It’s a new year and that means new play photos for the 2020 Season!
In the second round of our 2020 advance photo series, we take you behind the scenes of our shoot for Henry V. This season’s production features Kate Besworth (The Taming of the Shrew, 2019) in the title role of King Henry V and is directed by Lois Anderson (The Taming of the Shrew, 2019; Lysistrata, 2018).
Set in a mythical realm and inspired by medieval fantasy, Henry V is a sweeping, emotional tale of two kingdoms at war. The story explores what burden is placed on our young leaders when they face conflict, what price will they pay, and how much blood will be on their hands?
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- Costumes ready to go
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- Kate’s costume being fitted
Before sending Kate behind the camera, our team works on her hair, makeup and costuming. Bard Head of Wardrobe, Amy McDougall, brings multiple costume pieces and accessories so there are options when inspiration strikes in the moment!
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- Carey doing some touch-ups
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- Dean working with the props
We constantly make adjustments throughout the shoots. Dean Paul Gibson (Bard’s Associate Artistic Director and Creative Director for these sessions) works with the actors to bring their characters to life. Our Hair and Makeup artist, Carey Williams (@carey40) executes our vision for makeup and hair and expertly does touch-ups and changes as needed. Photographer Emily Cooper consults closely with Dean as she makes sure to get the shots we want.
Fun fact: the sword Kate is holding for this shoot is usually kept in Bard Artistic Director Christopher Gaze’s office; enter with caution!
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- The team reviews the shots Emily has taken
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- Videographer Ryan McDonald from The Art Left Creative
Dean and the Marketing team select a short list from hundreds of raw images. Then we test those choices on ‘fresh eyes’; a range of other people give their feedback to help us measure the impact of each shot. There’s a lot at stake, as these images – and our early season trailer – will make a significant first impression on the public, well before the plays open.
What else do you want to know about our season photo shoots? Comments and questions below.
Stay tuned for more behind the scenes action from our other two shoots… A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Paradise Lost.