Showered in Praise

Didn't think I'd need any kind of waterproof clothes on set today, but boy I was wrong. First job I got was to buy a Birthday cake for a crew member, while I was shopping the heavens opened up and the rain wasn't going to stop anytime soon. Still Ibchanced it by waiting for a weather break, instead it started snowing. The trek back to set was a soggy affair I wasn't without sympathisers, the costume and make-up people all flocked to my aid. Two ladies used a hairdryer to dry my jacket and wardrobe gave me a new jumper to wear, why were they so generous? Because I seemed to have made a good impression on them. In fact, that's the recurring notion of the day, whenever I had a chance to stop and chat to anyone they showered me with compliments for all my hard work. The shoots all done now and I alreadyvhave a feeling I'm on the cards for the next one.

Handy Firemen

My energy is draining from me after a pair of early starts and late nights on account of the film shoot. Got one more day now and its going really well so far. We got the fire department to turn up and spray down a large space outside to give it a rain-slick look, that was a first for me anyway, seeing firemen in action. I'm totally pooped now though but I've got enough in my reserves for one last push tomorrow.

Snakes and Lattes

Rolled out of bed into several layers so I could face the early morning chills with confidence. I was on a filming job in Bristol today up at Cribbs Causeway and I cannot stress just how lovely it is to come home to my own bed after a long shoot day. Although, heading to bed wasn't what I did when I got back because I immediately dashed out to Coffee 1 to help host the board game night: Snakes and Lattes which turned out to be a sleeper hit. At first there were only a smattering of people, but as the evening went on, more and more folks flocked to our humble cafe. Rebecca and I played Rummikub with two total strangers and it was brilliant! Meeting new people like that is exactly what I wanted to happen with the event, the night itself was a real success overall since several friends, strangers and co-workers mentioned how much they enjoyed the night. Its just like the Rummikub box says: 'Brings People Together'

Silent Cafe

Was charged with making the Remeberance announcement at the cafe, I went around to all the tables to let people know I'd be asking for a two minute silence and when 11 o'clock came everyone was very compliant. A lady came up to me just as she was leaving and thanked me for doing it, she seemed genuinely impressed that we made the effort and that put a smile on my face.

I'm psycheing myself up for me Bristol shoot tomorrow, its over 3 days this shoot so I'm eager to make a good first impression amidst a new crowd. Literally never met anyone on this shoot and if all goes well I may leave with some contacts, gotta nail the day first though and that's exactly what I'm going to do.

Bromley to Orpington

With four hours sleep under my belt, I left Lincoln's house in Bromley to go visit my Grandmother in Orpington. I set out a good time and travel schedule for the trip, as the crow flies, its a pretty simple journey but it took a lot longer to get there than expected. I didn't take into account the Remembrance Day parades that ultimately changed a lot of my bus routes, in one case my bus terminated 12 stops away from my destination. But when the front door opened and Grandma greeted me I knew the journey was worth it. We had a cup of coffee and some biscuits and chatted about life and how much we were both looking forward to Christmas. She remarked that this was the first time I'd ever really gone to visit her without my parents, I left thinking I should make a habit of dropping in to visit more often since I had such a lovely morning.

Long Into the Night

Bombed down the motorway with Rebecca in London for a range of social calls. First was her Mum, then her best friend for coffee and finally I met up with Lincoln to help him shoot his latest short film. In classic passion project style, the shoot overran dramatically, I'm writing this now at about the same time of day that I wake up to open up the cafe on a morning shift. It was totally worth it though, working as a journeyman sound guy again was a ton of fun and it was gratifying to work on a film that I could see the heart in.

Death Stranding

Stood outside GAME with two other dedicated gamers to pick out our copies of Death Stranding. I dashed home, plugged it in and lost myself in playing a sci-fi Amazon delivery guy game. After a very long gaming session I went out with Rebecca to see a friend and watch a firework display done by a nearby school. The fireworks were way better than they had any right to be and really made me reflect on that feeling of watching fireworks as a child. Something about the sparks, lights and whistles still manages to mezmerise.