House of MinaLima

After hearing about the importance of graphics in a lecture with Anna I got talking with friends about a small exhibition of graphic art by MinaLima. It was mostly graphics from Harry Potter. It was interesting to hear about their thought process and how their designs tied together the Potter universe as a believable time in history.

I think I quite like the idea of working on graphics for a film, it's always been something I've enjoyed doing in my spare time. So maybe this is something to consider looking into for work experience.

Highgate Cemetery

"Highgate Cemetery has some of the finest funerary architecture in the country. It is a place of peace and contemplation where a romantic profusion of trees, memorials and wildlife flourish." - Highgate Cemetery Website

I had been wanting to visit the cemetery since I moved to London but had never found the time or someone willing to come with me. The cemetery is split into east and west, the west is the oldest section, originally opening in 1839.

We found out that the new Fantastic Beasts movie had filmed in the cemetery and even features in the trailer. I myself had thought it'd be a beautiful location to shoot a film or even replicate.

We decided to sit and draw some of the statues in the east cemetery and it really did feel peaceful there. I found the history of the cemetery and some of the people within it fascinating.

Work Experience

I did work experience for a film called The Appointment. I was helping make props out of mostly recycled material for a cabinet of curiosity style room.

Serbian Dogs: I helped Dan create these two dog creatures from his design.

I also did various other odd jobs such as stitching up horns and wrapping PVC pipes.

I enjoyed this work experience a lot and hopefully, I'll be able to help set dress further down the line for this production.

Leighton House

Open House London gives the public access to buildings in London for free that might not be accessible otherwise, and takes place on a weekend in late September.
Dan and I went to Leighton House in Kennington.

"Originally the studio home of Lord Leighton, President of the Royal Academy, the house is one of the most remarkable buildings of 19C. The museum houses an outstanding collection of high Victorian art, including works by Leighton himself." - from the Leighton House Museum website

Unfortunately, we weren't allowed to take photographs but there are enough reference photos online.

This will be a great resource when designing sets from this period.

BFI Hitchhikers Guide To the Galaxy Q&A

My dad and I went to the BFI for the Hitchhikers Q&A with cast and crew (A video of this can be found on Youtube). It was interesting to hear about how it came to be a television series, having already been a popular radio show and theatre production.

Simon Jones (Arthur Dent)

Warner Bros Studio Tour

I visited the Harry Potter Studio Tour in London with PAFS today. It was amazing to see all the props, sets and models from a film that has had such a huge impact on so many people. I visited three years ago and it was this first visit that inspired me to pursue a career in this field!

I took photos for inspiration and to remind me of the techniques and materials that were used.