Week 9 – The Shoot

I slept in! AGAIN! Of all the days my body could have picked to play a joke on me it chose the first day of shooting. Thankfully it wasn’t too much of a disaster because Murdo was driving me and some others to set but we did arrive ten minutes after our call time which I still maintain was the bad traffic and not my fault! After this, however, the day went extremely well. The truth of the matter is, whatever role one has, the actual shoot is one of the most exciting times in the filmmaking process. It’s when things start happening and there is a tangible reward for all the effort; the footage starts rolling into the can. Officially I had no on-set job because I would only be around for half the shoot but nevertheless I found myself quite demandingly busy throughout the day as an assistant script supervisor to Michael, a juggling double for the cast, an energising co-ordinator for a bunch of kids and even a clown. Needless to say I thoroughly enjoyed myself but whether my help (or hindrance?!) paid off is yet to be seen.

Our second day of shooting was somewhat more sedate and controlled since there was no need to venture outside and no groups of child extras were involved. My role on this day was chiefly the amuser and entertainer of young Robert, our ten-year-old lead actor. His behaviour had been excellent the day before, though he had shown signs of tiredness, but today it seemed the fatigue was starting to catch up. Unfortunately he was not the only one who needed to be kept in check because the doting Charlotte, in an understandable effort to keep him engaged, was allowing him just a bit too much authority and freedom. Cunning as a viper (as little boys so often are) Robert had figured out the hierarchy of the set. Knowing that Charlotte, as director, was ultimately in control and knowing that she would give him whatever he wanted he could effectively rule the roost. Fortunately, at least when I left, he hadn’t taken advantage of his position but the old saying did spring to mind (and not for the first time): “Never work with children and animals”… they’re much too dangerous.

On Wednesday I flew to London with a select few from the Spirit of Life Youth Choir. We were given a tour of the Houses of Parliament and then sang in the House of Lords as part of a presentation for the Epiphany Trust. It was an amazing day, I loved every minute, but being entirely unrelated to my course I shan’t expand anymore on it here!

Rapidly running out of adrenaline I spent the remainder of this week in the Edinburgh International Film Festival which was overall a very beneficial experience though sometimes tinged with disappointment. I hadn’t realised just how quickly events and screenings would be sold out or exactly what opportunities my delegate’s pass allowed. By the time I had got myself organised the three days were almost over; I’ll know for next year. So unfortunately I didn’t quite get my value for money for the three days but the events I did manage to attend were extremely valuable experiences.