Completed as two versions – both in traditional film and 360 VR – this short film set in Brighton’s historic Preston Manor is a literal reflection on the passing of time. The lady of a country house, over a hundred years ago, looks into her table mirror and prepares for the day, talking about the practical, everyday help the mirror gives to show how we look to others in the world. The film is also a warning that the image in the mirror can also just reflect and reinforce the distorted image we have of ourselves – and how the reflection, like us, will one day disappear.

I wrote and co-produced the film as part of my ongoing practise to use dramatic verse in modern work.

The traditional film version was shown as part of Latest Visions presents: International Women’s Day, broadcast on TV stations Northern Visions (Belfast), Latest TV (Brighton), Sheffield Live, and KMTV (Kent), Freeview 7 and Virgin Channel 159.

The 360 version screened as part of a Brighton Digital Festival event I held with Marc Green, co-producer, where we investigated the use of the 360 filming.

Why two versions?

Producing a 360 version alongside a traditional version was an ideal way to test the possibilities of 360 film. The two versions stand alone, but show different techniques to tell the same story. This test helped inform plans for longer form work – you can read more about the further development of these ideas for When All the Crowds Have Gone.

New film-making techniques are often thought of as futuristic, but classic stories also offer interesting possibilities. The 360 version of the Mirror immerses the viewer in a historic location – a period drama can be powerful when the viewer can fully enter that historic world.

The Mirror

You can watch The Mirror below

The Mirror – 360

The 360 version of The Mirror is also available. This is best experienced in a VR headset, but if you are watching on your phone, you can move it around to see all areas of the scene. On a computer, use your mouse to click and drag the image to change your view.

Stills

360 Stills

Cast and Crew

Lady of the House: Isabella McCarthy Sommerville
Lady’s Maid: Rosanna Bini

Director: Marc Green
Writer: Lucy Nordberg
Cinematographer: Justin Spray
Editor: Alexx Paul Sherman
Sound/Design/Mix: Pete Gill
Production Design: Paula Wrightson
Cinematography & Camera for 360 version: Michael Danks
Editor for 360 version: Johnny Simpson-Lee
With special thanks to: all at Preston Manor