Just before Ruby

And things were going well. I had two promotional material jobs this month which worked out to be pretty good money. And we were about to start prepping for the feature in November. Just before I went to Devon to visit a friend one of the jobs fell through. Then i went to Devon an had an arguement with my friend. During that, the other job fell through. I came back to London to prep for the test shoot. We were all geared up for it when I got told that even if we did the test shoot for the producers, it was very likely they would change their minds regarding having me on board. They want someone with more experience. I would hopefully get on board as an operator.

Actually I have gotten used to the idea. It seems the most rational step to take. I wanted to shoot the film but perhaps it is more sensible to take a step back, operate and watch another DP shoot the remake of a film i shot 5 years ago and was on board to re shoot it for the last 9 months. Doesn't sound quite right but, such is life.

I got upset when I was told. But I have gotten used to the impeding fact that I won't get to shoot it. We are still going ahead with the test for the actress's reel and the sound recordist/designer and a little for myself. We must go forward. We must move on.

Tidal Barrier is scheduled to shoot another 2 and half days in 2 weeks.

The workshops at the Chinese Community Centre are fun. I'd like to do more if I find the time.

Half of the week is spent decorating a new loft conversion. Decorating is pretty rewarding and fairly hard work. It'll be done in under 3 weeks. Looking forward to moving up.

Need to go to Hong Kong to sign some family papers. Good timing as I planned to go to Beijing that time too. I will also go to Tokyo and Taiwan to visit friends. I have just under 2 months to do that. I only came back from HK in March. It'll be the first time I have been to HK twice in one year. I like it a lot more now and am looking forward to going back. I just hope I have some of my documentary in good shape before i go so I can do some work while I am in HK and Beijing. I also have to make some major headway in my Mandarin.

Despite the domino of jobs falling through, the continuing summer has been pretty good and I am enjoying it. There are many more things to look forward to and what may seem like bad news may just be a blessing in disguise...

I also realize that i have been keeping this blog for 2 years. Boy... It's gone quick.

- J