From Behind the Desk of Marvel’s Agent Carter
It’s not every day you get to walk in the footsteps of a superhero. A few months ago though, that is just what I did! And not just ANY superhero. A fabulous, strong woman superhero: Marvel’s Agent Carter.
Agent Carter
Agent Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell) follows the life of a single woman in a man-dominated workforce. But don’t think that stops Agent Carter! She is a force to be reckoned and makes her place in the covert SSR (Strategic Scientific Reserve) very well known. Knowing this, it was an honor to sit behind the desk of Agent Carter and to walk in her footsteps on the set!
After signing away our first born and completely unplugging from the outside world, we were led to the set of Agent Carter. Having just watched a few shorts about the series, we quickly recognized areas, desks, and props. Being able to get a feel for the actual room where she works was unbelievable. Plus, as they were filming on another set, we were able to walk over and listen in for a bit. It was quite fascinating to see everything in action and to better understand the magic of the camera.
Before we began our tour though, we met with Costume designer, Gigi Melton. She walked us through the various costumes for the cast and explained her job on the set. Creating “hero” outfits as well as others that are made to be torn apart. Buying clothes from thrift stores or prop houses. How she must learn about each character in order to create a wardrobe specific to that role.
Whereas one man likes a bowtie and suspenders, another may only wear one color palette. There is much more than meets the eye in the costume department! It’s a wonderful part of the production and such an essential part to any film.
In addition to the costumes, we did get just a little hands-on in the SSR office. We couldn’t touch anything because it was a live set… but that didn’t stop us from walking around and looking at it all. Taking it all in. As well as having a bit of fun. Our “tour guide” even suggested a great photo of all of us standing to attention the way the agents do when that infamous red phone rings.
As we perused through the office, we studied papers on the desks, pictures on the walls, and props throughout the space. We noticed humor in some of the office paperwork that acted as a filler on forms too small for the camera to pick up. The furniture had a certain character to it and seeing the vintage typewriters and phones was amazing. The ambiance of the room was apparent and it felt as though we were actually in another decade.
Not to mention, being able to talk to Agent Carter herself within the four walls of the office space was surreal. Hayley Atwell has a drama school background that included basic training for unarmed combat for stage fighting. This is beneficial in her role as Agent Carter because she is able to make the fighting scenes look real, without hurting people. I am sure her co-stars are grateful.
Not to mention, she has an excellent stunt coordinator, whose wife is actually Hayley’s stunt double, to choreograph the scenes. And, yes, she called it a “dance” and said they shoot in short pieces to make sure they nail each and every shot. It has too look convincing and they must “sell the punches and kicks to the camera.” If you have watched Agent Carter in action, I definitely would not want to have to go hand to hand with her!
With all of that going on, Agent Carter has a lot to explore as we follow through the next episodes together! Be sure to like Agent Carter on Facebook for more information and show updates. Tune in tonight at 9pm EST on ABC Network for 2 more brand new episodes. Be sure to read more from Hayley Atwell and season 2 starting in January 2016!