The Sea Change – Episode 15

Brek Taylor and Elizabeth Mitchell explore the casting for the feature film The Sea Change starring Janet McTeer, Colin Morgan and Nathalie Press.

Return from Mull

Can’t quite believe we’ve just returned from Mull, it felt like we’d spent half our lifetime there and then all of a sudden we’re back in the grey bleak metropolis of London. Everything feels a little cramped and sped up just now and where has the sky gone?! What’s more the energy has been sapped from Liz and I and we find ourselves gawping more than usual at each other with very little to say. Having just come back from a lunch with Rain we’re reassured to find her in the same state and eating more food than ever. Seems we can’t drop the routine established in Mull of eating every 2 hours (and even during the night sometimes).

Complaining over we’re very excited bout the rushes we’ve returned with. The performances are brilliantly enticing and the camera work and pacing of scenes works a treat. However, we have returned not having shot the whole film and so we’ve all got to knuckle down now and get orgnising again to make a 2nd return trip to Mull in early February to shoot 2nd unit material and a few pick ups. Everybody agrees its a huge benefit to be able to rough assemble the material and get a strong overview of the piece and reflect on what is and isn’t needed. The poetic thriller look and atmosphere is dramatic and exciting but not an easy one to achieve so more time reviewing the process and balance of picture and sound is  blessing.

Other issues for now include raising finance for the return trip and some post production money, so the applications are being sent and further phonecalls made.

Meantime Liz and I are doing our bestest to get as much done as possible before Christms takes over – think its going to have to be homemde Christmas chutney for everyone this year as my piggy bank is very much empty.

Happy 2009 if we don’t write before then.

Brek and Liz

Impressions of the filming

I have received the incredible honor of being a guest blogger for The Sea Change, which I am truly excited about. My name is Linnéa Rundgren and I’m a freelance journalist.

It has been two days since I got back, and all the impressions are starting to sink in. As a complete outsider I was just waiting for an excuse to travel up to this remote island of Mull, having heard so much about the project throughout the last three years as well as watching with participation how many woolen socks and hats were packed into my sister-in-law’s suitcase before she left. So when I got the offer to personally deliver the ‘rushes’ (a sample of what the final filmed material will look like) last Sunday morning it took me about two seconds to think about it and accept.

An eleven hour train journey including one interchange in Glasgow, a night in an Oban hotel room listening to stormy winds rattling the window, and a ferry trip later (must admit I had underestimated how remote this island is), I finally reached the mighty Mull.

Before I start throwing superlatives about my intense visit to the film crew around me – trust me, it was a rush – let me just set the scene here. Imagine waking up in a freezing cold and dark town (Oban) with hardly anyone around at 7.30am. The papers haven’t even arrived yet so I have my breakfast cereal in an empty hotel restaurant, listening to the silence. When I step outside the wind has calmed somewhat and the only source of light is from the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry, which leaves for Mull at 8am. Still pitch black when we set loose and start the journey across the sea. I choose to avoid the smelly breakfast buffet downstairs and find some seats upstairs. Here we sit in silence, a dozen other recently awaken passengers and I, watching the sun rise behind the snow-covered mountains, sweeping away the mist over the water. Having lived in Britain for six years now I’m quite used to grand buildings, castles, not to mention memorials. However, they are usually surrounded by a well-groomed garden and a snack bar. That’s why this morning’s view is so spectacular as I spot the most beautiful castle resting on top of steep cliffs, which calm waves crashing into them. It looks as if it is untouched by both tourism and time. I just sit there and take it in. I think of my fellow Londoners traveling like cattle on the tube.

Does that explain how beautiful and peaceful it is here. Hope so. Back to memories from Mull. I got off the ferry in Craignure where local resident Peter picked me up and drove me to the set whilst filling me in with the colloquial film vocabulary. I picked up that ‘wrapping’ seemed to be a good time of the day, i.e. the end of the day.

Five minutes later we arrived at the waterfront, where the first scene of the day had just been filmed in the freezing water. The atmosphere was pretty relaxed – mostly because the scene was over I gather – but also a bit tense. Everyone was just about finished dismantling the set and got ready to head straight off to the next one, whilst trying to warm up with cups of tea. Two members of the crew stood a few yards away sorting out some kind of disagreement. Lovely Liz introduced me to the crew. Even though the handshakes were cold, most of the crew managed to smile (or was it simply that their jaws had frozen, I do not know). If it was a genuine smile I am even more impressed after three hours in the water.

Since there was no time to stand around Liz and I started walking whilst she told the plan for the day, schedule changes and events. After a quick stop at the base station (which I’m sure is called something different in film language), consisting of a few trucks including the catering vehicle as well as a school bus where they eat and gather heat in between scenes, it was time to go to the location for the next scene. Apparently there was no time to go to the originally intended filming spot on the other side of the island, so they quickly had to find a new one. In the car I got a taster of the crew banter, of which I understood about half. If I would have picked it all up I would have extended my vocabulary massively.

To me the location looked like any piece of forest, but according to Liz, Brek and Rain it was close to perfection. They barely had time to wait for the car to stop before they rushed out, jumped over the damp ditch and started walking around eagerly discussing potential angles, camera movements and light. They got very excited about the spot indeed, apart from a few pine trees that apparently were in the way. “I can’t believe people just leave their Christmas trees out here!” I heard someone shout as I started to walk back and forth along the road to keep my blood from freezing in my veins. Embarrassingly my outfit for the “London winter” wasn’t enough for Scottish temperature.

Anyway, soon the sound guys arrived (apparently the best team according to themselves) and kindly let me sit in their car with maximum heat on whilst they unloaded their stuff (about two trolleys full) to take into the deep soft and damp moss. Very much appreciated. After that it didn’t take many seconds until the entire 50 yard stretch of gravel road along the spot was packed with trucks and equipment, people rushing and running around knowing exactly what to do and where to be. A bit like Santa’s toy factory I imagine. I heard a lot of “Excellent”, “love it” and “beautiful” from the very impressive cinematographer Rain Li as she made the final adjustments. Some of the male crew found it very amusing to unzip the make-up girls’ stomach bag whenever they passed him. They let him get on with it for a while before they had to work. The last ones I walked passed just before everyone had to be quiet were the light guys. Just before lunch everyone was ready and I got to witness my first film shoot. Very exciting! If the small camera used for documentation didn’t have a flat battery I would have filmed the shooting myself there in the deep moss between trees and overgrown hillocks and stubs (and Christmas trees). But instead I just stood there (on a wooden lid as my boots weren’t water proof) taking in all the action – and excitement! The scene was when Callum tells Nikki about the little people and with this atmosphere you could almost imagine these little creatures lurking behind trees. Very impressed with the actors, especially in this temperature. Did I mention it was cold?

Generally I really have to say that I admire the hard work put into this film by everyone. Admittedly I don’t know how other films are made but even I can say that filming everything in 20 days is definitely something. I was given the timetable for the day so I could follow what was going on – a booklet of 13 pages.

At the end of the second ”CUT” (at least a word I know from movies) it was time for lunch, served in the school bus of course. I barely finished chewing my fifth bite of prawn curry before everyone shot off again to do more close-ups at the same location. I chose to stay where I was.

This is what a tight timetable does, and apparently not to everyone’s excitement. Forget one hour lunches and tea breaks. What a contrast to the otherwise so peaceful surroundings. But the locals seem to love it – especially Peter and David who were, and still are I think, helping out with pretty much everything.

As the sun started to set with a golden glow and Will the 1^st AD (whose feet still weren’t dry since the morning) started to order people to go into the water for the final scene of the day (interrupted by Liz crying with laughter after watching the stunts trying to get into their wetsuits, apparently looking as if they were given birth to), it was time for me to go back to the mainland. Far too soon, but to be honest I was freezing.

‘Imagine doing this if the weather wasn’t behaving so perfectly as it did today’, I thought to myself as I boarded the ferry and ordered a hot chocolate. As I got back to Glasgow later that evening, the weather forecast issued severe weather warnings as heavy snowfall and strong winds were predicted. Oh well, I hope the crew made it to the pub after the swim to focus on something else.

The things I witnessed during those eight hours were enough to fill three days. And there, half way into the filming, it was easy to spot the exhaustion in their eyes from early mornings and late nights. On top of that there are the frozen toes and practical problems such as diesel stations closing at 5.30pm or simply running out, that are impossible to predict. Despite this all I see and hear is laughter, banter and encouragement. Perhaps that is the only way to get through it. Perhaps they are simply having fun. Either way, it is truly inspiring to see so many great people supporting this fantastic project.

I take my hat off to all of you up in Mull. This will be something amazing.

Thanks again to the entire team for letting me shadow you all for a few hours, and best of luck with the rest of the filming!

First weeks filming

We have now completed our first weeks filming and it’s been very exciting to say the least.

Firstly the arrival of a foot of snow didn’t deter us from manning our thermals and heading out to continue shooting – we’re a strong hardy lot!

The logistics of getting the rushes to and from the island have been slightly problematic but this has been sorted now and we have seen the first day’s rushes and they look amazing. Rain has managed to shoot some beautiful stuff despite the weather conditions and lack of equipment.

The 1st, 2nd and 3rd AD’s were not enjoying themselves, were not getting on with the crew, or the extreme conditions that the Island has to offer so decided to leave us at the last minute – we managed to all pull through, with everyone mucking in and luckily a lovely guy called Will McDonagh came up to 1st AD at last minute and we are back on track now, whizzing through the shots in now time… well kind of!

The Spice of Life catering team have been truly wonderful, filling our stomachs with tasty food every day and generally keeping our spirits high not only with there gorgeous grub but also with there amazing dancing at the party we had on Friday night. It’s amazing what can happen when you take of load of ipods to the country!

Brek and the Dave Shaw from Diving Services at Pinewood enjoyed a dip in the Irish seas this week both posing as stunt doubles for Nikki and Callum. Both very brave solders indeed given the temperature. This was for the most adventurous of all the set ups being shot up in Scotland, the boat/storm scene. The rest will be filled in the safety of Dave’s tank later on in December.

Also we must mention a huge thank you to Mull Islander Ronnie whom has been wonderful everyday helping out with all the extra bits and pieces we don’t seem to have hands for. Everyone on Mull has been truly great and made us feel very welcome.

Remember to sign up to Twitter as Brek and Elizabeth are both sending in photos daily.

http://twitter.com/theseachange

Credit Crunch!!

Brek Taylor and Elizabeth Mitchell continue to try and raise finance for the low budget feature film The Sea Change, along with help Line Producer Johann Insanally.

The Sea Change – One day to go!!

Nov 23rd – Everyone on Mull.

Introducing cinematographer Rain Li – our guest blog-itor – who is too busy eating Sesame Sticks to type (or was that the three hot toddies for lunch and the attentions of a famous TV explorer?!)? Another hectic week that ended with packing up the Strand office and everyone finally travelling up to Mull – two trains, one ferry, two taxis and ten hours later….

Pheweee – it’s great to have everyone in the same few square kilometres under the grey & stormy skies. Colin Morgan and Natalie Press arrived on Thursday and have been rehearsing in preparation for the first day of shooting on the 24th. The islanders have been brilliant: hospitable and kind (except for the man operating the tea stand at Fishnish – a famous grump) including the wonderful Bunty McIvor who will play the gossipy Post Office Woman coaching Colin on his Highlands & Islands accent.

Meanwhile

The caterers don’t start until Monday so everyone has been mucking in, like Lukas Moodysson’s ‘Together’ stylee (without the sexual politics, we think!) : making hot teas, sandwiches and evening meals round the pine table. The art department have been truly wonderful with stylish takes on keeping warm (offcuts from the local weavers, shorts, tights & thermals) and wicked senses of humour…

The weather is biblical – full of extreme sunshine, sleet and the inevitable “power” showers. We’ve seen loads of deer, seals, buzzards & kestrels. There are mussel farms, prawns the size of clenched fists, venison chilli and excellent vegetarian sausages..!

We have been arranging another podcast with MarBelle from Director’s Notes www.directorsnotes.com . What with mobile phone reception being sparse and there being only one land line at the Production Office it is very hard to make this happen logistically but with the wonders of skype it is on the cards to happen very soon. I’ll keep you posted.

Wish us luck! We shoot fog outside all day tomorrow….eeek x

Nov 15th – One Week to Go – Eeek!

One week to go until we shoot and The Sea Change team have finally descended on the Isle of Mull after scouting in wet and windy Glasgow. It’s been a packed week with casting, set-building, hair and make-up tests and some of the crew starting to make their way up to Scotland. So far a team of eleven people are up there in the house at ardvergnish including Brek and Elizabeth, their First aD Mick Pantaleo, production co-ordinator Tanya Singh and the art dept who are frantically preparing the sets. Tech recces with Rain Li our cinematographer, followed by the arrival of more crew, plus Natalie and Colin are forecast for this week. It’s been very windy and a little bit rainy – better now than during the shoot is the mantra of the moment…

Clare and Johann are still in London for the time being, wrangling in much needed extra cash (if everyone can have a quick look under their mattresses that would be much appreciated!) and managing the marketing team.

The first part of the week in London was all about rehearsals and for the first time Natalie and Janet got to act together. It was very exciting for everyone. The mother/ daughter combination looks to be electric viewing. We’ve been working closely with our hair and make-up and costume team too, to transform their looks and we’re very excited about the results. It’s quite a dramatic change and we’re wondering if anyone will actually recognise them!

Brek and Elizabeth have had a fun couple of days casting both on Mull in Glasgow. We spent a delightful evening at Scottish Youth Theatre casting for the young Nikki, by way of running round a studio pretending to be a fairies and monsters with five year olds! Meanwhile back in Mull the locals have been incredibly supportive. Looks like we’re working with real fisherman, a jewellery designer and chef for extras and our post office woman has come care of Mull Theatre Company – Mull has an intriguing variety of skillsets it would seem.

On the marketing front, join the following sites for more updates on the film. Cutting edge, frontline, seat of your pants information added daily!

www.twitter.com/TheSeaChange

www.myspace.com/theseachange_themovie

www.facebook.com/pages/The-Sea-Change/32719454227?ref=mf

Finally a couple of big thank yous –

Firstly to Viking Direct, who have come on board and sponsored all the stationary needed on set. The delivery is due tomorrow but as they are sending it to no doubt one of the most obscure addresses in the country, we’ll keep you posted on whether it actually arrives!

Secondly to Jenny Turner who has put together some fantastic storyboards. See more of her work at www.jenny-turner.co.uk She has managed to capture the magic and mystery of the story brilliantly, despite the appalling stick figure first draft efforts provided by Brek and Elizabeth initially.

Nov 2nd – Orly & the Pipettes

The team has been split this week, with Brek up on the Isle of Mull with the Production Designer Damian Creagh, researching suitable locations and resources as well as seeking out how best to work with the locals on Mull with all the varied and rich skillsets they offer! and with Elizabeth and Clare down in London manning the financial fort and organising all manners of pioneering marketing techniques!

It’s still been pretty stressful, losing our 1^st AD, juggling our cinematographer Rain Li’s commitments to other projects, Elizabeth’s mysterious yet spectacular nosebleeds which saw her in A&E until 4am and Brek’s battles with Virgin Trains but overall morale is high. We have yet again decided to push back on the shoot date for one month. This is to get some financial issues in order, and give the heads of departments run by the superb line producer Johann Insanally more time in prep. Due to financial and time restraints this is going to have to be a very tightly run ship so everyone is having to be as organised as they possibly can be.

Given this precious extra time we have managed to do some amazing underwater animation tests with the lovely artist Orly Orbach. We decided to research techniques for animating Nikki Black’s book towards as it floats away in the water towards the end of the film To get prepared we all donned wet weather gear and mucked about in a fish tank with pipettes full of India, watercolour and Higgins ink and different types of  paper. Baff was there too so I’m sure you’ll see the footage up in a “making of” episode very soon!

The tailormade productions website has now officially been launched – yipppee  www.tailormadeproductions.com. Be sure to look out for more about us on the web too as Jon Newey is planning on taking us through all manner of social networking sites.

Oct 20th – Turbulence & Weddings.

This week has been a turbulent week for The Sea Change. We have now been put back a week and everyday has thrown up a new change, which in turn has required a new plan and a new schedule.

The credit crunch has been critical. With the very real fear of a recession we have lost another of our investors. There have been talks of guerrilla tactics but the passion and the anguish to do the job properly is weighed up against the fact we’re running out of money, energy and the impending decision of how long can we hold out for versus getting the project done. The decision has been made to hold until the end of the week as with the rise of the market, slowly the interest and telephone calls are coming back in from the investors….

We’re now sorting out the battle plans for the next steps. The big inspiration and motivation has come from our talks with Rain Li the cinematographer, Emily Newbold the Costume Designer and Damian Creagh the Production designer. With the storyboarding now complete we’re looking to get up to Mull at the end of this week to scout locations together and decide on colour palettes. The storyboarding is now complete and its looking very exciting and real indeed

So we’re now in action stations. The biggest realisation this week is that this production has grown beyond our imagination and we’ve had so much support and motivation from Baff, Tanya, Marie at Soda Pictures and Rain and all our crew spurring us on saying that ‘We’ve got to get this done, we have to see this finished.” There’s no going back now.

Life does go on outside of The Sea Change though and congratulations are in order for Elizabeth’s brother who got married at the weekend….ahhh happy days!