Never having worked with Tom Gale it was intriguing to see how he works and witness his acting and directing skills. Discovering only a day before shooting that his main character, Joel, was to be played by himself was interesting. At first I thought it may have been down to lack of planning and thought he couldn't get an actor in time and would save time and effort, then I felt really bad when he said he wanted to use his acting past and brand himself more as an actor. 

Understandably the initial idea of Tom's film was a selection of scenes and situations between Joel and other characters combined with a variety of emotions and could have easily been made in to a small feature length film. However, the plot he decided on for the short film was very touching and heart breaking to read and illustrates the horrific realities of some peoples lives. The thought of regret, guilt, blame and denial are all strong in this film. I will not explain how or why as I do not want to spoil it for you, my reader, but I can assure you that having read the script, being on set and not even seeing the edit I can give credit to Tom and his grasp on emotion.

I am enthralled to have been on set and been involved in this drama short and am looking forward to the edit and see how Tom has pulled the film of, plucking on the heart strings of his audience. 

Being lighting, sound and camera assistant for a selection of shots was definitely fun keeping me busy and on my toes. Tom used two of his friends who wanted to experience the life of filmmaking and it's process on set so he brought them in to assist and learn from me, Tom and David Kazadi (Camera Man and DOP). It was quite the eye opener teaching 'outsiders' the world of film and little tricks of the trade as well as informing them of the life of photography and using cameras. Won't lie, made me feel very knowledgeable and important.

In terms of location it was an elegant and quaint cottage/home in the middle of nowhere which took a total of about an hours taxi journey to get to, with all the kit and the 5 crew members. For the second semester project of our final year I also filmed in a B&B/Cottage looking location. After plenty of research for cottages and quanit british homes I found plenty that were decorated in a nicer and more tasteful manner, modern and still homely, cheaper and closer to Stoke-on-Trent compared to an hours drive along narrow and windy country roads. Due to this I would have to say that Tom to always try dozens of wesbites and brochures to get the desired look he wants and always be ready to blag as I managed to get my location for 2 days for free. I know it's hard to find the perfect location but it is ALWAYS worth hunting until you find something close to your idea and try your best to get it on your budget.

Catering is something that is always looked over as a last minute throw together and not really taken a lot of time to think over. I would be lying if I said I never thought anything more of it than just some snacks and meals for the crew, but now I understand I was wrong to think that. It's as important as booking kit and should not be grazed over with little thought or care. Throughout all the crews I have been all of the catering has been handled very well with nutritional and dietary requirements taken in to consideration, preparation of sandwiches, drinks and energy boosting foods. Tom's was by far the best spread catering for teas and coffees throughout, consideration of sandwich fillings and constant flow of snacks and sugar to keep the crew awake and on their game.