Leah Barrett Magdanz
For my major project, I created a life-sized bog body of a young girl, holding an iron pig figurine. Showcasing my technical and organic fabrication skills. Inspired by my research into bog bodies and early childhood objects. I wanted this piece to historically grounded and emotionally unsettling.
The 'Derreenatra Girl' is a critical primary prop for an Irish black comedy short film/series.
Backstory:
An old farmer was digging in his bog land and discovers the bog body of a young girl, in the bucket of his digger. In his panic he wraps her in builders plastic, puts her in the boot of his car and races to the nearest Garda station. All the while being unaware that she is a 2000 year old bog body. This is inspired by a bog body of a teenage boy found in northern Ireland that was originally investigated as a possible crime scene.
Design & Technical Requirements
- Visual: A well preserved bog body inspired by bodies like the 'Tollund Man'
- Material: Latex cast with foam interior.
- Finishing: Painted and set dressed to realistic standard
- Functionality: Ability to be set dressed on site of a real bog. Semi cleanable with minimal refinishing needed.
- Safety: Lightweight, non toxic materials so it can be used on site.
- Action/Interaction: The prop will be interacted with by the actor in wide and close up shots.
Video Thesis accessible via this link:
https://youtu.be/3JslM1FO3rU?is=Uo7NChzx-77sfviD
Leah is a model maker from West Cork. She is graduating from the Design for film course in IADT. During her studies, she gained invaluable experience through an Erasmus semester in Budapest, which led to a four-month internship with EPIC CREATIONS Hungary.
There, she developed real industry experience across a wide range of projects, including adverts, films and short films. Where she further refined her technical and creative skills in model making. She is now excited to begin her professional career in the film industry and continue developing her craft.
