Behind the Scenes: Uncovering the Secrets of Your Favourite British Period Dramas

Discover the fascinating world of British period dramas with our behind-the-scenes exploration.

British period dramas have captured the hearts of viewers all around the world. From Downton Abbey to Pride and Prejudice, these shows have a way of transporting us back in time and immersing us in the lives of their characters. But have you ever wondered what happens behind the scenes to create these beloved productions? Join us as we reveal the magic that goes into creating these beloved television masterpieces.

 

Costumes and makeup

First, let’s talk about the costumes. Anyone who has watched a period drama knows that the costumes are an essential part of the show’s visual appeal. But did you know that each costume is painstakingly researched and created from scratch? The costume department spends countless hours poring over historical references and creating designs that are both accurate and visually stunning. And it’s not just the main characters who get the royal treatment—even extras are outfitted in period-appropriate attire to help create an immersive experience for viewers.

On the makeup side, the artists are trained to match the era. While in some cases mascara or lipstick may not be allowed as they may not have been invented in the period being portrayed in the drama, pale foundations or primers are used to create that creamy English complexion people used to have before the advent of sun tanning. However, this does not mean the actors completely forgo their daily cleansing routines or sun-protection creams, as is advised by the professionals in the Numetrics catalogue. If anything, the actors are encouraged to keep a regular skincare routine to avoid breakouts that’ll then show onscreen and ruin the perfect look that the directors are after. But, just in case that happens, products like the Numetrics clear range will work to clear the breakout in a short time.

 

Drama setting

Another key element of period dramas is the setting. From grand estates to bustling city streets, every location plays a crucial role in creating the world of the show. What many viewers might not realise is that many of these locations are actually filmed in completely different places than they are set. For example, the stunning countryside shots in Downton Abbey were actually filmed in various locations around England, and the city scenes were shot in a studio in London. This requires a great deal of planning and coordination to ensure that every location feels authentic and true to the time period.

 

The actors

Of all, a big part of what makes period dramas so compelling are the actors themselves. However, getting into character can be more challenging than it looks. Many actors undergo extensive research and preparation to truly understand the time period and the social norms of the characters they’re playing. In some cases, this may even involve learning entirely new skills – for example, the cast of Poldark had to undergo months of training to learn how to ride horses and handle swords in a realistic way.

 

Music

And let’s not forget about the music. The sweeping orchestral scores that accompany many period dramas are just as important as any other aspect of the show. Even so, creating these scores is a challenging feat. Composers must work closely with the production team to ensure that the music fits the tone and style of the show while also being historically accurate. This often involves researching the music of the time period and finding ways to incorporate it into the score in a way that feels both authentic and emotionally resonant.

 

The script

Finally, we come to the writing. The script is the cornerstone around which everything else about the drama is created, regardless of whether the show is based on an old novel or an original idea. But writing a period drama is no easy task. It calls for a deep understanding of the time period and the social structures that defined it. Moreover, you need the ability to create compelling characters and storylines that resonate with modern audiences. And of course, it’s always a delicate balance between historical accuracy and entertainment value.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, the world of British period dramas is a complex and fascinating one, and there is so much more that takes place behind the scenes than most viewers realise. From costumes to music to writing, every aspect of these productions is carefully crafted to create an immersive and emotionally resonant experience for viewers. So the next time you settle in to watch your favourite period drama, take a moment to appreciate all the hard work and creativity that goes into bringing it to life.