I shot last night till about 10.30 pm or so – Sereena first and then Amy. I had shot them the last time I was in brighton – so last night was my third shoot with them – but just wanted to spend some more time with them. I had re-looked at the footage I had, and felt there was some more areas to expand on. More silence, and a little bot more speaking. Each shoot went for about an hour and a half. It was a great shoot –
Each one I am beginning to know a lot better – a lot is shared and i am feeling more comfortable directing them. We talked about the stories they last shared – what had happened in between. A lot had happened in six weeks. Both were a lot more comfortable and really happy. It was hard to find any sadness last night. It must have been summer, because the feeling was up-beat – much more up-beat than it was in June. They are understanding the process better as well. With Amy, for sadness – I left the room for about five minutes. It felt like that might have been easier for her and she mentioned it was. It will be interesting to digitize the footage today. Interestingly, Amy – who was really still last time, had a lot more movement – naturally as she spoke – she began speaking with her arms and really direct body movements. She didn’t do that in the last shoot. It was amazing to see a different side of her revealed. She actually moves really well – but she had no idea she was moving.
We laughed a lot last night. At one stage with sereena found myself talking a lot more than her. Just stories of past – it was really enjoyable. At one point we thought she should have been on the other side of the camera. It such an interesting process. Exhaustive, but incredible to be able to spend time with these people and get to know them. Having the freedom to ask questions and the space to listen. To really listen. Its rare. Ron told me the other night that he had shared more over an hour an half than he had done with anyone for a long while. It was a privilege. The stories of these peoples lives are amazing. So many different ways to live, so many stories, so much hurt, death, scares, dramas, happiness. Its wonderful.
Sadness was hard to find last night. I wonder why… Sereena was so vibrant – its like she is bursting with an intense interest in life. Amy was a lot happier.
