SEGA's Bayonetta revolves around its beautiful heroine and her tale of revival, survival...and her hair. This year at the San Diego Comic Con I got to know Bayonetta just a little bit more with her real life model, Penny Drake.
Photo from Kotaku
I missed playing Bayonetta at E3 and got a small dosage at the SEGA booth at Comic Con. However, in the midst of playing I was introduced to the real Bayonetta. I got to speak with the 5'11 beauty, Penny Drake, a tiny bit (she was surrounded by fans taking pictures) and she told me what a typical day is like as Bayonetta. Penny said that everything starts with sitting in a chair for about 30 minutes for her facial make up. Next, she has two assistants help wrap her body in special undergarments. They then put talcum powder on the skin for easier fitting into the body suit. Penny mentions that once the gloves go on, she's useless and has another person assist her in putting on the boots. The boots at E3 had the guns that Bayonetta uses in game for heels, but they decided to not use them for Comic Con because they were difficult to walk in. I forgot to ask when the wig went on between all that! She was a perfect replica of the in-game model down to the butterfly glasses. For those wondering, the glasses were included to give the character a "flaw" in the fact that no one is perfect and to differentiate her from any other female character.
The costume is immaculate. SEGA had the outfit made at Mulo-Little Studios in Hollywood who were also responsible for costumes in Star Trek and other block-buster hits. They had to go through quite a few rough drafts of the costume in terms of making the wig properly and various accessories, but I'd say they managed to pick the perfect collection of pieces. The details of everything worn are amazing. From the chains that run down the body, to the time piece on her chest, to the guns she holds and how true they are to the game's weapons. The prop guns were made to form the round symbol inside the picture above when the props are placed on top of each other. It's little details like that that make you you appreciate the work more. I didn't even see them till they were brought to my attention. Penny is an actor as well and if a movie were ever made about this game, I think they already have their leading lady.
I have to say thank you to Penny, SEGA and Chase from Access Communications for all their help and information! Bayonetta is expected to release at the beginning of 2010.
