Phrases, Potatoes, Patients, Pals and Plans

When darkness spills across the sky too quickly, and morning creeps up too early, blogging slips through the cracks. So here's another mixed bag of mini posts...

1. More Movie Phrases

Here are some other movie terms I forgot to include last time:

Blocking/Block - Whenever a new scene is about to be shot, it always begins with two kinds of blocking - private and public. Private blocking is known as a creative conference. The director, producers, DP, 1st AD, script supervisor and actors walk through the scene together, and try to figure out where the actors will stand and essentially how everything will be "blocked out".

Next comes the public blocking. At this point, everyone else comes in and watches as the scene is reenacted, so each person knows their role. How to properly light the room, where to set up the dolly tracks, what props, wardrobe, hair and makeup will be required, etc.

"The bookstore was very small, making it hard for everyone to squeeze in and watch the public blocking."


Window - The last shot of the night. Also known as the Martini Shot, after a famous British director who would always have his assistant make him a martini at that point. The 1st AD will always yell "Window", followed by "Lose what isn't working." In other words, pack up any equipment that isn't required for the last shot.

"Our window finally came two hours into overtime." 

Crafty - The craft services tent. If you want something to snack on, you'll find it at crafty. Everything from coffee n' donuts, to dried fruit n' nuts, dinosaur-shaped jube-jubes, gum, and vitamins.

Crafty also sometimes refers to the people who provide craft services (as opposed to our caterers who provide meals.) "Crafty" comes around with a little wagon about four times a day.  Twice a day with fresh baked loaves or cookies. (Still warm!) Once with sandwiches, chips and salad. And towards the end of the night with "hot snack". One night hot snack was Kraft dinner and an optional pot of chopped up weenies to toss in. Another night it was a spread of pub food. It varies.

You combine all these treats with the big buffet at breakfast and lunch, and it's no surprise that some people pack on the pounds during production.

"I'm going over to crafty. You want me to grab you something?"


2. Riced Potatoes


While shooting the Japanese Restaurant scene in picturesque Fort Langely, I decided to go for a stroll around town and poke my head into a few shops. I started a little Christmas shopping, but fortunately my waning willpower stopped me from buying every smelly candle, pretty accessory and novelty kitchen item in sight. In fact, the only thing I bought for myself (unless I end up keeping some of those Christmas gifts...) was a potato ricer from the antique shop. There's just something about riced potatoes that tastes better! (Right, Jode?) Anyhow, I was pleased as punch with my purchase and look forward to making some riced potatoes in the near future. I may never mash again!

3. Patient Psych Patient

Our friend Nick came to town on Thursday, and we managed to find him a little role in our psych ward scenes. He spent a *very long* day in his pajamas, and even got to interact with Bruce n' Danny. Although Nick seemed a little insecure about his acting chops (he had to shuffle forward, stop at the right moment, look at Bruce while he delivered a line, and then keep walking), because BG wanted to remove the gag from the scene. Fortunately, everyone thought it looked good on the monitor, so the bit didn't get cut. Although poor Nick had to preform it over and over and over and over again.

I think part of the reason they used Nick in so many psych ward scenes (besides the fact that he's our friend) is because he came in for the day as a volunteer. If our producers had chosen a paid union extra, they would've had to pay them as an actor for what Nick was doing for free.

So thanks Nick for being such a good sport! We look forward to seeing you shuffle across the big screen! And thanks to Jenny for not killing him when he got back to the hotel 10 hours later than what he expected, while she tended to two fevered children.

4. Pals n' Gals

It was really great to see Jay n' Cheryl and Andy n' Ronnie this weekend. It was nice to have some time to catch up over holiday-inspired coffees and Greek food. It was also very nice to have my winter jacket delivered. (Thanks a million Cheryl!) Who knew Vancouver was so cold n' damp!? ;) (Especially when you're sitting outside all day.)

5. Future Plans

Over these last couple weeks, we're beginning to realize now more than ever that the winds of change are blowing strong.... so... yeah. More on that later.

Anyhow, it gets late here and tomorrow will once again arrive way too early. Mondays and Tuesdays are always are the worst that way. (After that, each day gets a little later.) But 5:45 comes quickly, so for now I'll say g'night.

** This post was brought to you by the letter P and the number 5!**