Hello
Updates
Recently completed my first series of Father Brown for the BBC. Ten upcoming episodes of this much loved, fun, 1950s drama. A joy to immerse myself in not only the beautiful Cotswold countryside and call it work, but also in a period particularly close to my heart.
About Me
I began designing in 1995 after working my way up as a supervisor, and I remain as passionate today as I was when I was given my first adult drama to design, “King Girl” for the BBC. It was first screened at the London Film Festival. and the producer nominated me for an RTS craft award, describing my work as “well observed” and as a costume designer, I still take pride in that.
I love the whole process, the collaboration, the excitement of playing a key role in the building and definition of a character.
I begin with the script, and it’s important for me to immerse myself completely into the story. This helps to create pictures in my mind of the characters and they continue to evolve from there.
Collaboration is so important. The director and producer must be happy and the actors, that’s a given, but the pictures in my mind are the starting point. Unless you have unlimited time and a budget to source fabrics and make everything, there are going to be compromises, so my mental images remain fluid. Often giving me a feel for the spirit of a character rather than specific details. I work intuitively I think, and there is often one thing that triggers my imagination, that can be anything, a colour, a texture, a particular detail, a piece of jewellery perhaps, I find it or it finds me, and that’s the beginning.
I break down the script in detail, character by character, scene by scene to identify all the costume requirements.
This also enables me to plan for any situations requiring specific attention such as doubles to cover damage or breakdown, stunt doubles etc. or pieces specific to the script.
I do the leg work to make the most of my budgets and try to accommodate the interests of everyone whilst keeping the overall integrity of the design.
I don't panic, it never helps, and it’s not in my DNA, so I just get on with it and find a solution to those moments somewhere. I believe this reflects itself in a happy and confident department.
I use excel to manage budgets be they large or small and this gives me an essential and accurate picture of where I am with it at any given time.
My experience has covered both contemporary, period and fantasy and I manage all budgets with careful thought and confidence.
I have bases in the SW, Bristol, Cardiff, Bath, the NW and West Yorkshire.