And Now for Something Completely Different

For the last few years, my dad has been running a drama workshop with the intention of making a feature film. He wrote and developed a script loosely based on local characters and events, but funding issues and lack of commitment amongst particpants and other factors means that so far the film hasn't happened. However, he made some useful contacts in the media world and re-started the group a few months ago, this time working on a short film script and, as a promotional tool, Act 2, Scene 2 of Macbeth. Despite Dad roping in Mark, I've always tried to stay out of the way when he's doing these things, mostly because I can't quite muster the enthusiasm required, much less commit myself every week for long periods of time. I find it hard enough to go for a run three times a week, so I make exercise my priority. Nevertheless, I found myself agreeing to take the part of the maid in Macbeth. Of course, there is no maid at the start of scene 2, but as they are not shooting the whole play, it is necessary to use what is known as a cheat to establish the character of Lady Macbeth. So at 8.15 last Sunday morning, a professional make-up artist was applying a silicon compound to my face to even out my skin tone and I was wearing a period frock. My dad was sporting black hair and a matching beard (he's naturally blonde) and out friend playing Lady M has a long, dark wig over her blonde crop, a velvet gown and a menacing air. We were filming in the Castle Keep, which stands not far from the River Tyne and was built in the 12th century by Henry II. and the camera and lighting crew were all set up when we arrived. We were shooting in the guard room and it wa crammed with equipment - a light powerful enough to recreate daytime, a sound boom, cameras, monitors and a sound desk. It was all very professional looking and quite exciting. Act 2, Scene 2 is quite short, a two-hander between Macbeth and his wife. It's a pivotal moment in the play, as this is when Macbeth, believing he is fulfilling the fist part of the witches' prophesy, has killed the old king, Duncan. Having helped Dad with his lines over the last few weeks, I felt that I knew the scene as well as the actors did. What was fascinating to watch was how often they had to go over each tiny part of the scene. They were both word-perfect, but each piece had to be filmed more than once; to get close-up shots, appropriate 'cuts' to enable the actors to move to the next spot on the set, extra bits to ensure continuity. The other thing that was unexpected was how often filming was halted because of noise. The Castle Keep has thick, stone walls which you'd expect to be fairly sound-proof. I was amazed by how much got through - the trains going over the High Level Bridge right outside was not a surprise - but cars, children and even birds meant that some sections were re-done three or four times. Sadly, we ran out of time before my cameo was filmed! The end of the scene still needs to be done too, so I will be back down there in a couple of weeks. So, does it make me feel eager to tread the boards? Mark has recently taken part in a play produced in conjunction with one of the local high schools and thoroughly enjoyed it. While I can't imagine volunteering for any am-dram any time soon, it was good fun and really interesting to see what's involved, so I wouldn't mind helping out here and there. And extra work is always a possibility as a way of making money while travelling...