What time??!

Up at 2.30 for a 5.15 call time on set and waiting for 2 things.

1. Another covid test

2. Breakfast

I should say that one is more important than the other but the thought of a top quality sausage at 5 in the morning ( eh girls) outweighs plague safety!

It’s feast or famine in the film world. One moment I’m getting days cancelled and the next brought forward. From 1 days filming on The Nevers this week, it’s now gone to 3 days on Game of Thrones + The Nevers! Let’s see what next week will bring. I love being on set. I love to watch the whole crew working as a team. All the technical stuff is fascinating, the lighting, sound and camera crews all somehow working together. Of course the two directors and the director of photography and lighting director and numerous assistant directors orchestrate the whole lot with an easy skill. Gone are the days of being shouted at by deranged directors! I made the decision ages ago that if I was ever treated badly I’d walk away. So far I’ve met nothing but professionalism and respect. I hope Laura Donnelly is on set again, she is so tiny and gorgeous oh and the steam car….. I love to see the steam car! I’m hoping the costume department have made my hat bigger as it was leaving a big dent in my head last time!

Played football last night and it was special to play with my youngest son who is especially good. We had 4v5 and we won 5-0…..there’s a good understanding between us! Hope to see Ipswich Town in action this coming Saturday. A completely new squad of 16 players so I’m hoping they’ll do well.

Mental health news. Despite the 3 hours of sleep and the early start I am very upbeat today. I hope it lasts although I think I’ll be flagging before the day is out. I think it’s time to look at my medication. I want to come off mirtazapin as it’s affecting my weight, although it does help.

Well I’ve been on set from 7 until 11 and filmed 1 scene that will perhaps last seconds! I did get a nice close up so fingers crossed I make it through the editors room! Snacks and coffee and now waiting around for the next scene. Lots of horses and carriages plodding around the ever expanding Victorian town. Was looking over the directors shoulder at the rushes ( immediate takes) so got a sneak preview of what I’ll look like on screen. No real guns today, we were given rubber rifles!! I’m so tired…. Two of the guards have been asleep since they got here…..I’ve named one of them Noddy ( Holder) and the other Simples (Oleg)

Game of Thrones the rest of the week with a rehearsal tomorrow and filming Thursday and Friday. A whole day rehearsing could mean a myriad of things…… a complicated fight scene, a technical set on green screen or a big grand scene with hundreds on set. It’s all very exciting and I can’t wait to get into that armour again, although I know that within an hour I’ll want it off!! I just have to remember that I look damned good in it. Things to remember if you’re going to faint. Move and clench your toes, tighten up your stomach muscles, breathe deep and fall over standing to attention!

I went to a rather wonderful birthday party on Saturday thrown by my especial friend Miss Katy Bagshaw. It was to celebrate being 50, divorce and freedom and it was a steampunk themed do with many wondrous and amazing costumes to behold. Katy looked amazing in her handmade costume and I actually got rather drunk on lager and tutti fruiti sambuccas! Here’s to Katy’s next 50!

Update

5 hours on set and nothing to do! If you can’t sit still, read a book and just chill then film work isn’t for you! It’s certainly teaching me patience which definitely isn’t one of my virtues!

We finally got some more filming in and got to ride in a carriage. I was also made the Sergeant in charge of the other guards…. I must have that sort of face! I don’t know if you’ll see us but there was some good close ups of when our Boss arrives! Finally wrapped at 6 and was home by 830….. sausage n chips for tea and asleep by 930 to be up at 430 for the next days filming.

Another early start to be on set for Game of Thrones!! I’m over excited….. this is something to tell the grandchildren!! To be a gold cloak in one of my favourite stories is unreal! Maybe I won’t be seen on screen but I don’t really care. Today is a rehearsal so don’t know if I’ll be dressed in my armour or not yet….. I hope so! Now waiting a minibus in a middle of a field at a Scout camp….. more news later!!

Well….. I’m in Warner Brothers film lot. I’ve never seen such a huge production. Walked through makeup and there are dozens of women getting out into the most elaborate wigs. The costumes are amazing. Very influenced by Italian 15thc style, lots of silks and huge sleeves! I’m in the holding area after a superb fry up and porridge! More anon!

Update no2!!

Well I’m no longer a gold cloak!!! Shock horror but I’ve been promoted from a guard to a Knight. The costume is lighter and is pretty bloody amazing!! Getting fitted for it today, for filming next week! Excited again!!!