I offer a dedicated research service designed specifically for the film industry providing a streamlined, expert approach to gathering and presenting crucial information, combining both visual and theoretical research to support Directors, Production Companies, Designers (Production, Set Decorators, Costume), and Writers. Helping to realise their visions and aligning my findings with the creative vision and practical needs of the project. This service helps ensure that scripts, characters and sets are credible and engaging, adding depth and richness to the narrative that can resonate with audiences.

The process involves gathering images, academic references, and materials that define the aesthetic tone, mood, and style of a production, capturing the intricacies of architecture, culture, politics, fashion, and social context. Material is sourced from; archives, digital libraries, museums, and on-location photography, which is organized and delivered in cohesive mood boards, presentations, or style guides to be easily integrated into production workflows.

In the dynamic world of feature films, television, and commercials, research is a cornerstone that enhances authenticity, creative direction, and visual storytelling. Whether it's recreating a historical period, capturing the essence of a futuristic setting, or grounding a fictional world in tangible reality, research helps to establish the foundation for all design decisions, from costumes and set design to lighting and cinematography. A film's believability often hinges on these details, and by offering thoroughly researched, carefully curated information, this service ensures that even the smallest prop or background element fits within the broader narrative world.

I am highly adaptable, providing research for everything from high-budget feature films to quick-turnaround commercials, combining visual and theoretical expertise to elevate creative projects with authenticity and credibility for an enriched visual language.

Please do get in touch with any Research opportunities.

Employment

‘The Ballad of a Small Player’ (Netflix)

Director: Edward Berger / Production Designer: Jonathan Houlding / Set Decorator: Jonathan Houlding

Researching The Hungry Ghost festival in China and Hong Kong, Taoism, Baccarat, deities and religious beliefs, specific locations and geographical points of interest.

‘Above The Below’ (Lionsgate) FAE LTD

Director: Idris Elba & Martin Owen / Production Designer: Jonathan Houlding / Set Decorator: Jonathan Houlding

Futuristic sci-fi film based in a spacecraft landing pod. Looking into astronaut and landing pod equipment, diving equipment and space shuttle debris.

‘Sonic 3’ (Paramount) Gower Avenue Films

Director: Jeff Fowler / Production Designer: Luke Freeborn / Set Decorator: Anna Lynch Robinson

Researching Japanese Dekotora trucks and 1970s science labs

‘The Wish’ (Riyadh Season) (commercial)

Director: Ian Pons Jewell / Production Designer: Jonathan Houlding

Samsung (commercial)

Director: Henry Hobson / Production Designer: Jonathan Houlding

Canal+ (commercial)

Director: Henry Hobson / Production Designer: Jonathan Houlding

‘Masters of the Air’ (Apple TV) SDTA Productions LTD

Director: Cary Fukunaga / Production Designer: Chris Seagers / Set Decorator: Celia Bobak

Researching American airbases in the UK in the 1940s, flying and officers’ mess halls, military food and kitchens, military base bars and American beer and cocktails, weather stations and equipment, medicines; types, uses and packaging, London Blitz bomb sites, pianos, Polish drinks, cigarettes and cafe food, Lyons teahouses, 1940s pubs in both London and country; inc. pub games, glassware, tills and beverages, German small-holdings, American swing bands both civilian and military, and phone-boxes.

‘Infinite’ (Paramount Films) High Command Productions LTD

Director: Antoine Fuqua / Production Designer: Chris Seagers / Set Decorator: Celia Bobak

Researching subjects such as; religious ideology, historical peoples and their cultures inc. sports and weapons, future tech, DNA, armouries and weapons, philosophical schools of thought and their symbolism, iconic art in both academic theory and visual references.