Thesis working title: Can the process of making Computer Generated Imagery (CGI) sci-fi/fantasy costumes for Film be improved by utilising Smart Textiles?
Director of studies: Dr Christian McLening
Second Supervisors: Dr Jon Burgess; Dr Asha Ward
Bio:
I am a Costume Designer and Costume Concept Artist, based in Dorset. I have worked as a Costume Concept Artist, for Film and TV, for clients such as Disney, Lucasfilm, Marvel, DC and Netflix. I studied the BA in Costume Performance Design and then the MA in Animation Production, both at Arts University Bournemouth (AUB). I am currently a Postgraduate Research Student on AUB's Creative Tech/Materials Processes Studentship, working in the Innovation Studio.
Website/portfolio: https://sophiefretwell.wixsite.com/portfolio
Outline of research:
I am researching how the current model of collaborative working between the Costume and VFX departments in film could be improved, drawing on interviews from industry professionals and producing "smart textile" samples. The aim is to explore whether these "smart textiles" can replicate some of the properties of CGI fabric, looking at debates around the effectiveness of practical effects vs. visual effects in moving image.