A-Side

Aim: Set in 1971 London, A-Side follows Daniel's journey of self-discovery through the glam rock scene.

A-Side takes us to 1971 suburban London as we bear witness to the birth of glam rock from its very first appearance on Top of the Pops. However, this particular fable presents Jak DuPont - a Bowie-Esque superstar who awakens a new generation of androgynous and gender-liberated teens. Our story chronicles Daniel, a young boy on the edge of seventeen, who takes this very same journey of self-discovery. Bound to the constraints of his strictly conservative household, DuPont opens a gateway for Daniel, propelling him on a cosmic journey to uncover what it truly means to find comfort in his own skin.

The film takes place in the suburbs of London in the rise of the glam rock scene during the 70s, opening in 1971 and the two years following the rise of bands such as T.Rex, Slade, Mott the Hoople and namely David Bowie.

The core idea is based on the director's own discovery and expression of gender identity and it’s about finding self-empowerment within that. It’s about gaining confidence within your own skin and learning to take a stand against those who try to prevent you from being your true self. Additionally, it’s about how music has the power to guide us through the most turbulent times of our lives, it has the ability to heal us and help us unlock something we perhaps didn’t know wasn’t within us. It’s a universal language of self-expression.

This is perhaps a beacon, or guiding light to young individuals who are struggling with their identity or struggling with their parents' acceptance of them. It’s a story of self-empowerment within ourselves regardless of gender. It’s equally a story to show parents who are perhaps struggling to understand the psychology of their child, it’s an eye-opening experience for anyone who can empathise with identity and those who struggle to understand it.

DANIEL

(16-18). A young teen who is beginning to develop ideas about his gender identity. He looks through his sister’s magazines and compares himself to this innate feminine image, struggling to look the same. That’s until he sees Jak Dupont on TOP OF THE POPS and, for the first time, is awe stuck by the vision of a man who so freeingly blurs the lines of gender conformity. He finally realises the image that makes him feel comfortable and most importantly seen. A-Side follows his journey in battling his inner demons and those around him who force a different, far more archaic idea of manhood on him.  

LINDA

(late forties). A conservative and strict mother who tries to uphold her traditionalist beliefs. Tension brews as the glam rock scene proliferates and casts its way into her household, gripping her very own son. Linda is aware of Daniel’s straying perception of traditional boyhood and is horrified to uncover there’s something much wilder and “radical” along the way. As Daniel travels on his journey of self-discovery within the world of glam rock, she does everything in her power to uphold her values of the type of man she believes her son should really be.

JAK DUPONT

 (late 20’s). This is the film’s crown jewel. The David Bowie-esque character who triggers Daniel’s journey into the world of glam rock.

The world of A-Side contains two key spaces: the suburban home life of Daniel our protagonist, and the magical pop fantasy Jack DuPont lives in. One of our main aims with cinematography is to capture the division between these worlds, highlighting Daniel's journey in bridging the gap.

Some of our biggest inspirations for the look of the film are ‘Velvet Goldmine' (Todd Haynes, 1998), its stylised camera zooms and colourful lighting setups, and ‘Spencer’ (Pablo Larraín, 2021). Claire Mathon, DoP of ‘Spencer’ uses tracking and camera movement to reflect the power dynamics within the scene, a technique we are influenced by in sequences showing Daniel's home life. We are also looking to iconic ‘Top of the Pops' performances for DuPont’s glam rock world.

We are also looking to iconic ‘Top of the Pops' performances for DuPont’s glam rock world.

Inspired by the increasing theatricality and extravagance of the glam rock music and style and its contrast with more traditional and conservative 1960s-70s design, the production design will aim to create a look that reflects the growth and creativity of Daniel’s journey of self-discovery.

Embracing both aesthetics, the sets will aim to replicate the joy of finding and exploring one’s identity and its influence on visual choices. Films that have influenced Production Design include Velvet Goldmine and Almost Famous in their exploration of 1970s style and design.  

There is almost unlimited potential when it comes to the costumes for this film. We have the opportunity to get really creative with design and create something unique and visually exciting for viewers. The costume design has taken inspiration from a variety of sources - most notably examining some of David Bowie’s most iconic and exciting looks from the 1970s. The photography works of Mick Rock have also been a source of early inspiration.

Colour and silhouette will be carefully considered when designing for each character in A-Side, ensuring that the costumes are a true representation of said characters. The clothes worn in the film are to be an extension of the characters created and as such, further, immerse an audience into the story of A-Side.

The idea behind the Hair and Makeup for A-Side is to reimagine a variety of dazzling Bowie-style glam rock looks. This early 1970s style of music is characterized by the extravagant, androgynous look of the artists who performed it. Also known as ‘glitter rock’, the aesthetics of this musical movement will be portrayed through a striking Makeup colour palette, adorned with shimmer, and wild, rebellious hairstyles reminiscent of the time. Visual influence will be found through iconic bands such as T-rex, Sweet and Siouxsie and the Banshees.

Makeup is an integral part of the film’s storyline, meaning the Makeup Design will offer the viewer a closer emotional connection to the characters, particularly as it depicts the main character’s journey of self-discovery. Each unique look will also bring a sense of individuality to each character.

The Makeup designer will work closely with both the lighting and costume departments to achieve a seamless and cohesive look to the film. The close collaboration between departments will ensure that this come-of-age short film is brought to life through its combination of exciting complementing visuals.

The editing will be seamless, every cut will be on the basis of serving the characters, the story, and the film as a whole. With the film being a character-based story set in different time period these are the two aspects of the story we would focus on to best portray the world the characters live in, so the audience know why the characters are the way they are as the environment we live in makes us who we are. Also, we would like to showcase the journey of the character and how they change from start to finish, growing as a person and coming into their own self-identity.

A-Side is a story that explores relevant topics. The sound design will aim to enhance the discovery that our main character makes when entering a world in which he feels comfortable and his true self. The contrast between his everyday routine with his family and the glam rock space the character enters will also be embraced by the sound design, making it easy for the audience to recognise the transforation.

WRITER AND DIRECTOR:

JAMES PUNSHON (he/they)

The struggle to understand one's true identity is a battle I fear we all face. From a young age, I’ve been at odds with this idea of living up to expectations of gender. In many ways, it feels like a form of unwanted responsibility that’s thrust upon you from the word go. In truth, I’ve only ever felt comfortable when challenging these binaries. The concreteness of masculinity and femininity as a whole, undeniably to add this sense of inner ambivalence. In a way, you attempt to box yourself into a certain category but with time you begin to realise that nothing is bound by certainty. All these rules and expectations become entirely obsolete and this so-called ‘confusion’ becomes a new kind of strength. A-Side is a love letter to glam rock and its ability to inspire and encourage those who ask similar questions about their own identity. It’s a testament to my relationship with David Bowie’s music and how it’s aided me through exceedingly turbulent times of my life. To be able to share this story is the privilege of a lifetime - I hope to spotlight that deep, imitate discovery and also celebrate the power music has to heal and unlock something inside us.

My favourite glam rock songs are Bowie's 'Moonage Daydream' and 'Metal Guru' by T. Rex.

PRODUCER: MARGARET TATYANNA (she/her)

Hi, I’m Margaret and I’m the producer of A-Side! When I first heard the pitch for this film, I knew immediately that I'd want to be a part of making it come to life. I truly believe that this story has something, that anyone can find a part of themselves in – it has that rare ability to become a personal story to any audience member. As a queer filmmaker, identity and self-acceptance, are topics that have been naturally prevalent in both my life and my work – and it is through film that I was able to learn, accept and love my own identity; A-Side the type of film that will bring that representation and understanding to anybody seeking it. Being able to watch this project go from pitch to script to pre-production has already been such an exciting experience, I can’t wait for production to begin and to work with this absolutely incredible and talented crew!

My favourite glam rock songs have got to be ‘Fantasies’ by The Runaways and ‘Personality Crisis’ by New York Dolls.

PRODUCER: HANNAH HOWLETT (she/her)

I'm Hannah, and as co-producer of A-Side, I'm excited to get to work on organising the team and helping to prepare and develop the story in any way that I can. I think what drew me to this film was the meaning behind it. There is a level of importance in recognising gender fluidity in a time like back in the 1970s and creating a story that inspires and explores the realities of this turning point in history is what makes film exciting. Helping to tell this story and watching as something incredible is put together makes me proud to help produce and be part of an amazing team. My favourite glam rock song is 'Kickstart My Heart' by Mötley Crüe.

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY: HARRI GREY (they/them)

Hi! I’m Harri Grey, my pronouns are they/them and I am the Director of Photography for A-Side. This project’s story is incredibly personal to me, discovering glam rock as a young queer person aided in my self-acceptance a lot, which is what drew me to the story initially. I’m thrilled to be a part of the crew and can’t wait to bring the glitter fuelled world of A-Side to life through the cinematography.

“I don’t know where I’m going from here, but I promise it won’t be boring.”- David Bowie. 

My favourite glam rock song is ‘Strutter’ by KISS. 

GAFFER: ZAYDA SCHNEIDER (she/her)

A-Side caught my eye immediately. Since before I can remember my household was filled with 70s music, with Bowie specifically playing nearly every day. He’s been a source of inspiration and comfort since I could speak. Combining this with being queer myself and having a long journey of discovering my identity, this film captured such a key part of myself that I knew I wanted to work on it. The ambitious visuals also presented an opportunity to challenge myself and the team. A glam rock-centered film invites spectacle, with fantastical sequences involving equally fantastical lighting. I can’t wait to craft them with the crew and bring this film to life! 

Finally, I have to stay true to the Hunky Dory tattoo on my knee and say it’s far and away my favorite glam rock album, with Changes being one of my favorite songs of all time.

CAMERA OPERATOR: EDDIE SUTHERS (he/him)

Hey, I’m Eddie Suthers and I am the camera operator on A-Side. The reason I chose to work on this film is that I know it’s a really personal story to the director. It is an important story about the queer experience but also has many other relatable themes such as masculinity and identity. Coming-of-age is my favourite genre and as the camera operator, I’m really excited to compose some beautiful shots and work with an amazing team in order to bring James’ vision to life.

PRODUCTION DESIGNER: CHARLOTTE SMITH (she/her)

Hi!! I’m Charlotte one of the production designers for A-Side! I’m super excited to work on the film because I love the 70s, the fashion, the music, and the interior design! I was drawn to this film from the visuals and the potential to create a time portal back to the 70s and research the details of a house and exactly how it would be in 1971! I'm especially looking forward to creating Daniel, the main character's, bedroom as I feel this will truly capture the essence of the 70s Bowie style we’re attempting to create!! My fave glam rock song would be 'the bitch is back' by Elton John.

PRODUCTION DESIGNER: ABBIE GREEN (she/her)

I’m Abbie, Co-Production Designer on A-Side. I was initially drawn to this project by the opportunity to delve into the design of the glam rock period and experiment with 1970s music and style. This combined with the coming-of-age story really attracted me as I found Daniel’s journey of self-discovery to be impactful and relatable. I’m really excited to design and dress some 1970s sets, especially with a good playlist going! One of my favourite glam rock songs is ‘Oh! You Pretty Things’ by David Bowie.

HAIR & MAKEUP DESIGNER: ERIN GOSS (she/her)

Hi, my name is Erin and I’m the Makeup Designer on A-Side. I come from a Fine Art background, so am motivated by the vibrant use of colour and expressive application techniques. I view Makeup as painting on a 3D canvas. For this project, I’ll be reimagining a variety of Bowie-style Glam rock makeup and hair looks. I am really excited to take inspiration from such a striking musical movement. I was especially drawn to the honest, personal storyline that this film depicts, and feel grateful for the opportunity to be involved in designing the visuals for it. I hope to bring the audience closer to the characters through each uniquely personal makeup and hair look.

My favourite Glam rock song would have to be Bennie and the Jets by Elton John!

COSTUME DESIGNER: MILLIE BURMAN (she/her)

I’m Millie and I’ll be working as Costume Designer on A-side. This essentially means I’ll be breaking down the script in order to get a full understanding of each character and their personalities and then using this knowledge to design them each a selection of costumes to help bring them to life. 

I’ve been studying Performance and Design and Film Costume at AUB for the past three years and I feel so honoured to have A-Side as my first legitimate film experience. I felt drawn to the project as soon as I saw the early concept poster designs. As a costume student, there’s nothing more exciting to me than wonderful glitz, glam, and fun, vibrant colours in a period setting! On top of that as well there’s such a heart and emotion to the story that I felt even more connected to it. 

My favourite song from the glam rock scene has got to be 'Perfect Day' by Lou Reed!

SOUND DESIGNER: AROA FUENTES (she/her)

Hello, I'm Aroa, the sound designer for A-Side! Where do I start? This film is a beautiful, personal journey in which the main character becomes their true self through makeup and music. What appealed to me the most about this story was how much this transition was so shaped by sound. I believe it's an amazing opportunity to create a whole world through sound in which an identity is born. I can't wait to work on this project and make the characters and what surrounds them come to life.

From glam rock to rock bottom, all the way back to the stars!

And my favourite glam rock song is Queen Bitch by David Bowie!!!

EDITOR: SAM JONES (he/him)

As an editor, we’re taught to best portray the story to the audience, with this film there is no better story to tell than one that focus’ on an individual and their growth. The project is one I felt I could understand well as myself and the director communicate well with one another and speak each other’s creative language. I’m fascinated with the idea of portraying stories such as films like This is England (2006) as they focus on characters that live in a world that is a character within itself. I'm super excited to best translate this story James is telling to the big screen.

With your support, you will be enabling this incredible creative process and become part of the beautiful story we are trying to tell. Every share and every donation, no matter the size, will bring us one step closer to making this film a reality. From the A-Side family, we thank you for your support and interest in our story!

Keep up to date with the production and get an exclusive look at the behind-the-scenes through our socials!

Our Instagram!

Our Facebook!

Our TikTok!

`