Another day trip to TwoFour and also to Denhams

Interesting day today because obviously I was "giddy" with excitement to cross the Tamar (like a whole other world seriously) and I also learnt the merits of multi-platform TV from TwoFour Digital.

However, first I will mention our flying visit to Denham Productions which was very comforting because it was a literal shrine to nautical themed interior design which of course I am no stranger to having lived in Falmouth in years gone by.  Anyway, Denhams was a really ‘nice company’, small but very friendly and quite clearly aiming to go places judging by the amount of hard work they are putting in to both their editing facilities and their development of future programmes.

Fingers crossed that Denhams will branch out to make the programmes they wish to make. Terrible to be pigeon holed and I like to perhaps naively believe that hard work never goes unrewarded.

Anyway, TwoFour Digital was amazing. You can now through your connected TV select to buy the clothes that the celebrities on TV are wearing whilst still watching the programme. Yes all on the tele-box, play-along, buy, tweet, facebook and was in there like a shot downloading Zeebox app for the iPad.

Will have to really wrack my brains to think of a good multi-platform pitch to present to them on Weds 14 March. 

Casting shenanigans all done and storyboard complete

I will be honest, I was actually quite anxious at the prospect of holding auditions particularly because like a stubborn mule I had turned down the offer of supervision and help. (No offence Brett. It was entirely a practical decision not a personal one!)

However, I need not have worried because it went really well; a staggering 22 responses to the call outs, I don’t think I get 22 cards on my birthday (!) so I was really pleased and ultimately we have cast three great actors to play the three main roles in ‘Replacement’

Additionally, Lights has been cast this week; had a really fun audition evening on Wednesday (with Brett in tow this time) mainly playing with torches in the Peter Lanyon building but we’ve narrowed it down to an actress named Carrie who was ridiculously convincing at pretending a sprite bottle was a lampshade. (Make do and mend when you haven’t got the right props to hand.)

Also in further news the ‘Replacement’ storyboard is done and I really do feel like an industry professional with all these late nights and a diet solely made up of things out of cans. (Baked Beans with brown toast, baked beans with white toast…baked beans on a bagel…the bagel was the most interesting day!)

A ‘Silent Witness’ and Happy Valentine's Day

Pre-production is still progressing very well for both projects although a little more slowly on Lights because of script rewrites. However, that is not to say that ultimately Lights may not overtake in the process.

As Producer, over the last couple of days, I have composed a provisional shooting schedule for Lights, rung around restaurants and supermarkets as potential locations also tried to keep communication flowing as much as possible between all parties within the Lights crew.

In regards, to Replacement, I have distributed all the casting call outs now and I have started to get a good response from actors which is fantastic news.  Simona (the ‘Replacement’ Producer) and I have been communicating really well and from the beginning we clearly outlined what we expect of each other and how we want to map out the production. Much appreciation for Simona’s ‘cool as a cucumber’ attitude.

On a slight tangent, (and mentioning ‘cool heads’) we were fortunate enough yesterday to have a ‘Location Day’ shooting with a 1^st Assistant Director (who worked on the fantastic 'Silent Witness.')

Now, in my ignorance I had not given much credit to the role of 1^st AD before BUT how wrong was I! He was fantastic, had us all whipped into shape really quickly and I really admired the way he kept the pace and energy on set but also maintained control and asked for self-discipline from everyone.

As Director of Replacement, a ‘1^st AD’ went quickly to the top of my wish-list and luckily Simona was on-hand to ask!

Pitching, Pre-production & the “7 Ps”

Well, things are moving forward pretty quickly; I pitched my drama concept yesterday and it was met with quite a lot of enthusiasm. (People want to work with me yay!)
So, we are all “crewed up”(after a great deal of negotiation, muttering and misunderstandings) and as it stands now there are four documentaries and four dramas green-lit.

I am Writer/Director of ‘Replacement’ and I am Producer on another short drama called ‘Lights’

Replacement	Lights
Director: Alice Reynolds	Director: Rosy Pearce
Producer: Simona Hrusovska	Producer: Alice Reynolds
DOP: Vicky Rouine	DOP: Vicky Rouine
Sound: Rosy Pearce	Sound: Christine Pigott
Editor: Natasha Mitson	Editor: Natasha Mitson

In regards to Television Drama, everything I have read or heard indicates that  Pre-Production is the critical stage to ensure a drama production is organised and successful. Therefore, I think my mantra for the next two weeks will be one I have learnt from my Dad: The 7 “Ps” : Prior preparation and planning prevents piss poor performance.

Therefore, with this sentiment in mind I have already held three production meetings; two for Replacement and one for Lights.

For Replacement, I have drafted a schedule, posted casting call outs, discussed the storyboard,  secured a ‘Continuity Supervisor’, discussed the production budget.... ( I could go on!)

In terms of Lights, I have requested for the script to be finalised, discussed location scouting, asked that the budget and distances between locations be kept to a minimum, enquired about casting and props and I have also put out a request for paperwork!

Pre-production is “firing on all cylinders” me thinks!

Busy Work Experience Bee & “Choose your fate”

Dashing from Truro to deepest darkest Penzance all this week to work with the Art Department for Crossday Productions (again) on Summer in February. Good experience;  it has made me really appreciate the level of hard work and dedication needed to work in the film industry. I know I want to work in TV but even so there are parallels and more to the point I understand etiquette on a professional film-set now which is great.

This week, I did some photo-copying, painted signs, unravelled bunting, talked to art directors, shovelled gravel, followed orders from production and location managers also observed a period costume piece being created or should I say “realised” before my eyes.

I loved this week, even though I got home at an ungodly hour every evening and spent most of the time cold and/or rain-soaked.

Additionally, I had my summative tutorial for Unit 130 last Friday and that was really positive if a bit un-nerving. You see, I love watching TV, I love making TV but I am still unsure as to whether I want to be in factual or fictional television. So, in the tutorial I have plumbed for drama and I am hoping for the best although conscious that the industry is intensely competitive and you cannot afford to be indecisive.

Silver lining, though, at least I know I can generate ideas for both documentary and drama also I can always pull a half decent pitch out of my sleeve!