The Root of Love - pre production

I have to say that I think the pre-production of my film is going very well. Last week we held auditions for the two lead actors in my film, playing the characters 'Ben' and 'Clementine'.

Auditions were held both at the RSAMD and in the Glasgow Acting Academy. I was very grateful for the fact that we had over 15 people audition for the film. It felt as though we really needed a large number of people as it was great to have more actors to choose between and a wider variety of acting styles.

I actually found it quite challenging to cast the roles. In my head I had a very clear view of who I wanted my characters to be and what I wanted them to look like. However when it came around to auditions I did not automatically spot an actor that fit my character brief (appearance wise anyway). This was disappointing because in my head I imagined that someone would come into the room and I would realise right away that this is the person i want to be in my film. To be honest I think that this was more of a glorified version of a casting process.

It was interesting however to see the range of actors that auditioned and the different takes they had on the characters. In the end I ended up finding four female actors and three male ones that I likes. I found it really helpful that the producers came to the auditions with me and Murray's experience of having auditioned himself was really valuable to me. I also found it useful that we recorded all of the auditions. This meant that if we were struggling to remember an actor or were questioning how good their performance we could simply watch it back to refresh our memories. It was also useful when comparing the actors.

We held call backs today which was really interesting. Unfortunately one of the male actors and one of the female actresses were unable to attend the callback. Although this was a shame it did mean that we were left with three actors auditioning for Clementine and three for Ben. This was perfect as it meant that we were able to see each of the girls audition with each of the boys. We got them to act out in pairs a few sections from the script and a little bit of improv.

In the end we were slightly torn between two girls and two boys. We also how consider not only who is the best actor and who's appearance is most suited to the character, but also how the actors would match and work together as a couple. After a little bit of deliberation I am sure that the right decision has been made. I am now really excited about shooting, but also slightly nervous as we only have less than a week to go. Needless to say I am enjoying the project and cant wait to see it come to life over the weekend.

Friday 4^th June

I am delighted by the fact that my script has been commissioned. I can’t wait to direct my film. Even though it is something that I have never done before, I am extremely excited about the task ahead. I am really grateful that I have been given the opportunity to direct as I think it is something I would really enjoy and would love to explore further. We start pre production today and I have my first meeting with Adam on Monday, I simply cannot wait to get started. I feel so enthused by the whole prospect of making my script come to life.

Reality TV

I really enjoyed the documentary that we watched in class today. The main focus of the program was the impact of reality TV and television on society. I found it very interesting to see how both individuals and society in general are affected by reality television and the celebrity culture that we live in.

It was shocking to see ordinary American parents pushing their six-year-old child into a career on television. Providing him with only one single aspiration; to be famous. This can become an unhealthy obsession. The young boys parents were driving him for hours on end to attend a ten-minute audition, thus pushing aside their child’s homework and education. In my opinion they also seemed to be dressing their child slightly inappropriately. The boy’s mother was taking inspiration from rappers styles when putting together her child’s outfits. He was dressed like a stereotypical gangster and was seen having his photograph taken with women in bikinis. This defiantly seemed inappropriate, as the little boy was only six years old.

The documentary also showed young children all over the world, each group of children were asked if they wanted to be famous when they grow up. The results showed that the majority of children in each country all over the world raised their hand to say that they wanted to be famous. This is partly because of the films and television programs that these children watch every day. These programs preach the message that anyone, no matter what their circumstances or amount of talent can be famous and achieve success. This is leading children to believe that fame is in their reach, especially when they are at such an impressionable age. These TV programs do not reflect aspirations that are achievable. I think that it is dangerous to show fame as the only tool that will lead to happiness and success within life.

The program that we watched really did open my eyes to many things that I had never been aware of before. For example I had know idea about the whole controversy with Live Aid and the fact that the marches in Edinburgh were under reported. I also did not know that the majority of the money promised still has not been delivered to the people in need in Africa.

Although I was aware of how the press worked it was still strange to se that in the Miss Britain competition they set out to create their own controversy. People actually staged their own fake protests just to gain publicity and space in the press and newspapers. This seemed extremely bizarre, but as they say any press is good press.

Overall I really enjoyed the documentary, I felt as though it provided me with a real insight into the powerful tool that is celebrities and reality television.