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There was no car to pick me up, I had my oyster card and a London A-Z. I was heading to Ealing one time home of the British film industry, but for one morning only it was home to the TV advert shoot for Dear John. My TV advert shoot for Dear John.
Okay, I knew this was no Goodfellas or even a Guinness advert but it was just as important to me. The build up was long. Choosing the concept, the script, checking the storyboarding, then came casting, locations, costume. I had say in every single aspect and today I would see it all come together.
When I arrived the opening scene was done and they were setting up the first shots involving the book. There were eight people on set altogether including camera, sound, a runner, two directors (!) and make-up. The runner offered me the obligatory tea and pastries and I settled in, sat quietly with baited breathe until… nothing.
You see this is the thing with filming, the thing that I had forgotten. The waiting. I have a theory that film actors actually get paid for the gaps in between. The bit where we ordinary folk sit there thinking, I could be sorting the gas bill, making that phone call, answering that letter, finishing the last chapters of the book I’ve got with me. But no, because at any moment there will be a flurry of activity and suddenly it’s, “okay everyone. Ready, mark it, and action”
These are the bits worth waiting for because that is when there’s palpable excitement in the room. The clapperboard snaps shut. Everyone is silent and we’re all gazing, transfixed on the one person in the room bringing all those bits of paper to life - translating the imagination into reality. And just as suddenly it stops, as a lighting adjustment is made or a face is powdered. The next tea is brought round and more patient waiting.
In all it took six hours just to get the house shots done. Including the one with our actress reading. We picked a page mid way through Dear John and whilst all about her were readjusting the clocks, sorting out lighting, she lay quietly on the sofa reading. I love it when a plan comes together!
Posted 03/12/2007 15:11:02 by Helen Gibbs, Marketing Manager with 0 comments.
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