The Sketch
Co-director Christopher Kuiper sketched the original vision for the “Man in the Mask” character in INDEFINITE. The helmet design covers the entire head and neck to cloak the character’s identity.
The Helmet Inspiration
Joseph Janswig of Errant Squire Productions crafted the helmet. Inspiration for the helmet design came from the roots in Japanese warriors from the Late Edo Period.
The face provided rigidity and form. A drape flowed down the back to provide freedom during intense action scenes. The actor’s movements were unchained.
The Mask Mold
The face of “The Mask” was made to look expressionless. It was created by pressing leather onto a plaster mold. To finish the face it was dyed with ink and a sealant was applied to prevent water absorption. The leather was stitched together for the final mask form.
The Tactical Vest
The army vest started as a dark green relic snagged from an army surplus store. Three rounds of black die morphed it into its finished form. Dyeing the vest ate up two days watching ink dry between steps.
The Pouch
Joseph hand crafted a leather pouch to hold the mysterious orange vials. He added a zipper and sewed small slots to safely hold the glass vials tight.
Who Wore “The Mask”?
–[Spoiler alert.]–
Joseph Janswig rocked the costume in all scenes except one. This provided us with the best execution of the project because he choreographed the fights.
For the epic showdown, Joe Fransee (as Jonas) stepped into the suit. Joseph Janswig made his cameo “face” appearance as a thug in that scene.
A Tad Smelly
The Mask turned into a sauna, drenched in sweat with each take. Between shoot days it received a Febreze air freshener bath while it dried on a patio table.
History behind the leather Craftsmanship at Errant Squire Productions
Joseph’s leather crafting roots trace back to his SCA days. Joseph joined SCA, The Society for Creative Anachronism. The SCA group safely participates in medieval fights with swords and armor. Joseph, “I like to hit people with sticks and have an interest in martial arts.”
Joseph first glimpsed Pennsic War reenactment brawls on YouTube. Hooked by the clash, he hammered out his first armor in ’98. He sliced up a plastic barrel for plates and strapped them to upholstery leather. The design was based on a Visby coat of plates.
From there, Joseph jumped into leather craftsmanship. The assortment of leather making items include sparing equipment; armor, shields, gauntlets, etc. The leather craft portfolio can be found on Errant Squire Productions.
