In the staff room
1. There is a new poster depicting all of the helpers on the wall. The poster has been produced by Jean H, I make a mental note to ask her for a copy.
2. The briefing starts slowly. It is very informal - held in the staff room.
Claire comes to the start of the meeting and makes an announcement about "Pushes and Pulls" and other themes for the week ahead. She puts a pile of trail cards on the table. She leaves. Bert takes over and covers other issues arising.
3. Using the camera, I focus on the speakers, Claire and then Bert. Afterwards I realize that I should have panned around to get an overall view of the meeting. Several people comment on the impressiveness of the camera.
4. After the meeting I explain our project to a new member of staff who has just started. He says that it is OK for us to film him.
In the science theatre
5. Maire and Sarah prepare the Science Theatre. Maire sits and reads notes. Jean is in and out. Sarah wants Jean to make or buy new bakers hats. When they are ready to start the training session, they call Peter.
6. Camera work: I alternate my focus between the stage and the "audience" ( Jean and Peter). Sarah talks through the show. Jean and Peter pretend to be children. Jean is distressed by the sight of the monkey crashing into the brick walls. She says that she will find a helmet for the monkey. After Sarah has run through the show Jean and Peter rehearse some of the scenes. I take the opportunity to practice light levels for filming the audience on Wednesday.
7. After the show - I have a conversation with Sarah, Off Camera.
8. We talk about Gary the clown. Sarah says he is professional clown who trained to be a "science communicator". Sarah met Gary at a British Interactives conference. He has done work at Techniquest.
9. We talk about the extent to which a Presenter can improvise during a show. Sarah describes the script as a set of notes. She says that everyone is different, "we all speak differently" and it is impossible therefore, to perform each show in exactly the same way.