Video Project - Performer - James Houston by

Pre-production

jlhouston — 2024-12-13 12:07:59 UTC

jlhouston — 2024-12-13 12:10:54 UTC

The Scriptwriter and Director informed me that my character, Blair, was a representation of a Gothic sub-culture. However, they let me decided which sub-culture that would be. This was an interesting challenge and research topic for me as personally I didn't know basically anything about Gothic culture, let alone the sub-cultures.

Steampunk

jlhouston — 2024-12-13 12:16:02 UTC

While doing my research, I found that "Steampunk" was a Gothic sub-culture. This was great as I somewhat experience with Steampunk things before as a Professor Layton fan. However, the Professor Layton games are supposed to have a 1960s-style to them, whereas proper Steampunk is based on the Victorian period.

jlhouston — 2024-12-13 12:22:38 UTC

Steampunk is based on the industrial side of the Victorian period. Focusing more on machines and steam powered contraptions. Despite this, it is perceived to be positive and wonderful rather than dystopic.

jlhouston — 2024-12-13 12:25:13 UTC

This optimism, that is associated with Steampunk, I felt was good for my character. Blair is the first encouragement for Veronica, in this short film, to be more comfortable with who she is. Therefore, it makes sense for him to be a representation of the Steampunk Gothic sub-culture.

jlhouston — 2024-12-13 12:27:26 UTC

To help get into the mindset of the character of Blair, I had a listen to the band Steam Powered Giraffe after a recommendation from the Director.

jlhouston — 2024-12-13 12:28:20 UTC

I had one line in the original script. This got upped to three in the final version so learning lines was not an issue at all.

Production

jlhouston — 2024-12-13 12:32:26 UTC

jlhouston — 2024-12-13 12:37:06 UTC

The first day of production was the first and only day I performed. I felt like I succeeded at being very positive as Blair, so that the character of Veronica would be encouraged. I believe that I made Blair optimistic and endearing for the short time he appears on screen. Therefore, I think that I have represented the awesome and wonderful vibe of the Steampunk sub-culture.

jlhouston — 2024-12-13 12:37:44 UTC