Maxfactormama’s Weblog

Shoot days 20 & 21 were, as always, action packed and not without incidence. Saturday started with a 7am makeup call and we commenced filming pretty much on schedule, which was a relief after the dramas of the previous week. Unfortunately our Director and Director of Photography were both unwell and they struggled all day to fulfill their roles under a cloud of ill health. Considering how sick they were feeling, they both did an amazing job! There was plenty of energy on set from the actors and, as the scenes were shot according to lighting and positioning rather than according to the scene order, it meant there was a lot of attention to “continuity”.  Maxfactormama’s makeup studio initially became “Maxfactormama’s House of Grunge” as I made up three actors to suit the early 455BC and 1100AD timeframes of the initial scenes in the film. In addition to their general swarthy, mediterranean tans, they were supposed to look dirty and unkempt. Seems a waste to have freshly showered actors turn up to be made filthy! Jen wood helped with the “festiness” for Daniel’s beard, thereby earning some credits for makeup assistant! In comparison, the remaining actors’ makeup was relatively straightforward. The challenges of the Blue screen filming included some special tricks with things “flying” through the air – without giving away too much, let’s just say it was a good thing I had my sewing kit handy with some quilting thread! Our list of special effects technical aids has expanded to now include “Stringy” (in addition to our lighting aid “Branchy”, and subsequently several sibblings, “branchy” 2, 3 & 4). There were several shots using “stringy” which looked most effective on screen – let’s hope our audience thinks so anyway! Jen Wood doubled up as the Nanny to River who caught up on some Z’s while we were all working hard. And she also added “Continuity Chick” to her list of credits, after Lea had to leave early. She did a great job! We had a relatively civilised finish time of 6:45pm on the Saturday night and, as daylight saving was due to start, I think we were all glad of a later start on sunday morning. Once again we had the grungey look created for some of the actors doing pick up shots from the previous day and some extra special effects for one actor who had to meet an untimely end. Poor Dave had a most unpleasant experience with the blood capsules and I don’t think he’ll get that taste out of his mouth for a while! The challenges of the gusting wind outside played havoc with the external “walls” of the set and several repairs had to be made during the day. Despite having to work with dangerously sharp knives for several scenes we did not have any incidents, except for a face slap which was most effective because it actually connected! (Fortunately altho this was not caught on film , it will be in the behind the scenes video!) Everyone did an amazing job under difficult conditions and once again Rachel did a great job keeping the hoards fed and watered. Thanks Rachel!

During the long afternoon of blue screen shooting last weekend, Jen W was making a wreath for the “angel” character in the movie. Of course she needed a model – who better than Andy? He’s been everyone else’s assistant in this production so far, so why not wardobe as well?! We also had John doing his role for the first time and his lovely long beard was a feature of the character he played. So glad I didn’t have to reproduce something like this!

Many of our other actors have had to endure weeks of beard growth for their roles and a number of them were intending to have a big shave off as soon as their roles were completed. Blake apparently has had his big makeover this week -  I’m sure John & Mike’s wives are hoping they’re next.

Getting this blog out a day late cos I was “stuffed” after a very big weekend of Blue Screen filming! Shoot day 18 & 19 presented the team with many new challenges – Blue Screen set up took much longer than anticipated, so by the time we actually commenced shooting it was nearly lunchtime! Somehow waiting around is more tiring than if you’re actually doing something, which seems bizarre! The other odd thing was that we were shooting the first scene of the movie (finally!) and one of the last few scenes, so it was an odd combination – both from a makeup  perspective as well as for the actors who had to create a lot of energy and emotion for their action-packed scenes at the end. Camera angles were also a challenge in the restricted environment. The closed-in set was so different from our outdoor location shoots, it felt quite claustrophic in comparison and on such a hot weekend, it was a challenge to keep the actors’ makeup from running down their faces! There was certainly a lot of powdering required! The other challenge was a power failure overnight on Saturday so the second shoot day started with another delay while the crew frantically tried to identify the problem with the ciruits in John & Rachel’s house. I made up actors’ faces in my lovely outdoor makeup studio while we waiting, wondering if we were actually going to be able to do anything that morning. John managed to source the problem and rectify it so we eventually got started. As the temperatures climbed steadily outside, the relatively cool area where they’d set up the blue screens provided a bit of relief, but for the actors under the lights it was pretty hot and uncomfortable – especially the ones wearing hood costumes! As the day wore on, fatigue set in and at times it was hard for the actors and crew to keep it tight and focussed. Mike was obviously “clapped out” in this little moment! There were a few lighter moments  which always help to ease the tension and allow people to let off a bit of steam – there was the memorable flapping seal impersonation by Mike in his hood costume and the “leaf fight” between Cassie & Jess

(while the boys were suggesting they bring on the jelly!)

Grant decided to bring back the “cool”, wearing his shades while doing readthroughs – the lights were rather blinding! Rachel was an outstanding hostess – keeping us all hydrated and fed, whilst juggling her maternal duties with River. Thanks Rachel!

Running out of hard drive space created further delays while they freed up some space so we could finish off the scene, then it was a wrap – 22 1/2 hrs of work in 2 days – no wonder we’re all clapped out!

Shoot day 17 started with the usual “crack of dawn ” alarm clock shrieking in my ear. Groan!  Headed off to Healesville while the birds still waking up. Makeup was basic for the first couple of cast members, then Mallysa and I had the challenge of creating the “blind man’s” eye scarring in detail. This had previously been largely hidden by glasses. Once the false lids were in place, the actor was indeed “blind”, so he had to be led through the rest of his scenes. If we thought getting the makeup on was a challenge – getting it off was even more difficult! Grant very bravely endured the process and took it all with good humour. After completing these scenes, we had a quick makeup change for our lead male character for some pick up shots – his challenge was to do a slight smile which was not a smirk - his comment: “I don’t DO charming!”

Relocating to the second shoot location before lunch, we set up on the large rear patio representing “Allan’s” house. There was a stiff breeze blowing for most of the day which made conditions a little chilly to say the least! While “Allan” was fed and pampered by his butler, his unfortunate “guest” was not so well treated! Wazza endured the worst of all – being tied to a chair for the majority of the afternoon, and only able to take sips out of a cup with a straw!

To add insult to injury, he was then soundly beaten up by his not so benevolent host! We wondered if  the local neighbours may have been a little disturbed by the blood curdling screams and yelling coming from the patio! It was a long day for all – especially for our long-suffering “Butler”. Colin couldn’t believe how many times he had to do his little routine – he says he will be still repeating the lines in his sleep! (poor Jen, no sleep tonight!!) Once again the crew did a fantastic job, coping with the fickle elements and changing light conditions. Thanks to Lorraine and Tony for lending us their lovely home for the day and providing extended hospitality.

Shoot day 16 started early with a 6am car convoy roll call at Luke’s followed by a 2 hr drive in drizzly conditions to the Trentham Falls. Unpacked makeup and started doing faces in the “high tech” makeup studio – under the shelter of the van rear door! We discovered we had a “baby hood” in our midst – River Peel made her debut as a Hoodie! Very cute!   Meanwhile the crew unloaded the camera crane.

There was a substantial amount of man power required to shift the equipment down the side of the hill to the river location at the top of the falls.Once the area had been cleared by the “lumberjack team”, the crew set up the huge crane and boom to carry the camera for the waterfall shots. While this was happening, the Hoods were chasing the long suffering “Guide” down the slippery slopes to the river. After many takes and several cuts and abrasions (which had nothing to do with my special effects), the guys were able to take a breather while the camera was loaded onto the crane.

A collective holding of the breath from all watching as the camera was swung out over the waterfall, suspended in mid-air.Footage from this vantage point was stunning, viewed through the monitor by Luke as he operated the camera by remote control while Graeme (and assistants, Andy & Dave) guided the boom. It was awesome to watch! There was one anxious moment (with audible gasps of horror from all crew watching) as the camera clipped the edge of the rocks on a sweep movement over the waterfall, but fortunately there was no damage done.After completing the shots from the top of the falls, the camera angles were changed to capture long distance vision of Cassie, Andrew and Dave “risking life & limb” on the slippery rocks as they shot the scenes along the river bank.

After lunch there was a further shoot down in the valley along the river where several people were treated to an icy shower from Daniel & John – the bucket boys! It was a challenging environment and all cast & crew were to be commended for the way they handled the conditions.After an abortive attempt to film in a second location near Lerderderg Gorge, we headed off to the final location where some awesome footage was obtained with spectacular water spray effects on the cars crossing a flooded roadway. Unfortunately the jeep didn’t like the water and finally gave up the ghost (with a burnt out lead on the distributor.) At least the footage was captured before the demise of the jeep! After waiting for replacement parts and being entertained by Cassie attempting to be the “Alpaca Whisperer” to a couple of feisty Alpacas in the neighbouring field, we finally headed home in the gathering darkness. Another successful day wrapped.