Almost 2 weeks, more-like!
But given the fact that ‘Get In, Get Done, Get Out’ has taken up the majority of my spare time over the last 6 months, in its various forms, I’m actually surprised I haven’t needed longer to get out of that head space.
Long nights, sleepless nights (or certainly reduced sleep), searching for a suitable location for part of the shoot, casting Phil while abroad on holiday, ensuring my car was still road worthy and road legal, designing, monitoring and constantly publicising a crowdfund for the 1st time ever (while at the same time taking a step back, and giving space to those other, more worthy and altruistic charity-inspired campaigns that were being run), and keeping in constant contact with the actors, crew and extras.
I worked with contracts and to a budget, while chipping in when required.
Props and costumes, oh the props and costumes. Without going into detail (through fear of spoiling the film for those who will see it) some of the props and costumes came at the very last moment, but they did come.
The day itself is worthy of its own post, but in the interest of drawing a line under the production of this short film, I will keep it here.
I was out of my place by 7:00am in the pouring rain (and it was bad) and at the studio to pick up the camera, sound and other equipment.
The weather improved and we found what turned out to be a prime parking spot in South East London, near the inside location. Rain and cloud challenged us but the external shoot actually went well.
Then we went to the other location, where the interior shoot was to take place, and there were more challenges.
I have a very perceptive and clever readership, so I’ll simply say that we struggled to stay as inconspicuous as I would have liked going into the day, but we got sufficient footage- and leave you to work out why I’m glossing over that aspect 😉
As we were open to ideas, suggestions and enhancements, a couple of things were filmed that were not a part of the script, but should help with the final product. Including an element I very visibly resisted at the time, but will keep an open mind on during the post-production process. My dear friend Marc (who I cheekily dubbed my unofficial Executive Consultant 😂), pointed out that it could work production-wise, so we’ll see.
After returning to the first location to conclude filming, at just before 9pm, those words “That’s a wrap!” were uttered, and I started to feel a sense of relief. I couldn’t dwell on it yet for a couple of reasons.
The first being that I knew the process of getting people to their various locations, stations, houses and studios was only beginning. I’ll come back to that later.
The second is one that I might reveal at a later date when it’s more safe to do so 🤭🤫😂 but suffice to say, I’m a little less concerned and ‘stressy’ about it now than I was at the time. But I’m taking no chances…
And at 23:35 on Saturday 20th July, I crawled home and into bed. I can tell you very little about that night or a lot of Sunday where tidy-up and residuals took place.
In the name of openness, I’m going to reveal that I returned to my car the following weekend to find it unlocked! It’s clear that someone had been inside it, no doubt trying to see what they could get but fortunately, I don’t keep anything inside it and I thank the Almighty for that.
Either I didn’t lock it properly on the Sunday when I came back or the heat that ensued during the week somehow ‘relaxed’ the car. Given how I was on the Sunday, I can guess which one it likely was 🤦🏿♂️
Lesson learned on that score by me and hopefully a lesson and reminder to all of you.
Before I end, I hope you will indulge me as I thank a number of people.
Firstly, the people who contributed to the crowdfund. Without your generosity, I don’t know how we could have got the film done. Individuals will be named in the closing credits.
To Marc, who gave me a steer during the entire process. From keeping the crowdfund simple and focused to the day of filming as well.
To Bálint, a very effective and clever Director, who I hope to work with again.
To Cláudia, who is pretty much the catalyst for turning this script into a short film, and brought more life to Peta than I even envisaged.
The same can be said for Phil, who’s portrayal of Elijah should have you smiling and shaking your head in equal measure.
To Emma, Jon, and Anoosorya, who travelled far and wide to be a part of this tiny project.
The softly spoken, positive and very effective Claire, who I met for the first time during filming, thank you for your steady hand and your ideas.
I also met Emel for the first time that day and I was impressed by her energy and drive and inspired the fact that she’s taking a gamble on herself. Her talent is clear for all to see, and I can’t wait to see what she does.
The very sweet Kyle is responsible for what should be very clear sound 🤞🏿 in the film. He also added suggestions and touches that should enhance the sound. He also took a principled decision and is betting on himself. So hopefully this gives him just bit of experience to find greater success.
And to you, the reader for following this journey and sharing this page and the crowdfund along the way.
The film is in post-production and by the end of the summer, it will hopefully be complete and ready for the festival circuit, as well as to those earmarked to view it. More details to come on that.
Until then, thank you for reading, supporting in various ways and for allowing me to draw a line under these last 7 months.
Now, here’s the poster and a production photo. Don’t say I don’t treat you 🤣…
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