"The Fay's" - 1920s Set Design

Aim

For my University Graduate Project, I will be creating and designing a couple's living room set in New York City during 1925.

Hi, I'm Iman McPherson! I'm currently in my final year at Bournemouth University studying BA (Hons) Film. Throughout the course, I have thoroughly enjoyed and harboured a growing passion for Production Design. It's a crucial component of filmmaking that is easily overlooked and unappreciated. For my graduate project, I will be undertaking the role of Production Designer to create a set - a couple’s living room in New York City during 1925, with the forefront aesthetic of Art Deco.

The couple are inspired by real life people, Larry Fay and his wife, Evelyn Crowell. Larry was a bootlegger during the Prohibition and owner of a top speakeasy called “El Fey”, while Evelyn was a Broadway show girl. 

I will be producing a digital portfolio to feature my conceptual design processes and research to document my development in the lead up to my set design. For my set design, I will have two models to portray Larry and Evelyn and a cinematographer to film and photograph the completed piece. This will highlight the set coming to life through the interaction and conjunction of the characters with the production design, and how this can transport one to a different era.

The money raised through this Crowdfunder will go directly towards acquiring furniture, props, costumes and other materials. 

Through this project, I hope to gain an eye-opening experience to the creative challenges and opportunities faced by a production designer on a student budget. I feel that the complexities surrounding this project will sustain my interest and deepen my understanding towards budgeting as a vital skill, especially as an undergraduate who seeks to enter the film industry. I am also incredibly eager to comprehensively learn about a revolutionary period of design and style. 

Thank you very much for taking the time to read this! 

I'd appreciate any donations that you can spare #alittlegoesalongway

This project successfully funded on 5th April 2021