12-Hour Workdays in Corsets and Ice Packs? The Brutal Reality of Filming Queen Charlotte!
While Queen Charlotte has dazzled audiences with its lush costumes, stunning period details, and dramatic storytelling, the reality of filming this historical drama was far from glamorous. Behind the elegance of the royal court and the captivating performances, cast and crew faced long hours, physical strain, and challenging conditions that many fans might not realize. In particular, the actresses who donned 18th-century corsets had to endure the added difficulty of performing in constrictive garments during grueling 12-hour workdays.
But that’s not all—ice packs, constant discomfort, and extreme attention to historical accuracy made filming Queen Charlotte a physically demanding process for the actors, especially the women in the lead roles. In this article, we dive into the brutal realities behind filming Queen Charlotte—from corsets to ice packs, and everything in between.
The Corset Conundrum: Fashion Meets Function (Or Lack Thereof)
One of the most iconic aspects of Queen Charlotte is its intricate costume design. The 18th-century attire, including the tight, structured corsets worn by the female characters, adds an extra layer of authenticity and visual appeal to the series. However, these historically accurate garments came with a steep price—discomfort, fatigue, and physical strain.
1. The Challenges of Wearing a Corset for Hours on End
Corsets were not just fashion statements in the 18th century—they were instruments of societal control, designed to shape the female form into the “ideal” silhouette. While the corsets in Queen Charlotte were designed to mimic historical accuracy, they were often anything but comfortable. The actresses had to wear these tight, restrictive garments for up to 12 hours a day during filming, adding a physical challenge to their demanding workdays.
“I had to wear a corset every day,” said India Amarteifio, who plays the young Queen Charlotte. “It’s extremely tight, and it really limits your movement. You feel like you’re being compressed all the time.”
The constant pressure on the actors’ ribs, chest, and abdomen caused discomfort, making it difficult to breathe deeply or sit comfortably. The corsets also restricted the actors’ mobility, which was particularly challenging during more physically demanding scenes.
2. Dealing with Heat and Sweat Under Multiple Layers
In addition to the physical constriction of the corset itself, the actresses were also subjected to sweltering heat beneath their voluminous gowns. The period costumes were often made of thick, heavy fabrics such as silk, brocade, and velvet, which trapped heat and made it difficult to stay cool during the long workdays. Combine this with the corset’s restrictive nature, and it was easy for actors to feel uncomfortable and fatigued.
Despite the inconvenience, the costume department did their best to ensure historical accuracy, meaning that the actors had to endure the physical demands of these costumes to maintain the period-perfect aesthetic.
The 12-Hour Workday Grind: Filming the Scenes That Bring Queen Charlotte to Life
Filming Queen Charlotte was a monumental task that required actors to be on set for long hours, often working 12-hour days or more. These grueling schedules, combined with the physical discomfort of wearing corsets, made the reality of filming much more taxing than many would imagine.
1. Long Hours and Exhaustion
A typical day on set of Queen Charlotte could stretch well into the evening, with long takes, detailed choreography, and complex dialogue. The cast and crew would work tirelessly, adjusting to the demands of the period drama and ensuring that every scene was executed flawlessly. However, the long hours took a toll on the actors, especially those who had to spend hours in tight corsets and elaborate costumes.
“You’d be on set for hours, sometimes up to 14 hours, and it’s exhausting,” said Amarteifio. “You’re not only acting, but you’re also trying to hold your breath in that corset while performing intense scenes. It can be physically draining.”
The endurance required for these long workdays, combined with the physical discomfort of the costumes, made filming an arduous task, especially for the lead actresses who spent more time in front of the camera.
2. Managing the Physical Toll: Ice Packs and Rest Periods
To help manage the physical strain of filming, the cast often had to take breaks and use ice packs to alleviate the discomfort caused by long hours in the corset. After filming intense scenes or sitting for long periods, many of the actresses would have ice packs applied to their lower backs, shoulders, and legs to relieve the pressure and reduce inflammation.
“Sometimes, when you’re not filming, you’d be sitting on set with an ice pack on your back, just trying to cool down,” Amarteifio revealed. “It’s hard to describe, but after wearing those corsets for so long, your body just feels sore.”
These rest periods and ice packs allowed the actors to recover between takes, but the toll that the intense physical demands of the shoot had on the cast members was undeniable.
The Pressure of Historical Accuracy: Maintaining Authenticity at All Costs
One of the key factors that contributed to the physical strain of filming Queen Charlotte was the show’s commitment to historical accuracy. The designers and costume department worked tirelessly to replicate the clothing, hairstyles, and overall aesthetics of the 18th century. However, this commitment to authenticity also meant that the actors had to endure historically accurate but uncomfortable garments.
1. Attention to Detail in Every Aspect of the Costume
The costumes in Queen Charlotte are nothing short of spectacular, with every detail meticulously planned to reflect the elegance and grandeur of the royal court. This included the heavy fabrics, intricate lacework, and voluminous skirts that required constant adjustments throughout filming. For the actresses, this meant not only wearing corsets but also dealing with layers upon layers of clothing that could weigh as much as 20 pounds.
“It’s not just about the corset,” said actress Michelle Fairley, who portrays Lady Danbury. “The entire costume is heavy, and it takes a toll on your body. You’re constantly adjusting and shifting, especially if you’re filming an action scene.”
The historical accuracy of the costumes is undoubtedly a key element in the success of Queen Charlotte, but the demands of such realism made the actors’ jobs physically demanding and, at times, unbearable.
Breaking Down the Glamour: The Hard Work Behind the Royal Facade
While Queen Charlotte dazzles audiences with its luxurious portrayal of the royal family, the actors and crew worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make it all happen. The long hours, physical discomfort, and extreme attention to detail are part of the unseen reality of filmmaking—one that often goes unnoticed by viewers who are swept away by the beauty and drama on screen.
Despite the hardships, the cast members have spoken positively about their experiences working on Queen Charlotte, emphasizing the camaraderie on set and the sense of achievement when the final product comes together.
“It’s a tough job, but at the end of the day, it’s worth it,” Amarteifio said. “We were able to create something that’s beautiful and meaningful, and that makes it all worthwhile.”
Conclusion: The Unseen Struggles of Filming Queen Charlotte
Filming Queen Charlotte was no easy feat. From 12-hour workdays to the physical strain of wearing historically accurate corsets and costumes, the cast endured countless challenges to bring the royal drama to life. The relentless work, combined with the extreme discomfort of period attire, made for an incredibly demanding production process.
However, the dedication and resilience of the actors and crew are evident in the final product, which has garnered praise for its authenticity and dramatic storytelling. While viewers are immersed in the beauty and grandeur of Queen Charlotte, it’s important to recognize the immense physical and emotional effort that went into bringing the series to life. Behind the dazzling costumes and royal settings, there were many hours of hard work, sacrifice, and ice packs—proving that the road to success in historical drama is anything but easy.
