Twenty Twelve has bagged a BAFTA! I’m so proud to have been a part of this fantastic show for BBC Comedy, I’ve never enjoyed going to work each day so very much, and am thrilled it’s got the recognition it deserves, and in winning the Best Sitcom Award even pipped at the post another of my absolute favourites, The Thick Of It. Congratulations to the whole Twenty Twelve team, and particularly to the lovely Olivia Colman who also scooped up an award for her performance in the show.
Amateur Best - ‘Pleased’
I recently collaborated with the wonderful, very fun director Lily Smith on a music promo for new Pitchfork & BBC 6 Music-tipped electronic artist Amateur Best.
Lily wanted to play with the idea of high fashion creations being transplanted to the everyday world that singer Joe inhabits. The result is a wry, tongue in cheek little video, showing Joe singing away, trying not to let these odd, invasive creatures perturb him. Oh and there’s a pug thrown into the mix as well.
I designed and constructed these four costumes/installations for our long-suffering models, who were remarkably patient with me while I wrapped them from head to toe in layers of electrical tape, cotton bud-laced clingfilm, taped them into cardboard boxes, and stuffed bananas and ping pong balls and all sorts of inappropriate things down their tights. All in a day’s work.
Amateur Best’s new LP ‘No Thrills’ is out now on Double Denim Records.
Amateur Best - ‘Pleased’
The fun new promo I designed with Lily Smith. See the accompanying video for the lowdown!
Sneak Peek! A few rough, in-progress images of the masks I’ve been working away on for the upcoming series of Britain’s and Ireland’s Next Top Model. Stay tuned for broadcast dates to see them in action as part of a fairytale-themed photoshoot.
So: A friend’s nephew was turning six and adamant he could only accomplish this if he was a zebra for the duration of the big day. After scouring the internet without any luck finding something that fitted the young man’s requirements, his devoted aunty came to me, and this is what I made.
The headpiece is felt on a lightweight, super-soft lined moulded cardboard base. The suit is made of heavy felt, with elasticated cuffs and ankles, while the back provides lots of ventilation so Jesse doesn’t get too hot roaming the plains. Having never met the little guy I had only a few key measurements to go by, so am quite pleased with the results, as you can see from his face little Jesse was too, and by the look of it his younger brother might be keen to inherit it when he’s big enough too. Success!
My work in print: Designing for Screen: Production Design and Art Direction Explained, Georgina Shorter
This useful, highly practical book by my fantastic Central St Martins tutor, Georgina Shorter, which features photographs of some of my work, is available on amazon here.
Here’s the official blurb:
Design is at the essence of storytelling, but how does a production find its style and identity? This book explains how to approach design, whether for film, television, video promo or commercial making, and introduces the techniques needed to make ideas happen. Through theory and practical exercises, it looks at design in a different way and shows how the simplest decisions can become powerful ideas on screen.
© Georgina Shorter 2012
If iPad games are your thing, you can now purchase this beautifully crafted app by award-winning content design company Somethin’ Else. I worked as a design assistant/assistant props buyer on this interactive period mystery, told through text and stunning photographs shot at National Trust site Ham House, Richmond.
Music video parody featured within the BBC’s very funny (and award-winning) mockumentary series about the organisation of the London 2012 Olympics, ‘Twenty Twelve’. Custom jewellery was required to help sell the very silly sunscreen/sexual health message of the track. I designed and made the bling!
I urge you all to catch up on the brilliant ‘Twenty Twelve’, you can check out the BBC minisite here
All rights BBC
Photos courtesy of Jack Barnes
I originally started making these for friends for fancy dress parties and festivals, but this seems to have taken off as a bit of a side project, due to popular demand! After foxes I plan on branching out to other animals, so if you’re interested in buying or hiring, please get in touch: cecilyduckett [@] gmail.com
Custom made fox mask, with moulded base, hand painted faux fur, whiskers and handmade nose.
This was my first ever attempt at stop motion animation and my entry into a competition run by eyeka.com on behalf of Flora Pro-Activ.
The brief was to create an original video or animation of up to 45 seconds, that convinces the over fifties to use Flora Pro-Activ so that they can return to enjoying life in a fun, engaging and unexpected way.
Comprised of over 300 unique frames, each character and object was created by hand using an assortment of different paper, and assembled over a lightbox. My animation follows an active person’s life from a baby to over 50 and highlights how Flora Pro-activ lowers cholesterol and can help to maintain a healthy lifestyle in later years.
Music by Toby Saunders
Custom made masquerade mask. Satin and Swarovski Elements on hand moulded base, fully lined, ties with double sided plush velvet ribbon.
