Sourcing Props

In keeping with the BDSM theme of RED I sourced bondage related paraphernalia from Ann Summers. Below are handcuffs, a ball gag, spreader bar, eye mask and some black tape. Both the male and female model will wear the different props as opposed to just the female model traditionally being retrained, like in Fifty Shades of Grey.

Towards the end of the book the influence of 'Little Red Riding Hood' will become more apparent. Having been advised by the course tutors to steer clear of the traditional 'red cloak' the emphasis of the colour red will be utilised using these props, as well as elements of lighting and styling. 

Test Shoot - Make-up Testing

This make-up look was inspired by a post I found from a  New York stylist and fashion blog the Glamourai. This look is suitable for the female model when she becomes more confident and sexual as the narrative progresses. As I've already tested the typical black smokey eye and red lip look I wanted to experiment with different, more unique colours. 

After the shoot and once it came to viewing the photographs on a larger screen I realised the eyes weren't as smokey as I would have liked, nor was the contouring strong enough. I would like to re-do this look to amend those particular aspects so its stronger and more striking. 

Snap-Tag and ISSUU

Unfortunately due to budget limitations and time restrictions RED will no longer be able to be a printed interactive book. Although Snap-tag were willing to give me a discount as a student, with the cost of the studio hire as well as buying props and make-up for the shoot it will not be feasible to have a snap-tag within the book. 

To have RED as an online book the positive is that it now can reach a wider audience. I came across ISSUU, a free publication site that would work well as a way of publishing RED online, its simple yet effective.

Online Discussion Forum

To make correspondence quick and efficient with the team I have acquired, an online discussion forum has been set up so everyone will be up to date with relevant information, such as dates for shoots, any change of plans and general queries anyone would like to ask.

So far on the forum we have discussed styling. To keep within the budget, and keep costs to a minimum a styling sheet was sent over to each model to see if they already had any items of clothing and accessories that matched what I wanted. Luckily the female model Sam, had a vast array of items that were perfect for what I envisaged her character to wear. Ned, the male model also had a full suit and the necessary casual clothing that was needed. There are only a few items I need to source such as bondage paraphernalia, a matching underwear set for Sam to wear and the necessary make-up so my kit is fully equipped

Correspondence With Photographer

In order to ensure the images for RED or of a professional standard, I have decided to collaborate with a photographer rather than shooting the photographs myself.

Having reached out to several photographers, one finally got back to me. We met to discuss my vision for RED, his passion and creativeness inspired me. He made a number of suggestions for the shoot as well as a studio that he has used before that has in house settings and would work well for the boudoir part of the narrative. Within his portfolio he had worked on lingerie, and boudoir couple shoots and so I feel this will most definitely work in my favour. Due to the risqué nature of the shoot having a photographer that has skills in making models feel comfortable in front of the camera will help to bring the story to life within each image, in a professional way.

Test Shoot - Temptress

Temptress

The look below is designed for when the relationship between the two protagonists has progressed. The metamorphosis of her character will be from innocence and inexperience to sexy temptress, confident and sassy. 

Face chart 

 The wet look slicked back hair wet hair is popular on the red carpet this year and thought it suited the look I was going for perfectly. Its effortlessly sexy. Although the look above isn't to the standard I would want it when it came to the actual shoots, I think once perfected will look great on the female model that I have sought.

Model Search - Casting Call

Finding models that fit the specific criteria, that are also comfortable to take part in a project like this has been a testing task. Not having the funds to remunerate the models has been another contributing factor in my struggle to find appropriate models.  the To find a female model that can look innocent, yet also exude sexuality has been difficult.

After contacting a range of male and female potential models, two have finally agreed to be a part of RED. Each model is comfortable to work with each other as well as with some nudity, therefore boundaries will be able to be pushed. The female model has her own portfolio, which clearly indicates her ability to look sweet and innocent, yet also exude utter sexiness, perfect for what I want as the protagonists relationship evolves.



                                             

Bondage In Fashion

These high fashion designs are strong statements of sexual freedom. Versace's edgy bondage range (an example to the right) for his autumn/ winter collection 1992 is a clear indication that some twenty-two years later it is still current. 

The use of black leather and latex in straps across the body is a styling element I would like to include within the imagery for RED. 

                                                                    

Fifty Shades of Grey Movie

As my project is largely influenced by the Fifty Shades of Grey phenomenon it seemed only right that I took myself to the cinema to see the highly anticipated film...

Personally the casting of the movie was different to how I imagined the main characters within the books, but still, I had an open mind. I tucked into my popcorn as the opening scene unfolded blaring 'I put a spell on you' by Annie Lennox, this was it....

Personally I was in two minds about the film. The chemistry on camera wasn't as strong as I was expecting but visually I found the scenes aesthetically pleasing. One thing that did put me off was the cheesy instrumental style music that accompanied some scenes. It made the film in some places seem amateur and a little silly, but perhaps that may have been the point... to lighten the mood to make the film enjoyable to a wider range of viewers?!

Looking at the film from a creatives perspective I found that the movie was done in an a distinctive way. After watching I did some research into the director Sam Taylor-Johnson and cinematographer Seamus McGarvey. I found out that Taylor-Johnson had worked together on various productions over the past sixteen years. 

A quote I found in an interview from McGarvey, where he spoke about Fifty Shades of Grey I found intriguing...

"I like finding the script and discovering its photographic heart. Every script has a photographic signature hidden within it. It's interesting to think about appropriate ways of describing the written word visually. There's always a challenge. It's not that I try to mix it up a bit, or try to shoot in a different style just for the sake of it.It sort of happens naturally because of the different subject matter.'

What I felt made the sex scenes effective within the red room of pain was the use of sound/ music. Beyonce's crazy in love remix played over the main sex scene which added to its sensuality and took away from any potential awkwardness.

Erotic Nude Art Video

http://erophoric.com/erotic-fetish-fashion-video-sensual-bondage-roleplay-kinky-couple-erotica/

This link will direct you to a website that specialises in erotic nude art videos. This particular video 'Mine' has clearly taken its inspiration from the famous trilogy Fifty Shades of Grey. Although the nature of the video is somewhat risqué, it has been shot in a tasteful, creative way and is an intriguing piece of cinematography. The portrayal of lust and passion the two have within the film is clearly evident and is something that I would like to emulate within RED.

A few stills from the short film...

Cinematography (Camera Angles)

Camera angles are an important part of what makes a film work; the variety of angles; distances and the editing of the two contribute to making an interesting visual and emotional experience for the audience. Although I'm doing a photography book for my FMP the angles of the images I shoot will be an important part of the story telling. The inspiration for my FMP is largely taken from films and so being able to analyse them with a critical and appraising eye will be useful in the production process of my project.  

So to start with I looked at the types of camera angles. 

The most popular types of angles fall under three categories:

- Objective
- Subjective

- point-of-view

The Objective angle refers to the 'fly on the wall' viewpoint, where the audience is a spectator of the events unfolding yet feels comfortably removed, as if invisible.

The Subjective angle puts the audience in the scene along with the other actors as though there were other participants within the shot  

And lastly the Point-of-view angle puts the audience into the head of one of the actors, so the audience sees what the particular actor is seeing; usually actors will look head on into the camera, creating the illusion of directly addressing you the audience. 

Vogue Inspiration

Looking at visual references I came across this image in the book 'Extreme Beauty in Vogue'. The feminine pattern of the corset reflects innocence yet the corset itself is a device that attracts men to women due to corsets accentuating parts of the female body that men typically find attractive. Corsets are also used within the BDSM community as a form of restraint. To add sensuality to RED I think the use of a corsets or a piece of lingerie that emulates a corset within some of the images would be effective and fitting to the theme.

Character Profiles

Female Protagonist

Name - Lucy
Age- 22
Nationality- White Caucasian
Family- Only child
personality type - Confident in her own body but not overly vain. Bubbly, sweet, still needs to blossom.
Relationship Status- Single
Occupation- Florist, owns own shop.

Physical qualities- Slim brunette, capable of looking innocent, yet have an air of mystery and subtle sexiness. The transformation of the female character will be clearly defined by the metamorphosis of her make-up. Similar to the character of Anastasia Steele in Fifty Shades of Grey, she will emerge from 'plain Jane' to temptress. In order to illustrate this make-up will be minimal in the beginning with a 'no-make-up' look to the gradual introduction of stronger contouring, smoky eyes and voluptuous pillar-box red lips.

Male Protagonist?

Name - Spencer 
Age- 24
Nationality-White Caucasian
Family- Younger brother
personality type - Confident but not cocky or arrogant. Still needs to come out of his shell. 
Relationship Status- Single
Occupation- Sales exec  

Physical qualities- The male character will have a fresh-faced, groomed youthful look. The chosen model will have a chiselled bone structure and a muscular physique. As his character transforms his look will become more primal and seductive. When the character is first introduced minimal make-up will be used other than small touch-ups. To show a shift in his personality, as he becomes more self-assured and lupine, strong contouring will be applied as well as piercing blue photoshopped eyes, to bring forth his wolf-like characteristics and dominant prowess.

Another Movie Inspiration - Into The Woods

Continuing my research of modern adaptations I took it upon myself to go and see the new Disney musical Into The Woods. The styling of the film is what you'd classically expect from a traditional fairytale, largely fantasy based, with mystical creatures and out of this world scenery.

The storyline focuses on what happens beyond the 'happily ever after' of several well known fairy-tales. Although the styling within the film isn't what I envisage for my final major project, the idea of what happens after the story has ended interests me. In order to create a convincing narrative I feel it would be beneficial to create a character profile for each protagonist. This will help in creating characters that are alive, vivid and real, as well as helping with continuity.

Sleeping Beauty - A movie Inspiration

As RED is a combination of erotica and a traditional fairytale,during my first tutorial session I was advised to do research on modern adaptations of fairy tales.

Having been told about this particular film within a tutorial session, I was intrigued to watch it, and wasn't sure what to expect...

Sleeping Beauty (2011), directed by Julia Leigh is a disturbing adaptation of the traditional fairytale. The female protagonist Lucy, a young university student, embarks on an erotic freelance job in which she is required to sleep in a bed alongside paying customers. The one rule is that she is not allowed to be penetrated by these men, yet they are allowed to do what they will with her naked unconscious body. The way in which the old men use her body seems as if they are acting out necrophilia/rape fantasies which made it very difficult to watch. 

Focusing on the design elements of the film, the sets were elegant and beautifully done. Some scenes evoked the style of a moving painting. Actress Emily browning (female protagonist) had a  porcelain doll quality which added to her beauty and the role she played. The absence of music within the film contributed a mysterious and dark atmosphere subsequently enhancing the viewing experience. 

The aesthetics of this film were a great stimulus. For my FMP I intend the images to be as beautifully created and executed as the ones below. These images evoke intrigue from its viewer and that what I intend RED to do. 

Story Board

Admittedly my drawing skills aren't to the standard I would like so instead the story board has been done using visual references so when shown to a team will be clear and easy to follow. 

Revised Production Schedule

Mood Boards and Inspiration

 The two mood boards below represent the metamorphosis of the characters relationship throughout the book. Pastel, feminine and soft shades to start with progressing on to stronger, bolder colours, and the introduction of red representing the passion that has been sparked between the two protagonists.

The images in the mood board above shows passion as well as the representation of BDSM in a high fashion style. The images for the book are meant to be striking, in all aspects ranging from styling, make-up and the posing of the models. This means the models chosen for the shoots will have to be very comfortable in front of the camera and comfortable shooting together. RED will leave an impression on its viewers

Final Major Project - RED

RED is a photographic interactive book. Inspiration for the book has been taken from the multi-media phenomenon Fifty Shades of Grey, and the old age tale of Little Red Riding Hood. Harnessing and applying the undeniable popularity of Fifty Shades of Grey's central theme BDSM (bondage, discipline, submission, domination and sadomasochism) and Little Red Riding Hood will produce a product that is unique and fitting within contemporary culture. 

This book is an adult adaptation of the traditional fairytale love story, but with an erotic twist. The relationship between the two protagonists, unlike Fifty Shades of Grey, will have an equal and consensual relationship, thus challenging gender stereotypes. Without the stereotypical female submissive male dominant storyline, RED is set apart from other erotic literature currently popular on the market. 

The interactive aspect comes in with the help of the company Snap-Tag.com. They create codes that are easily scanned using any smartphone. My hope is to create my own code for the book, when scanned a soundtrack will play, enhancing the viewing experience of RED. 

The protagonists within the book will evolve as their relationship progresses from innocence to experience. A tale of sexual exploration and growth.