Saturday/Saturday 8th Dec. 2001 We began our session earlier than usual so that we could go to Kudze's circus school and carry out some filming of the school rehearsing for their cabaret performance next Saturday. The group's rehearsals were very disciplined and quite intensive. We realised that our filming would have to be very unobtrusive so as not to disturb rehearsals and to film the performers being at their most natural. Samuel was nominated to operate the camera while Marianne and Shepresa shared sound recording. Without headphones for the boom operators, it was difficult to keep them interested in the conversations in the room when they were themselves out of earshot. They all did however maintain a great level of concentration and conducted themselves in a very professional manner. The visual activities surrounding us were fascinating and proved irresistible for two members of the group who were invited to try out the trapeze. Samuel worked with dedication to get some really great shots in a very intensive session and dramatically improved his camera skills. When the circus school rehearsal came to an end, we headed back to our base to have lunch. While we waited for the arrival of food, we watched recordings of cookery shows to compare styles of shooting and editing techniques. We reviewed our cookery film from last week and began to edit it. The editing process failed to capture the attention of two of the younger group members who were getting tired and wanted to play with the centre's facilities, which considering the busy morning was understandable, so they took a break. The others took it in turns to complete at least two edits, the projector is so useful here as everyone is able to clearly see those edits carefully while preparing for their own turn. When we had completed the editing exercise, we reviewed the morning's work, which instantly regained the full attention of the group. We have got some very good shots and we discussed the types of shots we should look for at the cabaret next week, when we hope to bring two or more cameras. Nitika Sharma managed to make it to the session in the afternoon, the video diary she was working on with her sister and cousin wasn't finished so we decided she could have the camera for another week. As the session ended, the group was reminded to keep working on their ideas books and to think of a name for our group. Angela