Costumes, Hair and Makeup: The Jazz Band

In our group we distributed responsibilities of attaining the costumes for performers in each of the three elements. Aidan was assigned with finding the ballet clothes, Kristien is to bring the boxing outfit and I have to supply each member of the jazz band. We decided that we are going to avoid using dark coloured costumes, because the majority of our performers will be black and filmed against a dark background. Thus, a variety in colours is necessary to make the actors distinguishable. 

We agreed to have the musicians in dark blue suits because this would make them easily visible and align with the energetic nature of the composition, while preserving certain formality that is present in jazz clubs. They will have no facial make up, but their hair will be gelled, because this is a conventional appearance of jazz musicians. Identical outfits would also make them appear as members of a single group and contribute to the impressive visual effect that they will have on the audience as a cooperating band.  

The lead singer will be dressed in white because this will make him stand out. This distinction is necessary to highlight the importance of his role. Our first choice performer for the lead singer has very short hair which will not require any preparations. However, other candidates will have to gel their hair to align with the rest of the band members.

Our back-vocal singers will wear long red dresses. This is an elegant attire that will contribute to the sophisticated atmosphere of a jazz club and make the two performers identifiable. They will wear make up and have specially prepared hairstyles, because this is a conventional appearance for female backup singers. 

Although there will only be several shots of the audience and their visibility will be limited due to the dull lighting, it is important to make their appearance fit the rest of the actors. Therefore, they will wear formal clothes with combination of white and black colours.

Our school has a large drama department which usually provides media studies with props and costumes. I already have once borrowed a red dress from them when we shot the thrillers. Nevertheless, they are specialised in theatre rather than film, so I will have to order the necessary components from amazon or other online shops. I will do it as soon as our performers will be confirmed, so that I will be able to choose the right sizes.