On the day we meet for a chat, Dade Freeman, the shoot organizer, is wearing a necklace with a silver charm in the shape of the Superman symbol; it matches the same symbol emblazoned on his blue t-shirt. It’s an apt get-up for someone who says, “When I do something, I always do it big.”
Recently Dade’s casual suggestion for a photographers’ meet-up in Brighton morphed into visions of a full studio film set; he didn’t quite get there, but the little meet-up did turn into a full-blown operation with 34 photographers, 12 models, 4 hair and makeup artists, 3 marshalls, 1 costume stylist, 5 local shops, a whole gaggle of mods and scooters and several studios’ worth of camera kit.
Based on the eponymous film’s settings and production values, the shooting schedule was divided into three genres: film noir, 1950s and 1960s, with all locations set up at various points along Madeira Drive. The goal of the day was two-fold: to create images and just as importantly, to connect people. Everyone involved donated their skills, time and gear as part of a collaborative effort to expand their portfolios and produce promotional images for the shops providing the props and costumes.
Having garnered loads of positive feedback from the participants, it’s likely that Dade will be at it again in the not-too-distant future. When we ask him what’s next, he touches his necklace and grins. He’s thinking about it. We will have to wait and see – but whatever it is, we can be sure it will be big. In the meantime, check out some of the images from Brighton Rock’ed.
Words By Erika Szostak
Photos By Andy Wilson, Laura Brennan, Lee Tuckett Photograhy, Erika Szostak/PhotoMadly, Darkdaughter, Dade Freeman and Dottiephotography
MODELS: Ruth Charnock / Seda Ilter / Christine Lechner Dostal / Clair Morrow / Jemma Measor / Danielle Watton / Charlye Cooper / Bethan Moyse / Sarah Nix / Ben Elliot / Cristiano Langella / Andrew Maclean / Chris Terrell / Ryan Wreyford
SHOPS: Starfish / Immediate / Modern World Gallery / Kate & Aud / Dirty Harry / To Be Worn Again (all Brighton based stores)HAIR & MAKE UP: The Blue Room / Natalie Lupton / Elloise India Willett & Sophia Fuchs
STYLING: Katherine Stone (Starfish)
