Finally made it to the Wetherspoons for breakfast. A later call time and time to reflect.  It was an amazing day at the cliffs yesterday, one of the trickiest sound recording days but Lav mics saved me and with lots of wild track when the wind died down I have my take. Sky larks singing above me, an inquisitive rook, glorious views and a happy and supportive crew and cast. As we left the location the rain started and I know that someone was looking out for us. Nathalie has had a tough time organising this shoot, she needed some luck.

I move to the rental house in Shepards Bush today. I've loved working in and around Hammersmith. It's a part of the city that has become special to me. I'll never tire of the skyline, the bustle and the people. I've met "family" here and it's going to be very hard to say "Ciao!"

Filming on the Seven Sisters was an incredible experience. The weather held for us and the sun made a welcome appearance, I was however glad of my thick coat (2nd hand purchased on the way to location) which did it's job and had large pockets to hold equipment. Splendid views, great company (cast and crew) made this day special. The strikes on the trains however… Come one managers, sort it out. I blame you!  Respect your staff and stop messing your customers about. You may well have a monopoly for now but how long will that last? 

Back from the ELO concert at the O2. I met my long time friend Adrian and we reminisced about the first time that we saw ELO 38 years ago in 1978, two young souls with energy, vision and our lives ahead of us.  I've been reflective ever since. Our first big trip out in the Capital and we had all the wide eyed innocence of youth, the power of our convictions and nothing could hold us back.  Life is a precious journey and you learn many things, experience many things that you never expect. Everyone's journey is different, I know that decisions and paths I have taken may seem strange to some people. I know that some of the things I have seen and tasted would shock some people. I have regrets but I wouldn't change a thing given the same circumstances. I have wonderful, powerful memories. I have loved deeper than I ever expected. I have been strong and I have been weak. I have been a leader of people and I have followed like a lamb.  I could say that these experiences have been valuable as an actor to give me range but the truth is, these experiences are valuable for life. Pure and simple I am the sum total of my experiences. Today I am on a train to Eastbourne out of Victoria and the train strikes have seen to it that I am bound via Brighton. Memories flood back as I pass my home town, then Brighton where I spent many days of my youth, and Eastbourne where a very young schoolboy spent his first days away from home overnight on a field trip. Fate does indeed move in mysterious ways. I am excited but it is not without some trepidation on my part that the train pulls out of Victoria, cast chatting together and the Director and DoP talking shots and Itinerary. It's going to be an awesome day.

The creative team are gelling well and I'm impressed with everyone. A good sense of humour is helping the tight schedule that always comes with days of shooting.  Today we are in an office environment and it seems surreal to me to hear conversation that I would have had back in the days as an office manager, keyboards tapping, conversations and a structured day.  I prep my sound gear and listen to the Director planning the next shot with the DoP. I know how lucky I am to be in control of my own destiny, working with creative people and being a part of something that will be enjoyed by many people.  To underline my emotions, I was asked to fill in for a last minute cancellation and play a manager… I think back to try and remember how many years I "played" as a manager for blue chip companies in those moments between acting contracts.. Too many!  I am home, I'm on location and I'm being the best I can for my Director. And yes, I've forgiven her for the comment about the headphones… almost. ;) We have a great team here. Proud to be a part of it.

You have to wonder about your PR when the director asks if you have headphones in your kit bag. I'm the sound guy! My headphones have to be surgically removed! ;) 

Arrived at the Fait Maison which is in Bishops' park near the Fulham Palace. An area of London I have not visited very much. This park was to be the location for the "flashbacks" in this short film (I'm not at liberty to tell you the title) but suffice to say it's a lovely park adjacent to the Thames and I excitedly unpacked my kit. As the Actors were in makeup I busied myself with getting wild tracks. Have you been to Bishop's Park? Have you noticed the jets from Heathrow at 1minute intervals? I made myself very unpopular with the team as each an every take had to be timed with overhead traffic. Add ducks from the river and a helicopter into the mix and this has given me a few hours extra work cleansing the audio.

But I love it :) More! :) 

I'm preparing to leave my new studio for a weeks Film Sound Recording in London. Preparing my kist list for the challenge and looking forward to meeting new creative people on set. Early start Monday morning... Please get the coffee on! :) 

Adding the finishing touches to the studio (in between working hard) and I'm loving the final effect. Well done team. It feels a wonderful space, happy to be a part of the SIX15 collective and Fuel studios. A great find. Great Neighbours. I'm feeling very positive about the future. 

I can now announce that I have new office space! A studio and working space with a new creative team beside me! We are all very excited about the new space at Fuel Studios in Norwich. Moving in as we speak, I have all my kit with me, breathtaking views over beautiful Norwich, creative people all around and even a rooftop terrace.  We have so many new projects up and coming and we can't wait to get started.  If you have any creative projects we have someone who can help; from idea to completion; from inception to follow up survey; Exciting times and if you are nearby, come and find us and pop in for a coffee. :)