Hello world! Welcome back to another blog. Here are my weekly highlights where after a rewarding and equally challenging week, it was a week where I feel I've done a good job.
Monday: To kick off the new week I watched a segment of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay-Part 2. I know I saw the film before but it’s nice to have something to keep me awakened for the day ahead.
I then made my way to work. At the end of my shift I managed to have a chat with my branch manager about how I felt. And thank god I did as he was very understanding about everything, and it’s not very often you get to meet people like him. I as going to speak to him about when to film the section for the documentary but because of hygiene inspection it wasn’t the time. So he said he would give my colleague a ring to take it from there.
After picking up something from Argos (where I was greeted by a lovely Squirrel named Cyril) and walking my dog, I had my usual after work nap. This was then followed by watching the first episode of starstruck in prep for class. I know I won’t get a script done in time as I’ve got too much on already, but at least I’m watching the show now and then I knew what to expect from the script.
In the afternoon, I finally got round to filming my audition pieces. Thankfully I knew my pieces and I think I’ve come to a defiant on each of them. Fingers crossed I get abit of luck with this one. This was then followed by looking at scripts from the show starstruck and doing some yoga. It was a shorter session as my colleague from work came round to help me with a presentation for autism acceptance week. It’s not completely perfect as of yet but it’s a start and that’s what really counts at least. Now all I need to do is edit my script, gain some votes on which scripts they would like to see and start contacting my old schools and college about coming in to do the presentation, even at my dads school.
I then moved onto watching Coronation Street. But because of technical difficulties we had to watch one on the the ITV hub (with Margo looking all cute as you can see from the picture above). Fingers crossed it’ll be mended by the morning, but I decided to walk some Korean, where after dropping out of a table, I stormed back up to the top. This was then followed by episode 2 of Starstruck, where all of the scripts have been shown in the pieces. But I may watch the rest of series 1 at least so that then I can get that style of tv to implement into the script.
Finally to end the day I checked my socials and scheduled the next day. I was going to try and do a survey but there were technical issues on the website, so I decided to leave it until the next day.
Tuesday: To kick off the day, I watched the first part of Mondays addition of Doctors. Kirsty was definitely not afraid to say how she feels even if the teacher didn’t agree with her. And a mother who is trying to rebuild her life after losing a loved one has surprisingly had some affect on her eldest daughter. I then went to the gym which once again I got a good session out of it. On the way back I even managed to complete one of my to do lists which was to chase a colleague about something important. This was a key task as the sooner I chase them up the better.
After I got back, I applied for some more jobs on Mandy and Spotlight and started to look at new job opportunities on NYT. But as I tried to log into my national youth theatre account I couldn’t get in due to technical difficulties. But I managed to email them about what I wanted to ask so I’m hoping I get the answers really soon.
I then edited a segment of my blog and did some surveys (And I think these protein clusters as seen above really gave me abit of a boost). This was then followed by taking something to the post office only to find that it was for the wrong place. But after looking on Google I know where to go. I then had some lunch whilst watching Changing Ends and the rest of doctors. I'm starting to enjoy the series as there are moments which I was not expecting but in a good way. I’m glad that Nina was able to stand on her own two feet with ed and how Kirsty did the right thing in noticing the signs of proper first aid.
To kick off the afternoon I started an act on this podcast with actress Ruth Madeley. I love her honest approach in her career in the industry, and how she gets through adversity in her life when things don’t go to plan. I’m nearly an hour and a half in with another hour to go, but once my film is completed that will be the first thing I do. This was then followed by a self tape later on in the evening both of which I wrote myself. My original reader couldn’t make it but thankfully someone else took their place and I was happy with the results. Now all I need to do is email them to the casting directors I think would suit the show and see what happens.
I then settled into the evening with watching Coronation Street from 3rd January and 8th January (with Margo looking more settled with her bone as seen above). I don’t know why Cassie is trying to sabotage Abi’s reputation, and I know the initial thought is to get Kevin all to himself. But I think that there’s more to it than that, as edit read somewhere that she wants to be like Abi, but for me personally she’s doing it the wrong way. I also need to be mentally prepared by the time Paul decides to end his life, as Billy will be there for him every step of the way. I also know that Moses did everything he can to get to Paul as fast as he could, but he was right in saying that the NHS are not doing great with less staff.
I then settled to watching the penultimate episode of The Couple Next Door. This is getting more suspense by the minute, and I’m surprised that Becka is dealing with Danny’s revelation well. I also dread to think what Pete will do next at the end of the series, and with a spoiler at the start of the series, I dread to see what’s going on. This was then followed by checking my social media.
Wednesday: To kick off the day I watched Tuesdays addition of Doctors. During the episode Luca and Scarlett had yet another disagreement, but I had a feeling a game of catch did the trick just fine. I also praised a young woman for getting her son away from a seemingly nice person with a dark secret as quickly as possible.
This the moved onto a home workout. Normally I would go to the gym but with the interview and other stuff to do before then, a home workout would be more flexible. And as someone who invests in their health, I wasn’t going to let not going to the gym an excuse to not move my body.
I then moved onto applying for some jobs on Mandy, Spotlight and a Facebook page followed by posting my vinted parcel. I’m slowly getting the hang of the website, and yes it’s a slow start but overtime I’ll gradually build up the confidence to sell more stuff. I then moved onto checking my socials before heading for a job interview. It actually went really well, as it was calm, collected, and as I was honest in my interview I also respected their rules and regulations. Fingers crossed if I get it and like it then it’ll be the start of the flexibility I need for my career.
I then watched episodes 3 and 4 of Starstruck. Even though I some of the scripts weren’t from these episodes I thought to watch it anyway so I can get the style of the show instilled in me. This then moved onto doing a survey where I definitely felt at my most relaxed.
To help me relax into the afternoon I read a new book “Live Well Everyday”. I was meaning to get this book for a while, as even though Dr Alex George didn’t find his Disney princess on love island, he managed to use his platform to do some good in the world and still does to this day. I can’t wait to see what it’s like. This then moved into learning some French and a tiny bit of Korean before gathering some more day player roles and scenes from Coronation Street and Hollyoaks.
During the evening I got a call from someone who wanted me to be part of a festival in May where rehearsals start next week. As I’m writing this I won’t know the outcome of my decision, as it’s not just missing out on my classes that fear me (although they’d be understanding as it’s our job to get the work) but also things like getting to the theatre from the station and also coming back. But the person who rang me said he would send me the scripts and just so I can get through tonight, I would sleep on it and then make a decision in the morning.
After having a chilled dinner and watching abit of Doctors (where Zara definitely made me prepared for a certain form of pin and giving Jimmi and Al a taste of their own medicine), I did my acting class. In the session we looked at the scripts from Starstruck, but because of my film taking over I had watch in the session. It did help with my mood as there were moments where I couldn’t help but chuckle. I then had a chat with my teacher about my needs and barriers after the call. With him working with neuro diverse actors before, he gets why Adam the brain has taken over. And this gave me the courage to ask for what I want, and if they accept it great if not then I will have to turn it down, as I don’t want to be in a place where it doesn’t match my needs.
Finally I relaxed into the evening with abit of tv. This included watching the rest of Doctors where secrets were spilt and it gave me a smile on my face and watching the rest of the sound of music (which I’ll keep to watch again of course). This was then followed by planning the next day whilst checking my socials. I also got some footage from Steve to look at whilst he’s away and after a call from him, we really need to get a move on. But I know I have a supportive group around me to help whenever they can.
Thursday: To kick off the day I watched Mondays addition of Hollyoaks. This was building up to the dramatic hour long episode, and all I can say after Felix discovers a secret is Warren better watch his back.
I then made my way to the gym. I managed to get my exercise in earlier than expected (although because of a boxing session I think that cut my time), but I went to extra mile and did some extra weights with the new exercises with heavier dumbbells. And I do feel good after that, as normally on upper body it a struggle.
I did have a plan for the rest of the day, but after the edits are delayed in being sent, if all changed. So after the electrician came, I simply sent an email to a casting director and also drafted a few more out. And then when filming is done I’ll be able to change it ever so slightly. I then made the start on looking at the footage to see what shot I wanted. It was abit challenging at first but now that I’ve got what I wanted for the first edit, it should be the case of cleaning it up. Still not expecting the full film to be Hollywood standard , but providing we get at least 2 good edits in before the deadline I’ll be pleased with myself
I then checked my socials and started the first part of the hour long special of Hollyoaks. All I can say is it had drama, twists and turns, literally. And after many people are affected by a tragic accident, I can’t wait to watch the rest when I finish work. During my shift at work it was okay. I had to pick up a form from the doctors about my prescription before I started, but for me to do that by myself it’s a huge step for me. If you asked me this 5 years ago 18 year old me would’ve crumbled, but after my year of growth going to different parts of the country, this felt like a piece of cake.
As soon as I got back from work I watched the rest of a climatic episode of Hollyoaks whilst tucking into this delicious stir fry dinner. I was left literally open mouthed with what happened to Joel, and some heartbreaking news made the episode even more disturbing yet entertaining. This was then followed by one session of Korean, knowing I needed to be up very early in the morning.
Friday: I started the day with watching the first part yesterday’s addition of Doctors. I do admire Scarlett’s help with a young woman wanting a better life for herself, but when her landlord said “leave the door open” after telling her to take a shower while the sorts the leak, then it’s a real issue. I also hope rob gets the answers he needs when he went for a interview to foster again.
I then made my way to work. This was a surprisingly better shift, as with blue Monday over I feel more positive. I also think that after talking with my colleagues about having a high when filming but then having my version of a “autistic hangover” (thanks Adam) letting it out did help. I also am aged to run through lines from various projects, so before my break I ran through lines for a self tape and a script for class, and then afterwards I ran through lines for my film. And with an extra practice of darts all in all it was a good day.
As I got back, I looked at more scenes for the edit. Originally I had a plan in my head, and after seeing what was shot and the footage being out of sync with the voices (possibly due to a technical thing) it was abit discombobulating. However I stepped back, took a breath, and worked on once scene. And it seemed to have done the trick, as now I have 2 scenes of the shots I like. I know there are bits to fill in, but with all the scenes not fully complete I’m yet to note what fits in well with what. However I also made a tiny few notes on sections for continuity and also took some screenshots for my director of photography as a heads up for when we do get more extras in. To help relax into the evening I walked my dog and did a yoga session. I may have been abit of schedule but it was a much needed session after the day I had. I also needed to be calm and collected especially coming up to the final day of filming. So anything to help me relax and regulate is essential.
I then watched Wednesdays addition of Hollyoaks. I wonder what Warren will do now that he knows that Mercedes revealed a big secret, and with sienna seeing a face from her past in the form of a picture, I hope she starts to put together what’s happening. This then moved onto episode 4 of vigil, where one moment in particular was a very daunting experience for Kirsty, but the way she handled it was so admirable. But then again that’s what you need to do when working for the police, as any sign of weakness could be a disadvantage. This was then followed by checking my socials and learning abit of Korean as always.
Saturday: To kick off the weekend I watched the rest to Vigil and Doctors. I would hate to be in Amy’s position, but I can’t wait to see how it pans out. And good on Scarlett for helping a vulnerable woman know what’s best for her daughter despite the risks. I then made my way to work. During the shift I knew I had multiple scripts to learn, so I did the first two hours looking at my audition scripts and then the others running through my film script. I felt it went okay considering I also had to work, but for me saying the lines over and over again really does the trick.
The afternoon consisted of getting everything ready for the final day of filming. This was where the challenge was, as I overslept ever so slightly again and it took me ages just it find the footage. But during that time I just simply took a breath, calmed down and moved onto something else before trying again. These included looking at the posters which was brilliant but needed some small tweaks here and there, but it was on the right track. When I did manage to get the footage I found that it was a quicker process, as I needed to just simply get the angles I liked. And some of the shots were beautiful to see. I then ended this chaotic task with sending the first few edits to my colleague so that whilst he’s away he can make a start.
I then walked my dog and did 2 self tapes for two different auditions. I know that it’s a busy week so I knew it wasn’t going to be hollywood standard, but I’m taking a leaf out of my teachers book and that getting it done is better than getting it perfect. But somehow I did it, so fingers crossed I get the results I want. Then did some yoga, which again was needed as to avoid me having a panic attack, I need to slow down in moments like these.
I then moved onto watching the first episode of Fool me once. After watching stay close I knew that this was going to be good (as anything linking to Harlen Coben is brilliant). I already have my suspicions but I’m also being prepared for the twists to come. This was then followed by Thursdays addition of Hollyoaks. I think that Warren is going abit too far when Mercedes reveals a massive secret, and I must say that dilly is very convincing of covering up her true intentions with sienna. What it is I don’t know but all I can say is I’m going to expect the unexpected. I then of course checked my socials and learnt abit of Korean to help me de stress and relax.
Sunday: To kick off Sunday I went to work. I was going to watch abit of Hollyoaks but because I overslept ever so slightly, what was more important was to make sure I’ve got evening, as I was more or less heading straight to the venue when I finish. But it’s safe to say it got to me. With not sleeping great and also incidents happening (in this case a milk bottle breaking causing a spoilage) it got abit much. But I did my thing which was to take a step back, took myself out of the situation and breathe. Which I did, and I finished my shift without any stresses.
Then it was it… the final day of filming. It was a day like no other. And I’m surprised that it went as well as it did. With me being abit stressed due to feeling we don’t have enough people as extras, I found that in this case it wasn’t a bad thing. As it filled the room, I got the atmosphere I need and we managed to fly through the scenes. Yes we had to improvise on some things and we had to cut minor scenes out, but that’s okay. As in the world of filming, particularly for me on a zero budget film, we had to work with what we’ve got and to avoid complications and save time we need changes do happen. It was overall a really good day. Challenging but worth it.
After I came home I watched abit of Coronation Street whilst tucking into a scrumptious chicken pie (thanks dad). It was an intense episode and just what I needed after a very busy day. Even though it was interrupted by my dog who couldn’t help but bark at puppies, it was definitely the time needed to relax and wind down. I also wonder if Todd and Moses would get on, as even after Paul is gone, Todd needs abit of happiness in his life. I guess time will tell.
After brain dumping everything for next week and speaking to my Nan who just got back off holiday, I then watched Fridays addition of Hollyoaks. What an episode, and after the street gather to commemorate a loved one, it all kicked off when Darren was in for a surprise. I also do wonder Cleo’s true motivations for her coming back, as even though she tells Joel (who is currently not in a good state) one thing and then someone else another it’s very confusing. But I do admire her to condole in Warren. I then finally moved onto checking my socials and recapping a session of Korean. I didn’t check all of them as I was so tired after the day I had but I made sure I was up to date with at least the unmasked community. So all in all I do feel satisfied.
What have I learnt this week?
Things really can change, not just in life but in this industry. So as long as I be prepared, I can face what’s ahead.
See you soon for another blog. Until next time…
This is the autistic actress signing off :)
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