Always wanted to write for a magazine...

LATEX LATEX LATEX

The magnificent Cole Black shared his latest video with me, and now i’m sharing it with all of you. I love these vignettes from Cole, he’s a talented fellow and i hope i’ve introduced a few more people to his wonderful work. Some stunning models feature, wearing amazing outfits. Check it out. 

Sorry to dart away from such an issue, but speaking of film I thought it the perfect opportunity to ask you about your interest in the moving picture. How did you get into filmmaking?

I think my fascination with it began from toddling age. My mother filmed my entire child hood, so I was always around cameras, wires and tapes. Looking back at the home movies it’s clear to see I was obsessed with film from a young age, I would stand in front of the TV while entire films played and refused to move! By the time I was around 7 I began directing my mother in short films about me being a ballerina and so on (I was going to be a famous ballerina back then ha-ha). I never got on with school, the whole system and me just clashed. I was a top student, great grades and always good. But I hated it, and left school age 14. I spent the next 2 years wondering what to do with my life, and while I was thinking about this I would make little films. Just for fun. I soon realised my talent was staring me right in the face and got myself on a media course in college. With no qualifications I then managed to get myself into Ravensbourne University in London. I don’t regret it and it was a great experience, but I learned that uni and London were not for me.

Are you a film lover full stop? Or do you have a particular penchant for a certain style of filmmaking?

I love films, although surprisingly I don’t watch many. I don’t watch much TV either. My DVD collection is shamefully small for a film maker, but this has never hindered my film making so I’m not worried just yet. I love editing to music! So music videos are a favourite of mine. I am a very sharp editor and haven’t had the chance in the past few years to really show it off. But that should change in 2012! 

Your YouTube channel (ScarletSaintOnline) is a fantastically personal space it seems. Is creating your videos a cathartic process for you?

Definitely. Something that I love about making films, and any form of art really, is that you can make something good out of something bad. I’ve created some wonderful films out of feelings of anguish. I think the reason I enjoy the editing process so much is that it is like putting a puzzle together. A puzzle with no right and wrong. Sometimes when my life is hectic I can be the puzzle master and relax with some editing. Ha-ha I’m such a geek aren’t I!

As a regular viewer of your YouTube channel, it’s clear to see you enjoy making the films you publish. Where does the inspiration come from? Is it just ideas you have, or is a lot of it in reply to requests from viewers?

I make films that I would enjoy watching, and that I sense the people who watch me would enjoy too. I’m also an obsessive documenter, I film everything of any significance in my life. Yes, even dyeing my hair! I have a list of films to make but I try to only go back to the list when I am fresh out of ideas. Keeping the films and inspiration regular is important to me too, I like to be a few steps ahead of everything. I’m planning my films for the week around Valentines Day currently :)

What is the process of creating one of your films like? Do you storyboard or set out what you want to do, or just film it? I know it must differ from film to film, but roughly how long does it take to create one from filming to publishing?

The films and vlogs that are currently on my YouTube channel, some of those I will just sit in front of a camera with a vague idea of what I want to achieve and ramble until I get there. There is lots of footage of me sitting in silence thinking. Thank god for the power of editing! I film everything at very high quality, colour grade it and compress it. So what may be a 3 - 4 minute film can sometimes take a day or two to actually finish and get online. The only time I story board things is when I shoot music videos, ads or drama. But even then I only use them as a guideline and they are never set in stone. The best things are spontaneous!

Your editing work is immense. Whether you’re trying to convey comedy or a more poignant emotive moment, you always seem to make the right choices. What do you use to edit your pieces?

I use Final Cut Pro to edit my films nowadays. I began on Windows Movie Maker, then moved onto Sony Vegas Pro, dabbled with Avid, then finally settled with FCP ha-ha. I’m a messy editor! But I find it easier that way; I chuck all my footage on the time line, if its particularly long I’ll snip away at it before rendering, but usually I will colour grade it and then render. Then the snipping begins! That is the most fun for me. I have a good ear for how things should flow and I’ve always been good at picking up on things that should be cut and so on. Once I have sliced and diced I add my intro and ending screen and we’re away!

Your recent “My Secrets” video is very moving indeed. In it you share some very personal things about your past. It’s a very brave piece, was it hard to shoot at all? You handle the subject matter superbly in my opinion, and I just think the whole film is enchanting… Not sure that’s the right word, but I loved it!

It was hard to shoot actually, not because of the content, but the sunlight! There was a beam of sun and it some how managed to pop up in my eyes and on the paper constantly! You can see it sometimes but I think I got around it pretty well. I can’t take credit for the idea of the My Secrets film, as these are tags on YouTube and hundreds of people have done them. I tried my best to make mine memorable however and I hope it worked! I actually had a break in the middle of the film, you can barely notice but I left to write some more pieces out when I realised the film would not be long enough. Editing it was a little more emotional, but whilst filming I was really focused on holding the paper in the right place and trying to pick up the correct piece next :)

As if all this wasn’t enough, you also have experience as a photographer. May I ask where that particular aspect of your creativity comes from?

It came out of the blue really, I got a reasonably cheap SLR camera when I was around 17 and began experimenting. My eye for the lens with filming helped so much, and I found I really enjoyed the editing process in that also! I invested in a Canon 7D when I left uni and that is now my main film and photography camera. I only began working with models on real shoots in 2011 but I am loving it so far. I shouldn’t say too much yet but there is a possibility my photographs will be on a magazine cover soon. Which I am very excited about!

Do you find that your work behind the camera as a photographer has helped or influenced how you work as a model?

Definitely, and via versa. I love using real people in my photography (non professional models), and I love giving people who deserve it good opportunities. My experience as a model comes in especially handy for shooting with real girls, as I can hop right in next to them and help them with poses.

What is Kiera-Rose like on set? As both a photographer and a model?

When I’m in charge on a film with a cast and crew I’m usually very focused. I’ll be telling people what to do and running around like a headless chicken trying to keep control! When I’m on set as a model I just giggle and have fun, I stay professional but it’s relaxing sometimes not to be the one dealing with technology!

What projects are you working on at the moment? Be it modelling, photography or filmmaking?

I am making a film to a cover of ‘The Beast’ by the very talented Natalie Lungley. I approached Natalie after listening to her on YouTube and was over the moon when she agreed to let me use the cover. This is my first real film in almost a year and I’m so excited! I can’t wait to stretch my wings, and also to show my new YouTube viewers what I can actually do. I have no idea when it will be finished however as I’m taking my time with this one to get it perfect.

Finally, what are you hoping the next year has in store for you?

In 2012 I hope to finally release a clothing line which I have been planning for years now. I also would like to continue my photography and modelling and improve as much as possible! I’m also hoping that by the end of the year I will be in a position to finally fly the nest and make a home with my boyfriend.

 

Could we please end with Bernard Pivot’s famous questionnaire:

What is your favourite word?

Kerfuffle

What is your least favourite word?

Error

What turns you on?

Humour 

What turns you off?

Arrogance 

What sound or noise do you love?

Rain on windows

What sound or noise do you hate?

My alarm clock

What is your favourite curse word?

Bastard (It makes me giggle for some reason)

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

Primary school teacher

What profession would you not like to do?

Stop motion animator 

If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?

Sorry, we made a mistake. You can go back.

 

 

Once again, massive thanks to Kiera-Rose for her time and wonderful contribution. She made this piece very special to me indeed. I’d love to work with her again in the future on any project she’s involved with. It was a pleasure and a delight getting to now this lady. For much more information please go and check out her sites pages and channel.

 

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/ScarletSaintOnline?feature=mhee

Facebook: http://en-gb.facebook.com/TheScarletSaint

Tumblr: http://scarletsaint.tumblr.com/

 

All photos used in this piece were provided by Kiera-Rose, and the credits are below:

 

1)      Photo by Pirate Photography

2)      Photo by Claire Steele Hair & Make-up by Fern Lianne Kent

3)      Kiera-Rose during filming

4)      Photo by Ana Gely A

5)      Kiera-Rose on her YouTube channel

6)      An example of Kiera-Rose (Dolly Bones) photography/Hair & Make-up

For those who don’t already know about her work, let me introduce you to the wonderful Scarlet Saint. A fantastically gifted alternative model that I was first introduced to through another interview done for this blog. However, there is so much more to this model than meets the eye. Upon investigating the work of this extraordinary lady, I discovered I really should be talking to the woman behind the alter ego. That being the terrifically gifted Kiera-Rose Riley. Kiera-Rose created the character of Scarlet Saint to aid her modelling projects, and it was my pleasure to chat with her about choices in front of camera, as well as her life behind it. I thought I was just going to interview a very talented model, but as well as that I discovered a world of creativity and intrigue that blew me away. In this revealing interview we discuss everything from modelling to photography, to filmmaking, as well as touching on the importance of depression awareness. It is individuals like this that I am so happy my blog introduces me to. I hope I have done Kiera-Rose justice with these words, she’s such a kind person, and gave of her time so freely. I’m touched at her honesty during these questions, and hope this interview helps as well as entertains. Please enjoy.

 

Welcome Kiera-Rose. Nice to have you along for a chat. I started out the piece by mentioning your pseudonym Scarlet Saint. Could I ask where the name came from? Is Scarlet simply a professional persona for you, or does she provide a buffer for when you’re in your creative realm?

Thank you, I’m flattered I inspire so many great questions! :)

In 2011 I realised I wanted a modelling alias, just to separate it from everything else that I do. Also I knew it would give me more confidence in myself if I could create another persona. I had always felt like I stepped into a character for photo shoots, but she just didn’t have a name yet. The name was a suggestion from an online friend actually, lots of people were suggesting things but that one just stuck out to me. Scarlet is the me I like to think I am, and more. She is happy with herself and confident; as much as I try to be happy with myself I still have those little voices in my head that every woman does. 

You’re a multitalented individual, but could we start by talking about your modelling experience to date please? I first became aware of your work during an interview with Kitty at Pirate Photography, and I’m so happy I did.  I believe your career in front of the camera began at an early age, how did you get involved so young?

I think it probably began when I was born! I had hair long enough to brush from one day old, and I was pretty cute too! My mother had considered baby modelling but didn’t want to get me involved until I was old enough to understand and make my own decisions. It was age 7 (If I remember correctly) when I joined my first agency. But I think it was a novelty for me and I had a very short attention span, so I left a year or so later. My weight fluctuated from a size 10 to 18 and back again during my early teenage years, I still had a passion for being in front of camera but did not feel confident enough to pursue it any more. Then aged 15 and a size 12 - 14 I decided I would give it another try. I’m 20 now, and have been self-managing ever since. Sometimes I take huge breaks from it, but I like to keep it as something I enjoy and not a job which would become a chore. I have however considered joining an agency in 2012 but haven’t decided yet.

You’re obviously blessed with incredible physical attributes, but there is always an added intrigue and sense of theatre to your pictures. Do you work on your poses etc away from the camera, or are you more instinctual when being photographed?

Sometimes I will practice if I have a particular shoot coming up where I know a certain pose will work. I try to memorise how the poses feel without needing a mirror to get into them. But a lot of the time I trust my instincts, if something feels awkward it probably looks awkward. So when the poses feel right I just go with it!

You’ve made some terrific choices with your modelling projects, and worked with very talented people. How do collaborations with the likes of Pirate Photography and Claire Steele Photography come about? Is there a lot of networking on your part?

Thank you! My portfolio may not be as vast as some other models but I really do believe in quality over quantity, and hopefully that is what I have achieved. I had admired Kitty’s (Pirate Photography) portfolio for a long time. I saw her work on social media sites I used and heard about her from other local models. I approached her online about shooting, and was very happy when she wanted to work together! I had always wanted to model light fetish and I love latex clothing, some of the designs are just out of this world. I knew that if ever I was going to finally shoot in it, Kitty would be the one I should do it with. It was so much fun and I can’t wait to shoot more!

It was while planning that shoot that I met (cyber met) the lovely Rubber Monkey Latex. I knew after that shoot that she was a great woman, and when people go out of their way to help me out and just be generally kind, I like to do the same in return. Rubber Monkey had begun selling some awesome shirts and wife beaters, and so I arranged the shoot with Claire Steele Photography and the lovely Fern Lianne Kent. I’m very pleased with the results!

I’m a very creative person so I’d say a quarter of my shoots I had the concept for and got a team together to create it. Other times of course people find me online and approach me with their ideas.

Your involvement with Rubber Monkey latex products has heralded many tantalizing photographs. Do you enjoy working with latex? What sensation does it give when you’re shooting in the stuff?

Being sprayed with latex shiner is the fun part! Getting it on and off, not so much. I love the feeling of wearing it; however I am always terrified I’m going to rip it!

You’ve had some immaculate hairstyles in your shoots. I loved your hair in your set with Pickle Jar pictures. Have you had a favourite style at all from your shoots? Do you enjoy experimenting with your locks?

I envy every hair stylist I work with. I am terrible with hair! I can do one or two styles, but nothing amazing. My favourite from a shoot was the style done by Keelie Velvet Primrose when shooting with Rani S Warren. It was amazing, and so hard to describe. I had big long curls and a giant victory roll on one side of my head. It took about 2 hours in hair and make up! Unfortunately the photographs don’t show it off very well as we shot on film, it was very dark and I was facing side ways. 

There is a wide range of styles in which you have been photographed. Have you had a favourite theme of shoot thus far, or a theme that you would love to participate in?

I love striking images. My favourite of mine are probably my photographs shot with Ana Gely A, she had a clear concept sketched out and a clear reason for the photograph looking that way. I’d also love to do more shoots similar to the latex shoot with Kitty, I’m a sucker for strong women and have a few ideas in mind for shoots with that theme in 2012 :)

As well as your incredible beauty, you also convey an immense amount of emotion and personality in your shots. Is it important you have fun on the set when shooting? Conversely, when you’re engaged in a more dramatic and serious shoot, do you keep such emotions close to the surface?

I actually find it very easy to switch in and out of emotions. There is a behind the scenes video on my YouTube channel at the shoot with Claire Steele which probably demonstrates this best. When shooting the emotional photographs with her I was giggling after shots, chatting for a bit, then when Claire was ready, slipping back into character. I like having a fun chatty atmosphere while shooting, or some music in the background. Silence is horrible!

On the subject of emotions, your work with Claire Steele Photography has produced a very powerful image that you’ve mentioned utilising in an awareness campaign for depression. I hope you don’t mind me asking, but having had experience of depression, is it a cause you are passionate about shining a light on?

Yes it is. I was first diagnosed with depression age 11, and I’ve been learning how to deal with it ever since (and have become no better at doing so I should add). It’s very difficult for some people to understand an problem they can’t always physically see. And it’s not unusual to be accused of attention seeking and over reacting when suffering from a mental health disorder. I am very open about my problems and hope that by being so it will encourage others to speak about it, and not feel at all that they are weak or that it is their fault. We are all products of our environment.

You’ve also mentioned creating a film piece about depression for depression awareness week here in the UK . How is that project progressing, have you had many ideas on how best to highlight the subject in film?

I have been editing it tonight actually. I hope to have it done by next week. For some reason I was under the impression that awareness week was in March, I was then informed I had actually missed it! But better late than never :) I am trying to show everything in the film for what it is. No fancy editing or slick shots. It is all real footage, filmed during my time at university and after quitting. My depression became a lot worse when I left home. Being lonely in London, I would speak to the camera when I was sad. I am nervous about showing the footage, but I can’t not make the film. I hope it has the potential to do some good.

to be continued…