Moderator {public msg} Good evening we have here on stage Ann Bruice Aling
,costume designer and Kim holly Costume Supevisor
the Drakhtor {question presented} Kim, what
is zerka fabric?
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} should i know
that?
Reschell {question presented} Do you rely
strictly on pro fabric sources, or do you ever run into a bolt out in the
regular world that you just have to grab up for costume use?
Kim_Holly {public msg} Well, its a fine Minbari
fabric used in the smallest amounts in the black uniforms
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} we shop everywhere.
we shop at fabric stores where the general public shops
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} sometime we
have to special order fabric. we had to special order the teal uniform
fabric.
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} there are some
speciality latex work we've had to have done.
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} g
Reschell {question presented} When you're
costume-concepting, does the creator indicate how fluid/rigid a costume
is supposed to be according to the civilization to which it belongs?
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} ga
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} joe initially
had a lot to say in terms of the background and the historical perspective
of the majoralien races
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} so i knew if
they were a peaceful people or a warring peoplle, cold climate etc.
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} and then i would
interpret what kind of sensibility that called for.
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} and of course
joe has the final say on everything....
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} gaa
Callista {question presented} The Centauri
outfits seem to resemble French Revolution Era. Was that the way it was
planned or did the designs just resemble them by coincidence?
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} They were definitely
meant to be Imperialistic and Pre-Napoleonic but I'm sure I considered
a lot of things from that period of time...British, European.
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} I took familiar silhouettes and made them our own. ga
Ivanava {question presented} Can you share
with us what fabrics were used to make Delen's green and brown costume??
Kim_Holly {public msg} The tabbard is silk
and the bodysuit is a very stretchy shiny lycra
Kim_Holly {public msg} ga
Kaz {question presented} For a new race, how
many costumes do you prepare for Joe to chose from? and who gets to model
them :)
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} I generally
do 1-2 variations after talking with Joe. after the 2nd and 3rd season
we were on the same wavelength
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} so it required
less repetitive sketching although the new uniforms which were really important,
I worked on for quite a while until we honed in on them.
Jen12 {question presented} Can you tell us
anything about the uniforms that we are going to see on Crusade?
Are they going to be something familiar, like the EarthForce, Army of Light,
or Ranger uniforms; or something completely different?
Kim_Holly {public msg} Completely different
Kim_Holly {public msg} ga
The_Doctor {question presented} Which has
been the most challenging outfit for you to create and were you satisfied
with how it turned out?
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} it always seems
like the one you're owrking on
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} i would think
that g'kar wardrobe was because of the complexityat the moment is the most
challenging.
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} and the centauri
women guest that came through were difficult to fit.
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} our most challenging
were the teal uniforms by way of fit.
Ivanava {question presented} Ann - Can you
share with us how you came up with the idea for the uniform stat bars...and
what they are made of. Do you create them "in-house" ???
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} they're not
made in house. we have a wonderful metal person who
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} the brass shape
just seemed to fit the sharp angle look we were going for.oes them for
us.
Kaz {question presented} Have you ever had
an actor who was allergic to his costume and had to rework it?
Kim_Holly {public msg} Just recently in "Call
to Arms" an actor couldn't wear a wool cape so we had to change
it. ga
Bub_Ramone {question presented} when creating
the Narn armor, what made you decide upon the green shine for G'Kar and
the padded neck armor for warriors
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} that was such
a long time ago i've forgotten.
Mr. Morden {question presented} How much work
went into the PsiCorp uniforms? Especially such costumes as Talia and Lyta?
They looked very original so how long did it take to get them down perfect?
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} we worked diligently
on those...probably more talia's things
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} her suits were
all very couture looking...definitely designed and were fit within an inch
of their life.
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} andrea wore
them very well. pat actually evolved into a little racier look which
requires less work becasue it's less courtre.
Reschell {question presented} Since both B5
and Crusade are set in the future, do you ever wish that you could have
access to future fabrics, at least for the effect (spandex malleability
with the color/sheen of silk, for example), or do you find current fabrics
adequate for the effect you want?
Kim_Holly {public msg} Ann says we use largely
silk and wool and leather
Kim_Holly {public msg} mostly natural fibres
and for the look of this show that is quite suitibale ffor our historical
look. I just favor naural fibres. ga
Bub_Ramone {question presented} we always
hear how long makeup takes to be applied. What costume takes the
longest to put on for cast members?
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} g'kar
Doctor Rock {question presented} I have heard
popular rumor that the most beautifull women in hollywood are not on the
screen but in makeup and in costume behind the scenes, so is this true
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} of course!
Kim_Holly {public msg} No doubt! Of Course!
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} without question.
Pelianth {question presented} How hard do
you find designing new costumes, is it easier or harder to create something
toatlly different from what you've already done?
Reschell {question presented} The Centauri,
Narn and Minbari costumes seem to be so beautifully detailed -- do you
ever have costume designs where some of the beautiful details have be eliminated
because of budget constraints?
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} that's
my job...that's why they pay me.
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} actually not
that often! the garments that are designed, what i put on paper we're
able to do.
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} we cut corners
on the contemporary civilian looks.
Medlab {question presented} Of all the items
you have made, if you could go back and 'spare no expense,' which would
you most like to 're-do' and why? How would it be different?
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} i think that
it would be the security look.....
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} the featured
aliens i feel we spared no expense.
Kaz {question presented} How many extra costumes
do you make, for scenes that are rough and might require a change of clothing?
Kim_Holly {public msg} Most of the principles
have three changes
Kim_Holly {public msg} One on set, one for
stunt double, and one standing by
Kim_Holly {public msg} for those coffee spi
Reschell {question presented} Is one of the
special skills of a costume designer learning how to "see" how a fabric
will look under lights when you're looking at in normal circumstances?
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} yes.
Kaz {question presented} Do you ever buy off
the rack and if so how much alteration do you do on them?
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} we buy alot
off the rack. almost all contemporary civilian looks are off the
rack and then tweaked.
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} we take lapels
off men jackets and collar off the shirts.
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} rearranged closures
so they're more interest
Morin {question presented} Do you machine
or hand embroider details like the scrolling on Centauri coats, or do you
use mostly trim and pre-made patches?
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} i think the
coats you're referring too are rental jackets so we did not hand embroider.
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} but someone
did...probably in the 30's.
Bub_Ramone {question presented} what clothing
designer do you respect the most and what b5 fashions would you like to
see on the runways of Paris?
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} deleen's things
and some of the minbari looks are quite interesting and could be a hit.
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} i'm not influenced
by fashion, i'm interested in costume history...
Reschell {question presented} How large a
support staff do you have?
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} kim.
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} kim is it.
Kim_Holly {public msg} I have three on set
and three shopping and prepping for the next day
JoanDarc {question presented} Seeing there
is talk of doing semi-regular movies..How soon in advance are you told
of these, so you have time to prepare them and how long do they usually
take to make?
Kim_Holly {public msg} There is never enough
time!
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} we get a script
several weeks in advance but we're al
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} ays rushing.
K57 {question presented} What's the heaviest
costume?
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} king arther
and kosh
The_Doctor {question presented} Does Londo only have the two coats, or does he have a green one stashed away somewhere?
:)
Kim_Holly {public msg} not in our closet!
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} unless it's
at home somewhere. he does have a white emperors coat though.
Medlab {question presented} Which of your
creations do you consider to be your 'finest work?' Which do you
consider your least successful? Why?
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} my sone michael.
self-explanatory.
mfarah {question presented} What about alien
*footwear*?
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} make that son.
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} a lot of it
we try to make quiet and go away. a lot of black soft wrestling boots.
and dance boots.
Reschell {question presented} What do you
do to "distress" costumes for Downbelow residents?
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} sand them, dip
them in dye baths, paint on them, bleach them, put stage blood on them.
Mr. Morden {question presented} Could you
share with us what fabrics were used to make Mr. Morden's brown suits such
as the one from "Into the Fire" and the well known ISN suits worn by the
reporters?
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} they were off
the rack wool
Kaz {question presented} Have you ever had
a costume rejected by Joe and then later used by another race?
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} blends.
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} nope.
The_Doctor {question presented} Do guest actors
compliment you on how well the outfits help them with creating their characters?
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} often.
michael york and majel barrett, wayne alexander...they've all commented.
Reschell {question presented} A lot of the
B5 people seem to have stage backgrounds. If you do, what's the main
difference you find between costuming for the stage and costuming for a
TV series?
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} i do have a
theater background.
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} my background
lends itself to this project.
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} you can't compare
this project to other tv series.
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} it's like doing
eclectic theater.
Jen12 {question presented} What advice do
you have to give for aspiring costume designers?
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} work hard!
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} to observe and
not to burn bridges and be willing to do any project for anyone to learn.
Satai_Leo {question presented} Did you create
Kosh's encounter suites...or was that left up to the special effects dept?
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} we only deal
with the outer drapy robes.
Medlab {question presented} How will 'Crusade'
expand on and benefit from your previous works? If you could have
things 'your way', what would you most like to see done in "Crusades?'
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} i can't answer
that question yet.
Reschell {question presented} Which costume
would you, yourself, most like to wear (in terms of look, not comfort)?
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} i would like
to try one of the centauri lady costumes. one of londo's wives costumes.
K57 {question presented} Have you ever had a costume emergency?
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} only about every
half hour!
Bub_Ramone {question presented} I'm creating
a Narn costume in the coming weeks similar to Ta'Lon's . What is
the best fabric to use for their uniform
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} the breast plate
was made out of padded ostrich leather . over a black cotton jumpsuit.
Bub_Ramone {question presented} do you watch
the show on tv to see how your products appear to the rest of the world?
Kim_Holly {public msg} Yes, I do!
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} yes! and we watch dailies
the Drakhtor {question presented} Ann, is
there one costume that you were particularly pleased with in the way it
developed from rendering to final result?
Moderator {public msg} We have time for one
or two more questions
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} i'm proud of
a lot of them...lorien would be one of them.
Bub_Ramone {question presented} have you been
approached by fans requesting outfits to be made?
Kim_Holly {public msg} Yes, they write us
all the time for patterns anf fabrics but not to actually make them for
them.
JoanDarc {question presented} Considering
you have such a small staff, I have to give you my utmost respect for the
great job you do on the designs, my question is How long have each of you
been doing this for, and what previous shows have you done if any?
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} most of us have
come from many years of theater. this is my only tv show.
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} i've done a
few films.
Reschell {question presented} Just want to
express gratitude to the costumers doing "chat-duty" tonight. It's
a rare, rare opportunity to get this kind of viewpoint.
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} thank you !
we're enjoying it too!
Kim_Holly {public msg} II've been inthe business
for over 15 years but much of our staff it quite young and
less experienced except for some theatre
Medlab {question presented} Which costumes
present the 'greatest challenge?' Were you ever confronted with a
'piece' you just couldn't do?
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} i feel the least
satisfied with the drakh...it was an interesting design that got bulky
and cumbersome.
Callista {question presented} Where did you
come up witl Loriens Headpiece?
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} optic nerve
did that one.
Moderator {public msg} this will be the last
question
Reschell {question presented} Is there any
kind of costume that you're eager to make that has not yet come up in the
B5 universe?
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} you never know
until it's presented to you!
Moderator {public msg} Thank you very nuch
for comming tonight
ann_bruice_aling {public msg} thanks everyone
we had a great time!
Moderator {public msg} Keep an eye out for
the posting of next weeks guest
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