For our final unit of second year we completed a project on designing a TV reboot. We chose from 3 different TV shows and 4 different directors then had to design an episode of the TV show in the style of the director. I chose to reboot sci-fi Blakes 7 in the style of Wes Anderson. I completed research on Wes and his visual style, and watched Fantastic Mr Fox and Moonrise Kingdom as case studies. I researched existing sci-fis like Star Trek, Star Wars, Guardians of the Galaxy and Doctor Who. I did research on North Korea for a political angle to the program that would be relevant today, I researched the regime, and the fashions and tradition clothing in the country, and followed this with Hunger Games research to explore a dystopian society within sci-fi. I created character mind maps for each main character to explore their backstory and role within the program. After each section of research I did a mind map of all the stylistic and stand out elements I noticed and could take forward into my own designs. I then created styling mood boards for each main character and did initial and development designs, then used the trace method to complete the final designs analogue.
We also took part in Film Analysis Seminars, where we explored different genres of film and analysed the use of costume within them. These films included Crimson Peak, The Graduate and Blade Runner. We also analysed previous years Grad Films and how they used costume in those films. We then completed 2 independent film analyses on films of our choice. I chose Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and The Fault in our Stars. We also took part in helping current grad film costume teams prepare for their films by helping make/ embellish/ breakdown their costumes or help out on set. We then presented out activities in production journal pages and reflected on what we'd learned in the experience.
We also completed a material culture research task of our own choosing. I decided to explore symbolism within Pre-Raphaelite paintings. I visited Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery to see the Pre-Raphaelite exhibition there. I filled out a checklist about the painting I chose to explore (The Long Engagement by Arthur Hughes) and gathered visual and textual evidence of symbolism within the paintings. I then wrote a short report on what I had discovered and learned and how I can apply it to my own work in future projects.
Finally we completed a 2500 word essay on a critical theory of our choice. I chose to investigate how costume in modern period dramas demonstrate racism and challenge audiences to evaluate their own attitudes towards racism. The case studies I used were Amma Asante's 'Belle' (2013) and Steve McQueen's '12 Years a Slave' (2013). I found it fascinating and enjoyed discussing theory with peers and tutors alike, and it was really interesting to find out about everybody's different topics they were exploring.
film_analysis-_fantastic_beasts.docx |
film_analysis-_the_fault_in_our_stars.docx |