Costuming a series of films

[ShortAndCashed]

I am currently in the process of writing screen plays for some shorts, and they will be in the film noir style. I will be acting/overseeing production, and I'm on the lookout for prohibition era clothing. However, I have not previously researched this, is there any way to get a crash course on that style? Seeing as everyone who will be connected to this will more than likely be in college, we won't have much of a budget, but I'd like it to be as accurate as possible. Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[The Wiser Hatter]

Watch boardwalk empire.

 

[ottawa_adam]

The PBS 3-part miniseries, "Prohibition," is also a good reference.

 

[ShortAndCashed]

OK, thanks! Like I said, it really doesn't have to be perfect, as most of the people who will see this are from the sticks where culture is watching a stage production in your Wranglers and Wolverine boots... But, I'd like it to be as close as I can make it. I have a few pieces in my everyday wardrobe that will suffice, though.

 

[Flat Foot Floey]

Prohibition ended in 1932. You could browse the Sticky for early 1930s catalogues. If this isn't enough you could also buy books from "Dover" or "Schiffer" with the catalogue pages of Sears or Montgomery Ward. There is much stuff for 1920s too. Or wait for A Dandy Guide to Dating Vintage Menswear

 

[Corky]

Shooting in Louisville might be a problem, but...

The way to go is to advertise for actors and actresses to show up for the auditions in the kind of period costumes you seek.

When they show up for tryouts, take digital photos for your records and use the ones who are not suitable for parts as extras and background characters.

Also advertise for costume people. There are probably some people there in Louisville who have the expertise and outfits you seek.

If you're going to purchase or make costumes, try to limit your expenditures to the costumes for the lead roles and principal characters.