I am really excited to share with you this week the behind-the-scenes photographs and the final edit of the video created with students from Nottingham Trent University (NTU) as part of their Alice Re-Imagined Project.
If you missed Part One, don’t worry you can catch up by clicking this link to read the previous blog article. Keep reading if you are ready to follow the white rabbit and jump down, down, down into Wonderland.
I visited Newstead Abbey in Nottinghamshire and was greeted by the sights of the magnificent grounds and historic house. The team of Film Students: Rachel Mellors, Lewis J. Dyer and Jake O’Brien, had already visited the site and planned where the shots would take place. We filmed in the Spanish Garden, the Rose Garden, the Japanese Garden, outside Main Entrance and inside various rooms within the mansion house. I felt quite inspired by the exquisitely maintained gardens and could imagine a deck of cards popping out spontaneously to paint the roses red.
The following quote from Alice in Wonderland captures the essence of the filming day. It captures the magic of the quick changes as I switched between different costumes, characteristics and settings.
“I knew who I was this morning, but I’ve changed a few times since then.” [Lewis Carroll]
Here are a few snapshots taken by the students and lecturers whilst we were filming.
Finally, I am thrilled to share with you the final edit. The students have done a wonderful job, and I had a wonderful time taking part in the project.
I would like to thank Emma Belli for asking me to participate in this project and for introducing me to her colleagues at NTU. I really enjoyed working with her and Lottie Adams. They are both focused on finding industry experiences for their students so that they finish their NTU courses with professional portfolios that will help them stand out from the crowd. I would also like to thank Adrian Davies and the Newstead Abbey Team for making me feel so welcome whilst we were filming at Newstead Abbey.
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Wonderful video, Charlotte. Thanks for sharing it.
I loved watching the video John, so thats what I did on my birthday hehe.
Best wishes
Charlotte
😁
What amazing costumes, you rock them all. 👍👍
Did you do the vocals to the video as well?
We didn’t sadly, they didn’t have the voice recording equipment, I was singing my way through it at some points but I had to stop because the videographer was worried that lip sinking between cuts wouldn’t look right. Hehe, hard to keep me quiet. But… If they want a voice over recording, I’m up for it, just not for the next two weeks lol.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Wonderful. You definitely are Alice… 👏🏻
Thanks Brian, it was a lot of fun experimenting with all the different looks.
Best wishes
Charlotte
I suspect you like the costumes (along with the roles and and the songs…)
Wonderful performance. The costumes were excellent, as were the shooting locations and musical accompaniment. Everyone involved created a very memorable experience.
It was a real team effort. I was really impressed with the grounds at Newstead Abbey, it’s a shame I’m not living closer because I’d love to go to their Christmas exhibition.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Fun, fun, fun! Thanks for sharing.
I had a brilliant day and as it was my birthday it was a proper treat. The time just disappeared.
Best wishes
Charlotte
That was such a fun video. Great costumes. The space bell bottoms where so sixties. A nice jolt into the future. You are a fierce warrior. Your martial arts shone through the way you wielded that sword. I’m happy to see you having so much fun. The videography and production are fantastic.
I am so glad that came across Timothy, I channelled one of my Dads favourite movies Highlander, I just thought why have I never been cast as a warrior lol. I loved all the costumes they were very inventive. The videographers and Producer were students, they had great ideas for transitions but gave me a lot of freedoms for improvisation too. Although when they asked if I could run over the stepping stones in those platform boots I did have to just trot hehe.
Best wishes
Charlotte
That must of have been great working with talented young people with good imaginations. I get you on the platform boots. High heels, too. Although, I saw Spanish women do some amazing soccer moves in high heels when we lived in Spain. Liana Blackburn dances in high heels. Have you seen her? This is a great choreography to Dance Monkey: https://youtu.be/cwub1m1pg0c
Thanks for sharing, it was excellent, the thinness of those stilettos though. I used to dance latin in high heels but they were never that thin and had felt soles, I’d love to know if these were specialist dance stilettos with felt or just street footwear, its quite dangerous for a dancer twist their ankle and bam 💥. I was always lucky being tall that I didn’t have to wear stilettos all the time lol 😂.
I’m pretty sure she is wearing dance stilettos. I know all about the problems with street shoes and dance floors. For men’s shoes, non-dance shoes either stick and throw you off or they are too slick. When we were doing a lot of Latin dancing, we always wore our dance shoes. The Cuban refugees, on the other hand, wore any old shoes and their shoes didn’t seem to effect their style or amazing moves in the least.
Fantastic, Charlotte!
You are one great actress, but I already knew that!
The video is professional.
The costumes are terrific. You played into each one, perfectly! Was there a director? Was it a student?
Also, I know how hard you worked, in terms of all the costume and character changes.
BRAVO
to all of the students and to you!!!!
Ah, FYI, your test comment on Art Gowns worked! Did you have to log in?
xx
Thank you Resa, there were three film students and they had pre-decided which outfit was going to be shot in each grounds and I was told which pathways to start and finish, but the freedom to explore each character was great and Rachel was very clear on her instructions. You’re right the costume changes were rapid, thirty minutes for each recording part it was like a whirlwind. The students will be thrilled that someone as talented as you have commented positively on their work.
It was the first time I didn’t have to try and put in my e-mail and password and then shortly after that I was getting thrown, this time it went straight through on two different ways computer/phone. Yay 😁
Best wishes always,
Charlotte
Yay about ability to comment! 😁😁
The students should be proud of themselves!
You should, too!
You were not just a good sport, but a willing adventurer!
They were lucky to have such a beautiful Diva to work with.
Who knows, perhaps one of those young designers will be of some help with your project.
I’m impressed with the professional level achieved.
Your Art Gown is in a cool phase.
With the skirt done, (except for hem) I am exploring the bodice details. I won’t rush myself, as I want to make great decisions.
I do believe the back 1/3 of the bodice will be in 1 way stretch velvet. It will have a separating zipper down the centre back.
Easy to get in and out of, and easy to alter.
Still, there’s more to decide.
LOL, then a lot more sewing will ensue.
Best to you, Charlotte!
❦🌹❦
OOOOooooo I can’t wait, stretch velvet sounds fantastic. I’m in a mad rush myself right now, so you are so right to take your time and enjoy it.
Best wishes Resa always 😘
Charlotte
WOWWWWWWWWWWWWWW very nice work ! I love this movie and you are a fantastic actress my dear !!!! Congratulations !!!!! The best for you, always !! xx
Thank you Pascal, I’m glad you enjoyed the film, I had fun collaborating in it. I will be sure to pass on your enjoyment to the students as a professional artist and videographer.
Best wishes always,
Charlotte
Great !!! xx
Superb work – those students are privileged to have worked with you, and your appreciation of working with them is also clear.
Ahhh, that’s a very generous comment Thomas, thank you.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Bravo to all of the costume designers, the people doing the filming and, of course, your performance. The opera star with no voice? lol, your acting and choreography were perfect, and each person fit the costume perfectly. A whole lot of fun!
Each costume inspired me. I can only imagine what the film score would sound like if they developed it with me singing. I did feel like singing the Alien aria from the fifth element in the first look I must admit, love that song and my version of Queen’s ‘Who wants to live forever’ as the warrior, I was a bit like Ariel in order to be Alice they took my voice 😂. Don’t worry I’m working on new songs and arias for my Down the Rabbit Hole. Great fun.
Best wishes
Charlotte
How wonderful. It looks as if you all had a great time on this too.
It gave me some great inspiration for my project. Actually it would be fun to perform it at the Abbey.
Best wishes
Charlotte
So fine, Charlotte.
You’d have loved to have been on set, it was absolutely bonkers. They did really well with just natural light. Adrian from the Abbey couldn’t have been more helpful and so lovely.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Swords are your thing and now I am genuinely afasid of you.
Oh Yeah! Honestly im a bit sad they wouldn’t let me keep it. It’s a good thing my karate sensei didn’t teach me sword skills, although I did used to use nunchucks. If I see a sword fighting lesson available you never know I might sign up.
best wishes
Charlotte
Very nice 👌
Thank you Amritpal, glad you enjoyed it.
Best wishes
Charlotte
What a lot of fun, and it came out so professional. Bravo to all concerned.
It was really professional. I wouldn’t hesitate to book them to do a recording so I hope they go on to great things when they graduate.
Best wishes
Charlotte
From your performance (s) to the production values, this is first rate (and then some). Entertaining! Impressive! Well done to all of you.
Thanks Annette, it was a proper birthday treat and I felt ten years younger being around all the students hehe. My body reminded me I wasn’t the next day. My Mum said it would have been fun to slide down the bannister from the first shot until she realised how high up it was, then she said, ‘thank goodness you resisted sliding down the balcony’ lol.
Best wishes
Charlotte
What delightful fun so well produced.
The grounds were just beautiful, just natural light so they did well moving from inside and out and splicing it all together (not sure that’s the right word but.. hehe).
Best wishes
Charlotte
I certainly understood splicing 🙂
You have certainly brought Alice to life and into a new world Charlotte..fabulous costumes and video.. ♥
Thank you, it was a fantastic coincidence at the same time that I’m working on my libretto and scene links for Down the Rabbit Hole, really inspired me. They were very talented.
Best wishes
Charlotte
You just shine at everything you do. A brilliant film and the costumes were amazing! You rocked it my friend!💃🤗🥰
Can you imagine how much fun I had 😂. Just a fantastic birthday and I took the opportunity to pop home to have the weekend. By the way Mum told me you’d been busy making Pom poms for me so thanks so much for that and please pass on my thanks to Karen too.
Best wishes 😘
Charlotte
What fun and amazing all around, Charlotte! 💞
Thanks Lauren, I enjoyed seeing how they put it all together. 💕
Best wishes
Charlotte
But you are brave
Indeed, well I like to think so anyway 🙃
Best wishes
Charlotte
Absolutely fabulous Charlotte, brilliant film! Love it 💙😘 xxx
Thanks Jo 😃 it was a great experience, dusting off my acting skills 🎭 everything ached the next day when I woke up 😂.
Best wishes
Charlotte 😘
You’re a wonderful Alice, Charlotte!
Thank you Jeff. Have a super week ahead.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Wow, you epitomize Alice 🙂 What a fun video, but mostly it shows off your acting ability and charisma… this is special, Charlotte, and I can see why you had so much fun with this. You’re the best Alice in Wonderland I’ve seen 🙂
Hello Dalo,
Your comment has made my day and that is certainly a great way to start the new year! Thank you for watching my video and stepping into Wonderland with me.
Happy New Year!
Best Wishes,
Charlotte
Charlotte, how exiting! You look like a regular “Braveheart” wielding that sword. A belated but warm Merry Christmas.
-Alan
Hello Alan,
Thank you! I love that you made the connection to Braveheart. I was definitely channelling that energy during the filming. A belated merry Christmas to you too and a Happy New Year!
Best Wishes,
Charlotte
FREEDOM!
-Alan