BY PAMELA BOWMAN, LUSAKA, ZAMBIA, AFRICA – The other night we filmed each other and talked about our first week. Sort of a debriefing. Some had to stop and think, “what did we do this week?” Lack of sleep seems to create a blur of time. So we decided to recap the week in brief summary form just to help us recall what we did and that we were productive.
Thursday August 10th – Arrived in Zambia – Received VIP treatment. We have arrived.
Dropped off luggage at lodge – became acquainted with resort and its staff.
Went to Lusaka Playhouse – Met the cast
Friday – August 11th – Educational exchange meeting at Evelon Hagn College
Copy scripts for cast
Met with cast for script distribution and contract signing
Script read through
Saturday-August 12 – Continue script read through
Internet cafe
Visited high densitiy area. Interviewed locals for Doc – Village Mandevo
CREW LOVED THIS EXPERIENCE
Sunday-August 13 – Some went to church while others slept
Prepared shoot of N’goni warriors at village
Shot N’goni warriors at village and at resort
COOL DAY
Monday August 14 – Rehearsal at Lusaka playhouse
Set up set at Persian warehouse
Lights blow – power issues
Set break down/return to lodge
research light problem at ZNBC
Shop for lights
PROBLEM SOLVING DAY
Tuesday – August 15 – Pick up new lights
Begin shoot at ZNBC – Late night
LATE NIGHT but we worked!
Wednesday – August 16 – Shoot at Tweekatoni school
Mosquito and rent issues
Rebuild glide cam
Shop for dolly supplies (CYNDI CREATIVE!)
Build dolly
Cyndi and Pamela get lost in search of food for set
Crew returns tired and blood sucked from mosquitos
EXHAUSTION AND FRUSTRATION
Thursday – August 17 – Shoot back at ZNBC
Set improvisions/issues
ARGHHH!
Friday – August 18- Shoot at ZIS
Sound studio
Shoot at ZNBC
GETTING IT DONE!
Saturday- August 19 – Meet with Zambian screen writers- pitched their ideas- feedback
Film country storytellers
Teach local Zambian film students (lights, sound, makeup)
Pizza with all students. Visit with students
Eat out at kareoke restaurant
Dancing at Rumba club
RELAXING AND FUN!
Sunday -August 20 – Church for some
Sleep for others
Shopping for family
Internet cafe
Evening at lodge- relax
Discuss next day shoot-verify with actors on Pick up time.
RESTFUL
Monday – August 21 – Shoot at lodge