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The London College of Fashion (LCF) has an unrivalled reputation in the industry for training in technical effects, make-up and prosthetics and costume for performance.
The three subject areas work closely together as creative partnerships, reflecting the collaborative nature of the industry. We explore each of these below:
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Interdisciplinary course
LCF's BA (Hons) in Technical Effects for Performance is a highly creative and specialist course. Taught by skilled visiting professionals and dedicated staff, students explore the creation of three-dimensional constructed images for the human form and its surrounding space within a range of performance contexts. The course is interdisciplinary and covers a broad spectrum - from masks to realistic prosthetic limbs; from armour fabrication to special effects costumes used on 'creature' films and from large carnival costumes to small stop-motion animation puppets.
Cutting edge connections
LCF has very strong links with the fashion and performance industries, giving students the opportunity to build contacts through work placements and industry projects. Due to the collaborative nature of the three performance degrees, the students are well prepared for the level of teamwork that is expected of them in industry, and as such, are highly sought after by employers. Dr Jessica Bugg, the director of programmes for the performance degrees at LCF explains that "the teaching staff all come from industry, therefore maintaining that connection and ensuring that the advice and training they give remains cutting edge."
Creative careers
Many of the graduates are now working as freelance F/X prop makers and assistants for theatre, film and television. Ex-students have been involved with West End productions such as Lion King and Les Miserables; films such as Batman, Harry Potter and The Da Vinci Code and television shows including Little Britain and Holby City. Some students have also transferred their expertise to other fields such as art direction and sculpture. As Technical Effects student Sophie Clayton comments, "our experience is so broad that we can work anywhere in the industry - costume, prosthetics and puppetry, and that's just the beginning! I've been taught so many techniques already this year and it's just so much fun."
Bringing ideas to life
In the first year of the degree, students begin with the basics such as life sculpting, the use of armatures, face casting and moulding and mask making. Students work on set texts and bring their ideas to life using the practical skills taught in the technical processes workshops.
In the second year the students build on the skills they have learned so far and carry them further. There is a focus on film and television technical effects as well as for the theatre. The second year is also the time where students may get their first taste of working in the industry as they are assigned industry-linked work placements. In the past, LCF has found placements with the Royal Opera House and National Theatre, The Harry Potter films, stop-motion animation films such as The Corpse Bride as well as with many of the shows in the West End.
In the third year, the students prepare for the end of year show. At this point, all three courses liaise in preparation for the show in conjunction with professional actors, art directors, lighting and sound engineers. LCF's 2009 end of year performance, Liz and Di, took place at London's Cochrane Theatre and as always was attended by industry people looking for new talent.
The final show reflects the real strength of this course, with the emphasis being working as a team in a professional environment. The final year also offers student a chance to develop their own personal project, concentrating on a specialist area that they want to take further.
Application success
For applications to the course, there are several things that the faculty staff are looking for in a student. Beyond the academic qualifications necessary for a degree, is a real passion for the subject and knowledge about the course. They are looking for thinkers, good collaborators and excellent research skills. The student's portfolio is, of course, really important in terms of getting the all-important interview. It is useful for students to show examples of life drawing, research and textural work, 3D design, and work relevant to technical effects such as puppetry or masks.
For further information:
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