This week we made some great progress, as we filmed the entire 2nd episode of “Tits up”. I helped with the lights and the boom mike as per usual, but that was only from 2-4pm on the shoot day, and filming had begun at 11am. Thankfully the actors seemed to get through things quite quickly, so all we had to do was stand still and quiet before moving the camera for the next shot.
We would have filmed episode 1 or 3 at other points this week, but sadly a lot of us aren’t available at the right times, including our leading lady. We have to release our show soon in week 13 and our schedule is getting tighter and tighter. However, we are apparently ahead of most other groups and we do have plans for full-day shootings. Also for episode 4 we will not need to use the study area, which will give us a nice change in scenery.
Unfortunately, despite us being ahead of all the other groups, many of the writers and some of the producers are worried that we don’t have enough time to shoot 2 of the episodes, and that we may have to cut episodes 4 and 5 from production (I’m directing episode 4). This would be hard as some of the media people will not be able to get a directors note for this series, which would hinder our marks.
I suggested that for episode 4, seeing as its a dream sequence, of having it done entirely as poorly-drawn doodles by Helen and having everyone in the sequence voiced by Helen. This could cut shooting time in half and ease shooting timetables and schedules. However, many of the group said that this wouldn’t fit the continuity and would make the episode look ridiculous. It’s being kept as a final option, which I have dubbed “operation unthinkable”.