Hannah Davis' Capstone: "In The Window Display"

“Mannequins do not have minds or hearts. They simply take on the stories of the clothes they wear and invite you to watch.”

Hello, my name is Hannah Davis, I am a Film and Theater double major at the University of Kansas. This project, In The Window Display, is the culmination of my academic career at KU, and I cannot wait to share it with the world.

The project is a series of monologues performed by a mannequin, dressed and adorned in the latest fashions and describing the story of their life through a boutique shop window. Of course, an actual mannequin won’t be speaking. Instead, Allison Rayder, a talented member of the KU Theatre Department will take on the mannequin’s role in each scene, showcasing how window dressings and couture might change with time, and the mannequin transforms with it

I have always loved the grandiose nature of vintage film production. Movies that are shot primarily on soundstages and utilize extravagant sets and costumes are some of my favorites. I love films like Death Becomes Her, Birdcage, and Streets of Fire. This project will combine the practical set and costume designs of theater with filmmaking techniques, melding together the two subject areas that I love. By capturing these monologues with the camera, these stories will be able to live on far past the removal of their window displays, much like the mannequins themselves.

These concept images, created by myself, showcase each installment of this series and the differing sets and costumes that they will require.

We plan on shooting this film in early September over the course of two eight-hour days. I am already in the beginning stages of planning this shoot, which has included communicating with one of KU's brilliant costume designers, Zoe English, finalizing the script, and casting Allison as the lead actor! The next step depends on you!

I am asking for $2,000 from this fundraiser, but any amount of money raised will be instrumental in getting this project off the ground. I plan on using these funds to create custom costume pieces for each monologue, acquire construction materials and props, provide meals for the crew, and pay festival submission fees.

I plan on submitting In The Window Display as my capstone film, a course at KU that provides students access to equipment and other resources so they can execute various film and video projects. I’ll be able to rent lighting equipment, a camera, and reserve soundstage space through this course, ensuring that the film equipment needed to execute this project won’t cut into the budget. Additionally, my time at KU has allowed me to build a community of amazing student filmmakers, many of whom have already agreed to work on this project. Part of the funds acquired by this campaign will be used to ensure that the working conditions of this set are excellent and that the crew is kept hydrated and well fed. A small portion of the funding will be used to cover miscellaneous costs that may arise during production, such as printing production documents and buying file storage.

All contributors will receive a special thanks in the credits of the final film. If you don’t feel like you can contribute at this time, that is completely alright! All I ask is that you please help get this project off the ground by sharing this fundraiser wherever you can.

Thank you so much for your support. I cannot wait for this film to capture and share the inner world of the window display.