Cinders on BBC Look North

The BBC Look North crew came to Sundown Adventure Land to meet some of the cast and crew of Cinders. Here’s the report, in case you missed it.

Lights! Camera! Panto!

After 8 months of production, our concept trailer CINDERS is now ready!!! Unlike a short “normal” trailer, this is a longer proof-of-concept piece. CINDERS has not been made yet, this was a test – a BIG test!  Think of it as a summary of what CINDERS could be…

Every shot in the video is from a scene that was filmed in its entirety. Now we have over 35 scenes to use to evaluate our production, story, shooting style, visual effects and look and feel; after all CINDERS is nothing like any other film!  With the release of this trailer, we can now prepare for the filming of CINDERS taking place in June and July 2010.

But there isn’t JUST this trailer – CINDERS is a musical, we are still finishing off a couple of test songs ready for release… very soon…

Now watch the magic happen!……

Dreams and Magic at Sundown

If you’ve ever been on Facebook, you’ll have done it; looked through the pictures of someone you haven’t actually met in ages. Nothing unusual in that, but this one had me particularly transfixed. She was standing in front of an olde world sweet shop, waving her arm at her young son who was taking the picture. For me, it was a very strange coincidence. There was no doubt, this was where I was going to be spending the following weekend, and what a weekend it turned out to be.

Of course, the brave and tragic stories were being played out well before I arrived. The Backyard Productions team were busy setting up their very odd devices to start filming at a new location – Sundown Adventureland. This is a theme park in Nottinghamshire aimed at the under tens, and they create such imaginative settings that it seemed the logical choice for our make-believe fairytale world.

This was always going to be one of the greatest challenges we had ever faced. From day one, our small group was having to deal with a large supporting cast to get the right atmosphere of a bustling town. Luckily they are were all willing to get stuck in and join in all the fun, and Caroline was amazing to get them all into the right costumes! We had to set up a scaffolding framework and platform to get a high shot over the castle walls into the courtyard below. At one point they had to put a ladder up against one of the towers, as the Prince clung to it.

Although most of the filming on the first day was done in a little corner away from ride entrances – the theme park was fully open during all this – some of the most complicated scenes had to be filmed with people going in and out of rides around us. Each of us was carefully directed by Dom and Julie, so it looked like a bustling marketplace or a rhythmical dance number. Some of us were yelling out like market traders and some of us were just walking past pretending to buy orange and melons, sometimes even in front of the main action.

The Tractor Ride in the park is one of the most popular ones, but we took over part of the entrance to film Cinders’ house exterior. The little ones wanting to see all the farmyard displays were bemused by the sight of our pantomime dames hanging out their bloomers. One particular scene involving a fight took place in the Robin Hood ride, the pirate ship, the Wild West area as well as the market. If you’ve ever done filming you’ll know how difficult that is, with all the starts and stops and doing it over and over again for different angles.

It was in the market that a lot of the more complex scenes took place, including the opening song. Doing very tiring dance routines over and over couldn’t have been easy for our performers. Even my very mundane bit had me out of breath after the tenth take!

The scene that was the most technically complex and challenging, involving a the same dedicated supporting cast and lots of very sophisticated-looking equipment was another song. To get the right effect, we had to move until we were told to stop and remember exactly where that was, before continuing on cue. We then had to wait for it to get dark, return to the same spot and position and stay perfectly still while the main action was being recorded, with the aid of a huge spotlight. On the cue, we then had to keep going as if nothing had happened. Some people had to stop dead while walking past and stay like that for the whole song. Of course, I had it easy, because my group was just standing around chatting. And where was I standing? Next to the same olde world sweet shop that my friend was posing outside in the Facebook picture.

Cinders Trailer Cast and Crew

Filming for the Cinders Trailer is all over. We’ve all put in lots of work and produced a mountain of footage for Darren to get through. Thank you, everyone, for making it happen so far. You can all give yourselves a pat on the back, and here’s a big thank you from everyone at Backyard Productions.
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“That’s a Wrap” A magical weekend summed up in a fairytale

THE ENCHANTED FOREST

written by Kevin Harper
(film references provided by Nick Long and Mark Scales)

It was just an ordinary marquee, and I was on an ordinary camping chair with little Ben asleep on my chest. The only sounds were the occasional leaves and conkers dropping onto the white plastic roof and the tweeting of birds in the trees. The smell of pine cones and needles wafted in, which Ben savoured with each little breath. Suddenly there was a rustling by the open entrance beside us. A squirrel was creeping up to see if we would stir, fascinated by the array of strange objects on the grass. He was probably more interested in the banana bread half unwrapped from its foil or the flapjacks carefully shut away in their tin, but that was not all that was there. A monitor was protected in a green plastic box tipped on its side, resting on a tea trolley. There were other boxes with a cornucopia of leads spilling over the edges, strange clothes wrapped in plastic on one of the many other camping chairs. From somewhere not far into the forest, the silence was broken by a human voice:

“Cut!”

This was no ordinary forest, this was Pinewood; Pinewood Studios, or more specifically, the location gardens back lot at Pinewood Studios. In another part of this fairytale world the magic was happening once again. There we were, camped within a stone’s throw of The Devil’s Breath from The World is Not Enough; and not far away was the lake along which there was to be a clashing of swords, the forest path where an old woman was to be gathering firewood, the stone overgrown bridge where our heroine was to retrace Connery’s steps in From Russia with Love, running from the man she only just met a few hours before in the woods.

Ben and I needed that nap to save up the energy we needed for the things to come. We were to throw stones into the water with a ‘plop’ from the little wooden bridge many famous steps had crossed. We were to watch the fountain from the water’s edge where many a period-costumed artiste had taken afternoon tea. We were to walk along the manicured yew-hedged avenue featured in The Tudors, into the eclectic building of constantly-changing styles. Firstly it was an art deco conservatory with a back garden we intruded on, next it was a pink modernistic affair before gently turning into a Georgian mansion around the corner. This has been there for years, like the deeply-rooted tree outside, but a wooden door with painted-on brickwork left you wondering which bits had not.

Inside we were to see the domed foyer with awards behind glass screens and pictures lining the corridors from all the best movies from the best epochs of cinema. You got a glimpse of what it must be to have been there; the bulky cameras with canapé-platter reels, puny scaffolding poles supporting solid-looking structures. The stars had engrained their presence here.

But the most fascinating spell had been cast a little way from our encampment. The enchanters had created a fairly simple-looking street scene. Even little Ben could understand that it was two-dimensional and held up by a climbing frame of scaffolding, but there was something more. Each detail of these stone façades had been conjured so perfectly that, as you trod on the stone steps, unevenly weathered by so many boots, it still took you by surprise to hear the hollow clunk of wood under your feet.

And, as something was brewing in the cave, the Backyard team were mixing together their own blend of the real and the fantastical to make our own indelible mark on this surreal place. As the conkers intermittently fell on the roof, the birds sang in the trees and hopped along the fallen leaves in the late September sunshine, we drifted from one dreamland to another, keeping one eye open for the squirrel.

Trailer shoot is underway

The script/song writing, tech tests, set/prop building and costume acquiring/modifying all came together on 27 August when BYP began filming the concept trailer for Cinders.

BYP were thrilled with the number of volunteer extras and crew that endured so much; everyone involved has done an amazing job! The talent and commitment of the actors has proven invaluable in bringing the characters to life.

Executive Bully of BYP, Darren Scales enjoyed a more hands off approach during filming, compared to previous projects. It could have appeared he wasn’t actually doing anything! But in fact he oversaw all the elements of film making – making sure Nick Loven, his Director of Photography, knew what he wanted to see onscreen, and giving the actors input on how to portray the characters.

So far, BYP have filmed at Lincoln University’s TV studio, Sundown Adventure Land, and Ashby Hall. The select few that have been invited are very excited about the final filming weekend, in Pinewood Studios…

At Lincoln University, excellent use was made of the space and abundant blue screen (although that did mean Buttons had to wear a more purple shade of blue). Mark Scales and Dom Gilvary set up a recording studio to capture all the singing for the trailer. Everyone contributed their voice (multiple times) for the choruses.

The staff and guests at Sundown Adventure Land were very accommodating, allowing BYP to capture great exterior shots, including the big opening song and dance number. There was an extraordinary number of extras and crew, ready with costumes and dance moves. They all did a fantastic job and filled the locations, allowing for wide expansive shots.

Ed Hollingsbee, Dom, Nick and Ash Pay experimented with a number of special effects to create new illusions. We have the footage now, and it’s down to the VFX team to put the shots together with each other and computer generated visual effects to bring the vision to the screen.

Cinders has been an opportunity for BYP to continue to push production values, sets and costumes to new highs. However, the depth of the story and quality of acting in Cinders are the key factors that are now taking BYP beyond parody. The whole gang are very excited about the footage recorded so far. There’s massive contrast of funny moments and very dramatic moments. It’s full of the classic BYP magic, but with something extra this time!

Cinders tech test weekend and get together

Last weekend (August 1/2) Backyard Productions had the first tech test weekend for the Cinders project. It was an opportunity for many of the cast and crew to meet and get to know each other. The focus of the weekend was on testing of costumes, filming techniques and set pieces. Also, fun was had acting out a selection of scenes from the script. The actors gave interesting slants on the characters, which gave Mark and Sue (the script writers) food for thought.

The weekend was spent at the TV studio at Lincoln University. It’s a fantastic facility. Ed (BYP’s design director) loved the big blue screen curtains. There is also a smaller studio next door with 360 degree blue screen that could give lots of flexibility.

This is the first time Backyard Productions has worked with professional actors, and it was certainly exciting to see what we can achieve. Everyone was blown away by the performances given by the actors. This project is much more story and character centric than previous projects. Based on the performances over the weekend, BYP and the Cinders team will have no trouble moving audiences through a medley of emotions.

BYP’s tech experts have plenty of footage to try visual effects on and find the best ways to produce the Pantomime look and feel in a movie. Further tech weekends will allow Ed, Jon, Nick and the rest of the graphics and filming gang to refine filming techniques to be able to produce immersive effects.

Caroline (the costumes lady) got all the actors and extras dressed up. She’s cataloged all the costumes we’ve loaned from RAFTA. Big thanks to them! Working with Ed, she’s started putting together full costumes for the lead characters and is planning what else we need to borrow, steal and produce.

The next weekend is planned to be in a couple of weeks. The focus will be on set and prop building. To find out details and get involved in the project, contact us here.

Ed made a timelapse video of the weekend’s activities, which shows the bustle of of people and activity in the fantastic studio over the course of the weekend:

And here’s a taster of a the Ballroom scene test with our Prince (James) and our Cinderella (Tiffany):

Cinders Auditions in London a Triumph

Set on the glorious South Bank, the Movieum of London provided the perfect location for Backyard Productions’ second set of auditions. And what a day it was! We were treated to some exceptional talent and some stunning singing performances.

Again, Dom provided a fantastic spread, and his “crew” were the epitome of professionalism. Without the help of Julie, Roz, Patti, and Boris, we would never have got through all the auditionees, so a big thank you to them.

And another shout out to those who gladly read in other parts to give the auditionees someone to work with.

A special mention should be made to Steve who tirelessly held aloft the mic boom for virtually every single audition. Mark feebly attempted to do so for one audition, but made such a fuss about it that he was banned from ever doing it again.

As the day went on, the sandwiches diminished, but the quality of the auditions certainly didn’t. We are now faced the unenviable task of sorting out the casting. So watch this space to see how we are getting on!

Of course, the last (and most important) thank you has to go to the brilliant and helpful staff at the London Movieum. We couldn’t have done it without you!

First Cinders Auditions in Lincoln a Success

Backyard Productions has just held its first ever auditions, and they were a resounding success. Word of the latest project seems to have spread as there were auditionees from as far afield as Preston, Norwich, London, Ipswich, and some homegrown Lincoln talent. Dom Gilvary hosted the proceedings exceptionally with a fabulous spread of sandwiches and Danish pastries!

The day went very smoothly as Dom, Ed, and Mark took their places as the “judges” in scenes reminiscent of Britain’s Got Talent. But in a refreshing change to the well known TV programme, all of our auditionees had talent in abundance!

The team saw people performing their hearts out, and bringing new spins to the characters which will certainly give the writers food for thought.

Special thanks must go to Roz and Julie. Without their help in the administration side, things would not have run as smoothly as they did. And well done to Darren who filmed the proceedings without even a chance to sit down.

We’d like to thank all those who attended and the feedback we’ve received says that everyone enjoyed the day as much as we did.

Next stop….London!

How to get to the Movieum of London

Backyard Productions is delighted to be working with The Movieum of London, who will be following and publicising the progress of Cinders production over the next few months. Darren (Executive Bully) and Mark (Music Maestro and Writer) had a meeting with them earlier this week, and one of the first things the Movieum is helping us with, is by providing a great space for the London auditions.

You can find the Movieum right on the South Bank, next to the London Eye, it should be easy to find if you follow the directions in the great little video Darren and Mark produced (below), which also gives you a little glimpse of the large collection of amazing props and costumes the Movieum has on display. The exhibits are constantly changing, so even if you’ve been before, it’s well worth another visit. They have some fun interactive exhibits too, and the kids can even make their own movie while they are there.

Directions: From Waterloo Station, cross York Road (via the footbridge is probably the safest way – it’s a busy road), then cross the large plaza, or walk down Chicheley Street towards the London Eye (the big wheel with pods on). The entrance to County Hall and the Movieum is just round the corner to the left (it faces the River Thames).

NOTE: Our London audition is now closed, so the specific directions are for auditionees only, unless you are looking to visit the Movieum of London, which is right next door.