Christmas Break Blog 23/12/2024 - 30/12/2025

Over the Christmas and New Year Break, while prioritising time with family, I made sure to dedicate at least 2 hours each afternoon/evening to keeping on track of all work that needed completing. This included redrafting my script (to meet actors needs and availability), going over each risk assessment again and listing and purchasing props and costumes.

All 3 of my actors has different availability , therefore, certain parts in the script where they are needed they could not complete. So, I redrafted it all with a few minor changes, while keeping in mind some advice from Richard Knight - Career Support Manager at Screen Yorkshire - who read my script during a camera workshop I attended (to help me better understand the use of lenses in different shot sizes and lighting styles).

Redrafting my script meant that all location reccee's had to be double checked and any set design paperwork (risk assessments) would need to be altered, should new risks come into effect. The best way I noticed if there were any new issues, was by referring to each script draft and looking at my personal notes on each - commenting on costumes, props, music styles and use of equipment. Compared to the 1st draft, the new version was had a less dramatic chronological order, yet still had lots of suspense to work with, both in production and post-production. Some character movements (physical between the antagonist and protagonist) were removed for safety reasons in certain filming locations and dialogue was also cut short, due to repetition and exaggeration.

Closer to the New Year, I organised a cast meeting with all 3 cast members. Although only 2 attended, the meeting went through the new script redraft, the shooting schedule for both days (including catering, locations, times and requirements) and answering any queries the actors had. While this meeting was in session and being recorded, I took notes of everything that was stated by all attendees - both cast members asked about parking facilities and travel routes nearby, as well as any available WIFI in the area. Once said meeting was completed, I made sure to send all crew and cast the notes taken from the meeting, so any confusion could be avoided.

Additionally, a few days before filming was to commence, I went into local charity shops around Grimsby, Cleethorpes and Louth to purchase costumes, SFX makeup and props for the cast. This included some plain male polo shirts and jumpers, patterned coloured dresses and some floral and colourful fabric to be used over other costumes. While purchasing makeup, I noticed how expensive fake blood was, no matter the brand or size. Therefore, I challenged myself to make my own fake blood, with the help of social media videos (Youtube and TikTok). Most importantly, when attempting this DIY, I made sure to stay aware of crew and cast allergens, so no-one on set would have any sever reactions affect their skin. As much as I tried to be creative with the fake blood, I was concerned that I would not have enough for both shoot days; I made the consious decision to purchase some fake blood online, however, I chose to buy the kids version. This is because it is cheaper, easier to use and it still looks very realistic.

My biggest 'mission' over the Christmas break was to have both shoot days prepared and organised down to each single detail. Looking back at what I have completed, I can say that I felt confidently positive ahead of my shoot days!