Surrey Border Film & Video Makers
Costumes for period amateur film, video and movies
The second of two parts about amateur period movies, illustrations show
costumes from the Centre Film Unit’s prize winning production The Golden
Medallion to which both John and Joan Woolmer made significant
contributions.
Costume in period films needs research and care, but
it need not incur great expense.
Study the shot list with care.
Close ups are very revealing if you use modern machine lace, buttons and
trimmings. Long shots cause problems with shoes, especially on male actors.
Plain shoes with false buckles can suffice.
In fact it is the male costume that causes most headaches. Here simplicity
is a must. Avoid
greatcoats, suits, uniforms etc. Waistcoats are
easily made. Plain fabric sleeves from old shirts tacked into the armholes will double as shirts. Gathered muslin sleeves, frilled at
the wrist will cover earlier periods. Cravats and ties are easy to make from
fabric pieces. But you need to avoid modern prints and designs!
Hats for men should be avoided where
practical, or held instead of worn. Women’s simple plain felt hats (black
and untrimmed) could suffice if held. Persuade your male actors in advance
to grow their hair and sideburns long. (usually no problem with the younger
ones). Wigs are expensive unless they can be borrowed, but a hair switch can
work if pinned securely at the nape (but not in scenes that are too active).
The hat worn by this well-known film star was crafted from cereal packet
thin card covered with fabric and lace trim
A selection of costumes used in 'The Golden Medallion'
Women’s dress is much easier to achieve -remnants and evening wear can
be utilised. Watch out for modern fabric designs and keep to plain
colours. Old velvet curtains are wonderful.
Use real lace to trim
necklines. This is often found on old tablecloths, pillows and runners
that Grandma has hidden away. Pieces can be tacked on or used as a
scarf, fischu or cuffs. I have used the deep lace trim from an old
tablecloth, all in one, complete with corners. This was
loaned on the condition that it was not cut up. When tacked round the neckline and down to the waist of a dress it was very attractive. The rest of the full length was then hidden, draped down the inside of the skirt. Capes, short or long, can be worn for outdoor scenes, also shawls. Hats for women and girls are much easier as there are many large plain straw types available cheaply which can be trimmed with chiffon scarves, flowers, feathers etc. Hair can be augmented by a switch or curled piece, pinned high, or better
still choose an actress with long hair. Mop caps are easy to make.
Aprons made from old plain white sheets are a boon because they hide a
multitude of “fashion problems". And remember that jumble sales are a great
source of cheap raw materials. Making a period film can be great fun and
can involve a lot of club members. We all like dressing up (well, some of
us) and it gives a chance to turn out those old trunks in the attic. You
never know what you will find.
John and his wife Joan joined Surrey Borders circa 1991, bringing a strong new talent and expertise to the club that resulted in an enthusiasm for making club films and entering competitions as never before. John was a great writer and his stories became great films, winning Gold awards for The Gold Medallion and Paula, and others. John was energetic, painting for art exhibitions, making props for the next project, writing his book and gleaning data to eventually finalise the book of his family tree, and last but not least, operating the “confounded” computer that held it all together. He was a very talented fun loving man, who will always be remembered by the club and his family.
Who are we in this film/movie/video club? We make films, videos and movies and meet on the first Friday of the month to answer members questions and to discuss ongoing club projects. Well known film makers, judges and film professionals are often our speakers for the evening. We welcome visitors and new members interested in film and video, and there is no need to own digital cameras or camcorders and no need for previous experience, as we happily provide mentors for beginners. Surrey Border meetings start at 7:45pm and end just after 10:00pm with a refreshment break at around 9:00pm. Visitors and new members are warmly welcomed to the monthly meetings which are on the first Friday of each month (and the first visit is free). Our meetings are held in our new contemporary hall in St Joan's Centre which is in the grounds of St Joan's church in Tilford Road, near the station in Farnham. The hall has a large car park and is within easy reach of Guildford, Farnborough, Fleet, Bordon etc. In Surrey and Hampshire. Read more about us here.
Our interests We have a good mix of interests amongst members include script writing, acting, directing, technical and artistic and all agree that ideas and skills are more important than equipment as shown by there being fewer cameras and camcorders than members. Some get more enjoyment in viewing and discussing the films produced by others and just being part of the community. There are those who wouldn't wish to ever hold a camera or camcorder while some like to help in filming but don't own their own camcorder. Of course there are always those with the latest high definition wizz bang up to date cameras, camcorders, microphones and gadgets and the lovely thing is that they are always happy to demonstrate both equipment and techniques to others. For anyone thinking of buying a camera or camcorder advice is always on hand. We have almost equal numbers of members with PC and Mac computers. We regularly put on courses, tutorials and training sessions in the light of the current interests and needs of members. Individuals with particular problems typically have one to one help.
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