Pull the string; explorations in film.: Directing the table play "The Date".

I was asked by Sarah Dewbery to Direct her table play and whenever I can find an opportunity to Direct I will gladly accept that chance. She sent me the script and I could find my own sense of humour in that so I was eager to Direct it. She was asking me to make any changes that I thought would be benefit the script. But it suited me fine, the only changes I would make would be during the actual shoot where the actors might differ from the characters in the script and their mannerisms. I proposed a few people that would, maybe, suit the script. But the end choice that Sarah made with casting the actors was perfect. John Mellor and Deb's (sorry forgot her last name) were the perfect cast. Deb's is a mature lady and knows the interaction between younger people very well. So she was perfect for the part of the mother and also has a comedic skill in her that is quit natural.

Deb's as Trudy.

Jamie was played by Sarah's partner John Mellor and it was a first for him to be acting for a short. He was a bit awkward and the result was seen on the camera but then the character of Jamie was very much like that. The interaction between Deb's and John worked quit well and played of each other.

John Mellor as Jamie.

The great idea was the card game in the script and the glass of water falling. I tried to speed up the tempo between Trudy and Jamie with the card game. With the slapping on the table and then the noise adding to that tempo. We tried to do it without the cards but then I noticed it to be fake so I said no play real cards and then the magi happened. When Trudy mentions SNAP Jamie flinches and staggers backward and is taken aback. Showing that Trudy has the advantage over Jamie and the viewer can notice that. But then that changes again as Jamie has the chance to SNAP but it does not go down well with Trudy. By showing Jamie smiling and then again looking at Trudy's expression that she is not amused. I wanted John to be showing "O no what have I done now, I can not do any good with this lady. They were both great and i would have loved to do some blocking and rehearsals with both of them. But due to time constraints, on my behalf and very sorry for that kicking myself, it was left out. But a great experience and shows the benefit of rehearsals and blocking. Here are a few more photos from that shoot.