Greetings All,
Back on set today, Monday, the first of three in which we will be watching the shooting, after which we are on our way elsewhere. This time out we were rested and got an early start – for us. We were there until dinner time, then had an evening out with the writers Al and Miles, talking shop and laughing a great deal over stories of other times and places. Such good guys, and I am reminded again about how well we bonded right from the first.
A word about how filming works, time-wise. Things begin around 3:30 am. At that point the crew begins set up for the day’s shooting, starting with hauling stuff from the base camp to the shooting site, lugging everything that is needed for the day in the way of cameras, scenery equipment, and all the rest out to the shooting site. Breakfast is around 5:30. Make-up and costuming is frequently before that with additional stuff afterwards. Crew call is at 6:30 am, the actors are on set and ready to go at 7:30, and everything is underway at that point. They film all day and frequently into the night. Sometimes a shoot can go for 18 hours.
My vision for all this was somewhat off the mark. The first time I was taken to the base camp to witness filming – last Thursday – I was expecting a few trucks and a few cars and maybe 20-30 people on set. As if. One section of field was filled with cars – at least 100. Another was filled with trailers for equipment, actors, crew, costuming and makeup, food and everything else you could possibly think of. Probably 25-30 of those. There are four-wheel drive vehicles for transporting to and from the shooting site because things are far out and the roads (read paths) are not much. The entire operation is massive.
How many people are we talking about? For the film crew, somewhere north of 600.
It looks like chaos at times, but everything is controlled. Everyone has a job and knows what is expected. There is lots of running around and prep work preliminary to every scene. In a given day, they will shoot maybe 4-8 scenes, all of it with designated actors and from different perspectives. Multiple takes are required for everyone. The director (Jonathan, in this case) wants different voice inflections, different looks, different responses so he can see what meshes best later in editing. Everything is very professional and patient with the process.
I was told by more than one crew member that what is happening here is closer to a movie shoot than to a traditional TV show. I believe it.
So watched one scene in the morning and two others in the afternoon. One involved horses (Artaq, in particular). Beautiful animals, and the actors (Manu and Austin) handled them well. The day was warm, gray and windy with a few drops of rain but nothing else to cause them problems. You watch all this mostly on monitors with headphones that allow you to see and hear the actors clearly while the shoot is in progress. For obvious reasons, they don’t want a lot of observers crowding out on set to watch, so doing it from afar on a monitor is better. We did watch a bit from a hillside, just for the experience.
Ate lunch with Austin Butler and members of the crew. Meeting new people every day, but having trouble sorting everyone out, as you might guess. Aaron Jakubenko wandered out late in the day from weapons training to watch the filming with us for a few minutes. It was a fascinating and enjoyable day. More of the same tomorrow, although I have to do some interviews and general publicity so I will have to be a little sharper than normal. You know, don’t say anything stupid? Does this sound like me?
More when we finish with all that. Hope all of you are enjoying the blogs and accompanying pix. We will keep them coming for the time we are here.
Best to all of you, Terry
20 responses to “SHANNARA On MTV: Back On Set & Filming”
Sounds good so far. Keep up the good work all involved 🙂
I love the updates and pictures and I am absolutely brimming with excitement for this! I’m so glad to hear how much everyone is doing to make this the best they can. 🙂
“I was told by more than one crew member that what is happening here is closer to a movie shoot than to a traditional TV show. ”
This one statement really made my day. This makes me hopeful that the quality of this series will be epic in proportion. Something to rival the best HBO series out there.
Very interesting. I’m expecting a movie in ten hours, too.
i have been waiting for years for this to come to tv or films. i never had any doubt that it would do one or the other or both. I have read all of these books and i ave always felt that these would do well on the small screen or the large screen. I cannot wait to see this.
well done.
Glad to see everything appears to be running smoothly. Great scenery behind yourself and Manu.
Terry, thanks so much for these journal entries. They are absolutely fascinating. You have a way of writing that conveys personal, face to face conversation that is very enjoyable.
Super excited about the progress and how well things are going. Keep up the great work, and don’t fail to keep us updated as you can. Even if there is no response, there are very many people reading and enjoying.
Fantastic. I can’t wait to see the final production. Keep the updates rolling in, we are all really enjoying them.
Thanks for the wonderful updates Terry – still can’t belive it’s happening and very happy that you are so involved!
Not only is that the crew size normally reserved for movies, it’s the size of a big budget movie! I was on the set of 1 of the most popular shows on tv last week and they use maybe 3 cameras. I’m so pleased MTV is taking this seriously and if Terry’s happy, I’m happy.
Absolutely LOVE your blog and pics- it makes us feel like we are there with you! Thanks for sharing. It IS MAGIC.
Thank you so much Terry for chronicling these events and experiences. It is wonderful to read about and through you feel like a part of the project. I am enjoying this very much.
Excuse my ignorance, but are those scars on Manu apart of the character?
Probably, as he has other photos online that don’t show them. Makes sense, especially if the scene they were going to shoot takes place after the attack by the Furies at Paranor and his recovery at Storlock.
Who is cast for Stee Jan’s?
Any word on who will be playing some of the characters in the Wilderun? Like Hebel, the witch sister, or Perk the wing rider? That’s my favorite part of the book:)
Just loved the books! Can’t wait to see the show 🙂 thank you for letting us know whats going on in your life. It’s amazing to learn more.
Love Tamara
Terry, I just want to say thanks for letting me and all the fans of your books be part of the process by seeing through your eyes and anxiously awaiting each blog post.
I just finished watching Spartacus and it is strange to see Manu with short hair again. When I found out he was cast for Allanon I couldn’t picture anyone else…he is perfect for the character! Large, imposing, forceful, and just a touch of a rebel spirit….PERFECT!
I read your books back in the ’80’s. I fell in love with them from the first line! I am glad they are being filmed!