two supports made to support the flats, it was a rough guide to help size the window)

This is close to what we want. The desk would be in the foreground obscuring a large part of the floor you see in this shot. The image would be framed by the window, shot using a longish focal length. Possibly using the whole window frame and a touch of exterior wall. The impression of seeing an unfolding drama in a hotel room, possibly from the viewpoint of another building etc. A touch of Hitchcocks 'Rear Window'

One thing today has confirmed is that we all need a long set and probably a whole studio to ourselves dues to the long lens required and the distance between camera and set. The set itself would be quite deep also.