A thing of beauty...

Week 40? (really must work it out) - 2 days to auditions

2 days to go until auditions. Hopefully you'll turn up won't you. Don't make me beg. I've got a horrible feeling we'll either get 3 people or hundreds, nothing in between...

Got a nice surprise this morning - a picture (top image) of the camera box John Gayler has built for the show. **cue angelic music** Behold the beauty that is the box. Isn't that great. Look at the craftsmanship. Made from scratch. He's f**kin' good isn't he. I take back everything I said about him (joke, John, joke).

I've started doing some of the backgrounds for 'Look What Happened to Mabel' (above) which will probably only be on screen for about 20 seconds, but it's these sort of things that'll add to the show...

Neil

Audition time!

Week 38? - 5 days to auditions

Auditions are nearly here. And it feels to me like when you throw a party. Will anyone turn up? Will too many? I haven't got a clue at the moment. We've, to date, had 137 downloads of audition pieces since they went up a month ago, most of which are probably just having a look to see what it's all about with out any intention of auditioning, but I'd guess probably 20 or so might be genuine...so fingers crossed.

I'm starting to get the usual 'Can I audition early and go?' emails now, but it's a clear cut 'no' I'm afraid. The afternoon is structured around the pianist/dep MD turning up at 3:30pm, so that means dancing first, then acting, singing and then some more acting/dancing. We've booked a room on Tuesday to cater for anyone who genuinely can't make Sunday, but still desperately wants to audition.

Good luck if you are auditioning by the way, I know how scary they can be. We're trying to make it as stressless as possible, but if it's any consolation (I doubt it) it's very nerve racking for us too...

I bought a digital camcorder last week a) to film the auditions because unfortunately the MD is on holiday (so we'll be getting together on the 2nd March) b) because I've a lot of filmed sequences in the show to do and c) because I could.

I'm sorting out the Regent banner at the moment which will go up on the side of the building soon. I've stayed late (or later than normal) at work to source all the images I need for the show but there's a massive amount to do to get them in shape - I'm dropping subtle hints to my graphic design colleagues like 'you know you owe me a favour...'

Unfortunately work is very, very busy at the mo, plus I had a personal disaster yesterday by managing to spill an entire cup of coffee over my phone and ipod - both now unsurprisingly not working. Which if you add in my non-internet access at home and poor phone signal means I have to do all the show emails and catching up with peoples requests at work, which is a real juggling act....

I was asked to join a professional acting company this week (oooo get me), which I've said yes to, starting next year, but unfortunately all the prelim stuff for that is happening over M&M. Might be able to help a little bit though. Although, officially I have no spare time from now until August the first....

See you on the other side of auditions....

Neil

First Production Meeting - Music and Dance

Week 38? - 6 months to opening night

We had our first production meeting last night - Ian (MD), Georgina (Choreography), Pete (Production Manager) and Jane W (Dance Captain). The idea was for me to sit down and go through all the show numbers and talk through what I had planned as far as the staging of the numbers was concerned, giving Ian and Georgina the parameters in which they need to work in (sometimes the script dictates what has to happen during a number, and other times they have a completely open brief and can do 'whatever they want'). We went through the entire show/score which highlighted where the underscoring was, where the problem areas were etc.

I was pleased, because there won't be any nasty shocks for Ian/Georgina/Pete/Jane when it comes to the the staging of the musical numbers. Plus it gives them the starting point to do all their bits - I'm not interested in doing a show where I tell them exactly what to do as they'll get nothing out of it. It won't be personal to them.

We also talked over auditions, the extra scoring, how to pick up a upright piano that's been offered to us, where to get a specialist item that I can't mention here (non-sexual before you make anything up) - and the answer surprisingly was a retired vicar.

John Gayler has been building things as well. I told him not to just yet. But he hasn't listened. He's been emailling me to say he's found stuff that'd be useful in skips (I dread to think). He's currently building an old box camera. I've said fine as long as it's a certain size, isn't heavy and looks right....so I'll post a picture of it when I see it. I do get the feeling it's going to be oversized and heavy though.....(joking John, joking)

Next stop is a production meeting with John Gayler (set), Jon Hall (genius animator) and Jen (costumes) hopefully after auditions to discuss their particular fields of expertise.

I think I'm now only about a month behind schedule....

Neil

A word from your Dance Captain, Jane White

Week 34 - tap tap tap tappity tap to opening night

A word from the dance captain:

Well, I guess it must be true……it says so on the side bar. I’m the Dance Captain for HCP’s 2010 production of Mack and Mabel!

It’s funny, or not, but this was the first production I did when I got dragged, kicking and screaming, into am dram in 2000. A conversation that went along the lines of;

Him: You can tap, can’t you?

Me: Yeeeeess??????

Him: We need people who can tap.

Me: OK. But I don’t sing…..Or speak! I just dance.

Him: That’s ok; we just need you to dance.

Me: Oh, ok. I’ll do it.

Him: Thanks.

Silly, silly, silly me! I ended up not only singing, badly I might add, but also uttering my first ever words on stage. Granted, I didn’t have to say them alone, it was one of those “Chorus response” things, but I was still a wreck!!!!!

Apparently it was the first time I met Neil too, although I am ashamed to say that I really don’t remember. Allegedly I spoke to him as well! Sorry Neil, I’m going to put it down to advanced years and nerves!

So, 10 years on and here I am again, getting ready to don the tap shoes!

I truly can’t express how thrilled I am at being asked to be involved with what I know will be an amazing production, just reading the previous blog entries gets the ole heart a thumpin’. Being able to work alongside such creative minds as Neil and George is a great privilege and honour, and I just hope I can do them proud.

Thanks for asking me xx

Jane

It's been a testing time...

Week 33 - 6 months to opening night

Six months to go....

Went in early on Saturday to the Regent to do a few tests for Mack & Mabel - mainly to check that my distressed old look is working on filmed elements (ie flickering, scratches, grain) - which it was. A test for parallax scrolling looked good, so I'll definitely be doing those - you'll have seen the the technique in many documentarys showing still photography. And also I spent time checking a couple of other things that I'm not going to go into here - buy a ticket, or audition to see what else I was up to...

I was pleased anyway...

Neil

Pre-casting? Me? I'd never do that....

Week 34 - Panto week

I never pre-cast. No seriously. Never. Pointless exercise. BUT I have this time. Woah, woah woah...before you all go off on one, writing to your local paper, slashing my tyres etc the two parts already cast are Barry and Phil (pictured above) who are technical volunteers at the Regent, and their role on stage will be to move the set, with cast members, live, and in costume. The live scene changes are done completely by the cast, but I just want two people completely dedicated to the job, and who can just to 'do it right'. Hence Barry and Phil, who, despite all the ribbing I give them (and I do..a lot) are two of the nicest and professional guys around. They are both members of a Cinema Club who go round refurbishing old theatres, and know quite a bit about the old equipment.

Lots of things are now happening: Ian Carter's been busy sorting through the score and organising stuff for the auditions. Jon Hall (Animation guru) has organised an evening at Bournemouth Uni (the 11th I think - I'll update you when I have more solid info) to watch the show and for me to go through what I have planned for the show (note to self: must plan stuff for the show). My old friend Sharon Burn is now on board as prompt (a thankless job, but vital). Jen and I are getting together after the panto to go through costume stuff. Eliot (now the Manger of the Regent - well done him) are looking at software that allows the running of several projectors from one machine (be still my geeking heart). Martin Short - technical guru at the Regent - has gone through all the lighting bars with me and I have these now pencilled in. The two Anne's are on board to do props etc. I'm going in early on Saturday to do some tests with the projector. And lastly, lots and lots of people seem to be asking questions and are getting very interested in the show which will hopefully mean a good turnout at the audtions.

Panto's going very well at the moment, by the way. If you haven't got your tickets get them quick. Tomorrow is the last day.

Oh and Jane W (Dance Capatin/ex- bluebell/someone who flashes her breasts at me everynight of the panto), has emailed me something for this blog which I'll put up in the next couple of days. Thank God. Now at least it won't seem so much of a vanity project with others contributing....

Over and out.

**static**

Neil

Audition Pieces now on-line...

Week 32 - 6 months to opening night

Audition pieces are now on-line:

Click here to go to the auditions page

Neil

Big buts...

Week 32 - 1 hundred and summit days to opening night

Ta-dah! First new posting in a couple of weeks. Bet you think I've just been sat around on my arse twiddling my thumbs. No. No. NO (note the use of capital letters for emphasis). Panto projections almost done - so I'm now able to turn my attention back to M&M provided work subsides a bit (recession my arse) - and I reckon I'm about 6 weeks behind at the mo because of all my spare time being taken over by the xmas show and panto. Planning on making it up in Feb though as the rest of this month is f**ked due to it being panto from now till the end of the month.

BUT, and it's a big but (insert your own joke here) other people are now involved and thangs are moovin' on a pace. Jenny Balfe is doing costumes which is just fab. Jane White (ex-Bluebell, dontcha know) is Dance captain. John Gayler is set gaffer and has roped in a load of electrician mates to help. We have a posh mansion and a 1920s car provisionally booked for filming sequences and publicity photos in March thanks to Pete. Ian Carter has recruited the band of top notch players and is sorting the score as we speak. Georgina and I sat down yesterday for a basic chat and we're already on the same page with everything which is a great start. Teasers poster are up at the Regent in time for the panto. Jon Hall has offered the Uni Theatre for a readthrough/video evening for the show and is sorting that. So it's all starting to move...

Next up though is the ticket price - price it too low and you make a loss, price it too high and in the current economic climate you'll get no-one, and thus make a loss. We charged £10 for Happy As A Sandbag and sold out the entire week, and I'm inclined to to put the price up maybe a pound or two but not to the level other groups are £15.50/16 which I personally think is ridiculous high for AmDram (yeah, yeah you can argue the toss with me about quality, professionalism etc but when it comes down to it it's still fifteen quid to see an Amdram show - or the price of 2 cinema tickets)

Anyways the next design job is to get moving light stands/chairs (above) built and tested as they are an intricate part of the show....fingers crossed or I'll have to start again....

Neil

Oh yes it is....

Week 30 - 3 weeks til Panto

Unrelated to M&M, but not if you see what I mean - it's Panto in a couple of weeks, so if you're at a loose end and want to come along then you'd better get yer tickets fast. Besides I've just spent the last week doing digital backgrounds (some are above) so it'll be pretty as well....

Tickets are from the Regent Centre on 01202 499199 (I've just done that from memory so you might want to check that it's correct before ringing some poor granny in Bransgore)...

Neil

Return of the Mack

Week 30? - 206 days til opening night

Ah, two thousand and ten. Twenty-Ten. Return of the Mack.

Hope you all had a good one. I spent most of my precious time off doing Panto backdrops much to the annoyance of my loved ones. (D'hear that Pete. D'hear oh panto director. Do ya?) Still, almost done with them.

I have managed to squeeze in time on M&M - finished the two main posters, which are now artwork ready (which means they'll print ok and can be used on all the publicity materials now - stands, leaflets etc), sent Val a version for the Panto programme. Worked on the script, which appears to be getting more dog earred by the second (above).

Managed to corner Shelley Gould on Tuesday (She was on Stars In Their Eyes, y'know. Yes she was. On TV and everyfink) because she can paint (as well as being a ruddy good singer and actress) and I need a painter to help with the show. Not like painting a hall. No. No. Artistic stuff. Stuff that needs a bit of talent. Luckily she said yes (and she assures me that I haven't pressganged her into it (phew)) so...as well (highly likely) as being in the show, she'll help me paint the set that John Gayler is going to magic me up. So the production side of things is really starting to take shape...

Georgina was talking about seeing another version of M&M in March which I'm up for...

Neil

Merry Christmas, one and all. Gawd, bless ya.

Week something - 2 days til xmas

Oh and one final thing: Merry Christmas. See you in 2010.

Neil

Xmas 2009

Week thirty-ish (that's a guess) - 2 hundred and twenty (I think) days to opening night

Last one before Xmas, and I'm behind. Behind, behind, behind. I should have all the set sorted and 90% of the blocking done by now, but I aint. Too many other things getting in the way. I reckon I'm about a month behind at the mo. Still, at least January means others start getting involved properly and this blog can be about people rather than sets (see above), graphics and scripts.

But the blocking and script are taking shape - and it's all going to be a bit ambitious this one, but hey it's all about the challenge.

We've had an editorial in 'Scene One' the local am dram magazine about the open auditions, and I think I'm right in saying outside of HCP stuff that's the first proper bit of advertising for the show.

The Xmas show went well, lots of M&M stuff on the tables and walls, and a surprise exit/fall from the stage by the MC David Gillard MBE made the second night very eventful. But he wasn't hurt and that's the main thing. I was sat in the most awkward of positions on the floor in a draught, so I've developed a bit of a cold, unsurprisingly, despite being given a hot water bottle for the second night.

So the final week of 2009 means I won't get much chance to do much on M&M as I have about 15 backdrops to illustrate for the Panto, but I'm determined to catch up so who knows.

Anyhoo that's it for now.....

Neil

Script tease....

Week (oh, I don't know...I want to say 28? Maybe 29?) - coupla hundred days to opening night

Work is mental at the mo. Ma-En-Tal. Working weekends etc so it's a bit slow on the ol bloggin front - but that's not to say things aren't happening behind the scenes. Rehearsal space is now booked by Sue for the run - March to July - so that's another thing ticked off.

And speaking of being ticked off (oh Neil, ni-ce segueway...) I've been working on the supplied script recently - and jesus, it's in a bad state. Not the lib itself, but just the actual script - the list of characters includes some that aren't in the show, characters are said to exit and then speak a line or two after, but the worst bit is that there is a vocal score in the back that doesn't tally up with the libretto printed in the script, and those don't tally with any of the CD version I have which makes me think the orchestra score is different to vocal score, which is different to the lib....that'll be fun trying to sort out.

Was slightly worried that because I don't like/hate football I didn't know what dates the World Cup falls on, but we're okay as it finishes 3 weeks before we start. If we had been on during it it would affect ticket sales. But luckily 'no'. Phew.

Auditions are open auditions (which means anyone can try) so Valerie has put together a little ad to announce the fact in the local am dram mag 'Scene One' - should drum up some support. But judging on feedback already, we may be swamped on the day. Plus Georgina is hot footing it from her skiing trip abroad to make it so it'll be odd day...

Too much else going on...Xmas show this week, which is sold out, then Panto after xmas so it's all a bit full on at the moment. And one more person asks me to something for them I'll strangle them with my sock.

Oh, and Merry Xmas if I don't see you before....

Neil

John and Jon - a tale of two geniuss's'ss

Week twenty something - two hundred and mumble days to opening night

Sorry been caught up with other shows - xmas show and an emergency on the panto front because HCP have been let down on the set front the only real option left is digital projections - so it's been a bit slow on the old M&M front.

BUT isn't it funny how the exact right person appears at exactly the right time - I was wondering how I was going build the set without someone who knows what they are doing - enter John Gayler - and then I'm wondering how much time I'll be able to give over to the animated parts of the show - enter Jonathan Hall, animating genius. Jon is an animation student who's in the Panto, saw what we were doing here and offered his help - and f**k me he's good. The above shots are from a test he did of Bernie the Keystone Cop which you can see here:

Click here for Jonathan's animation test. Pixar here he comes.

Just me doing that would have taken me weeks. And weeks. And weeks. But then that's what they say - surround yourself with brilliant people and it'll hopefully rub off on me - so... so far, so good.

Also got the proper script this week - I've been working from the old script but now I can crack on with everything...

Anyways, how are you? We should go for a drink, catch up. It feels like I haven't seen you for aaaaa-ggeeess.

Neil

Audition Date and Venue BOOKED! Hurrah.

Week 24 - 253 days to opening night

Booked the date and venue for the Mack & Mabel's open auditions today: 28th February 2010 (1pm - 5pm St Mark's Hall, Hinton Wood Avenue, Highcliffe if you're interested).

What was great was that I only emailled the HCP committee at lunchtime about the request, and within an hour Sue had come back to me saying it was all booked. Amazing efficiency. I expected days, even weeks. Not minutes.

Did the rehearsal schedule over the weekend, am looking at starting rehearsals on the 16th March, which gives anyone who was in the Panto a 6/7 week break and prepare themselves for the hell I'll put them through....

Couple of other things were put in motion as well today, but that's for you to buy a ticket and find out...

Neil

Going Retro

Week 23 - 258 days to opening night

I'm going to do some retro advertising I've decided, to supplement the main advertising for the show - so I've made a start....

Neil

Back from the future

Week 23 - 260 days to opening night

I'm back. Did you miss me? Was there this strange neil-shaped hole in your life? They'll write poems about this epic seperation we've been through. I've missed you. No, really. How'd that thing you were doing go? Y'know the thing with the doodah whatjamacallit.

Anyhoo, I'm back from Scotland, and moved into the new place - but no broadband access at the mo (Must. Not. Cry **bites lower lip**) so I'm back onto M&M with avengence. My plan is to have the show completely blocked by the end of this month, have the majority of the overture and intertitles animated and done by end of December - I'm trying to get as much done this year before we start set building early next year - so that it doesn't all become a massive nightmare.

Everythings chuggin' along nicely - everyone's up to their eyes in the xmas show (sold out) and the Panto (heading for a sell out) so it's busy busy busy. I've just been continuing with set design - but all the really hard work is about to start....

Neil

Shuffle the pack

Week 21 - 272 days to opening night

I'm moving in 3 days, so I've done pretty much nuffin' this week. Nuffin' y'hear except scrub and box and stuff and pack and clean (**fades off into distance**)....

(**sound off footsteps coming back**) Having said that I've done a tiny bit on updating sets (above) but not much. Anyway back to the packing and cleaning and boxing (**fades off into distance**)....

Neil 

Mwah-ha-ha-ha haaaaaaa!

Week 21 - 282 days to opening night

No, no, I have been working on M&M, I promise. I swear. You don't believe me do you. Aw, come on ba-by, don't be like that. I've not been looking at other blogs, I promise.....we'll maybe one, but I was thinking about you the whole time, I promise.

It's all been papery stuff this week - getting timings for the overture so that it all syncs together, starting to create some of the graphics for the animation (the evil moustached baddie above, for one) working out using suitcases to build cars, looking through youtube for some inspiration, building some elements for the dockside scene, and then researching white star liners graphics (them of Titanic fame), but nothing really interesting to report.

Oh nearly forgot - and we've updated facebook, and created a new fan page because it allows a bit more control over the information and how it's seen. So there's plenty of previous production shots, and forthcoming stuff on there now:

Click here for the Highcliffe Charity Players Facebook Page (Do, do, do join, I beseech you)

John Gayler returns to these shores this week after an 8 year absence - I'll give him a couple of weeks to settle back in before I pounce on him (not literally that would only end up with a court order ) and show him the full horror of what I have planned for the set.....mwah-ha-ha-haaaaa indeed...

Neil 

Return of the intertitles

Week 19 - 291 days to opening night

Intertitles. And, yes, they're supposed to be slightly blurred.

Neil 

Moving story

Week 22 - 293 days to opening night

I'm moving. So I'm packing. And dumping. And sorting. And tipping. Plus we've been sorting stuff for the Xmas show, so it's been a bit of a light week on the ol' Mack & Mabel front. But I have been building set models, and overture models, and a couple of other bits'n'bobs, so it's not been a complete washout.

And talking of 'building' (Oh Neil, nii-ice segueway into the next topic) we seem to be building a bit of interest now inside and outside the group which is good, the more people want to be part of it the better the production - plus there are only 3 or 4 big productions going on in the area next year - particularly as it seems that Theatre2000 have pulled out from doing 'Beauty and the Beast' (and I don't blame them - you'd need some serious money to put that show on).

Had a bit of a brainwave about the ending of the show this week - it ends on a real low, which can work in a lot of cases, but the script in this case is very clunky at the end, so it needs a bit of work to make the whole thing flow to a natural conclusion - and I think I've sorted it - but it does mean a lot of work for me to do first. Plus we're not just leaving it on that low as we'll have a reprise of the overture which will include some vigorous dance and the curtain calls built in.

Anyway, gotta get back to putting my life into cardboard boxes.

Neil

Just who do you think you are?

Week 22 - 297 days to opening night

How the 'ell have we got less than 300 days to go, huh? I said huh? Was out last night with a few HCPers for Louise King's 40th, and as a couple of the pictures feature those involved in producing the next 3 HCP shows (Xmas Revue, Panto and M&M) I thought it might be nice to stick a few faces to names. That's us. Slightly drunk.

Obviously the drink flowed and we talked around all the productions, but one titbit that came up last night was about the music for M&M, which if confirmed will be brilliant news. Am emotionally erect at the thought. Will keep you posted obviously. Loo kept asking (seriously about 30 times, Loo, how many times do I need to tell you) if when auditioning for a main part do you have to sing a song from the show, or can it be anything? And the simple answer is: anything (but it's probably best to keep it in keeping with the show - something by Iron Maiden isn't going to get you too far). It is nice though to see people getting excited about a show we won't be auditioning for for another 6 months...

Plus Ro Copson, the lovely Ro, has been given me plenty food for thought (thanks Ro! keep it comin' - am looking at options as we speak).

Neil 

Why so serious...?

Week 21 - 302 days to opening night

Starting to think about the proper publicity for the show, all the teasers are done and ready, which takes us up to the Panto, and then after the panto it's the full marketing stuff. At the moment none of the teasers give the actual dates - they just say July 2010, which is right this far away from the show - pique interest, that's all they need to do. Am trying to decide at the moment wether to market the show as fairly serious - as it does deal with some serious themes (alcohol and drug addiction) as well as comedy, or do I stay quite flippant. Ah'm thinkin, flippant at the moment, but you never know I might find a happy medium.

I'm moving at the end of October, so I'm trying to get as much done now before my life gets stored all away in boxes. How did I accumulate so much crap over the years? I surely don't need 3 boxes full of 'Happy As A Sandbag' posters, do I? Answers on a postcard please...(first prize is a box of posters). Probably won't order as many posters for M&M...

Neil 

Double or quits...

Week 21 - 304 days to opening night

Xmas show auditions today, which went very well. Good singers for the singing bits and good actors for the acting bits. Should be very good. Chatted with Georgina about choreography very briefly as well for M&M.

Interesting conversation, also, about people rehearsing two shows at once, provided rehearsal nights are on different nights. BBLOC are doing 'The Producers' next summer - big theatre, and a very good professional director - and several members of HCP are involved/auditioning, and as their rehearsal nights are Mons and Weds and ours are Tues and Thurs it's physically possible for someone to be in both - which I'm happy about, and it's fine by me provided they understand that they will be out 4 nights a week (knackered or what), and that they just let me know which rehearsals they can't do (as BBLOC work in week chunks from time to time) so I can work around it. It is an excellent show, so I'm certainly not going to stop anyone being involved. Unfortunately it seems that BBLOC won't let people be in two shows at once - even if it doesn't affect rehearsals - which is a shame as it means it'll force people into having to choose between the shows. Ah well. We'll see what happens come November. 'C'est la vie' as they say somewhere french speaking.

I was very surprised today to hear how many people read this drivel, by the way. What really? Pete has promised that he'll do bits for it, as it is just a bit of a vanity project at the mo. Otherwise it's just me, me, me. And that just gets boring. 

Neil 

My two left foots...

Week 20 - 305 days to opening night

Tap, Tap tappity tap, step ball change, tap, tap, tappity, tappity, tappity tap. Tap. Tap. Tappity tap.

**singing**  If a sky full of crap always lands in your lap make a curtsey and tap your troubles awwwwaaaaaay.**

So says Jerry Herman's lyrics - but I'm assuming he'd want you to change first, y'know, if your lap was covered in crap - tapping would just spread it everywhere. (very strange lyrics if taken literally...)

Did a quick graphic for something today (above) and been blocking a bit of the 2nd half today, mainly towards the end as that isn't too complicated - but it does involve the BIG tap number but luckily that's Georgina's nightmare not mine. Any choreography I did would just involve a lot of shuffling and bumping into one and other. I did try tap dancing once, but kept falling into the sink (**ba boom tish** I thang yew. That joke will now be retiring due to old age). Anyone who knows me knows I can't dance - I'd like to put it down to the fact that I'm male and straight...the 'good-at-dancing' gene completely bypassed me at birth unfortunately (...in my head I dance like Gene Kelly, though). 

HCP Xmas show auditions are tomorrow, so it'll be a good way for me to size up the potential cast for Mack and Mabel. Whilst it's not an enormous cast, it's going to need quite a few chorus members (both male and female) to pull it off. Not sure how many will turn up as it's being rehearsed at the same time as the Panto and I'm not sure many people will want to be in both. Still, we'll see...

Anyhoo, back to my tap dancing....a one, anna two, anna three, anna four...

Tap, Tap tappity tap, step ball change, tap, tap, tappity, tappity, tappity tap. **fades into distance**

Neil 

Ahhhhhhhhh-fter Effects. Was it good for you too?

Week 20 - 306 days to opening night

I'm a geek. No, hush now, I am. I've said it before and I'll say it again. Geek. Geek. Geek. But this is a seriously geeky posting....

.....alright, but you've been warned.

To achieve what I want with the animations etc I've been needing some new software to help with it, and its call 'After Effects' (**sound of angels singing**). And a few weeks ago I got a copy of After Effects (**sound of angels singing**), and today I opened it up in anger for the first time to do a couple of tests, and by golly, After Effects (**sound of angels singing**) does exactly what it says on the tin. It's the missing link between all the other software I have and use at work and at home, so I've had a stab at a little teaser for Mack & Mabel using After Effects (**sound of angels singing**) which is my back up for projecting during the Panto if my plans for a proper animated advert doesn't come off. And it's aint looking too shabby to be honest - it, that is to say, After Effects (**sound of angels singing**) will be invaluable for the overture. 

Click here for the HCP's Mack & Mabel Teaser 

So thank you After Effects (**sound of angels singing**) - if you were a women I would have booked a double room in a swanky hotel and ordered something from the room menu by now....

Plus Eliot (Lighting) has emailled me today to say he has some new toys at the Regent Theatre  that I might want to have a play with. 'Emotionally erect' is phrase that seems to sum it all up.

Weird, moi?

Neil 

Oh Ffffff...iddlesticks

Week 20 - 309 days to opening night

Ooops. Zut alors and merde. Made un petite cock-up this week and double booked myself. (Gosh darn it, Neil. How. Are. You. Sooo. Popular? (**whisper** no, not really...**slightly lower and more pathetic whisper** please, please be my friend...I have money)).

We were going to have the 'Evening of Interest' on Wednesday - and still are, Jen and Simon will still do their thang, but unfortunately it's fallen on the same night as Brownsea Open Air Theatre presentation evening whereby donations from 'Hamlet' are officially given to the National Trust. And as I was the **cough** lead role **cough** I think it'd be really bad if I wasn't there - so I've done a powerpoint for the HCP evening with some basics about M&M, but there's been problems with getting Powerpoint working on a laptop - so I've done a pdf that people can look through during the evening (on Pete's laptop) if they are so inclined.

Pdf is available if you click here (3.3Mb)

On another related but unrelated note, Pete had his auditions yesterday for the Pantomime and he says it went well, so full steam ahead on that front. Man's got his work cut out for him as I believe they start rehearsals tonight....

Neil

The whole thing's rigged...

Week 19 - 312 days to opening night

On-stage scene docs, visible lighting rigs and usable crates should make the staging of this show fairly easy. Now to just make the stuff...

Neil 

Moving Titles

Week 19 - 313 days to opening night

Quick movie test. Quality's a bit crappy though which is a shame as it looks very crisp on my desktop...

Neil