It is creativity that pays me.

I am very lucky in my area of work that I have experience and a supportive boyfriend that I can focus on gaining paid work rather than unpaid freelance work. However, when the script for a short film that had a small budget so couldn't offer pay, was shown to me, it was so creative and fresh just on paper that I knew I wanted to be involved.

The film is called Led Zepplin Cashmere, some of you may recognise the name already associating it to something else, however the director, MA Fashion Media Production student Corrine Delaney, takes inspiration from a number of sources. Working alongside Set Designer, Linda Berlin, I had the chance to cover various roles during pre production and across the weekend of filming. I made some wacky props from colourful balaclavas to gorgeous hand written notes. Ran around London searching for various things I could transform into wackiness! Worked as the Art Director for one of the filming days,  dressing the various sets, making last minute props (which at the time isn’t always, but afterwards you think, or I think ‘that was quite fun’), working alongside the costume and make up guys (who were lovely and had great imagination and style!) and managing the art dept. for this one day. The budget was quite low, I had literally come from working onExodus which as you can imagine had 1000s to this, where I had about £20!

The film was released this year and has had some great feedback.  Below is only a small collection of images showing some of the props I made, also some final taken from the film.

From the images you can sense how abstract the film is, it isn’t for everyone I’m not going to lie. A love story told from the eyes of the boy, and how flaws and our character make us all unique. It is really magical and wacky, if you follow this link to website 1.4, you will find an interview with Corrine where she explains in depth more about the film, you will also find the full length video where you can marvel at the wonderfulness of it all! Its only 6 minutes long!

Thanks for catching up!

Behind the Royal Wedding

I can't even express my love for the most recent Game of Thrones episode, after only been watching for the past year I am extremely excited to see what happens next, so I can't imagine those who have stuck with the series since day one how you are feeling! Im trying really hard not t give spoilers, but I'm hoping you have all heard or watched by now....?

Ding dong the King is dead!

Anyways, last night it wasn't just the acting that was making me 'ooh' and 'ah', anybody get a look at the Royal Wedding set up?  How amazingly exuberant and over the top it was, I mean birds flying out of cakes, I though that stuff was kept for nursery rhymes? Anyways, as always it is usually the sets, props and special effects I like to ogle at and the Royal Wedding was no faint affair, so I had to have a look for some behind the scenes vids to get the insider scoop on the whole set up. And, I found exactly what I was looking for, great work by the whole team. When I get my genie lamp, or four leafed clover, or rabbit foot (actually I'm veggie so maybe not) Its my wish to work within this creatively inspirational team. 

A Summer Christmas with Asda

Those that know me should know, that I don’t do anything related to Christmas till after my birthday, which conveniently falls on the 25^th November. I always thank my mum for not giving birth to me on my actual due date, the 25^th December, other wise know as Christmas Day.

Well this year I had to make a massive exception for this rule, as I started working on photo shoots for Christmas in May! Working as Assistant to Pippa Jameson was my main focus for this Summer, we worked on getting a number of different clients ready for Christmas. Also working with the talented photographer Jon Day and the lovely Russell.

One of the major clients was Asda. Asda have always had a great deal to do with Christmas for me, as it’s where my mum always does the Christmas shop for the big day, and the days between. So been part of their Christmas campaign was a great privilege.

During a sunny week in June I assisted Pippa on the Asda Gift Guide. This included jobs such as prop sourcing, selecting props from Asda’s amazing Christmas range, dressing the different sets and assisting Pippa with styling. I also got to style some of my own food and drink shoots as well which I was very excited to do and was great experience.

Check out some the images I worked on taken from the gift guide…

A small selection of the food and drink shots I styled...

So why not head down to Asda and pick up a gift guide, they have an amazing range. 

Click here to follow to their Christmas shop online. You will also find a host of images I worked on there as well. Look out for logs, branches, a wrapping paper tree, a sleigh and any present you see, was probably wrapped by me!

I am looking forward to when my mum and I do the Christmas shop, I will be purchasing plenty of decs, and as always stocking up on food and drink!

(But remember, it isn’t Christmas till the 26^th November…)

Elle x

Exodus, Phantom and props...

So the past month has been a little up and down, either really crazy busy or nice and relaxed. A lot of creative fun at work and in my home to catch you up on!

Since my last post, literally the next day I got such a great opportunity, my first feature film job! And not just any, it was the new Ridley Scott film ‘The Book of Exodus’ starring an amazing cast, including the very talented Christian Bale (who I did casually walk past, Danny was very jealous I got to see Batman!).

This was such a great opportunity and what I had been aiming for since graduating last year. I was taken on as a Prop Maker involved in a number of different jobs, from ageing different textiles to making flags. Developing old skills and learning new skills was such a big part of this job, I learnt a number or processes that props go through to ensure they have the right look for the ear been depicted. Based at Pinewood Studios, I also got chance to have a walk around these historic and inspirational studios, where many films and tv productions have come to life. As if seeing the Exodus sets wasn’t exciting enough for me, I also got chance to see the sets for a number of other productions around the studios, which where all amazing! Whilst there I also met some lovely girls who have given me a lot of advice and help, so fingers crossed, hopefully this isn’t my last feature film!

Working on Exodus I had the chance to work under Production Designer Arthur Max, who’s work I have admired for so long.  From Gladiator to Prometheus he is able to design and manage a team into creating such inspiring visuals and build up the look for past, present and future scripts.

This opportunity has also given me my first step into my long-term career plan as a Set Decorator. Celia Bobak is the set decorator behind Exodus, and also was the set decorator for one of my favourite films for design, The Phantom of the Opera. Taking this well known story from theatre to film it really has to have that theatrical edge of amazement you would get from a live show. The set decoration for the film creates a magical darkness creating the dark sewer system, the Phantoms lair and takes on the lavish opera house stage and chandelier, and succeeds. Bobaks work really shines with the selection of props chosen to build up the design around the actors strong characters and the vocals, creating the amazing visuals you see on screen. Now excuse me whilst I go watch the Phantom of the Opera (loudly singing along). I’ll leave you with some of my favourite visuals from the film.

Ill be able to show more images of what I was making when the film is released, so tight toes until next year!
Thanks for reading as always,
E x

My future cupboards.

So i'm still having fun assisting the luuurvely Pippa Jameson. We are currently having fun with Christmas. Yes, if you know me I dont do anything to do with Christmas till after my birthday (november 25th, if you want to get me a card). But I have made an exception this Summer, if we can call it that, having some great fun getting Asda ready for their Christmas. As always I can't say much about what I have been doing.

One job that I was really keen to do was get down to the China&co. a prop house in Shepards Bush. Full with everything from white generic plates to chicken shaped jugs, large pieces of driftwood to morrocan themed fabric, it really is like an aladdins cave! Heres some pictures of my visit the other week, which have now become my inspiration for the contents of my future cupboards.

Amazing colour co-ordination.

Jelly moulds!! And so many of them!! 

 These pictures don't even scratch the surface of what China&co. have to offer. Whilst there I was able to speak to a few food stylist getting ready for some popular cook books, and also have a natter with some ladies styling a baking event. I could have spent all day there, but work had to be done :)


Thanks for reading guys :)

Baby Bump

During the Easter holidays, not only did I eat copious amounts of chocolate and enough of my mums’ quiche to feed me for a year, but I worked it off by doing a lovely maternity styling shoot.

Working together, me and the very talented photographer, Sarah Aylward, who is also a very good friend, worked together at creating this shoot. Not only was I working with a friend the model was also a friend, all organised as a surprise; the expectant mum was our yummy mummy Claire who was heavily pregnant with a baby girl.

Together Sarah and me planned a host of shots creating different stories. I had great fun researching and planning the shoot, then sourcing and making all the little girly props. From bunting to cream eggs, we had them all!

The whole day ran smoothly, with each shot running nicely into the next, keeping Claire happy and comfortable.

I was so happy with the final outcome, as was Claire and Sarah.

You can have a look at some more of Sarah’s photography work here, why not follow the funny old gal on twitter here, or even check out her instagram here. Everyone loves a plug!

FAV!  ^^

Claires cravings were scones and creme eggs, couldnt resist a good eating photo!

Thanks for stopping by guys, and if your interested or know anyone who is thinking of having a shoot like this, just get in touch :)

Eleanor xx