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On our first day we sat together in a circle together with Willian and Anne. We all introduced ourselves and then moved onto our treatments. Every single one of us was given a task over the break to come up with multiple treatments/ideas. It was interesting to listen and imagine the scenarios that everyone came up with. The atmosphere was exciting and trilling, because there started to appear similar interests and topics.
We continued to discuss it and then got separated into two groups by Anne. I was put into a group with Rose, Thea and Kerem and we began to brainstorm and combine our visions into one. The two main themes were "influencers" and "psych ward". Our task for Wednesday was to come up with three different plot treatments for the "psych ward" scenario.

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We came up with a number of different scenarios/outcomes:

1.  abandoned mental institution

2.  explorer and patients

3.  he/she enters a decrepit, rundown building that suddenly with the sound of music turns into a well-maintained, full of warm light victorian inspired ballroom

4.  gets a tour from one of the patients

5.  ending suggestions:

drugged

they stay and become one of them

they escape because they see the possible future that awaits them if they stay

We also decided to play with characters, which came from Rose's initial treatment. her treatment had the main character who was seeing and talking to her imaginary characters from a book she was writing. We liked the idea of these characters being eccentric, out-there personalities that didn't feel like real people, but rather book characters.

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Day one of week two consisted of brain-storming sessions and many many zoom calls. We began fleshing out characters and concrete plot/plots. Characters we came up with:

Blake

Robin

Maestro

Servant

Mother figure

Lieutenant

Harlot

We spent the rest of the week writing the script, exploring our characters, figuring out relationships and power dynamics between the characters.

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Anne suggested us questions that are worth exploring in order to find our characters 

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further character questions and suggestions

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further character questions and suggestions

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We began piecing together a mood board for our film and characters, outfits, colours.

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Sylvia (Rose), Robin (Thea), the Dame (Kerem)

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Sylvia (Rose), Robin (Thea), the Dame (Kerem)

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At the end of the week we met on zoom to finish our draft of the script to present it for the following week. The first few hours were productive but as the time went on we started to loose our minds just a tiny bit. But in a healthy and fun way only, always !

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We decided that we would make decisions on characters together. But also make our own journey with our own characters. When we would explore our characters physically with Anne, we would concentrate on our own characters. And when working together, we explored the rest: Lieutenant, Mae, Godfrey (servant), Blake.
We imagines Luitenant to be someone who's an old-fashioned war hero. Short tempered, low voice, strong built, tall and charismatic.
Mae is a librarian, older-sister kind of aura, punctual, calm, old-soul, comforting.
Godfrey a servant who has been at the house almost the longest. Trapped, nervous, older than most of the characters, warm, suspicious.
Blake is someone who is trapped back in the past. He is warm, eerie, young and energetic, full of joy and magnetic.

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We began the first day of the week with a character exercise. We were guided by Anne and explored different emotions. Our task was also to interact with each other, see how our character would react to the others, what  would they speak about and if they are experiencing a certain emotion, how would their interaction be affected by it.
I felt that my character had an interesting relationship with Robin. They are both creative people with fear of success playing a big part in their lives. I loved interacting with Thea as Robin. Our characters just clicked and we explored different topics while experiencing different emotions.
One thing that isn't really about the film but more about my experience is that working with people you have known for years is the safest environment. I feel so extremely safe and open to experiences with these people, I wouldn't even know how to put my feelings into words.
Back to our characters. It was very ingesting to watch the others interact too. After the exercise, we all sat down and wrote down our findings, questions, ideas. I am attaching a picture with what I wrote right after the exercise.

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We began our production meeting. We had plenty of work to get done. Our first task was location hunting. We all researched and googled every possible filming location. We were looking for three locations:

cemetery

the House

the library

We made a list of possible options and split it between us. Our task was to talk pricing and set up times to view the locations throughout the week. Our budget for locations was around 800 ponds, which isn't a lot when it comes to London, especially considering we had around 15 to 20 people on our crew and needed at least two days for filming.
What was definitely helpful is that we are on campus, so William helped us with securing the library and the secret garden as the cemetery.
I am attaching a page from my notebook where I wrote out locations we started to explore as options (and some stuff for the theatre lab too).

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Me and Thea decided to go down to the music room and explored some options. I played some of the classics I know off by heart and we agreed that I would explore more classical options once I am at home.
We agreed on these:

Mozart - Sonata in D

Mozart - Sonata in C

Bach 0 Preludio XIV, Fuga XIV

Gnomenreigen by Liszt

25. Sonate, L. van Beethoven, Op. 79.

When it came to the actual two days of shooting, I did play these pieces. But I also brought quite a lot of sheet music books and used them as well.

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We met on zoom to finish our draft (dinner scene). We found to be the hardest thing to write. We wanted for all of the characters to have a moment where they show their personality and also interact with each other. the dynamics of it. We wanted it to be sharp and funny. It was an opportunity to show off each character and their role in the dynamic of this insane household. And also the perfect opportunity to introduce Robin to the relationships and tensions of this group of people.
We also used our zoom sessions that week to work on the ending, because we found it hard to decide if Robin should remain at the house or leave. We found it quite challenging but at the end decided on the idea that once Robin sees Blake, she faints and then wakes up in period clothing, just like Blake and almost has no memory of what happened. Kind of a happily ever after, just darker and chilling.

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We spent the whole day figuring out locations. Calling, emailing etc. With lots of coffee and laughs :)

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In the morning with did a short production meeting and caught each other up on locations.
We then continued with Anne. She gave us a task a week prior to find a scene with a partner that resembles our characters. I was paired with Thea and we chose a scene from Malcom and Marie. They reminded us of our characters, because of our exploration workshop in week three. Malcom is someone who is brave enough to put his words into writing and make an actual film, while Marie is someone who doesn't believe that her experience is for everyone to see. He and she are both in the wrong. She isn't confident enough to move past it and explore herself. He doesn't understand that her experience isn't his, just because he was there, doesn't mean he has the right to take ownership of her story.
As Maestro and Robin, we related to these two characters. Maestro is obsessed and passionate, but most of it happens in her mind. She is an amazing piano player, she writes but she doesn't have the courage to do anything about it, she needs the push, but there isn't anyone there to push her. Robin is a bit more reserved about her talents, but at the same time, is just as talented as Maestro and actually explores her creativity. In theory, these two people could make something together and be in complete in sync, but in reality, their interactions turn chaotic very quickly. So we decided to do a scene from Malcom and Marie, me as Marie and Thea as Malcom. But we played Marie and Malcom as Maestro and Robin. I really enjoyed the exercise. It explored their dynamic and made me think about Maestro on a more intellectual level, which helped me with my character research.

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We started the day off with doing our measurements to send them off to Tin (our art director). And later in the afternoon me, Anne, Thea and Rose went down to see one of the locations (recommended by William). I arranged with the person in charge of it a meeting for us, so I drove us four to the location.
We loved it, it was quite different from what we imagined for our film but with some script tweaking, it was perfect and very possible. We ended up saying yes to the location. I emailed him with the confirmation and details and the agreed price of 800 pounds.

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On day two we continued with our production meeting. Made a casting call sheet and posted in backstage. The casting sheet was for all the characters, that weren't going to be played by us (lieutenant, Mae, Godfrey, Blake). We also spoke to Anne and she decided to get in contact with a couple of people she had in mind for Lieutenant and Blake, which was immensely helpful.

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While we obviously had to work on our own project, we also began helping the "Lighten Up" group with their film, which was going to start filming in week six.
Anne asked me to be First AD, which meant I had to make sure everything was going swiftly and as planed, I also had to make call sheets for all three days of shooting. keep track of extras, food etc.
We all came on campus on Saturday and began moving the props to the Tune Common Room. We painted some props pink and helped Tin with any props, like gluing glasses, moving the casket and arranging the tables.

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On Sunday evening I went shopping for snacks and food for the cast and crew. And I also had to buy some cupcakes as part of the set and pink candy. Also tomato juice and celery for fake bloody Mary's :)

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On day one I brought my dog Ivy on set, which was a bit stressful, having to be AD and simultaneously taking care of her, but I had everyone from my class who wasn't filming help me out with her, so I was very lucky.
I have attached the call sheets, which have our arrival times on them. There was a lot that had to be done and I will attach pictures. While filming I also took down every single scene and audio recordings, so that it's easier to edit in post production.

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I was so very grateful to be a part of their film and be the first AD. I think this experience made me realise that there is so much more I am interested in and capable of. Keeping everything on schedule and running around, as stressful as it is, was extremely fun for me.
I enjoyed every second of the three days and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.

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ruth with her body cam equipment, looking like a transformer :)

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ruth with her body cam equipment, looking like a transformer :)

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A glimpse of some of the notes on scenes I had to take during filming.

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In week three we also had an acting class with Anne, where she talked about character and gave us an exercise to complete. She drew a triangle and from top to bottom named what's on the surface and what's on the inside of a person. As an exercise we had to write for every part of the triangle, but form out own perspective and then use this for our characters.

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On our first day of week seven we went to the Ritz. As previously mentioned, we settled on the Cinema museum and then decided on Brunswick house. But we were still looking and made the decision to see the Ritz too. We agreed to come back after lunch back on campus and settle on the location. Our choice being between Brunswick House, the Ritz and the Cinema Museum.
So on Monday, we went to the Ritz and it was gorgeous obviously, but unfortunately, they didn't have a piano in the room and it felt too much of a responsibility, to make sure that the Ritz isn't all messed up because of us, considering we would have to bring food, make-up, equipment etc.

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At the end of the week, we went to Brunswick house. Even though we settled on Cinema museum, we were very intrigued to see what others spaces could offer. And once we arrived there, we could feel how perfect it was. it fit the script in a way we didn't even anticipate. This was a location I previously contacted, but they unfortunately did not fit our budget at all ( it was 1500 per day). Luckily, Rose's dad helped us out and managed to get it for 500 pounds a day, if I remember correctly.
They had beautiful antique furniture, a grand piano, wooden floors, dinner table (perfect for the dinner scene). The staff at Brunswick House also told us that we can use the whole floor, which meant we could have a room for food and make-up, clothing change and two separate rooms for filming. And as well as all that, we were allowed to keep our equipment overnight, which was a huge bonus!

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After lunch we were set on Brunswick House. Rose emailed them to confirm and she also emailed the Ritz to tell them we found an alternative. I emailed the Cinema Museum to let them know that we found an alternative.
Now, we had to separate our script into scenes and figure out the best order and separate them into appropriate days, taking into consideration everyone's availability. It was tough but we managed as usual :)
We were also stressed crew wise and cast wise. Luckily, Anne got us two actors for the roles of Lieutenant and Blake. And I followed Carlos everywhere he went, until he agreed to play Godfrey.

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SCENES AND THE ORDER ON WHICH DAYS:

MONDAY:
1. Scene 13A
2. Scene 13B + pick up
3. Scene 9
4. Scene 10
5. Scene 12
6. Scene 6

TUESDAY:
1. Scene 13C
2. Scene 7
3. Scene 8
4. Scene 11
5. Scene 14
6. Scene 15
7. Scene 16

THURSDAY:
1. Scene 5
2. Separate shooting for the “blog” of Blake and Robin on their phones
3. Scene 1
4. Scene 2
5. Scene 3
6. Scene 4

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Day two was very very exciting. Me, Rose, Thea and Kerem went to the National Theatre Costume Hire and tried on different period costumes. Tin got us this amazing opportunity. Throughout the four hours we spent there, I was on the phone with Tin, sending them pictures of our options and we went with their suggestions.
It was a very fun and great opportunity and the people there were very accommodating. And it was amazing to imagine ourselves in these different eras.

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SAY YES TO THE DRESS !!

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On Thursday we joined Tin and picked up the costumes (I spoke to the people that worked there and scored as a 10% student discount, which can never hurt). We then went to Anne's house and further discussed our small hiccup, which was DOP. We were really struggling in finding someone. So we spent the whole of Wednesday and Thursday emailing back and forth with multiple people and finally, Kerem found someone, who's style of filming and experience matched with what we were looking with. So Anne set up a zoom meeting with him for the following day.
I also spent some time with Lenny that day (second year film student), to sort out equipment. Because we are acting students, we aren't allowed to book out any expensive equipment. So once that was done, I agreed to be in charge of all the equipment (with Jasmines help) and picked it up on Saturday morning. As for storing equipment, Anne was kind and offered to store it at her flat over the weekend, because she lives close to the location (Brunswick house).

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On Friday, we had a table read with the additional two cast members who played lieutenant and Blake. Carlos couldn't join us but promised to have all of his lines learned for the shoot.
I really enjoyed our table read, seeing and hearing it all come to life was an insane and rewarding feeling. The spirits were definitely high that day, knowing that our hard work was paying off.
Later in the afternoon, Tin gave us a dance lesson and taught us all how to waltz. It was extremely fun. I also just went around the room dancing by myself like a crazy person, because my character doesn't actually waltz with a partner. Nonetheless, it was very fun.

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Finally, on Saturday, me and Jasmine went to university to pick up all the equipment from university and drive it to Anne's place.
When we got to Anne's place she was on a zoom call with our DOP, which was going well and left Anne in high spirits. She was very happy with his vision and how motivated he was.
It took me and jasmine about five trips up and down to place all the equipment in Anne's living room, but we did it.
Me and Jasmine also agreed to come back on Monday, 30 minutes before the start of the shoot, to pick up all the equipment (with Ana's and Helene's help) and place it in my car, to drive it to the location.

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On Monday, after getting all of the equipment and delivering it safely, I decided to concentrate only on my acting (as much as it was possible, I still helped to tidy and keep track of the script etc).
It was a wonderful and beautiful experience. Everyone was on their A-game and it was such a fantastic learning experience. I am going to show it through the pictures from that day, one of the best weeks of my life, for sure.

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the hair was done by my beautiful friend Emi <3

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the hair was done by my beautiful friend Emi <3

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Emi's birthday. Best (worst) bowling team ever.

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Unfortunately, on Thursday we found out that some of us got covid and Emi was sick too, just with something else. So I took over as first AD, because I wasn't filming on that day anymore. We spent the whole day on campus, but it went smoothly. We were very lucky to be able to finish filming, considering our unlucky circumstances.

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We didn't have Mae, because Leigh unfortunately couldn't join us. So Ana took the role of May and did a great job :)

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I guess I spent a lot of time driving around London with the equipment and was always in a rush, so this unfortunately happened.

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On Friday, I arrived on campus at 9.30 and moved all fo the equipment from a room upstairs that was for safe-keeping the equipment and waited until 11 (that's when the media services decided to arrive) to give back all the equipment. thing was damaged and Lenny was very happy :)