Graduating this year from BA Production Arts for Screen, Louis Howlett talks to us about his final project Omon Ra which is inspired by renaissance architecture and science fiction novels.
He also shares his experience of working from home, developing his creative practice and preparing his piece for the UAL Graduate Showcase.
Can you tell us about the work you're going to be showing at the UAL Graduate Showcase?
Whilst on work placements last year I had conversations with art director and production designer Fleur Whitlock about how I could develop my interest around science fiction going into my final year. She recommended I read the novel Omon Ra by Viktor Pelevin, which became the starting point for my project.
The story follows the protagonist’s journey to be the first Cosmonaut sent to the moon, or so he thinks. After researching Moscow during the 1960s, I became obsessed with the architectural details of soviet tube station interiors. Comparing sets such as the white room in Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, and how similar films cross over two very opposing architectural styles, I wanted to create a tube station that did just that. Merging renaissance architecture into a science-fictional world to create a juxtaposing atmosphere of confusion.
What inspired you to choose this as your final piece?
The reason I chose this book as inspiration is its combination of science fiction and satire throughout the story. I have always had a passion for science fiction. Growing up as the youngest in a family of seven siblings, it was always my brothers who got the TV remote.
I became obsessed from a young age with SF classics such as Red Dwarf and Quantum Leap. To be able to design and recreate within this genre is always rewarding for me. The work displayed on the Graduate Showcase is an accumulation of production visuals, sets, props, vehicles, and everything needed to recreate a sci-fi world, consciously keeping it fitting towards the Soviet satirical storyline.
Can you tell us more about your design practice and the creative process involved in your work?
As I have specialised in the Set Design pathway within the Production Arts course, I started by taking on the challenge of creating a whole fictional world starting with 2D concepts which I make digitally using the Adobe suite. This led me to branch out to create in a 3D space using SketchUp and alongside this I develop AutoCAD technical drawings to give me measurements to refer to throughout the project.
I wanted to visualise a short scene from the story within a tangible 3D realm, to achieve this I built a white card model using 3D printer technology and developed this further into colour parts such as the metro carriage shown.
How have your practice and interests changed throughout your degree?
I’ve always enjoyed working in 3D no matter what the medium. To be able to apply that passion to film is an added bonus! There is something about creating a new atmosphere whether it’s in a physical capacity or digitally, getting new responses from my work is always rewarding.
The course has allowed me to develop skills in concept design and creating draft plans to be later used in production. As the industry is progressing toward a more computer-based environment, I feel well prepared as the course has taught me to develop all aspect of a project from a digital perspective.
Have you managed to set up a work/studio space since working from home? Where are you currently based?
During lockdown I’ve been based in London, turning my room into my working environment to allow myself to finish all the pieces shown. Although, at first it was extremely difficult to motivate myself, especially not having my fellow classmates and teachers present to discuss ideas with or to share our final pieces with. I slowly adapted and after a while, I found the use of group calls very helpful in the process of developing my work. After all, our industry is very much a combination of team-based discussions and the sharing of ideas.
How have you adapted your practice for working outside of college? Have these circumstances resulted in any unexpected opportunities, for example, a collaboration or a change in materials used?
My process became a lot more digital, which I feel has shaped the identity of my work overall. Being out of university has given me the chance to explore further the use of different platforms such as Instagram, to develop my online portfolio. I was able to follow industry professionals and see how they are developing their work in order to apply similar systems to my practices.
My project led me to enjoy digital work more as I usually prefer working with a more hands on approach, it has given me the opportunity to diverge further into various 3D software’s used within the industry.
Being lucky enough to have siblings within the industry I have been able to take the time to learn more complex programs such as Maya via video calls. This has been challenging but rewarding and hopefully will prove useful as I move into the industry. This is definitely something I did not see myself doing initially but am now excited to keep developing those skills.
What has helped your remain positive and keep creating during this time?
It seems as though myself and many others I know have had an abundance of screen time with Netflix and various platforms, something that has kept me creating is knowing that these platforms have engaged and occupied so many people during lockdown. I’ve continued to create visuals and renders to expand my portfolio and hopefully to engage myself more into the film industry.
What have you enjoyed most about preparing for your degree show?
As much as a physical degree show would have been the perfect ending to my final year, I feel that the virtual show has helped to engage a wider audience, creating a bigger platform to display my work. I am looking forward in seeing all my fellow classmates’ amazing projects is what makes me appreciate the work displayed and how far we have come throughout the three years.
How was your overall experience studying at Wimbledon College of Arts? And what was the highlight of your time here?
It has been stimulating being around a community of creatives. I’ve constantly developed as a person in this environment and met lifelong friends. Being able to push myself and my work this much in three years has been a great achievement and a perfect starting point to jump into the industry!
Do you have any tips for students about to start your course?
Experiment! It is a perfect time to start experimenting with the work you’re producing and listening to one another’s ideas. Make sure to engage in everything around you and to just enjoy every moment!
What career paths are you considering after graduating?
While continuing to develop my awareness of special design throughout my career, I hope to continue my design work with the dream of moving into the film and television industry.
Visit the UAL Graduate Showcase
Find out more about BA Production Arts for Screen
Follow Louis Howlett on Instagram