Plunge Creations on why they are allowing visitors a rare opportunity “to peek behind the scenes”, how they “make the magic”, and why we all need a little more wonder and fun in our lives
Plunge Creative Director, Tim Simpson, with some of this season’s Masked Singer favourites
Plunge Creations is an award-winning studio, crafting all manner of props, costumes and installations for TV, film, theatre and events, showing for one weekend only at Artists Open Houses. Can you tell us a little bit about how the company evolved?
Plunge Creations started life back in 2000 as a theatre production company, bringing spectacular shows to cities across the UK. Back then we were based in Birmingham but we had dreams of making it big on the West End, so we packed up and moved to London. Alongside the theatre work, we were also offering creative services – design, prop making, set building – and it turned out that’s where the real demand was and also where we had the most fun and made the most magic.
So we pivoted and relocated to Brighton. We’re now based in Portslade Village in a 6,000 square foot complex of workshops where we take on all manner of ambitious, intricate and downright extraordinary projects, all under one roof.
Working at height to suspend the top half of the Wicked For Good Tree from the ceiling at Westfield
Can you describe in a bit more detail some of the projects you have created – the ones you are most proud of – and the ones that represented the greatest challenges?
With over 20 years of projects, it’s impossible to pick favourites! The variety of work is probably what we’re most proud of and also the fact that every year we go bigger and bolder, and take on ever more complex and challenging projects.
We’re always thrilled to work on the Christmas trees at St Pancras International. So many people see those trees and love them, they have really become a highlight of London’s festive offering. And of course people know us for The Masked Singer costumes. There are some real super-fans out there, many of whom will come along to our Open House weekend to get up close to a selection of costumes and even try some on!
Moth, the Masked Singer Season 7 Winner
Your creations are part science, part art, marrying both imaginative vision and exceptional technical flair. Can you tell us a little about your process – how these two sides work together to “make the magic,” as you so wonderfully describe it.
We have an incredible team here at Plunge, including technical and creative project managers and highly skilled makers who can do anything from weld 12-metre high frames for Christmas tree installations, to hand sewing the most intricate bespoke tailoring. We also have hundreds of trusted freelancers on our books.
There really isn’t anything we can’t make and we do get asked to make some pretty wild things! No two projects are ever exactly the same. We often have to experiment with new materials and create samples and maquettes to make sure what we’re proposing will actually work. Inevitably, plans can change at the last minute and so we also have to be flexible and quick to adapt.
It doesn’t end there. Once we’ve finished designing and fabricating, we often also install projects. That requires another level of technical expertise – understanding wind loads, fire regulations and engineering calculations. We’ve installed projects in historic palaces, station concourses, shopping centres, city pavements – in all kinds of locations, so safety is absolutely paramount.
Welding the metal structure that formed the inside of the 12-metre-high Wicked For Good Tree
An interviewer recently brought up the term “Commercial Art”,” when discussing your work. Is this something you relate to? How would you describe what you do?
It’s always tricky to sum up what we do exactly but, yes, the art we make always has a commercial application, whether that’s a costume for an award-winning show on Broadway or a PR stunt for a global brand.
In a world of AI and fake news, we make real things with our hands. A simple description is probably to call us a creative studio specialising in designing and fabricating costumes, props and installations.
Iconic giant chess piece in the celebrity version of The Traitors UK
You are a considerable team of over 30 makers, designers, project managers, all of whom, I presume, bring a very wide range of skills and creative approaches to the table. Can you explain how you work together? Is there generally a set procedure or do collaborations differ wildly from project to project?
All our projects start with the projects team working closely with the client to pin down exactly what’s needed and all the parameters of the job. After that there will be extensive conversations internally to work out the best fabrication processes, materials and crew to deliver the project.
Once a project goes live, it’s a real collaboration between makers working across different disciplines. Materials don’t always behave the way you expect, so sometimes we have to pivot mid-project and try something different. Every project is unique and we’re always developing new and better techniques. One thing that’s always consistent is the team spirit, everyone working together to make sure we deliver the absolute best quality end product and keep everything on budget and on time.
The team posing with some of the ITV Bigheads
You are usually closed to the public, but are opening for visitors (for one weekend only) as part of the Open Houses this year. Can you tell us a little bit more about what visitors can expect from this rare opportunity to explore your workshop?
We get enquiries all year round from people asking to come and have a look around. Sadly we have to say no. Because of the nature of the work we do, it’s just not safe to have people touring the workshops plus often the things we’re making are top secret. Opening for a weekend each year during the Artists Open Houses event means we can throw the doors open and safely welcome everyone in.
All our workshops will be open – electrics, sewing/costume room, spray booth, metal working, sculpting and woodwork. Visitors will be able to walk through the whole site and we’ll have a range of props and costumes on display, some that can be tried on and interacted with.
Members of the team will be here both days to chat to visitors, so it’s a great opportunity for fans to find out more about the shows they love. And for anyone thinking about a creative career, it can be really inspiring to talk to makers and project managers about how they got into the industry and get advice. Oh, and we’ll have a few free making activities to keep kids occupied and some of our makers will be doing demos throughout the day.
Despite your vast, at times seemingly limitless, creative remit, is there one unifying idea that could be said to motivate Plunge in all its artistic endeavours?
You could say our unifying motivation is to inject some wonder and fun into the world! Over the years we’ve worked with some of the biggest global brands and names in the entertainment industry and we’re known for the quality of the work we produce. We take that very seriously but, at our core, we’re a quirky bunch of makers and creatives who have built a really lovely, friendly workplace.
We’re looking forward to sharing some of that Plunge warmth and silliness with everyone who visits over the open weekend!
Open Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th May, 10am-4pm, only
Visit: Plunge Creations
Unit 3, Bestwood Works, Drove Road, Portslade, BN41 2PA
No. 2 on the Portslade Trail