17 September 2012

Extras and Victorian attire required

Image is of a behind-the-scenes shot on the film's set.

The Visual Effects Research Lab at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design (DJCAD) and Flyboy Films are seeking the supporting cast for their latest production, preferably with their own period costume.

The VERL and Flyboy, a production company founded by DJCAD graduate John Fairfield, are currently making a short film, 'Miss Donnithorne's Maggot', a joint project with the Artist Recording Company.

Based on the Sir Peter Maxwell Davies opera of the same name, the film culminates in a scene set at a Victorian dance. The filmmakers are looking for 20 extras with their own Victorian or Edwardian wardrobe to perform in this scene.

Filming will take place on Saturday, 29th September, with full make-up and direction provided by the experienced crew. The film will be released later this year, with the DVD also featuring recordings of live performances of the opera.

"We're looking to hear from anyone with their own Victorian or Elizabethan costume, or who has access to it, who would like to feature in the film," said John Fairfield. "The key to this scene is that it is a busy dance scene, which is why we need a supporting cast to take part.

"Filming has gone brilliantly and we only have this final scene to film before we go to production and editing. Even if you don't want to take part, but have some items of wardrobe we can borrow, we'd love to hear from you."

Australian Eliza Donnithorne, who was jilted on her wedding day and became a recluse, is often credited with being the inspiration for Miss Havisham in Dickens's Great Expectations. The 'Maggot' referred to in the opera's title is a form of solo dance, and the piece discovers Miss Donnithorne ranting among the remnants of her wedding cake, which is decorated with instrumentalists.

This film is the first adaptation of the work in this style, and is the brainchild of Howard Burrell of ARC, a sound recording and publishing company, and Peter Richardson (VERL).

Dundee-based Flyboy was established as a production banner by John and Ailsa Lawson in 2009 during their final year at DJCAD. Over the past three years, Flyboy has grown into a production base working with students, graduates and professionals working in the Scottish film industry.

The company has completed eight short films in that time, utilising the high standard of homegrown talent in Scotland. Flyboy films and their filmmakers have gone on to achieve recognition with several nominations, awards and screenings at film festivals around the world.

VERL is major new lab facility at DJCAD, part of the University of Dundee that brings scientists, artists, clinicians, and filmmakers together and promote interdisciplinary research.

Anyone interested in taking part, or who can provide wardrobe for the film, should contact John at flyboyfilms@hotmail.co.uk or on 07950 291135.

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Grant Hill
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University of Dundee
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