A Million Bucks shoot.

So it's all arranged.  The models, the make-up, the hair, the clothes, the car and a location.  We have Rob Dawson as McGill and Bessie Yeung as his love interest, as McGill often had a love interest who he had to leave due to his work being too dangerous.  This particular love interest I believe was his true love.  She is introduced to us in the 2 part episode 'A Variation on a Million Bucks', hence the name for the photo shoot.

McGills main car was a Hillman Imp, which we are borrowing from Carol, who's a member of The Hillman Imp Appreciation Society, we truly appreciate their help and Carol's car.  To coincide with this photo shoot, it is the 50th Anniversary of this Hillman, so that's a happy coincidence and bonus!  It's a very cute inconspicuous car, which is ideal for any agent who wishes to remain unnoticeable when investigating a case.  Today's alternative, if Man in a Suitcase was made now would probably be the Fiat 500.  
The car in the photos above is not the Hillman Imp, it was very rare to see McGill with another type of car, although it was probably to throw the people who were following him off guard.

---

I contacted Hayley Young to do the make up as I have previously worked with her on the event O-Ten Live, when she was first training to be a make up artist.  She is an exceptionally talented artist and now has her own successful business called Hayley SFX.

The hair is to be styled by Sapphire, who has her own salon called Hair by Sapphire within the City Centre of Hull.  She has worked on a number of fashion shoots with me with the results being outstanding and is an ideal hair stylist for a photographer to work with.
I know with these 2 creative artists on board these models are in safe hands.

Through lots of research I have managed to locate the very same suit that McGill wore in many of the episodes, especially on special occasions.  The suit is by a 1960's Italian Designer Petrocelli and was purchased from Faconne in the US.  To go with this suit are many vintage ties kindly supplied from the US, links are on the Links page of Oten Photography's website.  The shirt has a distinctive rounded collar, often called in the 1960's 'penny' collar, this was kindly supplied by The Savile Row Co.  
McGill never wore a watch, rings etc., apart from a pair of comedy/tragedy cufflinks. I found these on E-Bay.  
Finally, I have added a twist to the sunglasses.  The pair that Rob will be wearing are original French Renaulds sunglasses, these are the same make that were used in the opening sequence to the original film (and best) The Italian Job and Johnny Depp wears them in the film The Rum Diaries. I bought mine from Ben Leslie on E-Bay.

---

I have chosen Wincomlee in Hull as the location for the photo shoot.   In many episodes of MIAS, such as 'Man from the Dead' McGill is drawn into the industrial seedy locations.

My shoot is a juxtaposition between the industrial background and the very stylish suit and evening wear that the models will be wearing, giving the shoot an editorial look.  

Last but certainly not least, I would like to give Sharman Towers who runs the MIAS Society a huge thank you, as without her help, expert knowledge and enthusiasm for this re-creation, this labour of love would not of have been possible xx

Photos will be on show on this Blog and O-Ten's website in 2 weeks.

Please check out the MIAS episodes that are available to view on You Tube. 
McGill knows how to deal with the bad guys and gals!  

Also as a bonus, this series had one of the coolest opening title theme tunes ever!

Chris xx
O-Ten Photography

---