God Bless Us, Everyone (Blog 10)

 

Things are moving ahead positively. A little slowly, but positively.

I’ve been in regular contact with Sophie, as well as actors Beth and Andi, having regular meetings with them to re-record new lines of dialogue that fit the scene better, as well as discuss how well certain scenes and moments work, both regarding the score that Sophie is working, as well as on their own merits. Having more than one outside voice about the state of the film has been really helpful, guiding me towards more well thought out reasons.

The last few days especially have made me realize that the submission date for the dissertation is creeping up. It could be accomplished, but to refrain from putting any additional stress on myself and Sophie, who already has a lot on, I have requested an extension of 1 month. It is now due 31^st January 2021. I feel comfortable being able to work on finalizing a few tweaks on the film as well as working on some of the paperwork that needs starting and finish, without having to sacrifice my Christmas holiday.

As I suggested last time, I shot some pickup shots that needed inserting into the film, as well as a new ending. I got the final pickups of the drawings, so the shooting script has now been shot in its entirety. Additionally, under government guidelines, I shot a new ending with Beth in my house, the final counselling session alluded to at the start of the film. It doesn’t show much of the conversation, just Ivana greeting the counsellor with small talk, before being asked what she wants to talk about that session. I feel an important way to end the film is not with a proper conclusion, like Ivana being a happier person or knowing her next step in life. Demonstrating anxiety as a part of someone’s life that is just always there, a part of them, I feel is a key signifier of this ending; it won’t go away, but it isn’t their beginning and end.

As far as completing the film goes, there’s the score which Sophie is still working on, a few sound design elements that need inserting and reworking, and I need Andi to record the counsellor’s final line in the end scene. The end is in sight, and it’s looking brighter than before.

Estimated submission date – 31/01/21