SKIN Trailer

 SIMULATING A MRI MACHINE

SKIN is an original play by Peter Todd, following Sadie, a young woman who is diagnosed with cancer. I am the Producer and the play will be performed at the Keble O'Reilly Theatre in Oxford (27-29 October 2022). As the Producer I am in charge of sourcing loans and grants and managing the budget (this includes working with all the departments – lighting, sound, props, set, and costume – and approving all purchases and invoices). I also coordinate the crew and ensure that everything is completed according to schedule. The sound for this production was particularly complicated: the Sound Designer, Alva, simulated a MRI machine. The sound was meant to be so loud and disorientating that it would shake seats; the idea was that the audience would feel immersed in the experience as well. We had some complications the with venue and organising a technician to rig the lights, but it was all resolved. 

I also shot the trailer for the production as part of the marketing. I co-directed it with the Writer/Director, Peter. We staged scenes from the play or that seemed everyday and ordered them to grow in intensity. There were over 30 shots for the 40 second trailer. We were very efficient during the shoot, which made it less intense (the shots did not have sound, so we were able to get through them quicker). We enjoyed using several LED lights, which added colour and dimension to the shots. These LED lights are being used in the actual performance: there is a choreographed sequence for the MRI scene. It is immersive and abstract, and designed to recreate the emotions of feeling trapped in the machine. 

Our Sound Designer created a simulated MRI soundscape for the trailer. I cut the trailer to the audio, which quickens and rises in intensity. I am very happy with the outcome; it is my favourite trailer that I have filmed. 

-Emma