We worked faster today and while we managed to get all of Ben’s shots done, we still didn’t quite finish as much as we’d hoped for.
The ritual scene took up the main bulk of the day after we’d shot the conversation between Jess and Dr Crabtree at the flat.
Chris did an amazing job lighting the ritual scene, it looks superb. I even got to use my cheapo work lights from Aldi’s! Nic got some excellent shots as a result.
Our attempts at special FX came out better than I thought thanks to the books natural propensity to shut itself. Simply reverse the footage, add a bump speed effect and hey presto, spooky self opening book (yes, I know it’s not in the script – I made it up on set).
During a break I asked Ben what he thought of our little set up, being that he’s been on a lot more film sets than I have, and he complimented us on our speed and efficiency. He even hinted that I was an OK-ish director! I was a bit sad when we’d finished his shots as he’s a great bloke to have around set.
Still, I pitched a couple of ideas for screenplays at Ben and he seemed enthusiastic about them, so hopefully our paths will cross again in the future.
I think one thing I’m going to find weird if I make it any further with filmmaking is that actors are going to be coming in and out of projects at odd times and bizarre friendships will build up. It struck me that being a jobbing actor must be a bit of a strange life experience, perhaps quite lonely with not having regular working conditions or colleagues. I suppose at least if you’re crew you get to see a project through and because of the nature of your work you might tend to form little units that work more regularly together.
The other thing that struck home was the point Chris Jones made the other week, that being a director is perhaps the best and worst job in the industry as actors, DPs, gaffers are always in demand on other peoples projects, so we directors should expect to be lasty off the blocks when it comes to establishing careers.
Now I’ve got two weeks grace before the next shoot (back at the flat) to edit together the four complete scenes we’ve got over the weekend. I think the ritual scene will take the most time as we really went to town getting some interesting footage and there is very little dialogue to get in the way.
(Oh, Daz managed to finally shift the bit of chicken lodged in his throat. I guess he’ll be liquidising his dinners for the next few days!)