On the set for the first time....

My first TV docu-drama - what FUN! While I cannot tell you anything about the story line, I can say what a great day I had on the set of my first TV programme. My role is not a big one, it could be one of those blink and you miss me, but boy was it fun. I even had the joy of working with a fellow acting friend which made the whole experience less nerve wracking - as I just had no idea what to expect. The day started with hair and make-up - even if it's not for a glamorous part, it still feels great to have someone do it for you. Then straight from that into the first shoot. A quick brief on what to do, one rehearsal and it's 'rolling' time with the cameras and the black and white signs to say scene whatever - action! We did a large variety of angles and shots. I had always heard there was a lot of sitting around, well that was not the case for me when the day started - it was hit the ground running time. Later, I sat around quite a bit, but because I had a friend with me, it was great catch up time, plus get to know the other cast and crew. I even managed to have a sneak peak at what they were seeing through the camera - wow, what a difference it makes to see it through the lens! It was quite a small camera, but such incredible picture, very exciting! Very vivid and clear images were created on what looked like a camera you would just take photos on. Boy has the industry changed! Naturally, they still use the big cameras for big motion pictures, but this kind of work, they get what they need on a hand held camera. Takes were short, sometimes once and no more than three. It is hit the mark and mood of the character right there and then or forget it. Depending on what the scene needed, we might get one rehearsal - glad I had learnt the lines well. It was worth putting in the extra time. Not sure when this will air on TV or where, but it will be sometime next year and they say they will let me know. So for now, I move onto the next one, which I will be filming next week - cannot tell you much about that one either, but what a joy to get to do 2 in one month. Just goes to show, nothing for ages, then it all comes at once, this is not me complaining, just always amased at how life works! I have to be honest, I do love the speed in which these projects happen, do not get me wrong, I also love rehearsing to really get to know the character and the story, but this was so nice just get in, do the job and you are out. On my next project, I get to overnight for the first time, as we have to go to a special studio for the shoot - cannot wait - TV business trip!

Things I am Good at and things I am not so good at.....

For years, I have learned ideas, training and knowledge on how to's: how to sing, act, dance (this was awhile ago), do social media, build websites, write blogs, follow up leads, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera - as the King of Siam (Yul Brynner)

was known to say in the musical 'The King and I' - basically skills for my job and business skills. The later not always fitting so comfortably in my personality. I realised, I do not do 9 to 5 well - quite literally, I tend to feel a slow death when I work such a regulated life, so I came to accept this a long time ago. Since, this acceptance any 'outside'entertainment jobs have avoided the 'normal' office environment, as I just do not thrive there. This is not to say I have never worked in an office - for years when I first arrived in the UK - I worked as a temp. I am very grateful for the skills I learnt and that I know it is an environment I can do well in - skill wise that is, but does nothing to feed my soul. I know some of you may be groaning with that last one, as you have managed to get past this, I just tend to get physically ill, not all of us are as tough as the ones who manage to make 9 to 5 work for them. I have been lucky, I managed to do an 18 month business support course (Profitnet) (got the certificate and everything!), where I gained valuable skills and tools. Since then I have continued to do 'top up's on various business skills workshops - most recently on negotiation. Best way to do this, I have found is through the Federation of Entertainment Unions. They offer free - yes that is correct - free workshops, with some that have minimal costs, for those who are part of Equity and other entertainment unions. Also, my local council has offer low or free workshops for people like myself, so the help is out there, just have to go out and find it. Now, where is all this heading? Well, with all this training and knowledge you would think I would be brilliant at making things happen for myself, but despite all of this knowledge, when it comes to selling me and doing the hard core cold calls, I find I do not get very far. I can do this for others, but for me, I find it difficult. So, once again, I am looking to hire an arts administrative assistant - my first attempt at contacting a local college which had a course in this ended up with 2 possible candidates - one unsuitable and the other got another job - ho hum! I can not say why it is so hard to come to terms with this side of myself - maybe it is because I feel I 'should' be good at this, seeing as I know what to do, how to do it and have done it for others, I do not really know. It has been tough for me to even get to the point of looking again - seems a bit decadent from my humble position in life, but I will never know until I try. So... So fingers crossed, my new part-time (very part-time for now) assistant will be found, will work out and I will finally see the other side of the hole I have dug myself into and get out and thrive in the profession I love. See ya on the other side!

The photo is me in my Cardinal Outfit - find out more on the website!