With everything going on in this crazy virus crazed world, I decided to jump ship from the chaos of London and stay at home in Somerset until this blows over. If we're trying to search for a silver lining in between the clouds of being a struggling artist, being unable to socialise and the theatres being shut, it is I have had time to concentrate on BAPP ... without any distractions.
One of the most important things I did quite early on in quarantine is attend an online seminar with Counsellor Mary Burch BEM, courtesy of Industry Minds. For those not aware of Industry Minds it is a podcast run by two actresses, concentrating on mental health in the performing arts world. She spoke incredibly plainly about dealing with our feelings throughout this time. She compared it to the steps we take whilst grieving and then moved on to discuss ways we could find contentment in this uncharted territory we have found ourselves in. Part of what she discussed was picking and choosing what social media to engage with, as we inevitably find ourselves scrolling day in and day out.
In a bizarre twist of fate I found social media incredibly positive. Picking and choosing which online networks to engage with allowed me to fill my time with self tapes for open casting calls, new projects for the post Covid-19 period and online seminars (such as the Industry Minds one). Filming so many self tapes in a short period of time gave me inspiration for my diagram.
From the beginning of the course I had found the diagram and incredibly confusing and enigmatic component of the course. I struggled for ages deciding on a creative way to present the important information that I had worked on. I'm an actor, but I didn't feel writing a monologue or a play scene would be practical. I'm a model, but not a photographer, therefore stills didn't seem like a good idea either.
For anyone following my blog I was part of the BBC Learning English Project, (on YouTube if anyone fancies a look). I feel at home speaking on camera, especially direct addresses. The experience I have had as an actor, needing to self tape and then edit takes gave me the tools I needed to create a short film.
But what to make a short film about?
Being stuck in quarantine meant I was without a studio and sufficient lighting/sound equipment. I decided to run with this as a theme. As the information is the key element to the piece it could be communicated simply by speaking to the camera.
As a keen reader I love the idea of comparison and mass metaphors. I made the choice to compare my practise to a readily available household item that I use daily, an artefact if you will. Once I had set these ideas in motion I found creating my diagram incredibly enjoyable. Initially I had been frustrated at the lack of technology available to me, things
I would usually find on set or in an editing suite. However, as with self tapes, my phone was really all I needed.
I didn't realise how much knowledge I had when it comes to video editing. It most definitely isn't my area of expertise however when push came to shove I wasn't bad at it. The secondary school I had attended was a media specialist school, (this basically meant we were given lots of Apple Macs and drama and music lessons were spent on iMovie or Garage Band). I was able to combine this knowledge with the knowledge I have of editing self tapes. Editing my short film was fun, I was using transferable skills I didn't know I had! Without realising I had managed to add another element to my practise.
The best part of the process was being able to channel my personality fully into the diagram. As a creative I sometimes struggle when I am asked to be creative. It feels like I am having to prove myself, when in reality, I make creative choices everyday subconsciously. I chose to tackle the essay first as it felt simpler, I had arguments and key points I could organise. The diagram was intimidating.
I hope everyone is finding this unexpected spare time helpful in regards to their work on the BAPP course. No-one would have chosen this but I am finding the extra time invaluable when it comes to working through module one. Although I desperately miss London and being able to work on my craft there are a wealth of online tools available.
With this in mind though, it's also totally okay if you want to sit on your sofa and binge Tiger King, again. You don't need to be productive during a pandemic. I have just found personally, filling my days with at least one bit of normality has kept my panic at bay.
Okay, this was a bit of a split blog post, with far too much information! If anyone else has anything to add I would love to hear your thoughts.
Stay home & stay safe!...
One of the most important things I did quite early on in quarantine is attend an online seminar with Counsellor Mary Burch BEM, courtesy of Industry Minds. For those not aware of Industry Minds it is a podcast run by two actresses, concentrating on mental health in the performing arts world. She spoke incredibly plainly about dealing with our feelings throughout this time. She compared it to the steps we take whilst grieving and then moved on to discuss ways we could find contentment in this uncharted territory we have found ourselves in. Part of what she discussed was picking and choosing what social media to engage with, as we inevitably find ourselves scrolling day in and day out.
In a bizarre twist of fate I found social media incredibly positive. Picking and choosing which online networks to engage with allowed me to fill my time with self tapes for open casting calls, new projects for the post Covid-19 period and online seminars (such as the Industry Minds one). Filming so many self tapes in a short period of time gave me inspiration for my diagram.
From the beginning of the course I had found the diagram and incredibly confusing and enigmatic component of the course. I struggled for ages deciding on a creative way to present the important information that I had worked on. I'm an actor, but I didn't feel writing a monologue or a play scene would be practical. I'm a model, but not a photographer, therefore stills didn't seem like a good idea either.
For anyone following my blog I was part of the BBC Learning English Project, (on YouTube if anyone fancies a look). I feel at home speaking on camera, especially direct addresses. The experience I have had as an actor, needing to self tape and then edit takes gave me the tools I needed to create a short film.
But what to make a short film about?
Being stuck in quarantine meant I was without a studio and sufficient lighting/sound equipment. I decided to run with this as a theme. As the information is the key element to the piece it could be communicated simply by speaking to the camera.
Home studio ready for action.
(Yes, we also had a household birthday in quarantine)
The best part of the process was being able to channel my personality fully into the diagram. As a creative I sometimes struggle when I am asked to be creative. It feels like I am having to prove myself, when in reality, I make creative choices everyday subconsciously. I chose to tackle the essay first as it felt simpler, I had arguments and key points I could organise. The diagram was intimidating.
I hope everyone is finding this unexpected spare time helpful in regards to their work on the BAPP course. No-one would have chosen this but I am finding the extra time invaluable when it comes to working through module one. Although I desperately miss London and being able to work on my craft there are a wealth of online tools available.
My favourites are:
. The Actors Centre are offering 'Pay what you can' classes, for those with memberships and those without. These include yoga and mindfulness.
. The Industry Minds podcast is wonderful, if you follow them on Twitter you can get yourself in on one of their conference calls/seminars.
. Robin Savage Headshots are offering free impartial headshot feedback sessions
. Casting Workshops are offering sessions with CD's for £1
. The Body Coach 'Seven Day Sweat Challenge' has been wonderful for both myself and my brother to take a step away from our laptops together for 20 minutes a day.
With this in mind though, it's also totally okay if you want to sit on your sofa and binge Tiger King, again. You don't need to be productive during a pandemic. I have just found personally, filling my days with at least one bit of normality has kept my panic at bay.
Okay, this was a bit of a split blog post, with far too much information! If anyone else has anything to add I would love to hear your thoughts.
Stay home & stay safe!...
My cat is nailing this social distancing thing.
Hi Olivia. That is awesome that you are able to focus more time on the BAPP course! Your diagram sounds very interesting. I think it will be really neat to hear how everyone chose to "represent" their practice.
ReplyDeleteHi Olivia,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading this blog post. I agree that it's good to fill your time with things, whatever they may be! I have also been using social media to get inspiration and to help me work on my passion (dance). It has been a weird and tricky time for many but it's good to see the positive, as you have.
Thank you
Alys