Following a sleepless night, the day arrived for filming Celia episode 2. Fortunately Guy has been very understanding about moving out of our bedroom and having it on show globally because he knows how much making these films means to me. My OCD went into overdrive & after wiping the downstairs loo for the umpteenth time, listenupnorth arrived with lots of reassurance for my ragged nerves and we started to prepare the set.
Through The Looking Glass
Then camera & all-round expert Shirley Anne Wood arrived. Shirley is now with ‘bump’ and after a big hug was immediately forbidden to lift anything heavier than a teaspoon. Time to put the kettle on & arrange a tray of fruit & Mars Bar Mini rolls placed out of camera shot to ensure we all keep our sugar levels during the strenuous task of filming. Whilst Shirley set up the lights & camera , listenupnorth and I watched episode 1 in freeze frame so we could place all the toiletry bits & pieces on the dressing table just as I had left them as I walked out at the end of the last episode to answer the door to Simon.
Following on, this episode takes place in the evening & I’m recounting what went on (or off!) when I found Simon on the doorstep. As before, the idea was that delivering the monologue, actor Penny Lamport would express her internal thoughts to the camera placed behind her dressing table mirror (with glass removed). She would also address the audience directly into a second camera at the side of the dressing table.
Penny & Sue arrived to more hugs to complete ‘Team Celia’. After putting the kettle on again & a quick catch up on everyone’s gossip, we had a final call for the loo as we would be unable to leave the room for several hours once the cameras were in place. Part of the driving force to complete our series of 6 short films was Shirley’s worry that, as she expands with baby, she would soon be unable to fit into the tight space between the camera & the door! In addition, actor Penny has expressed concern that she might not look 49ish for much longer. But I would take that with a pinch of salt as that woman has drunk the elixir of eternal youth.
‘Team Celia’ in action
It seemed to take an age of faffing around with lighting to ensure the correct night time ambience plus checking sound levels & positioning cameras before we were finally ready to call ‘Action!’. However, all the preparation paid off and the actual filming progressed very quickly & smoothly. It was ‘in the can’ by late lunch and we were able to sit down to our baked potatoes followed by celebratory chocolate eclairs. Now more hard work as Shirley takes it all away to edit & prepare Celia – episode 2. So watch this space!
Click below to watch Celia – episode 1
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