“Strung Out” or “How long is a piece of String?”

October 28, 2007 at 7:28 pm (Uncategorized)

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!