Topspin Lobs

'Topspin Lobs' was another student film that I worked on whilst at Southampton Institute in 1997.

It was written by Mark O'Connell, who incidentally has recently had a great book published about James Bond. (Look up 'Catching Bullets' on Amazon).

Because I had dived heavily into using the cameras we had at the institute, I was (in my humble opinion) the person with the greatest knowledge as to how these cameras worked.

I worked on the shoot every day to help out and to provide 'camera support' I guess you could say. (A 'grip' in technical parlance).

I also loaded and unloaded all the film magazines - something which took quite a bit of practice (with unneeded stock), as you have to do it in the changing bag by feel only....Now then, which way round is the emulsion?!

Shooting 'Topspin Lobs'

For those of you reading who are somewhat younger, 'film' is a light sensitive material on which ALL films used to be shot. For a fascinating comparison of 'film' vs 'digital', you should watch Keanu Reeves' documentary, 'Side by Side'.

The picture above shows Paul using the Arriflex 16BL camera. Paul was a perfectionist on set....something which was both a curse and a blessing; and with the time we had, mostly a curse! It's okay being a perfectionist, but you firstly need to know what 'perfect' is!

Topspin Lobs was shot between 6th and 13th February 1997.

Early rehearsals

The shot to the left was taken in one of our studios at the Institute. It shows three actors reading for the parts. The actors were all gleaned from local schools.

The lady was was definitely a wannabe actress! I believe her name was Alina Jane Lovell. (If I remember correctly).

To the right here, you can see Mark discussing the film. Mark could sometimes hold that pose for three hours without tiring.

On the table is a Naga sound recorder - and Mr Martin Barnes. Martin also recorded the sound on my film (Bus Stop). He seemed to like nothing more than have a pair of headphones on, listening to actors. Lovely.

Mark never could salute very well

She's got the part!

 
Interestingly, I have just googled Alina Jane Lovel and I was correct. Although I'm slightly alarmed to see that she has listed 'Topspin Lobs' as being directed by Ken Russell on the CastingCallPro website! - Ken was indeed around during the shoot and we chatted to him a few times, (I remember making him a cup of tea in my house) but he was in no way involved in the making of the film. What a cheeky lady!

I have more information and images to post about this film! Stay tuned....