ARCANE 39 - I HAVE ANOTHER (music video)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KqcmpRwCTk

Some rehearsal footage to our song 'I Have Another'... The only involvement I had in this was playing my guitar! Edited by Peter (lead guitar) and filmed by his girlfriend, Sam.

It's just to get the word spread about Arcane 39!

Listen to our music on Facebook - www.facebook.com/arcane39 and give us a 'like' if you like!


Lou

since leaving uni

Had a very busy year. I finished all my uni projects and I graduate in November with a 2:1. I'm quite happy with that grade considering uni wasn't my main priority this year. What could be more important than my final year? The first step towards my career :) I'm a Special for NYP so since January I've committed a lot of my time training and learning on the job. So I had to fit in uni, kickboxing, two jobs, the pool county team I play for, volunteering, band practice and policing into my schedule (as well as keeping some form of social life). Wasn't easy but wouldn't change anything!

My band is called ARCANE 39 and we have just recently recorded our demo which can be heard here.... www.facebook.com/arcane39
We have had some great feedback! Would be good to hear what you think.

Finished filming Closing Race - Major Project

Wednesday: we were filming the training scenes at Clairville Stadium with the young Jess character and her trainer. It was a very cold day so we made sure we went into the building for hot drinks regularly so the actors were not uncomfortable. The day went well.

Thursday: my actor came from Newcastle so we met her at the train station to film the interview scene at the stadium and then we went to the university to record the voice over. I had to pay this actor because she was from an agency but we only needed her for 2 and a half hours so it wasn't too expensive!

Friday: we filmed the school corridor scene, handing out petitions scene and bedroom scenes on Friday. We ran to schedule and everything went to plan. I then went to hand the equipment back into the university and I transferred all of the audio and video files to the edit suite and hard drive.

I am helping Sophie film next week and I am Producing Charlotte's film which we are filming on the 5th, 6th and 7th. We are then editing on the 8th, 12th, 13th and 14th.

I also have a deadline this Wednesday coming up for my marketing plan which is almost finished. I was given an extension because I was ill for nearly two weeks with a flu and chest infection and my Internet went down for a while (great timing).

projects!

Since October I have been busy with a number of uni projects. I finished my business plan for Reel Tees Music that is like an agency for musicians and venues. I got a provisional 2:1 grade band for that and it is worth 40% of a 20 credit module so I am happy with this. I had my feedback from my live project that I recorded sound for (MMA film) and the group got 83% for that production which I am really happy about. I wrote a 5000 word essay on current issues in the media (mine was about music piracy) but we haven't received our marks for that module yet. Now I am working on my marketing plan and the major project production. I have been filming today for the Closing Race, a docu-drama about the closure of Clairville Stadium. Today was the voice over work and the interview, yesterday we filmed at the track and tomorrow we are filming on location. It is going well so far, after this we are filming Charlottes film Perfection. I am producing for my major project so I might look into producing someone elses' project too.

I have been recruited into something that I have wanted to do all of my life so at the moment I am training for that and keeping on top of uni work. The band is going well, I recorded a live acoustic demo at last nights band practice and it sounds good! I am also setting up a business and training three times a week at kickboxing on top of work but keeping busy keeps me motivated!!
Tees Music Alliance want me to start working with them in May because they said someone with my skills can bring a lot to the organisation! I would have been starting straight away but they looked at my schedule and thought realistically I don't have the time at the moment but they want to defer my start date. I am excited about this even if it is unpaid because it could lead to more opportunities.

University

This summer I have been working on my business idea. It is going well but im taking my time on it so that I can do other things this year too.
Last week was freshers week. I signed up for a few sports clubs but I'm still deciding which to go for because I don't have time to do them all :(. I'm attending a radio talk tomorrow and hopefully I will be able to get involved with the production side of the uni radio station! I also put my name down for more volunteer work, business workshops and I will be attending a careers fair.
Its been a few days since the course officially started now and we have already been given a lot of work which I am excited about! I am going to do more sound work this year since last year I did a lot of Producer work.

Creative Business Course

Yesterday I came across the Creative Business course that CCAD Hartlepool is offering to their graduates. I read the information but it said that you needed to apply before the 1st June. I emailed the lady and asked if any places were left and I was lucky! I am attending it next Monday and the following two Mondays. This will be really helpful for the business I am thinking of setting up so I am looking forward to it!

update!!

A lot has happened since my last post. All of my work was handed in, I have had my feedback, we have had our Cineworld show and we're half way through the degree show. I am doing my shift of the degree show today and tomorrow with Charlotte.

I received good feedback and its looking like im aiming at a strong 2:1 which I am happy with. It is an improvement from last year so I hope to improve that even more next year by taking what I have learned to the next level.

I was unsuccessful in my Admin job interview but I Volunteered with Middlesbrough Council, helping them with Intro festival. I am volunteering for the Mela too.
I am looking into setting up my own business which I am going to trial next year and I am setting up a record label with my fellow band member.

professional studies

In professional studies, I have been given an extension because of the double booking of the edit suite. The folder still has to be in on the Wednesday as normal but I am editing my show reel on the Thursday and handing that in on Friday before 12 noon.

Today we went to Hartlepool to see the business area. Starting up a business is something that I have been thinking about for after Teesside so it is useful to know that this is available as an option.

We also looked at the area we will have for our end of year show so we are having a meeting about that soon.

I am going to upload my show reel to my blog after next Friday when I have finished it.

specialism

The deadline for our specialism module is tomorrow. The music that the composer made for us has been added today and it is looking really nice.

After the deadline I am going to Teesside for a crimestoppers meeting because I put my name down to volunteer. I heard you can get involved in different areas such as promotion and media.

Next week is our Professional Studies deadline and it is our last one this year. I was supposed to be editing my show reel today all day but there was a mistake and Lee and I were double booked. I called Mike and he said he would give me my day back next week so I am happy about that.

Over the weekend I recorded some foley sound at home on the P2. I had fun with this but I ran out of space on the card so hopefully there is a lot I can use for my show reel.

careers appointment 2!

On Thursday and Friday we were filming Jess' specialism. I was recording the sound. It went really well and I enjoyed it but I had to leave a little bit early both days (due to work and a gig). I stayed as long as possible though but unfortunately these were unavoidable circumstances.

I went to see the careers advisor again today. She gave me more information about things to get involved in. Since seeing her the first time I have registered with Voluntees, emailed a company about some experience (but they didn't have any available places), applied for an admin job at the University which is available for full time students of Teesside (which we were not sure if I was classed as, but I applied anyway), I applied for training at CVFM, applied to work on Click Radio, emailed Tees Music Alliance about volunteer work and got in contact with a festival being held in Stockton later this year. I am also applying for a filming project that is on the voluntees website. Hopefully some of these will respond to my requests. Jane (the advisor) also made notes on my CV's and give me a book about creative CVs to look at.

I am really glad I went to see her. It has helped clear my head and know a little bit more what I want to do in the future after only an hour and a half with her.

I have my Teesside University interview on May 17th so I am preparing for that. I have two more deadlines, one in a week and one the week after. Tomorrow I am going to try and book the equipment out so I can record some foley sound for my show reel (which I'm editing on Tuesday). If the equipment is available for me to book out, I am also going to take it to band practice on Thursday and set it up to record us rehearsing (anything to record some extra sound!)

careers

For a few years I have been thinking about what I want to do for my career when I leave education. I would love to go into TV / Film but when I think about geographical limitations and stability I have to keep options open. I was told about the careers department of Teesside so I decided to book an appointment with the careers advisor at the university on Monday. It was a 45 minute talk about what I am doing, what I want to do, what I want out of life, experience etc. She told me I was definitely employable to most employers because of my transferable skills and interests which was good to hear, and she also told me that I need to be less modest because I am underselling myself on my CV. I ran out of time in the appointment so I have booked another one for next week. I have been looking at volunteering opportunities working with young people, the community and organisations making films. I am really glad I went, it has been really helpful (even though I havent finished talking to her about everything). I think my issue is that I have so many interests I just need to focus on one area and just go for it but I need to know I am making the right decisions, which I know she cant make for me, but she definitely knows how to help make sense of everything.

I have put all of this research in my professional studies folder because it is all part of career deciding.

almost easter...

On Wednesday we had our Contextual Studies deadline. My essay was about 'The study of Realist Theory and Diegesis in British New Wave (and other similar film drama), in relation to personal practices'. It was linked to the presentation I did the Wednesday before. I enjoyed researching into British New Wave, Realism and Diegesis. It is the first proper essay I have done because the last time I did one was when I was in year 10 at school! Dennis from the LRC was very helpful when it came to research. He pointed me in the direction when I started and a teacher of another subject overheard me talking about journals so she give me a catalogue of articles online!
On Wednesday morning before I went into college to hand in my essay and folder, I finished my personal statement on UCAS. I just have to wait until Di has finished my reference and then I can pay and send it off.
Today I started my edit for my show reel. I have one more day booked in, which is the day before the specialism deadline.

Yesterday I had a look at the specialism edit. It is looking really good! I can't wait to see it finished.

post production!

Boiled or fried has been filmed. Two days of studio shoots and 3 short days of location work. I have to say it has been very enjoyable and completely stress-free! It is half way through the edit and I am working on the real budget (along with work from two other modules, so it is not all relaxed). It is looking good so far!
Goathland was on Monday 6pm-9pm and it went dark very suddenly! We think we have managed to avoid any continuity problems with daylight so it shouldn't affect the finished film. At All Saints Church on Tuesday went well and the only issue really was the sound of buses outside, but we just re shot if a bus ruined it (we didn't have a lot of shots to do anyway). On Wednesday we filmed at Preston Park (the Victorian street) and the only issue again was to do with sound because there was a boiler or something near by which was very loud but I recorded wild track and the voices of the actors to cover us (even though music is going to be played over it is best to be safe). I am really excited to see the finished film!

I had my seminar presentation yesterday which went quite well. In my feedback I found that I came across nervous which is something I will work on for furture presentations (I just need to speak louder because I didn't feel nervous at all). I had a long conversation with Dennis from the LRC about British New Wave, Realism and Diegesis, which is what my essay is about, and he give me lots of information to look up. I took out a few more books and DVD's and I have found some useful Journals. A lady that came into the LRC overheard mine and Dennis' conversation and went to find me some information on more access to journals and told me to have a look at the available stuff from the Nottingham University website! I was very grateful that they went out of their way and spent time chatting to me about it. I have finished my plan, which is quite an in depth plan really, so it is all ready to type up.

I have emailed someone about some work on a film that is going to be made this summer. It is unpaid but it is local-ish and he said he is willing to work with students if they have experience. So I have sent him my CV and hopefully I will hear from him soon whether I have been recruited onto his crew or not. I have been looking for more work too as a lot of websites update regularly.

I had my feedback from multi-camera today and I am quite happy with my mark. It is not set in stone so it could go up or down slightly but I am looking at around a high 2:1. I agreed with what pulled me down from a first and I know what to change next time! I was told my research and folder was really good (especially my sound design paperwork)!

I have been keeping myself really busy. I have joined two pool teams (Rileys Angels and Cleveland County) and a band called Polachis. These committments on top of work and college have helped with my organisational skills and confidence! I am applying for the top up at Teesside even though I originally decided I didn't want to because I might regret it if I don't and it's too late. Plus, I can still build up my experience and look for work.

update

So after the first two studio shoots with Boiled or Fried everything looks like it is coming together. The edit apparently looks great! So I cannot wait to see it!

Today and yesterday I was recording sound for Jess's specialism.
The sound stopped working yesterday and I had to go to Richard where it started working again! This was quite annoying but it has been the only issue so far regarding sound.

We have been given a week extention on our presentations and essays because tomorrows lesson is cancelled. My presentation was supposed to be tomorrow. I have done mine on props and locations using existing films as a case study aligning in terms of Realist theory and diegesis.

I have just been working on my professional studies and contextual studies folder as the second part of Boiled or Fried is up to date.

studio shoot finished!!

On Monday and Tuesday we had our studio shoots for Boiled or Fried. They went really well and the actors were amazing. It was a very relaxed shoot and the only problems we seemed to have came down to changing the batteries and putting the footage on the Mac when the P2 card was full.

I recorded the sound in stereo for the first time ever. I asked Richard how to do it and ended up using tie wraps to cross the rifle mics over each other. I kept the sound log and put down what I did for each shot and the timecodes. The track and dolly caused a few sound issues but we managed to get around it by trying different positions. We finished early on Monday because the card was full but because we had a big day scheduled for Tuesday we weren't panicing. Tuesday we finished about 30 minutes before we were scheduled to finish which was good.

I think the shoot went really well and we have had a preview of some of the shots on the edit and the sound and camera look good. I can't wait to film the locations and see the edit come together.

I am recording the sound for Jess's Specialism next week. I also have my presentation next Wednesday.

I am going to get some extra sounds recorded for both films to add to the edit eg, sound of a clock.

The location shoots are on the 28th, 29th and 30th March. I was considering doing another specialism and record a band but I have decided against this at this time because we have so much going on I would rather work harder on the projects I am currently committed to.

first day of specialism production tomorrow

This past week has been mainly preparing for the studio shoot tomorrow and Tuesday. We have been looking around for props, I bought Harrys suit, we put the set up and I made all of the schedules. I have told the actors to come in for 11:30 because it will give us enough time to dress the set. I am looking forward to it! I have just finished the schedules for Tuesdays shoot so I can hand them out tomorrow.

I think we are all ready to go. It will be tight trying to get everything into the two days but I am confident we can do it. Everyone knows what is going on so lets hope it all goes to plan.

mainly an update on specialism

So... with the locations secured, actors secured and equipment booked, I just need to finish the paper work (call sheets etc) and email them out. Tomorrow is going to be a busy day. After the lesson with Mike, Sophie and I are going to the 1950s charity shop which is in Darlington. I am going to have a look for both specialism and contextual studies because my seminar presentation is going to be on props for old films.

I also need to visit Preston Park tomorrow to have my location release form signed. I have permission by email but I want to do everything properly.

Then when we come back to college we will be starting on the set build.

We were supposed to go to the Charity shop full of 50's items and costumes on Tuesday but I agreed to reschedule it because Sophie was very busy (she is working on more projects than me, had her presentation to finish and probably a lot more things).

Today we watched some seminar presentations and then I filled in the national students survey. I have also nearly completed my UCAS form for my application to Teesside University.

I received some news this morning that I have been selected for my jury service. I have requested for it to be deferred and I hope they grant me the permission as I have major projects due at the same time as they expect me to serve. Fingers Crossed.

On Monday I went prop shopping with Sophie and Jess down town. We didn't end up buying anything but it has give me a good idea for when I go shopping at the end of the week.

Yesterday we had a session with Di and we did work on character development etc which was helpful.

meeting with the other actor and location update!

At 5pm yesterday we had a meeting with the other Richard. He was perfect for the role. He had done a similar scene with our main female actor before a few years ago and they are friends so they will work great together! He is free, flexible, he doesn't care what we do to his hair for the film, he is friendly, very interested and experienced. We decided to cast him so I had the job of emailing the other Richard to say sorry but you didn't get the part.

After Richard left I went down to the studio to ask Jen (who was in college for Peters project) to fill in the costume size form, contact information and the contract. We arranged to do it there and then so that she could save a journey.

This morning I woke up to an email from NYRM with permission to film at Goathland!
I emailed a location release form which she is going to sign and email back. They are very friendly and helpful!

At college Kass, Jo and Steve had their contextual studies seminar presentations. I have an idea of what to do and I'm quite looking forward to making a start on mine this weekend.

I emailed the Church that Sophie wanted and have received permission to film there. I have arranged with them to get my release form signed tomorrow or Friday if I cannot make it tomorrow.

I am going to call Preston Park tomorrow to ask them for permission to film on the old fashioned street they have.

I emailed Jen the day we're filming because on the contract it said 28th, 29th or 30th March. But now Goathland have confirmed we now know we're filming on Monday 28th.

It has been a good few days, we have all of our actors and all but one of our locations. The main thing now is that we need to go prop shopping and Costume shopping. Everything is on the schedule though so it's running smoothly. Lets hope it keeps that way!

meeting more actors and the Teesside talk

This morning I came in early to print off the script for the actor and to start the updated schedule. I met Richard at reception at 11am and we went to the seminar room to have a chat with Sophie (the Director). He read a line so we had an idea if he was good for the part. He is an equity actor with quite a bit of experience.

We had someone from Teesside University come in to talk to us about the third year. He showed us a few films and told us how to apply.

I printed off the forms for Jen and Richard, two actors that I am meeting this evening. Jen has already got the role of Sarah because we have worked with her before and know she is ideal. We are meeting Richard for the first time so the role of Harry will go to one of the Richards that we will have met by the end of today.
I have give Sophie a contract and some questions for her dad to fill in because he is our Vicar.

In one of the films shown earlier today was a street location which was filmed at Preston Park. This is a potential location for us so I will get in contact with them about that.

I have a second version of the schedule. It is not complete yet but it gives a good idea of what needs to be done each day.

weekend specialism update

Last Thursday I was off ill but I managed to get a lot of work done.

We are meeting Richard, the equity actor, on Tuesday at 11am. I am going to catch Jen for a few minutes when she's available tomorrow because she is filming with Peter. We were meeting Angela for a hair and make-up practice on Monday at 4pm, which she rearranged to 5pm. I have had to text her to reschedule because we won't have much time with auditions which are being held tonight...

The railway sent an email with a few questions which I replied to. I am still waiting for their response.

Angela give me the number of an actor that she thinks would be ideal for the part of Harry. His name is Richard, but it is a different Richard. He isn't equity. He is very interested and we're meeting him on Tuesday at 5pm.

Sophie doesn't want an equity actor but I am not going to cancel any meetings just to be on the safe side.

Sophie went through the prop list with me and we ticked off more stuff that she has already got. I made a schedule over the weekend. It is only a rough version and it needs editing.

I have had a few replies from actors saying they cannot make it.

At the moment I am just waiting for emails and just doing general research and getting prepared for the shoot.

I am also going to start the work on my contextual studies seminar.