Claire Homewood: Film

I have worked in the film and television industries since the end of 2002.

I took the skills and experience I gained from working on commercials and the feature film 'The Fall' to London in 2004. There, I was fortunate to work on a variety of productions including two series' of BBC's Waking The Dead. Working as Standby Art Director allowed me to represent the Art Dept on set and work closely with the DOP and Directors. The Standby Art Director's job is also about keeping a keen artistic eye on each frame that passes through the camera - an excellent way to keep my visual understandings exercised in terms of composition, light and camera.

Lab Set, Waking The Dead

Another lunch at Waking The Dead

Sideways view of me in a 'Lost Boy' mask and half of Marcus (one of my fab propmen) in the fake snow

I was very happy to work on the Film London funded 'Shifty' - based on the true story of a Muslim crack dealer. We shot this fast paced feature film in only 3 weeks, with all departments working out of one truck. Quite a rush! But worth the effort as the film was screened in cinemas around the UK and has been nominated for a BAFTA.

Still from 'Shifty'

In London, I also got to work with Bill Nighy, laugh at the live weekly antics of Ant and Dec, have a drink with Christian Slater, film in all kinds of fab and not so fab London locations and experience being taught by Terry Ackland Snow (Rocky Horror Picture Show, Batman, Superman, The Labyrinth etc) at Pinewood Studios.

Driving with Terry- off to Friday country pub lunch

Yay! Its Baby Spice!

Ant / Dec

Arriving back in SA I got to work on the SABC 'Hopeville' series, landing up in the tiny town of Waterval Boven, Mpumalanga. With no prop houses to hire from I found myself in and out of the locals' house borrowing furniture, curtains and rugs, meeting some pretty endearing characters and being laiden with lentil stews and melk terts.

Hopeville 2008

Cape Town saw me set dressing 'Glamour and Gloria' - a German made film based on Jurgen Harksen. And for the rest I have been busy with commercials.

Gosser commercial - Long St, Cape Town

I love working in film because of its quick pace, and immediate need for creative problem solving. I also get to be bossy and visit all kinds of amazing places. No two days are the same and I get to bond with all different kinds of peoples through long hours on set or off.

Party time with new found friends Kate and Norah @ ITV, London

Another fab friend, Emma - discovered during hours and weeks and months of filming

Idealy I would love to be a creative co-director of a film that pushes all known boundaries of filmic visual possibilities whilst inspiring minds and flying hearts in hot air ballons above lands elegant and eclectic. Be hardcore in a direct engagement with subject matter that is relevant to where we are at and where we want to go as a species. And be as environmentally responsible as possible. There is enough time and budget not to have to throw so many water bottles in the rubbish.

M&M's Commercial SA 10

Pinewood Studios, London

Working on drawings for the film draughting course I did. Original Batmobile drawings and photos in the background on wall.

Films:

''Glamour and Gloria'' Two Oceans Productions Jan – April 09

Worked as Lead Set Dresser on the 2 part German TV Film under Art Director: Darryl Hammer

‘’Slapper’’ Celador Films Sept 07

Short Film Written and Directed by Chiwetel Ejiofor. Worked as Standby Art Director under Production Designer: Erik Rehl

‘’Shifty’’ Between the Eyes August 07

Film London funded feature film. Worked as Standby Art Director under Production Designer Erik Rehl and Director Eran Creevy.

“The Fall” Made in Africa and Radical Media UK Production April 04

Worked as Set Decorator’s Assistant during pre-production on the 1915 period film (SA) Director: Tarsem Singh, Production Designer: Ged Clarke, Art Director: Lisa Hart, Set Decorator: Riccardo Pugliese