Departures: "That's A Wrap"

Today was our last day of filming the short film "Departures" by Claire Wright. After days on the enclosed waiting room set, it was a welcome treat to be filming outside. We'd taken over Church Fenton railway station for the day to shot exterior shots with extras, as well as the climatic scene.

Unfortunately the weather wasn't on our side which caued a few problems and delays, but we got everything shot in time... just. Station lighting created a few continuity issues for the final couple of shots (and our props were looking a little soggy), but we may well have the chance to pick these up at a later date.

Using a glide-cam, crane, jib and track for the film, we'd used loads of technology without anything going missing... phew!

More Projects In The Pipeline

Things are really getting busy now... uni assignments, "Departures" shoot coming up, societies and a life. Now 2 more projects have come up. The first is "Floored"; an ambitious yet quirky short film that I'm now producing. It's very early days and I won't spoil it by revealing the plot, but I'll be keeping very busy until we shoot at the end of January.

The second film (called "Without Wires") I'll be editing. Set in the WWI era, this too is a big project set in trenches... and hopefully we'll have an established relationship with Mezzo Films that might be able to help. More info on that when things are confirmed.

All really exiting stuff, just wish there were 36hours in every day!

"Departures" Back On Track

We have a location and we've casted the key characters for the shoot. Filming will commence in early November, so we're having to get our skates on now. All we need now is another "mature lady" to play Joan... any takers?

Bills Don't Pay Themselves

As the title suggests, I'm using this slight break to build up a litle money for the future - probably a wise move. That being said, there's still time at home to prepare for Departures and other projects.

"Departures" Filming Pushed Back

Seems that getting a whole train station to film at is harder than expected. GNER struggle to let news crews film at their premises, so have refused us access... but we're still looking. This does mean the shoot has been put back, but this allows us extra time to re-draft the script and design our crucial waiting room set.

"Departures Progress"

We just had our first meeting about “Departures”. At the moment I’m drafting some loose schedules to help the crew get organised, book locations and arrange a casting. We’re due to start filming on 13th September, so things are moving fast!

"Departures" 1st AD

Keeping busy over the summer, I’ve just been asked to be 1st Assistant Director on a new short film. The title is “Departures” and introduces a collection of characters, based in a train station. Won’t give too much away right now, but could become a complex set-up - being in such a public area, working with newborns to older cast members.

Scouting Centenary Event

Having the great opportunity to edit up footage from the Scouts’ centenary celebrations at the moment. Speeches, parades and a big service are all coming together for one short film, so it’s a bit of a challenge, but a lot of fun! Will be exported and handed to the "Scouts" as soon as it’s complete.

"Producing" Lecture

Had a visit from Ruth Pitt (Century Films and ex BBC executive producer) at university today. Was a fantastic lecture that only inspired and motivated me more. Afterwards I was able to have a word with her about how I would pursue some documentary ideas I have. Brilliant opportunity.

Stuar Bruce Masterclass

I’ve managed to get on an “editing masterclass” with Stuart Bruce tomorrow night. Should be fantastic hearing what advice he has to offer, after working on shows like Big Brother, Fame Academy and other Endemol productions.

Short Film Society: Take Two!

Arrangements are going ahead for the next Short Film Society screening event. Lots of extra meetings to attend to and plenty to promote. I've also picked up the extra role of "Facebook Officer", so it might be the time to plug by own profile page...

You have to be a member already of course ;-)

"Guest House" Becomes "Presence"

Editing of our short film (now called “Presence” - coming to a screen near you) has begun, although we are planning for technical delays. Seems the computers running Avid are having a few issues. Will keep you posted on the progress, but the footage is already looking pretty good! Filming continues in many locations around York (car parks, streets and guest houses). Pictures online soon.

Me, As A Yorkshire Forward Mentor?

Representing the "Yorkshire Forward" programme, I've been lucky enough to mentor a group of film-makers using Avid. With an age gap of 30-40 in some places, the classes were a great opportunity to brush up on my own skills and benefit others.

Short Film Society: First Screening

Had the first Short Film Society screening last night and it was a great success. Loads of people came and shared the enthusiasm for the films shown all evening and into the early hours

Editng For "Guest House"

Things are coming together now in the short film we are making, named “Guest House”. The producer is currently scouting for locations and I’ve just finished an editing exercise to try out some new techniques with Avid. Practice makes perfect.

Manchester Media Event

The Media Careers Information Day was in Manchester on Thursday, so myself and some keen friends took the 2hrs bus journey to visit.

There was a great turn-out, which hindered our chances for too many one-to-one chats with the professionals, but it was a great experience and perfect for getting contact details! Dropped off my Cvs on several stands so hopefully I can get some extra work experience through those.

The New "Short Film Society"

Went to the first Short Film Society meeting at university today - a new society being headed up by eager students. Hopefully it will promote our work as well as allowing us to make more! I’ll now be on the committee, communicating with all the departments as well as promoting the series of events coming up.

More Live Event Coverage

Following the work at York Minster, it appears they want a similar team to cover two more events in a couple of months!!! That’s fantastic news and hopefully I’ll be free to be a part of them.

Concert On DVD

After the success of the work at York Minster, there are now positions available to import, catalogue and edit our footage with the output (shown on the big screens) so the concert can be placed on a DVD later in the year. I’ve applied to be a part of this too, so fingers crossed! Quite something having The Church Of England as a client!

Minster Concerts A Success

After 3 days of working at the Minster (rehearsal, rock concert and children’s stage event) I’m exhausted. We were there until VERY late some evenings!

The whole experience was fantastic and I had a whale of a time. Liaising with the Director, Producer and Vision Mixer, it was my job to keep an eye on the camera monitors to look out for the best shots or any problems that they seem to be having. Our output was being recorded and also projected onto 5 big screens around the Minster!

Using the talkback, I fed technical information to the rest of the crew and kept everyone informed of the schedule/other announcements. Although not knowing hardly any of the team, we bonded very quickly which made my job a lot easier.

RTS "TV Question Time"

Just got back in from an RTS event in Leeds this evening – a “TV Question Time” with a panel of pros from the industry answering our questions.

Really had a great time as individuals like the “Controller of Programmes” (North), “Head of BBC Yorkshire” and writer BBC1 writer Gwyneth Hughes were very keen to answer our questions and guide us on entering the industry. The whole event spurred a huge debate about the industry.

On The XLS Concert Crew At York Minster

After applying to work on a big live/recorded concert to be held at York Minster in a couple of week’s time, seems that I’m going to be on the team!

This time being Production Assistant in the gallery, I’m going to have to keep my eyes pealed on all 8 camera monitors otherwise the audience of around 1500 a night might see a shoddy show.

Now's An Exciting Time

We’ve just started the 2nd semester of Year 2 at uni and we’re still finding our feet with the new modules, but we’ve got another chance to get creative with the HD equipment! This time we’re encouraged to make a “Short Film” or “TV Drama” (as opposed to a “Short Documentary” in January 07).

Again I’m in a new crew, mixing with new team members and trying to decide a premise for our script. My role in the production will be Editor, but I’m still hoping to visit the shoots and play a part I the pre-production phase.

While this is going on, myself and some friends are in the initial stages of making our own short outside of university too, so we’re all keeping busy. I hope to keep the blog up-to-date with progress...