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How could I find or achieve a catwalk location?

Sensual Art

By Sensual Art, 1727793039

Sometimes I get one of those ideas. You know the ones, silly, overly-ambitious ideas that's way above my usual level. Utterly impractical, and ridiculously expensive. And I'd probably end up with shoddy pictures anyway. But still, it's my idea, and I want to do it, at least until I find out exactly how impractical or expensive it would actually be.

This one is that I want to have a model in a couple of posh outfits, on something that looks like a catwalk. Just because that and the red carpet at some awards ceremony are the only places I'd ever imagine seeing them.

So go on, how could a convincing catwalk be created, and what would it cost?

One option is to hire a huge location and pay a hundred people to come and sit to pretend to be watching. Another might be to do it in an empty studio (a big one like Aura, perhaps) and then use an AI generated background for the rest.

And no, I'm not even going to consider trying to blag my way into being able to take photographs at an actual catwalk fashion event. I'm not that sort of person for multiple reasons.

PhilipJ said, 1727793352

Approach a local college with a fashion course and see if they wish help covering an end of year show? I am sure that you will be honest about relevant experience etc and offer some sort of TF deal, perhaps?

Unfocussed Mike said, 1727798110

They are fairly substantial things. Tempting to see them as a series of connected boxes but they are generally constructed from board on top of scaffolding poles, in much the same way that live music staging is (only without the pre-built cross-beams).

Just a bit lower.

https://redcarpetsystems.com/build-runway-stage/

Next time you see a low-staged event in a shopping centre or whatever, ask to have a peek underneath.

So I would maybe work up the idea in real detail and then hire a scaffolder or a theatre staging company to do it? It shouldn’t be that expensive. 

I once saw a theatre stage with a “jetty” that ran out into/among the audience, and that was literally a covered steel gridded construction site catwalk without its railings. Serious business.

You could probably do it with exhibition flooring, actually. I think you hire that in box segments that lock together.

Edited by Unfocussed Mike

Edited by Unfocussed Mike

BLA@K said, 1727798712

Have a look at Grumpy Joes Staging

ANDY00 said, 1727799081

It depends on the type of catwalk. Not all are staged these days, but if you're looking for a full, staged catwalk, try reaching out to local fashion shows. Contact the show organizers about using the setup on fitting day. Most won't mind since it’s usually just the lighting and staging crews around at that time :-) 

Allesandro B said, 1727801133

you could contact UCA, your nearest is Farnham, they may well have a catwalk.

will white said, 1727804799

Keep it simple and hire or buy a cheap red carpet and simply put it where you’d like it will look like a catwalk venue straight off

Simon Carter said, 1727899076

Theatre staging hire. Or find a local drama studio / theatre which has temporary staging / seating. Some of those systems can be assembled in a huge range of shapes.

MidgePhoto said, 1727899415

Near here there is a jetty or flat-topped pipe running out into the river.

It has been used.

There's also a medieval bridge, from which the river has been diverted. It has more potential than I've used.

Lots of existing features give the idea, I think.

Simon Carter said, 1727899828

Unfocussed Mike the systems I’ve used are much, much lighter weight than scaffolding. More like sets of dining table legs and sheets of ply.

Unfocussed Mike said, 1727901123

Simon Carter said

Unfocussed Mike the systems I’ve used are much, much lighter weight than scaffolding. More like sets of dining table legs and sheets of ply.

Do you mean 1x1 portable stage? I guess. Costs about 200 quid per square metre, e.g.

https://www.gear4music.com/PA-DJ-and-Lighting/1m-x-1m-Portable-Stage-Kit-by-Gear4music-40cm/252F 

TBH this stuff is so modular it would probably be useful more than once and you could easily sell it.

But a few scaffolding poles and clamps and boards could be *dramatically* cheaper. 

Simon Carter said, 1727903137

Unfocussed Mike , no simpler stuff than that.

Either way: the cheapest approach will be to find a space which already has some & hire the space.