Just over a week ago, Emergents sponsored me to travel the length and breadth of Scotland to learn about filming with a mobile in the Orkneys.
And for a show off like me this was a dream come true.
I have always fancied a bit of slap stick and now, here was my chance. To get to grips with the iPhone and make fantastic, rip- roaring films that would bring me an audience beyond my dreams.
Make ‘em laugh- I was going to make them slit their sides…
It was a drive and half up north; along a coast that my hubby and I didn’t see because, in my wisdom, I had decided to drive overnight and arrive for the first ferry. We only had two nights and I wanted to explore the island.
We got a ticket on the tour bus and through half shut eyes peered out into the rain at Kirkwall and beyond…Then jumped back on the bus waking only to visit Stromness, for a local beer and soup.
“Do you think that’s a good idea,’ said Hubby, eyeing my pint.
My Hubby is more a tea man.
And with a comment that any wife would be proud of, I downed my pint and threw him a glare. Before I knew it I was staggering through prehistoric stones and villages that made my time living in a caravan look like luxury.
Orkney is a place worth visiting, Kirkwall is as cute as a cup cake. When we were there it was full of tourists from a cruise ship the size of oil tanker. It towered over the other fishing boats in the small bay like a sky scraper in the middle of a field. And its’ cargo filled every tourist spot with Europeans who had no idea that pushing -pissed people of.
The Orcadians embrace these new visitors in a stoical,"let’s make the most of it" fashion. The shops of Kirkwall and Stromness are geared to tantalized with Orkney arts and crafts and "ye oldie world"streets. The historical spots, (which range from castles to standing stones) are polished and preened, keeping visitors amused even in the rain. And a noisy Australian ike me, not only quiet but wanting to come back again.
Raining, hail or wind…
The workshop was held in Orkney newly built library- deliciously fill with books which I wish had more time to explore. It looked like the local hub full of community news- sort of like how Lochgilphead’s community centre used to be.
I was so excited when the course started that I laughed at everything, (I don’t get out much). Then when we started interviewing each other…I couldn’t control myself. When it was my turn to interview- I saw my chance, and dashed of one liners stunning my interviewee into silence. My questions had turned into jokes, which I thought was hilarious. Until Bill (we are on first name terms); pointed out that interviewing someone was generally about them and not me…
I took It in the spirit it was meant…
Bill is a great teacher, with an impressive career. His love for technology is only equalled by his love for the people he has interviewed. A journalist who has been all over the world, Bill is still humble enough to appreciate the people who have given him his stories. And listening to him was an inspiring experience.
The others in the class were, like me- female, eager, enthusiastic and full of fun- artist and writers on adventures of creation, and embracing technology.
Rock on sisters…
Avril, Emergents first woman was there, (we’re on first name terms too). She manages all the behind the curtain things that no one notices, neccssary things without which, nothing would run smoothly. She even brought water for the hearing dog of the women. A dog who was happy to pose, walk and sniff for the camera, and got more laughs than me…
This is my first movie/ montage...all though not quite up to an eighties Sylvester Stallone montage. I am proud of it. I should say, all photos were taken by hubby, he is the one who loves to take photos and I am the one who after the first ten "can you stand there please" starts to snarl…
Appologie's for the abrupt ending, the music was slapped on once uploaded onto Utube, and I haven't quite perfected the art yet.
BUT it is the beginning of many more…
Shetland here I come.
Kerrie Noor- an Australian abroad
Kerrie Noor Is A Comedy, Romance & Sci-Fi Author From Scotland. Explore her recent work on Amazon or contact her for more information.