BBC Three - Lip Sync & Spill
- Oct 28, 2022
- 6 min read
Updated: Feb 18, 2023
Sept 27 - Oct 24, 2022
Introduction
As a future production designer, we might design the studio environment for wide range of productions. The aim of this project was to introduce us to Design for Film & TV thinking and process, fundamental art department skills and vocabulary.
Brief
Our task was to create a TV studio design for a weekly late-night programme for BBC Three, covering varied topics, targeted at a viewing audience age range 16-34. This would be a small studio, live production, intended for one anchor person with guests. Our design needed to create a strong and innovative programme identity/visual style for the channel.
We needed to explore and decide upon:
The title, alongside the content/bias of the show.
The presenter (or possibly group of presenters).
The overall concept, style and look of the production.
TV Studio Facilities:
Transmitted from Studio 6 (studio plan provided); white and black cyclorama were available. We could paint/vinyl the floor.
About
I wanted to create a show that would be made by queer people for queer people. As I feel strong connection with LGBTQ+ part of my identity, I wanted to use this chance to explore this topic as NTU provides open and safe space to do so.
My idea was to create show that was light-hearted, fun and relatable. Queer guests would come, tell their silly life stories of bad dates and coming outs, and then perform to their favourite pop songs. As a host I choose Olly Alexander as he's young, energetic, funny and totally queer!
Research
For my research I explored variety of British and American light entertainment shows. Like 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!', 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon', 'The Late Late Show With James Corden', 'The Graham Norton Show' and 'RuPaul's Drag Race UK' and 'RuPaul's Drag Race' (US).
My decision to create LGBTQ+ show was backed up by evidence that proves that generation Z is the queerest generation there has ever been. And the world, especially Europe, is more accepting than ever. Additionally 'RuPaul's Drag Race' success has proved that not only LGBTQ+ community is interested in shows with such a theme.
I looked up recordings of these shows on YouTube to determine what studio layout have their production designers created. I found out that often it creates triangle shape with link/presentation, performance and discussion area.
Moodboard
Because the show was queer, I decided to express that through bold and colourful set that had black backdrop to draw all the attention to colours. All the different tones would start in the background and then 'drip' down the stairs closer to the audience. As for discussion area I was inspired by 80's conversation pit that created cozy, intimate atmosphere for long night talks.
Sketches
Sketches are in order of project progression. I started with form and shape exploration. With some elements worked out I was able to create more in-detail drawing that became key sketch. From then on I started working on precise stage shape, stairs and how all those parts would create fluid design.
By brainstorming I came up with different moods and feelings for show's name. I thoroughly enjoyed coming up with witty and silly titles. Some of the best ones were 'Glitter Talks', 'Sync Spill Shade' and 'Queer Lip-Sync'. After hearing feedback from my coursemates and friends, I selected 'Lip-Sync & Spill' as my show's title!
Rough Models
Next step was to create sketch models using magazines and newspapers.
I started with a generic semicircle and then echoed circular shapes in discussion and performance area. To simply represent curtains I used zigzag fold. From my first model I was already determined to represent different levels, to achieve that I used simple distancers cut out from foamboard.
To create and decide on precise measurements, I used SketchUp and took full advantage of it's different tools.
I printed out SketchUp's top view and used it as stencil to build my second sketch model.
During one of the studio times I received a very valuable feedback from my coursemate and following her advice I decided to omit circular performance stage altogether. Stairs and stage shape already created necessary division between different action zones
Process
Here I started working on the final model. After creating shape of the stage and stairs, I used dark silver card to neatly cut out shapes to fit onto and around the model. One of my coursemates shared with me how to create realistic, soft and fluffy looking sofa using foamboard and felt sheets. I was more than satisfied with the result!
These pictures were taken at Boningtons Art Shop. I was trying out different types of card as a base around my stage. After thoughtful consideration I decided to choose light pink sheet, because it provided contrast, worked great with the green sofa, but generally was still quite neutral.
After main stage was ready, I consulted with my tutor and realised that I could use black cyclorama that was in the Studio 6 already. Therefore for the background I added painted panels and a couple of them had rainbow stripes. Why didn't I use more rainbows in my set design? Because by doing so I believe the whole design would be too straight forward and thus boring and cliché.
One of the last things to create was link/presentation area. For the entrance I choose white/silver glitter as material that is light and shiny, but at the same time added another texture to the overall look of the stage.
Finished Model
A short non-edited video recording from the model,
demonstrating the camera shot potential of my design.
Technical Drawing
Visuals
Reflection
This was my first university project, it was fun, challenging and rewarding.
What did I learn?
I learned the importance of Moodboards and proper in-depth research. During this project I learned tools and used different art media to achieve well-rounded sketch/try-out process of my design. Already in this project I learned how work flows in film and TV industry. Our tutor Kerry as well as my coursmate feedback was very valuable for improvements. I also explored new medias as photoshop, pencils and marker, while creating highly rendered visuals.
What went well?
I once more proved myself how advantageous are skills that I already had, it was great continuing honing them. I created a beautiful and neat model that I'm very proud of. My interior design experience allowed me to draw high quality draft of my stage. My whole experience during this month was great, I loved what I was doing and learning. I already appreciated the creative side of this project from creating sketches to my concept art and model making as well. And if being honest, I'm looking forward to do more of such projects and tasks and therefore improve these creative skills in next three years.
What was challenging and what could I have done better?
Non of the things felt really challenging to me, but it might be because how much I enjoyed doing every bit of the project. Next time I would like to improve my time management skills and work more hours throughout the length of the project rather than clamp everything in the last week. As much I love grinding before deadlines, having time for myself is important as well. Another thing that I plant to work on during my next project is - research, I want to go more in depth so I have sturdy base to build my design onto. For technical drawing - from now on I will use smaller text size and arrow as not to overpower plan itself.
Long-term implications
Be confident, take risks in trying out new medias.
In-depth research is key!
Use as many as possible tools to convey design - sketches, model, SketchUp, Photoshop, Rendered visuals, technical drawings and so on.
Always use human figure, so that scale of the design reads easily.
Conclusion and other feelings
As I mentioned before BBC Three project was a joy to work on. I also liked the structure of my course, that I need to put all my attention to one project at a time, rather than have multiple ones to finish at the end of the year. That's how it was when I studied Interior Design, the end of term was always full of anxiety and all-nighters.
And to finish off, here's a cheesy quote 'The More You Love Your Job, The Harder You’ll Work'.
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