02/12/2024 Blog

This week, I started preparing for my short horror-drama, Whispering Walls. After being explained the requirements of this project, my first action of preparation was to make a OneNote listed with all the required paperwork needed including:

• shot lists

• model forms

• call sheets

• location recce's and permissions

• risk assessments

• cast and crew lists

• production meetings

• casting calls

Once I listed all my needs, I made a casting call on Canva, to post on my social media and share on emails. However, I also posted a casting call on the website 'Backstage', which is best known for finding actors and film work, locally, nationwide and worldwide! I have used this website before, when creating other short projects, to hire and use the talents of both local and worldwide actors and performers.

Across the course of the week, I had a several applications sent through on 'Backstage', from actors across the nation. However, I had had to edit my post from 'definite payment' to 'sum depending on success'. This is because a lot of the actors have stated on their profiles that they prefer to be paid in a high summary.

On another note, I was scouting out filming locations in Grimsby and Cleethorpes. On 6th December, I managed to secure a filming location at The Regal Activity Centre, Freeman Street, Grimsby. When doing my research on potentially filming here, it is currently partially used as an air soft arena and retro arcade. However, I discovered a large portion of the building is still paused in the 50's/60's. The owner was very generous in showing me around the entire venue, from the old screening rooms and staircase to the battery rooms and old offices. This venue is very much a strong visual of how I envisioned my set design to be, even with all the buildings flaws. Thankfully, the owner was very pleased with my vision for my film and was more than happy to agree to me filming onsite in the New Year!

After securing this location, I completed a location recce form and made sure I had the owner sign the location permission slip, to secure dates and prevent any future booking issues.

Looking back the progress for this week, I am very pleased with everything so far. Although, I definetely need to keep on top of all the paperwork that needs to be completed, especially risk assessments and shot lists.