upper hand
production designer | costume designer
UPPER HAND - 2024 (Short Film)
“Short Film about trauma and its affect on a teen's life and relationship with his Mum”
Writer/Director: Isaac Winzer
Director of Photography: Tristan McDougall
Production Designer/Wardrobe: Erin Mackellin Production Design Assistant: Jessica Giaccotto Editor: Zac Winzer
Starring:
Zachary Fernandez Camila Palacios Steven Sammut Corey Saylor-Brunskill
THE PROCESS
As the Production/Costume Designer of, ‘Upper Hand’, I had a very small budget of around $400 AUD to work with.
There were a few primary locations: Mr Anderson’s Office, The School, Levi’s House and the Soccer Field.
I wanted to stick to blues, yellows and greys throughout the film; linking Levi’s present with his past; as this film is about the effect of childhood trauma. I made some mental health posters for the background.
Many of the props and furnishings have a nostalgic feel to it, however I wanted to flip this idea on its head as ‘nostaglia’ can also be quite depressing. Levi is living in the past and not the present moment. We juxtapose this with the scenes with Coach Brad where he is outdoors with the greenery.
I also liked the idea of utilising the empty space. I liked the idea of the closed folded door behind Valerie to add a warped feeling. Purposely wanted to have a jarring feeling as this is a personal story to Levi.
We didn’t film at a school, so it was a challenge sourcing all the furniture to suit the tone of the film, whilst also sticking to the budget. I am very grateful for marketplace!
My favourite to deisgn was Levi’s room for when he was a kid.
I also designed the costumes and hand stitched the embroidery onto Levi’s School Bag, and Coach Brad’s uniform.
