Actors and dolls

The final pieces of the puzzle fall into place

I hope you all have a fabulous new year. Mine was most relaxing, but it’s back to the real world today. Lots of prep work for the filming this weekend. Call sheets sorted. Shot lists/tracking sheets sorted. Transport logistics almost sorted (they’ve really given me headaches, turns out half the cast and crew don’t drive!). And a host of horrid dolls bought at the Mind charity shop.

I had a marathon call with Russ, the DP, this afternoon, and we ironed out some further potential quibbles that had struck us over the holidays. We’re still mulling over whether to rock the Wes Anderson 4:3 vibe, but having rewatched Grad Budapest Hotel and The French Dispatch, I’m sort of won over, and think it will work well with the location.

I managed to do some very ropey FX test shots as well last week, having found some useful After FX tutorials detailing pretty much the effects I wanted, so I have a good idea of how they will all work. It’s even given me confidence to change one shot to be a proper FX shot, which I think will work much better.

The script read through with Mark, Ken and Ben, after a couple of false starts, will be on Thursday afternoon. I’m very much looking forward to that. There’s just one or two more props and I think we’re there…