Holly Pedley

Original novel by Agatha Christie published in 1934

Written and directed by Hugh Laurie

Costume design by Laura Smith

Why Didn’t They Ask Evans? will air on streaming service BritBox in 2022 in the UK, US and Canada.

Last year, I was eager to be able to return to Peaky Blinders series 6, as a costume Jr, once the industry started up after lockdown.

Designed by Alison McCosh.

Working on the final series of Peaky Blinders was truly a incomparable experience, mainly due to the fantastic costume team, cast and crew.

Costume PA

Designed by Alison McCosh

Directed by John Cameron Mitchell

Costumes designed by Sandy Powell

Based on the short story by Neil Gaiman

Initially the work was a two week placement which I organised following an interview with Sandy Powell for a dissertation I wrote about her work. I then continued to work for her for several months as a research assistant for the film How to Talk to Girls at Parties which was set in 1977 Croydon.

Working independently, the research I carried out was mainly about the punk scene during that period, but also the 70s as a whole.

This research consisted of internet, library and archive visits, as well as contacting relevant people who were integral to the punk scene in London.

I also carried out extensive research into punk badges in 1977 finding the original artwork and designing my own, which I then made into several hundred pin badges which were used for the principle actors’ costumes and the extras.

These are not my own photos.

Costume Supervisor

Creative Media Skills’ fantastic new project, ’Working the Scene’ - a two day film masterclass for 14-16 year olds from local and international schools, introducing students to the dynamics of shooting film at a professional level and a glimpse of the different roles involved.

We filmed four one-minute short films, the first directed by award-winning director, Sacha Bennet, and three written and directed by the students using the industry professional crew.

At the end of 2017 I spent 2 months working at Angels Costumes, re-organising and sorting the stock. I now have a good knowledge of the layout of the warehouse and a general familiarity with the entire stock. 

I specialised in the ladies 80’s section and began to organise their entire accessories stock ready for a move.

Short course with Peter Paul, Rachel Walsh and Creative Media Skills at Pinewood Studios.

The course covered the specific skills needed in all areas of the costume standby role. We learned what the role truly entails, whether that be for principal, crowd or stunt standby work. We also covered script breakdown and continuity books.

The course was an amazing training opportunity that really broke down the intricacies of the costume standby position and how to exceed expectations in the role. I am eagerly looking forward to expanding on the knowledge I learned on the course with hands on experience.

Short course with Jane Clive and Creative Media Skills at Angels Costumes.

The course covered how to properly fit and adjust costumes and undergarments which we pulled from Angels' stock.

We also practiced fitting room preparations, on set modifications, basic alterations, and reading measurements.

The course was an invaluable training opportunity which truly built my confidence in the fitting room, and I can't wait to use my expanded skills in practice.

Short course with Jane Clive and Creative Media Skills at Pinewood Studios.

The course covered several different areas within the costume department, such as, script breakdown, roles within the costume team, meeting the director, buying hiring and making, working within a budget, kit boxes, etiquette on set, fittings, costume plot, continuity.

The course was incredibly valuable, it helped me to understand how a costume department truly works, and I can’t wait to develop the knowledge I gained on the course with first-hand experience.