Sophie Blanch's Fantasy World for 'Mum's New Boyfriend' Earns APDG Nomination
Sophie Blanch, a recent graduate with a Bachelor of Arts Screen: Production from AFTRS, has earned a nomination for the Emerging Designer Award from the Australian Production Design Guild. Her work on the short film 'Mum's New Boyfriend' explores the theme of domestic violence through a fantastical narrative, incorporating witches and a monster set in an Australian suburban environment. Blanch meticulously searched for houses that embodied 1970s aesthetics and collaborated with set decorator Aliyah Issa to design seven rooms. The monster was crafted over several months using practical effects. Additionally, Blanch worked alongside cinematographer Skye Netting and was awarded a scholarship to enhance her studies. She aims to pursue projects in gothic horror or hyper-stylized genres. AFTRS is currently open for program applications.
Key facts
- Sophie Blanch is a recent AFTRS graduate.
- She was nominated for the Emerging Designer Award by the Australian Production Design Guild.
- The short film is titled 'Mum's New Boyfriend'.
- The film addresses domestic violence and coercive control through fantasy.
- The art department consisted of two people: Blanch and Aliyah Issa.
- The set was designed to feel vaguely 1970s.
- The monster was puppeteered and built from scratch over months.
- Blanch grew up in Tamworth, New South Wales.
- She initially wanted to be a cinematographer.
- Cinematographer Skye Netting is a close friend and collaborator.
- The witch's cottage features a eucalypt tree.
- AFTRS applications are open for Bachelor of Arts Screen: Production.
Entities
Artists
- Sophie Blanch
- Aliyah Issa
- Skye Netting
Institutions
- AFTRS
- Australian Production Design Guild
Locations
- Tamworth
- New South Wales
- Sydney