Props
Some of the most important props we need for our shoot are:
- Old Car - Green Nissan Micra
- To show the couple’s age and still quite old style, they need to have an old car with a unique colour. An old green Nissan Micra would be perfect for this, or any other coloured Nissan Micra. The reason for this particular car, is it’s known as an old car and it will show that Dean isn’t ready to give it up for a new modern one, much to Annie's protest.
- Old & Modern Frames & KnickKnacks
- To show the couples transition from old to new, they need to have a few old frames and a few modern frames. These will be throughout the house, mainly the hallway, and they’ll show pictures of the couple’s family and friends, etc. Along with old knickknacks that show their age and other generations.
- iPad
- Throughout the whole episode and the series, an iPad will be heavily used, to show Annie obsessing over it and starting to use social media. When getting an iPad, it has to have the ability to use Instagram, take pictures and it’s not too difficult to use for the actors.
- Robotic Cat
- Betty has a pet cat called Arnold, but this pet isn’t an actual animal, it is a robot. This robotic cat needs to have a clear resemblance of a cat, and it needs to move and make cat like sounds. It also needs to be quite creepy in its movement and appearance as this is a trait of Arnold that has been emphasised within the series.
- Betty Box
- Dean has a box dedicated to Betty’s presents that she always gives him. This can be a normal looking box, with a lid, but it should have the words “Betty’s Box” on it. This is to make clear that everything that is in the box has been a gift from Betty. This box will make an appearance is most episodes, especially the pilot. It needs to be an average size, and potentially filled with other presents, which will also need to be found.
- Picnic Basket
- Annie is packing a picnic basket during one of the scenes, so a wicker picnic basket is needed. This preferably needs to be wicker to make clear that it’s a basket without much notice, but it also needs to be fairly big. This is to add to the humour of the scene, but also to show that the couple may go on quite a few large picnics with family or friends.
There are a lot more in the pre-production book, under the heading of 'Props'.
Costumes
Some of the most important costumes for the four main character's in the pilot are:
- Dean Davis
- His clothing choices are always quite traditional for a man of his age. He stays away from jeans and prefers to wear trousers, even in warm weather. He likes to look his age, and isn’t very interested in changing his appearance, even though his spouse is the opposite.
- One of Dean's outfits is...
- A block colour sweater vest with a plain shiny underneath.
- Grey colours trousers, with a dark belt.
- Brightly coloured socks.
- Annie Davis
- Her clothing choices have changed throughout time, but as of now, she tries to look youthful and younger than she actually is. This is due to the fact that she wants to her children to see her as cool and not embarrassing like they usually do. She always has to make sure she looks presentable and she strives to get compliments.
- One of Annie's outfits is...
- Long flowy dark top.
- Bright jeans.
- Long heeled boots.
- Bright patterned scarf.
- Betty-Jo King
- Her clothing choices are traditional old lady clothes but with a touch of bright colours and abstract patterns. She’s wears the same sort of outfit everyday, and she likes to look presentable and stylish for Dean.
- Betty's outfit consists of...
- A floral, coloured dress going down to the knees.
- A bring coloured knitted cardigan.
- Dark flat pumps.
- Pearl necklace & earrings.
- Glasses on string - this will be around the neck most of the time.
- Skin coloured tights.
- Marie Dubois
- Her clothing choices are really bold and fashionable. Being a fashion designer, she has to always look stylish, even in her loungewear. She always looks presentable, and wouldn’t be seen out of the house without mascara on and her favourite pair of heels.
- One of Annie's outfits is...
- Dark skinny jeans.
- White/plain t-shirt.
- Denim jacket.
- Chunky scarf/snood.
- Heeled boots.
The other outfits, and the extra's outfits are in the pre-production book, under the heading 'Costumes'.
Style
Here is a rough description on all of the four main character's styles:
- Dean Davis
- This character is pictured to have greying hair, to show his age. Ideally, the hair shouldn’t be long, and it could potentially look quite sparse and balding, or even thinning. Dean’s hair style will be carried on throughout the episode, with not much change being made to it. The appearance of Dean should portray that of a man in his 60s - wrinkles, ageing lines and potentially grey stubble. Dean’s main style is traditional, mature and he always likes to look his age.
- Annie Davis
-
This character is pictured to have dyed blonde
or brown hair -
but blonde hair is preferred - to show her desire to stay youthful. The hair shouldn’t be too
long, potentially in a bob or lob (long bob) cut. The appearance of Annie should portray that of a
woman in her 60s -
wrinkles and ageing lines much like her husband. The character will be seen
with natural make-up at the beginning, then as the teaser ends, she will be seen with
more make-up on, to present our confidence developing. Annie’s style at the beginning of the show is quite
reserved, traditional & mature. But as the story unfolds, her style is
youthful to look modern and well put together.
- Betty-Jo King
- This character is pictured to have white or grey hair, to show her old age. The style of it needs to be quite short and curly, to sow her crazy and weird behaviour. The appearance of Betty should portray that of a woman in her 70s - wrinkles and ageing lines, a little bit more than Dean & Annie. In terms of make-up she will be wearing quite a lot of make-up for an old lady - she likes to look good so she likes to spend some time on her appearance. Betty’s style is traditional for an old aged lady, but it’s also quirky and outgoing showing her crazy attitude.
- Marie Dubois
- This character is pictured to have either blonde or brown hair, maybe even ombre. Her hair always needs to be styled due to her occupation, and the desired look is a lob (long bob) or medium length hair, that is either curled or straightened in a neat, stylish way. The appearance of Marie should portray that of a woman in her 30s - always takes care of her skin and never misses a day when putting on moisturiser, so her face won’t have many wrinkles, only natural ageing lines. As she is always presentable, she will be wearing a full face of make-up but it will be natural with neutral colours.
There are more details in the pre-production book, along with the extra character's style as well.
By making these decisions as director, I have set an image for each character and this helps everyone visualise what they should look like for the final outcome. Laura is set to source all of these and make it happen, under my supervision. I'm confident we can find all the props and costumes we need, and style the characters in the desired way.
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