[identity profile] merlocmod.livejournal.com posting in [community profile] merlinlocations
Another brief report on today's filming in Pierrefonds! Alas, the last day of the block, and therefore the last of the fifth season for France - but of course, whether it's the last of the show, we've yet to discover.

This includes spoilers of the costume variety, and also some sketchy scene details.

Another pleasant day was had in Pierrefonds, though it was cold, but we were warmed with some really wonderful happenings...


I arrived a bit earlier, well before 9:30, but I still missed the first scene being shot! This was on the 'knoll' directly opposite the chateau. I didn't find out anything about it other than that there were fake flowers dressing the location.

We headed into the chateau once it opened, and watched a scene which featured Colin. Hurrah! It was basically him reacting to the hanging of one of the young women, that we'd seen filmed the previous day. He was tucked away behind a column, so basically all I got to see was a sliver of jacket, one long fine leg (be still, my heart!) and an ear. However, I think he acted very emotively with that ear, and one certainly got the impression Merlin was very sad to see the woman die. If ears could weep, I tell you, that one would have.

It was interesting to watch them film this, as they used one of the crew members (male) to stand in for the female character, and the director timed it all by watching the 'main' shot of the scene being played back on a monitor. He would call, 'Arthur! ... {female character's name} ... Drop!' at the relevant beats, and thus Colin would know what he was reacting to when.

We then had another scene in the courtyard which involved stand-ins for Merlin and Gwaine galloping out on horses, off to save the world. The director wanted as much speed and urgency from them as possible, while staying safe.

We then had a bit of an interlude before the next scene, which involved a crowd watching the hanging. The scene was set, but the actors hadn't arrived yet. So the chap playing the executioner conducted the crowd-extras in a verse of Frere Jacque. He tried getting the extras and fans involved in singing We Will Rock You, but that didn't last very long. Then he discovered that a crew member's birthday had been the day before, so he called him up onto the block on the scaffold, and had everyone sing him Happy Birthday. Which was nice. :-)

There was the usual break for lunch, and then we had Gwen up on the balcony, witnessing the execution. She was in her beautiful red velvet finery.

Close-up shots were taken by a camera loaded on top of a very tall tripod arrangement. Alice Canty - who is the First Assistant Camera this week, promoted from Second AC - had the unenviable job of getting the camera up there, and fitting the lens. And then they had to undo it and reset it again for a different angle! She was intrepid, and of course it all went without a hitch.

Then Bradley arrived, and we filmed Arthur and Gwen's part in the other execution. It was good to see them standing there together, even if on a rather gruesome occasion. After some banter between us fans, I said to a crew member, 'This isn't their idea of a date, is it?' And she said, 'Sure! Every Sunday.'

Bradley later came further along the balcony, which runs the length of the main hall there, and poked his head over to say hello to the gathered fans, and ask how we all are, whether we're enjoying ourselves, had we seen anything interesting. I don't know that any of us managed to respond at all coherently! But I'm sure he realised we were rather pleased. It was astonishingly sweet of him.

Then the final scene was set up in the courtyard. We only saw a couple of rehearsals before the chateau closed, but it seemed to involve Arthur, Gwen and Merlin riding in from a picnic - to find Leon tending to some distressed villagers. Not at all sure of the context. I have to say it was utterly lovely to see Arthur again in only a white tunic! Well, and trousers, too, but you know what I mean! Gwen was in a lovely purple riding outfit - terrific skirt! Colin must have been cold, because for the rehearsals Merlin was wearing a very un-medieval jacket. Leon was looking beautiful, and he could tend to me in my distress any damned time he wanted to.

Alas, I didn't get very good pictures of this last scene, as I ended up standing right up the back, but I'll upload anything that's passable.

Then, alas, it was time to say some very sad farewells to my fellow fans. ♥

Two pictures of the day:

I couldn't decide, so here's one happy one to continue the established theme, and one 'artistic' one.

Bradley James entertains Angel Coulby

One of our awesome extras

Photos are now on Flickr!

Date: 2012-09-13 07:35 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] gealach-ros.livejournal.com
Bradley! ♥ ♥ ♥

Not to forget Colin's marvelous ear! <333

Gosh, I've been rather emotional all afternoon thanks to all the 'that's the end'/'they pack up'/'Bradley waved and said goodbye' tweets from fellow fans. :( I never expected to be sad when it's going to end, let alone SO sad. :((((

Anyway, many thanks for sharing your report and your wonderful pictures. Have a safe trip home. *hugs*

Date: 2012-09-13 07:55 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] archaeologist-d.livejournal.com
Still feeling a bit lost now that series 5 filming at PF is done. Lovely meeting you again!

Date: 2012-09-14 06:48 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] archaeologist-d.livejournal.com
I'm sure we will meet again. I saw your little thing about the castle and driving away. We stayed a bit later and the sunset on it was gorgeous. Will post pictures on my flickr and merlin locations when I get home.

Date: 2012-09-13 08:31 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] 1nagromniloc.livejournal.com
Thank you so much for all your reports darling and pics ♥
I´m sad, because it was the last day in Pierrefonds , that the series will be end maybe & that I could not be there :(
But I see you all had a awesome time there and I love it , I love that Bradley was so amazing lovely to all of you and hee Colins ear ^^ I think it get the oscar hehe :) xx hee you know what I mean hun xxx

Thank you for all darling and I ho´pe we will see us again *hugstight* ♥

Date: 2012-09-13 08:32 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] k-nightfox.livejournal.com
I so didn't expect this to make me emotional but it has! *sniff* What if it's the last time? *cries*

Date: 2012-09-13 08:33 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] bobbingboyz.livejournal.com
Thanks again darlin' for another fine report. I like living vicariously through you. Looking forward to the photos they've made a poor week better. G

Date: 2012-09-14 12:22 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] isildaar.livejournal.com
I'm grateful for the reports, and I love your pictures! All the details, not only the gorgeous cast, but also those talented and dedicated people in the crew, the extras, the huge camera and the interesting details of filming. Thank you!

"whether it's the last of the show, we've yet to discover."

I'm sure this was one of the main topics among fans, but did you have the chance to talk about it with anyone from the crew?

Date: 2012-09-14 08:41 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] isildaar.livejournal.com
Thank you. I keep them crossed. ;)

Thank you so much

Date: 2012-09-14 01:15 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] sophie madeleine (from livejournal.com)
Your pictures and your reports are wonderful. Thanks on behalf of all the fans who couldn't be there :)

Date: 2012-09-14 05:40 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] altocello.livejournal.com
I will echo the theme here, and say that I love your reports and am grateful to you for being so generous as to write up the happenings of the day and share your pictures! And now I want an icon, with Colin's ear, and text reading, "If ears could weep." LOL.

Date: 2012-09-14 10:52 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] robinmarian.livejournal.com
I'm going to miss your beautiful photos esp of my Angel. Thank you so much for all the pics and reports you've shared with us through the years. <3333

Date: 2012-09-14 04:56 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] babydracky.livejournal.com
Thanks for sharing ma petite puce <3

PF

Date: 2012-09-14 06:37 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] avelyonesse.livejournal.com

Ciao Bella,
As always ,Thank you so much for being our eyes and ears here across the pond. I truly appreciate your dedication and work to provide us all with photos and reports. It's frustrating being so far away. I envy those of you in Europe who have easier acces to the locations.
I am very sad reading tweets that say this is the last day EVER of filming at PF.-No season six. Do you think so?

*cries big gloppy tears*,

xoAve


Date: 2012-09-14 07:10 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] alayne yopp santiago (from livejournal.com)
Hi Julie,
I'm so far behind on things with all that's been happening the last few weeks. I look forward to reading and catching up on what's been happening with our favorite hero's. Hope all is well with you. Look forward to chatting with you soon. <3

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