Miss Dover and I decided to take a day away from the Mill today and visit my parents who live nearby. My washing had reached critical state and we were looking forward to a belated Sunday lunch promised on our last meeting. Film production has ground to a halt as I am awaiting for a delivery of helium gas and potassium ferricyanide. It should arrive tomorrow. We had an enormous roast lunch and a good deal of white wine and gin and tonic. There must be a study somewhere on increased alcohol consumption in artists in residence. It seems to be on a par with UN operatives in war zones. After lunch we returned to the Cornerhouse for a meeting with Dr Andrew Willis Reader in Film Studies at the University of Salford, expert in the films of Cliff Twemlow, and Sarah Perks who will be leading the 'In Conversation' on Thursday. I managed to escape with only one beer drunk as I thought I might need my wits about me later. I had promised to help Mr Moisander extract HD video files from my camera, not a simple task.

Naked Woman in Shower

Spent the morning strangling Mr Moisander with a long blue rope. Mr Bracey and Miss Dover took pictures. Mr Moisander survived and dashed off to the attic wearing a long black wig. http://www.juhanamoisander.com/

We are over half way now. Staying at Islington Mill has been a pleasant experience made perfect by Bill and Morry's easygoing hospitality. Most enjoyable (and terrifying) has been the cinematic showerroom/toilet in my room which has forced Miss Dover or I to hide screaming under the covers whilst the other answers a call of nature. On the other hand the shower does offer a bedside show worthy of any Bond film.

Built a light aircraft using balsa wood and grease proof paper. Attempted liftoff in a small disused toilet on the first floor. It was unsuccessful.

Terror

I have made thirteen films so far with just over a week to go. "Pearlville" is in full swing. But looking back in my notebook I realise I have failed to make nearly anything I planned. In something of a state Miss Dover has dragged me away from the Mill. She is hoping I will be able to relax.

Plans

Plans for today.
1. Use this blog to write more reports
2. Order helium. Following the debacle yesterday I need more gas.
3. Build a light aeroplane and attempt to fly it on some nearby wasteland.
4. Set up surveillance on front door.
5. Take my washing to mum's

At the screening I chose to show. Lelouche's "Pour un Maillot Jaune", 1965 and a souvenir video of the Blackpool illuminations circa 1989. After my very nervous and hurried introduction all went smoothly. Although as expected the illuminations video had an interesting effect on the audience. At first there was hysterical laughter at Chris DeBurgh's desperately fading powers. Then more laughter at the crazy lights presenting Coronation Street stars and pepsi cans. Then came exhaustion and despair as the lights went on and on unrelenting into the night. The filmmakers themselves obviously didn't know when to stop and so, quite arbitrarily, they decided to wait til morning and film a ride on the big dipper.

Meetings

I am waiting for a visit from Mr Bracey. He has sent a message explaining that even though he is a little worse for wear he is nevertheless keen to see what I have been doing. Last night we had a meeting with artists which proceeded in the usual fashion for such events. Mark from Bureau was much taken with Miss Dover and has invited her to his studio (I shall tag along). Tonight I have been asked to present a film to a group of fellow artists at the Mill. I have decided upon Lelouche's "Pour Un Maillot Jaune" and a tourist video of the Blackpool Illuminations opened by Chris DeBurgh.