Peoples Republic of South Devon

Going aeon and aeon and aeon. . .

We’re still getting comments and we’re still getting pictures. In my book that spells success (I have a very dodgy book about spelling). These snaps are provided by Bluetungsten. If you want more get in touch.

Posted by Cptn

September 2nd, 2006

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Scary in the mist (or the fairy tales of Chagford)

We here in the People’s Republic of South Devon thought we’d get in touch with the filmmaker harpist Elizabeth-Jane Baldry. We knew she was working on her third film. The first, Woodwose, was from a Grimm fairy tale and the second, A Pottle o’ Brains – based on a local fairy tale - was the proud recipient of a Phoenix bursary, and we were curious to see how the new one was coming along.

It’s only fair to say at this point that Elizabeth-Jane is not only the coolest and best harpist we’ve ever come across (shh, don’t tell her she’s the only one), but she’s also a bit of an expert on folk tales.

What have you been up to?

“Well, it’s really topical you should be in touch because we’ve just finished filming another English folktale called Childe Rowland.”

How long did you have to film the piece?

“We had five days. It was a very complex 21-page script, so we knew we’d be really pushing it.”

How did you find the process?

“The weather was amazing, but as we filled Dartmoor with these magical images, I started having concerns about what sort of imagination dreams up this stuff!

“We had a prop that was a fairy-like door with a greenman knocker. We had to leave it on the moor overnight so I wonder if any walkers discovered it. It would have been scary to come across a door in the mist!”

What format did you shoot with?

“We hired a great HD camera, and we also had a professional sound recordist this time, called Sacha. He volunteered his time for a week in Devon and a change from boring documentary stuff.”

How did the experience affect you?

“I can’t wait to start editing the footage, and creating the film. A film shoot is an enchanted time; mining the depths of a story and working with it, watering it with tears and laughter, finding lessons within the myth. It changes one’s life.”

So what’s inspiring you these days?

“There is so much talent in this small community, it’s thrilling to put together a project that unites so many individuals.

“I’ve just set up a Chagford filmmaking group, aiming to bring together people of all ages and skill levels to make films of traditional folktales set against the backdrop of Dartmoor.

“Oh, and I checked out the People’s Republic site and loved it. So many great links especially to green stuff, which I’m really into!”

Happy to have been of service, Elizabeth-Jane. And good luck with Childe Rowland.

Posted by Thin White Duke

September 2nd, 2006

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