Who would have thought that my knitting could lead to me becoming a film star!
OK, that’s overstating it slightly 😉
So here’s what happened…
I was contacted by an independent filmmaker, via his wife on Ravelry. Sergey explained he wanted to make a short documentary about knitting to expand his portfolio and wondered if I’d like to be his subject??!
I was so surprised and flattered!
I wondered if someone was playing a cruel joke on me so I vetted Sergey… He checked out!! Sergey Stefanovich- is a London based independent Video Producer / Director of Photography, who has been working in the film and video production industry for over 12 years and has an impressive portfolio and list of clients.
Lots of emails later and a thorough review of Sergey’s fabulous website www.Filmvideo.co.uk which showcases some of his work, the great day of filming arrived…
Sergey and his assistant Ekaterina, turned my living room into a filmstudio – with lights and cameras and microphones and a whole lot of kit I couldn’t name….
Getting set up…
Then Ekaterina proceeded to ask me questions about my Knitting World – It was quite stressful – I didn’t know what she was going to ask next! It was like the longest work interview ever!!
Yes I am as worried as I look in that picture!!
All thoughts of me having my Sunset Boulevard, “Norma Desmond” moment quickly faded….
There was none of this!
Alright Mr DeMille, I’m ready for my close up now…
If you’ve not seen the film, wonderfully crafted story of a faded and deluded 50 year old film star who tried to recapture he youth by making another film – Clip of the closing scene here–>> “Alright Mr DeMille, I’m ready for my close up now”
There was however, quite a lot setting up, changing lenses and re-shooting, checking the sound.
Sergey sets up for the opening shot in the garden…
It was actually hard work but all very professionally done and the most tremendous fun 😀
I pretty much spent 9 hours talking about knitting and showing off my achievements – who wouldn’t enjoy that huh?
We shot sections all over the house and garden, interviewed Ben in his Man-Cave, got the opinion of Kitty and Ziggy (who mostly said “give us more treats and we’ll stay out and permit you to film us”) and went to Bromley to meet the Guilty Knitters and interview them too!! I even met Sergey the following week after work so he could film me knitting on the train 😯
**Top Tip** I discovered that no one will sit next to you if you have a man with a large camera obviously filming you on a train. It’s a great way to ensure enough elbow room for knitting!!
Yesterday the long awaited and slightly dreaded day arrived – The documentary is done.
It’s there, online, for the whole world to watch.
I hate my voice – I honestly thought I’d been dubbed by a a croaky old woman and didn’t recognize my voice in the voiceover!! But apparently, this is very normal – only ego-maniacs enjoy watching themselves and actually think they look and sound good 🙂
I suppose you’re wanting to see the finished article now aren’t you?
Gulp…OK…Here’s my Premiere…Roll out the red carpet…Lights, camera and ACTION!
Press play then pause and let the video load before clicking ‘play’ again. This way is best to watch it so it doesn’t stop all the time due to slow Internet speed
**Susan runs and cringes in the corner but hopes you’ll like it***
What a lovely video! You looked great, but you’re right … no one likes watching themselves on video. And can I just say I’m terribly jealous of your neat and tidy home? Brava, well done!
That was fantastic! I loved it!
What a great film. That’s so fabulous and your house is gorgeous – I am very jealous, of that and your stash of course, but I was always jealous of your stash 😉 I bet it was a really interesting thing to do.
Loved everything about this. Thank you for doing it. As a solitary knitter it was great to see someone knitting and talking about it as an extra to my daily dose of Ravelry. And I totally agree about not knitting anything you don’t want to and taking an interest in each other’s hobbies. Long may you keep it up Susan, Ben, Ziggy and Kitty! X
Bravo!!!!!! It’s an amazing video. I love it. And when I saw your stash I got crazy…..Thanks for sharing it with us.
Fantastic! I loved it. You were brilliant and the images of the film were so lovely to watch. I’ve followed your blog for a couple years, but to see all your knits together like that was amazing. You really do beautiful work (this film included!) Congratulations!
Loved it, I know what you mean about hearing your own voice but the film is great. Guilty Knitters is a great group and we love coming. Envious of your stash store and hubby has no reason to moan at me any more!!
wonderful, I really enjoyed the video, it is lovely to hear someone talk about something they are obviously so passionate about 🙂
Lovely 🙂 I too am jealous of your lovely neat home 😉
Just watched this and loved it! You came across really well and looked so relaxed – a fantastic advertisement for knitting, and yes, I too am a wee bit envious of your beautifully tidy house!
I love this! How nice to have a documentary of your knitting. I didnt think you sounded scratchy at all; you look lovely! Nice to meet some of the “guilty knitters,” (chuckling about your stash), and Ben and the kitties, and to have a tour of your serene looking home. You make knitting seem so classy and fun! Cheers, julie
Loved seeing projects familiar from your blog on film, it made them seem 3d and more real! And you came accross as very measured, passionate, sensible and knowledgable. Great film! (And yes I too am a little envious of your stylish minimilist house. Consolling myself by imagining frantic pre film crew tidying, although it would take weeks of tidying for my house to come close!)
This is such an amazing video. You have a lovely home and my goodness you are one gorgeous woman. 🙂
I stumbled across your blog today and was utterly inspired by it and the film. I am 64 have been knitting since I was 5 years old when my grandfather taught me on a pair of nails, but i would never before have had the courage to try anything as creative as you have. I am about to become more ambitious :). Now what can I use from my stash?
I really enjoyed the film – you are a wonderful ambassador for the art of knitting, Susan. What is that wonderful grey going to be, I wonder?
kind regards
Deborah
what fun! going to get a cup of tea and watch it now 🙂
Both the wife and I loved this video, much more so than either of us thought we would, bearing in mind that neither of us are knitters.
I love this video for the positive light that it casts on how somebody can take a passtime or interest that they love, and surround themselves with it, and then share and expand on that little world created with others who also share the same or similiar interests.
There’s just something so damn nice and uncontrived about that, and the video perfectly captures that, and I think that is why the wife and I were moved so by it.
The wife and i are gamers, and any gamer will know that whilst we may love our hobby, it has its fair share of internet thuggery in it, to the point sometimes when you start to wonder if its more of a war than a passtime.
So it was just such a breath of fresh of air, and genuinely touching, to see a little vignette (Susan had to help me with that word ;)), where someone demonstrates how a life can be positively shaped and enhanced by having an activity you just enjoy for no other reason than you enjoy it.
Both the wife and I had these silly smiles on our faces as we watched the movie, because it was just so damn nice to see it and it moved both of us muchly!
Anyway, as you were, and thank you Susan! (and Hi Ben!)
What a beautiful video Susan! I love your projects, your ideas, you are such an inspiration and seeing all that put in a video is a perfect way of sharing your world with your readers! Wonderful shots and a great interview! Thank you for letting us be a part of your life even for just a few minutes:)
How lovely the idea of your video is! It is so intimate, like entering into the world of Susan Crowe and absorbing the energy and positivity you share. I absolutely loved your video and seeing all your projects live showed them being even greater than they are in pictures! Thank you!
Dear Susan, I’m so amazed! Wonderful idea, beautiful video!
I never knew the kniting could be so interesting and beautiful. I’m very impressed. The knitted clothes are so cute, warm and elegant! Each idea is so cool!!! The video is perfect! Great work! Thank you
I absolutely fell in love with your work!
G E N I U S I want a knitted outfit for my ken doll
Wow! how inspiring! My mum spent year knitting and doing crochet, and I even tried once but i must confess I am not that skillful with my hands! I really enjoyed what you said about NOT turning your hobby into a career, i completely agree with you! And Susan, I never met you but your voice sounds really natural and relaxing. If you were nervous, then you fooled us really well!. Loved the doc! Enjoy your knitting!
Lovely video! Is there anything better than having a passion and being able to share it with others?
Hi Susan, what a truely lovely and inspirational vid. I have a pash for knitting and yarns and can SO relate to it. It was just wonderful to hear you talk knitterly and see your fabulous projects. If anyone were having a knitting slump – this film would do the trick! You once very kindly emailed out of disaster when I was in a tangle with ‘Halcyon ‘. Thanks ever so much. Best Wishes xxx
The video is great! I love the splashes of red around your place…and on you…my Hubs is definitely an enabler…he even buys me yarn..and not the cheap stuff either….;)
What a lovely video. It’s so nice to hear another knitter say, “I knit what I want, when I want. . .” That is what the joy of knitting is all about. Brilliant!
That is such a lovely film. It is great to see knitting presented in a way that isn’t being slightly patronising. This shows knitting as a skilled activity but one that is accessible.
And the examples of your work are all so elegant. I liked your Kidsilk Haze multicoloured wrap. I made one of those in shades of blue, green and purple and I love it.
Tell me, what pattern is the cardigan you are wearing?
I’m behind on my blog reading and only just catching up. Wow!! Congratulations on being part of such a stylish project. You looked great, and I loved ‘meeting’ Kitty and Ziggy too. My stash might be on a par with yours………but do I care? Nope!!! I love yarn and buying it and having it to squish and admire is all part of knitting!
Hi Susan ever thought of doing a couple of instructional videos, teaching certain stitches or patterns?
Hi Chris
I’d love to but I don’t have the equipment or the skill to film them – that was Sergey’s genius!
Susan
wONDERFUL FILM. iT REALXED ME JUST WATCHING!