KW
Costume
As I am creating a short film for the final presentation of my makeup it means that the character need to be complete and therefore this means that it needs a costume, without a costume the character will not look professional or successful in the film. I have spoken with a costume designer in order to get a simple costume for the character so that the whole piece will be cohesive. Once I had my costumer on board I found some images on the internet and in books that I felt suitable for the style of costume that I would like to create. I have displayed the images that I sent to the designer below in order to get a better understanding of the style that I wanted to create. One item of Japanese clothing that I found that I felt would work very well was the Kimono.
These selection of photographs show the final costume on location with the final makeup. I was really happy with the costume from Jesse Rogers. She had created the costume on the basis of the inspiration images I had given her above and the colours that I felt would suit the character the best. I had been given the option of earth tones or rock tones and I felt that I should go with the earth tones as this would create contrast with the makeup itself and therefore the costume and makeup would not blend together.
I had sourced the swords from the National Theatre Prop Store as I felt that this would be the most professional and suitable outcome. It was also one of the only prop stores that I could find that had samurai swords available from me to hire out. I felt that they would be perfect to represent a little of the Japanese element of the makeup. The costume and makeup combined finished off the look to make a great final impression. I was really happy with the result as I felt that it worked out as what I had imagined for the makeup. My vision of the design and the combined work was finished with the costume
During a trip to Amsterdam I visited the Rijks Museum that had a great selection of artwork varying from van gough paintings to ancient weaponry. I took many photographs in the museum and I found that these swords were great research for the costume. I wanted to find some swords which resembled the ancient Japanese samurai swords. I really liked the intricate detailing of the handles as they made a very powerful and beautiful effect. I searched a great many places to find swords of a similar style that I felt would be suitable for the filming, however they were very hard to come by. I have included emails below where I have searched for various swords. many of these places replied saying they did not have any samurai swords, however they were very helpful and gave suggestions as to places that I could ask.
An essential part of the costume making process is to create a costume that fits my model well. Therefore it was essential that I find out all the measurements of my model so that the costume. To do this I had initially looked up how to take measurements for costuing, however I found out that all of the actors have measurement forms detailing the specifics of their sizes so that everything would fit them well for their numerous productions. I have displayed Brandon's measurement sheet to the right for the production of Once in a Lifetime, which was a very recent production in which he took part therefore meaning that the measurements would not have changed.
National Theatre Costume and Props Hire
A unique collection of costumes and props available for hire.
Our Hire department offers thousands of beautifully crafted costumes, furniture, props, armour and swords from past National Theatre productions. The majority of our collection is made in the National’s renowned workshops, ensuring each piece is unique and of the highest quality.
Who can hire
Our collection is available to anyone wishing to hire. We offer our services for TV, film and theatre productions, to photographers wanting to re-create an authentic image, act as an extensive resource for schools and colleges, amateur societies and just for fun when planning fabulous fancy dress costumes.
Our costumes and props have been used by various organisations, schools and groups such as: Royal Shakespeare Company, Punch Drunk Theatrical Experiences Ltd. Curve Theatre, Barbican, Headlong Theatre, Philharmonic Orchestra, Opera Theatre Europe, London Sinfonia, Westminster School, Alleyn’s School, Bishop Thomas Grant and Royal Docks Community School.
Opening Hours
By appointment: Mon-Fri 10am – 1pm & 2 – 5.30pm
National Theatre Costume Hire
Chichester House, Kennington Park Business Estate, 1-3 Brixton Road, London SW9 6DE
For Costume hire: Phone: + 44 (0)20 7452 3970 Email: costume_hire@nationaltheatre.org.uk
For Props hire: Phone: +44 (0)20 7820 1358 Email: props_hire@nationaltheatre.org.uk .
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In order to get the samurai sword props I email a lot of different companies, many of them were very helpful, however none had any swords. Many were sugThe gesting armourers, however they were too far away for me to source the swords from. I eventually ended at the National Theatre website which has a prop department, I emailed the company to see if they had any swords and they had two smaller swords. I emailed the company in order to arrange the pick up and cost of the hire. The emails that I sent and recieved from the National Theatre prop store are displayed here. The emails are very small, I could not find a way to make the text larger, however this is the proof of the transaction.
[Online] Avilable From: http://picclick.com/FREE-SHIPPING-Samurai-Sword-Tsuba-hairstyle-Costume-Antique-360488868203.html Date Accessed: 8/04/2015
Samurai Drawings The Hooded (n.d.) [Online] Available From: http://pixgood.com/samurai-drawings.html Date Accessed: 8/04/2015
Vulture 34 (2012) Japanese Warrior [Online] Available From: http://vulture34.deviantart.com/art/Japanese-Warrior-I-55409755 Date Accessed: 8/04/2015
Vulture 34 (2012) Japanese Warrior [Online] Available From: http://pixgood.com/samurai-drawings.html Date Accessed: 8/04/2015
Here is a little sheet detailing the components of the Kimono. It states the names of the different properties of the kimono. In the sheet there is also a pattern for the design of a kimono. I fund this helpful to unerstand the process of creating a kimono. My costumer had already created a costume of a similar nature therefore knew the pattern design. However I wanted to know how everything would piece together so I conducted research into the costume.
Adults Kimono Sleeves (2014) [Online Image Available From: http://www.wafuku.co.uk/kimonoinfo4.htmDate Accessed: 08/04/2015