Friday 14 August 2009

Weekend Away



Bristol. Banksy. Blisters.

Sorry. But I am here now!

I went to Bristol and had a fabulous time. I had no idea that there was quite so much to see and do. The Harbour Festval was on the weekend I visited and what with Banksy at the Bristol Museum a full and interesting time was had.

Lots of walking was done. I was amazed by Clifton Suspension Bridge.
Wow! What a brilliant engineer was that Brunel chap. Shame he never got to see it finished though.

Also, the different parts of the city. Good hills and nice cider (I'm on the turn!) makes for a happy and fitter population. I was aware that there were less fat people here than most places. It did take me a little while to understand some of the broader accents though. Somehow they reminded me of churned butter, tractors and Vicky Pollard.

Oh, and the fireworks were stunning. I definitely giggled on the inside.

Having praised Bristol as much as I have done, there is one thing that my delightful, picturesque West Sussex has that I couldn't be without...beautiful beaches.

This weekend it promises to be sunny. I shall be taking pictures of my sandy spot and not doing very much else in between!

As always, fondest regards,

Miss Tip




Wednesday 29 July 2009

Rain Stops Play!

Where Has The Sunshine Gone?

I have come to the conclusion that I am seasonally affected...right now! This isn't supposed to happen April-October.

Isn't it meant to be brilliant sunshine and hose-pipe bans, dogs dying in cars and young mothers being frowned at if their rapscallion of a toddler has the faintest hint of pink anywhere, teething or not?!

There is no packing lightly or taking just a light outer garment. No, it's socks and wellies and layers and umbrellas. How? Why? I really would like to know the answer to these Q's...

I believed those fonts-of all-knowledge weathermen (not so much weather-girls strangely enough) and their promises of long, hot, sweltering day and balmy warm evenings. Are you for real, guys? Who paid you how much to conjure up this convincing rouse between you? I, for one, demand a refund!!!

What else? There is nothing else! I am beyond caring. It upsets me so. I shall return when a glimmer of sunshine touches my cheeks and ignites my freckles into summer-ness again.

Having said that, I will return at some point...just in case it doesn't get gorgeously, sublimely, deliciously hot and sunny anytime soon.

Send you wishes for SPF30+

Fondest, as always

MissTip


Saturday 18 July 2009

The Suffering Is Over


It is done! Finally.

"Suffer 4Ur Art" has been made and submitted. What a relief.

I had problems galore with elements, namely the captured footage was nowhere near what I had specified in storyboard/discussion with cameraman. This coupled with learning Final Cut in such a short time meant that I didn't surface very often. As for eating, time in the kitchen was not an option.

The outcome of the past two weeks has been quite different to how I envisaged, not just in terms of those mentioned above but more so with my own transition. "Suffer 4Ur Art" was an emotional response to something tragic that happened in my life. However, it manifested as physical piece leaving the viewer with a completely altered and disparate notion of what the essence/foundation is.

As a consequence, I have been advised not to show this work as it will present a view of me that is contrary to who and what I am.

Am I disappointed? Not really. I have let go of much and learned much in this process. The one element I was a little frustrated with is my skill as a maker of short-film has dramatically improved and is not immediately available for public perusal. I shall have to be patient and create another work in order to demonstrate just how much I have evolved.

As of this moment, I return to an altered normality. Life is often lighter when one chooses closure of a hard or challenging aspect. I anticipate good things...

Fondest regards, as always,

Miss Tip.

Sunday 5 July 2009

Busy, Busy, Bruised, & Play




That Was One Hell-Of-A Week.

Mon/Tues. How much cycling? I went back and forth to seamstress (Wittering) and sailmakers (Bosham) so many times that I lost count. My legs were in bits. I also, very stupidly thought, I would be able to manage to get a reel of industrial chain (14kg) home on my bike. Only just. And that was with rucksack strapped to the saddle.

Wed.
Final touches. Gathering equipment. Flowers, drinks, food for the crew. I saved just enough energy for a late yoga class. And afterwards, had a collision with a car. I went into his rear as he stopped in the road to check out a road name that I was intending to turn right into. I unceremoniously went over my handlebars and ended in a heap, bloodied and bruised. Car following was sympathetic and offered assistance and phone number(?). Home. Iced injuries for two hours and prayed I'd make it up the stairs and would still be walking for shoot the following day.

Thurs.
Ouch! So sore. The morning was as to be expected. I forgot the smallest, yet most vital element, 2x meat-hooks. But at least I wasn't in theatre while cameraman and lighting were setting up. Filmed from 10.30 til 12.45. Home. Lunch/debrief with cameraman. Beach!

Fri.
Out and busy. Home and tidied away abandoned equipment. And then first look at footage. Not what I anticipated seeing. Went straight to yoga...with my bruises. Evening, I eventually started timecodes for Monday transfer.

Sat.
Was awoken by a call. Friend was given a single ticket for Festival of Speed. Did I want it? YES PLEASE!! Did some chores and set off at lunchtime on my bike. I can't tell you how amazing this event is, even for a single girl wandering around. So much to see in the most splendid of locations. I made some friends for the afternoon, (see pics) who invited me to stay on for the party (Will Young & fireworks!) in the evening. I had a lovely time. Really lovely. Borrowed "his" pj's for chilly cycle home at 2am.

Sun.
Up and baking. Cycled back to Festival with cake, pj's and a smile. I was invited to stay for the day, but my conscience got the better of me and I headed off for little x-country ride home and work. All timecodes completed.

I often I think I am bored. I should take a step back from time to time and realise how very full-up my time is and how utterly rewarding life can be. I am truly grateful to everyone who made this week happen for me. (Debbie Dawson, Ivan Bole, Phil King, Jamie Kluckers, Vince Fields, Lynn Hodge, Jess Bennett, Micheal Noor, Charlie Russell, Bradley? & JK) You are all stars!!

I send a smile to all...

Miss Tip



Saturday 27 June 2009

Bite Me!

Yoga helps.

I have tried to stay calm over the past few days. All is getting rather hectic to say the least. Running has been a saving grace too...up until this morning.

I very nearly became breakfast for a hungry black lab today. I don't often stop for dogs. Quick little jump over or out of the way and the dozy pooch is usually too bewildered to notice where I have gotten to. Not quite the case earlier. I was scared. Even to the point of back-tracking. This particular dog had taken a liking to my calf muscles. I made a grab for the collar and dragged it up the lane. (stupid or brave?!)

Decrepit old man said "my dog has got out of the garden." I was too shocked to be impolite. "Did he jump at you?" Nodded angrily as words had failed me. "Best I put him back in then..."

Having said that, my time was no different to two days prior. Good run then!

Why so intent on burning calories? My mind is going over all elements of new artwork. Filming is nearly here. Thursday!

I have just edited storyboard to make to make it as concise and user friendly as poss. This one is going to hurt. Even a couple of hours of Yoga beforehand won't save me. This I already know...

I also have a feeling that I may have to update more frequently just so you can witness my meltdown as it happens.

Back to the beach tomorrow. I only do Yoga if no-one is around! Thursday it was empty!!

Until next time, regards,

Miss Tip

Monday 15 June 2009

It's Beginning To Happen

PMO I - Protection (2007) dvd

I apologise for the lack of updates recently, but as I suspected...I'm getting busy.

Yesterday, I went to the location for next film. It is quite nasty. No, it's very nasty.

Today I may have met a contact who can introduce me to very helpful people. I hope so anyway.

Tomorrow I meet with cameraman, Jamie Kluckers and we discuss the finer points of next piece "Suffer 4Ur Art." (I love storyboarding!) Yoga in the afternoon.

Wednesday, final fitting with seamstress and industrial stitching. (She lives near the beach!)

Thursday, not quite sure yet. Yoga in the afternoon.

Friday, collecting sponsorship for
www.justgiving.com/amandatipper @ Farmers Market and local businesses. Evening race meeting @Goodwood. Moonlight 10 mile charity event...midnight!

Saturday, treating myself to a huge, soya capuccino!

Wish me luck. Sponsor me if you can. Stay tuned! lol

As always, fondest regards,

Miss Tip

Friday 22 May 2009

Bonk Oliday Speciale!


Sorry. I intended to be here before now, but I sort of knew that I would be busy with all things creative.

In an attempt to get everything done before the "long weekend" I felt a couple of hours on the beach would be the very ingredient to make things progress with a sparkle. Hmmm. Nearly!

I returned home and ran 9k then went to yoga for the third time this week then reflected upon such a delightful day. I do like living near enough to one of the best beaches in the UK. Usually I cycle, but today went with a friend who drove. It really does replenish the spirit being able to appreciate the wonder of nature...sea, sand, wind and warm sunshine.

I now have a smattering of freckles on my nose and cheeks. My hair is wild, beyond curly and the backs of my knees are pink from being missed with SPF15. Naughty Lil Miss!

Onto progression of creativity.

Location has been agreed but no found shots/recording done yet.

Costume is nearly assembled and will be fitted by seamstress this weekend, possibly Sunday. Have numb fingers and raw thumb from stitching such unyielding fabric. Oh, the pain of art...

Meeting with photographer yesterday which was difficult in places as he has no knowledge of films made since we last worked together. He was offering ideas that were not relative to what I intend to create. Diplomacy was key to success as egos could have been severely dented. Perish the thought!

I shall return over the weekend to either celebrate or commiserate with you about the costume and whether it "works." I ask a lot from each piece, perfect fit, stunning/sumptuous look, movement, strength and innovative!

If the next post begins with tears...just move on!

Happy, sunny Saturday to you,

Miss Tip