Years after the death ofScreamdirector Wes Craven, the franchise continues to pay homage to him. Those who worked with Craven on the first four films of the horror franchise, as well as those who joined for the latest films, all intend to keep his work and vision intact. Avery Plewes, the costume designer for the franchise’s latest film, accomplished this in numerous ways.
Game Rant was given the pleasure of chatting with Plewes about her designs forScream VI.In addition to honoring Craven,Plewes discusses joining theScreamfranchise, styling both new and legacy characters, working in the horror genre, and what the opportunity to work on a notorious franchise meant to her.
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GR: You join five other women who have designed the costumes for this feminine-led franchise. Was there anything you were inspired by in their designs that influenced your work onScream VI?
Avery: I think Cynthia Bergstrom was my biggest becausethe original is such a self-referential film.The first one is sort of like a blueprint so I referenced her in a lot of ways. But, I rewatched them over and over again, particularly to reference the museum scene. Each of these women I really admire and respect greatly, and I feel really honored to be in their company.
GR:Screamis one of those franchises that remains faithful to its origins, particularly with its characters, while also shifting to a new era. You’re now one of the first to help characterize these new additions to the franchise. How do you balance working on both the new and old characters?
Avery: The goal is always to define really distinct characters whether new or old.If it’s a legacy or newer character,it’s maintaining the integrity of the previous costume designer’s work. If I’m starting from scratch, it’s trying to make a character that feels really defined and distinct to the audience in a memorable way.
GR: How did you decide to tackle Ghostface’s look for this sixth installment?
Avery: Radio Silence really liked what Emily Gunshor did with the last one in terms of shape and body. We used the pattern and shape of that one. We didn’t have the same fabric but we got very similar. I made the hood a bit bigger and fuller in the back and changed the hem. I changed what I call the “Ghostface wings” to have six panels on each side to signify that this is the sixth one. Radio Silence’s whole thing about Ghostface is him feeling as anonymous as possible and taking up as much space as physically possible.
The mask was scripted.I got to work and looked at references of cracked faces, and I went down the rabbit hole of cracked doll heads and faces. I grew up with a grandmother who collected porcelain dolls which really scared me as a kid. I thought a lot about faces that have historically terrified me. I thought a lot about my grandmother’s attic filled with dolls. Then we spent weeks developing the mask with different materials and techniques.
GR: Did you face any pressures or restrictions working on such a longstanding franchise?
Avery: Yeah, for sure.Screamhas the most passionate fanbase I’ve ever encountered. Youdo not want to cross aScreamfan,but they’re also some of, if not the kindest fanbase I’ve encountered. I feel very grateful that everyone has been so kind to me, but I also had such anxiety about disappointing people. I hope the fans realize how much I took to heart how much the franchise means to them, and tried to pour my heart and efforts into referencing the previous films; referencing Wes Craven. I really tried to be thoughtful and was intentional with a lot of things.
GR: That certainly comes through with the attention to detail you’ve already laid out.
Avery: Gale Weathers has a signet ring that I had custom-made for her that has a “W” on it, and that’s for “Wes” and “Weathers,” which you’ll never see in the film, butit was one of those special things.Tara wears Wes’ birthstone which is peridot, which is funny because peridot is Tatum’s original turtleneck top color. Kirby also wears his birthstone in earrings, which Hayden was very touched by the idea because she loves him so much. There are little pieces of that throughout the film. I think it also helps the actor feel whole in their costume.
GR: How much does Wes' influence continue to have on set?
Avery: It’s kind of like the grandfather that a lot of us never got to meet that everyone wants to honor and respect. Even in the subway scene, there are tons of costumes that you might not clock that are from his movies. When we met to talk about that scene, there were a bunch of classic horror films that were scripted and we went through those. And then I was like, “Wellwhat are the Wes Craven moviesyou guys want to reference?” We were all like, “we have to make it scary with these classics, but let’s put our heads together and see how we include Wes.” Even down to the Freddy Krueger costume he wore when he was the janitor, that has to be there.
GR: You’ve worked on a lot of genres in both television and film. What was unique about working onScream VI?
Avery: I’ve never worked on a project with such a large, existing fanbase before. I’ve worked on one that’s developed one, not ones that have peoplewho have been lifelong fans.It was a lot of fun and kind of like having an adventure with friends you’ve already had an adventure with. I went on this wild journey with some really good friends that I’ve worked with before, and we’re all a little bit more mature and older as filmmakers.
GR: What was your biggest takeaway in working onScream VI?
Avery: I think my takeaway from it is that there is a real magic in working with people that you love working with. I think as filmmakers, you create a better product when you have the right people around you who you have a shorthand with. That’s really what it felt like working with Radio Silence.
GR: Do you want to continue working with horror or do you see yourself going in another direction?
Avery: For sure. I always want to work on a project I really believe in and think is really cool. I thoughtReady or Notwas really cool, andI love doing horror;I think it’s fun. Horror has a really special place in my heart but I also like to do something different. As soon as I finish a show, I want to do the opposite. I also want to keep working with Radio Silence as long as they’ll let me.
GR: Finally, do you have a favorite costume fromScream VI?
Avery: I love Gale’s costumes. I’m very pleased with how Gale looks. I also loved Sam’s costume with the way Brett lit that scene. It’s exactly how I thought he would, again, the luxury of working with people you know.
