Project 1 | photography

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The Power of the Portrait:

Portraits, Self Portraits and Identity

Experiment with different layouts and designs.
Use black and white and colour, text, illustration, double exposure etc.

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Year 12 Project 1
The Adventures of
Priscilla Queen of the Desert

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“I hereby christen this budget Barbie camper Priscilla, Queen of the Desert!”

Film Synopsis -

When drag queen Anthony (Hugo Weaving) agrees to take his act on the road, he invites fellow cross-dresser Adam (Guy Pearce) and trans woman Bernadette (Terence Stamp) to come along. In their colourful bus, named Priscilla, the three performers travel across the Australian desert performing for enthusiastic crowds and homophobic locals. But when the other two performers learn the truth about why Anthony took the job, it threatens their act and their friendship.

1. Watch the Trailer

Whilst watching the film, consider the following:

Location/scenery

Costume/colour

Subject and storyline

Impact of individual scenes.

Characters and Representation

Language

Hidden meanings and messages

Your own reactions and opinions

Things that have stayed the same or changed since the film was made in 1994

"Priscilla, Queen of the Desert is a classic film that introduced the world of drag queens to many people in 1994. It also gave an insight into the lives of those in the LGBT community at that time. As a member of the LGBT community myself, it brings me such joy to remember that the film shined a rather positive light on gay men and transgender women in a time where they still had to fight for their basic rights.." - Abbie Sears for Film 25L

In groups discuss the main themes within the film and the potential for photoshoots in response.

What do I need to produce?

You have got three weeks to complete this project. You are asked to present a series of imagery from 3 or more photoshoots, that explores one or more of the themes within the film.
Each shoot should be between 60-100 photographs.
6-10 of These images will be edited and presented as an awareness Campaign.

You need to watch the film closely and take notes on the elements of the film that capture your imagination and remake it in your own special way.

You could go to places that look similar to the film, find items that link to the characters, draw sketches of scenes, recreate a scene etc..... Its entirely up to you......It's your interpretation and creative response that we are interested in.

2. Use the links below for Pinterest and individual scenes on Youtube to do further research. Screenshot scenes that will inspire photoshoots and develop your ideas.

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3. Create a mind map and research pages on the films key themes along with your own ideas, in your sketchbook, and plan your photoshoots

Photoshoot plan.jpg

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4. Experiment with your images and present them as a campaign that would be seen on social media or an online magazine. Use the Pinterest boards to give you inspiration and ideas. Place these ideas in your sketchbook along with your final edited images:

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5. Use the checklist to ensure you have everything you need in your sketchbook to meet the deadline.

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