MATCHBOOK MOVIE PROP
With this project, I was challenged to create a prop that could easily fit into a film. After watching The Fall directed by Tarsem Singh, I was inspired to focus on a character named Alexandria. This little girl sees wonder in all things and even has a little box full of small keepsakes that she is always carrying around with her. While in the hospital, she befriends a man named Roy. Roy is an actor from Los Angeles California who is recovering from an accident on set.
The Main Hospital Area, Screen Capture from The Fall directed by Tarsem Singh
Alexandria Visits Roy At His Hospital Bed, Screen Capture from The Fall directed by Tarsem Singh
Alexandria's Box of Wonders, Screen Capture from The Fall directed by Tarsem Singh
For this prop to feel authentic to1915, I researched the functionality and common aesthetics of matchbooks during this time.
Matchbooks and boxes were primarily used as a way to promote one's business and were given out regularly. This is similar to how business cards function today. Universal Studios in Hollywood is among the most noteworthy companies established during this period. March 15th, 1915 was the company's grand opening. During this time, its founder Carl Laemmle began inviting the general public to watch films being made in exchange for a small fee of 25 cents. These events inspired the design of my matchbook.
Photo from thestudiotour.com
Trending fonts of the time period included Bodoni, Caslon Openface, and Lady Speakers. Goudy Old Style, designed by Frederic W. Goudy became known as the most popular font of 1915. Thus, this is the font used to typeset my matchbook.
All photos from alphabettes.org
The first design contained my original photography done on film. However, after some careful reconsideration, the design changed with the realization that much of the work produced at this time was illustrated. The new and final design contains vector art of an antique video camera and stars, to tie together both the aesthetic and overall Universal Studios concept.
This prop is meant to live in either the box Alexandria held so dear to her heart or the hospital room of her friend Roy. One might also imagine Roy gifting her this matchbook before he returns back to his job as an actor in Hollywood.
