In all the many celebrations of Charles Darwin's 200th birthday and 150th year since first publication of his greatest work, my favourite by a long way is the Nature Network 'unconference' 'Cromer Is SO Bracing'. The meeting, organized by my friend and colleague Henry Gee, featured a geological field trip, a workshop on crocheting toy marine invertebrates, and the scripting and shooting of a short film called 'Cromer: Darwin's Lost Weekend' (as well as a superb lunch by Mrs Gee). Henry has blogged several posts from the meeting, starting with this one, and progressing in order: Friday lunchtime; pier review; Saturday afternoon; and Sunday. Delegate Erika Cule has blogged about it here (day one) and here (day two). The eagerly anticipated highlight, though, is the movie Darwin's Lost Weekend, directed by Graham Steel. I can now bring you exclusive news that, before the film itself, or indeed a trailer, is released, you can view "THE MAKING OF" - courtesy of FriendFeed as I do not have a clue if I can or, if so, how to embed a video into this blog. Having viewed the 'making of' video, I can't wait for the main event.
Fascinating video, and I am sure I have seen that bus somewhere before???
I like invertebrates a lot, especially when they are properly fossilized, but I wonder whether an unconference is a bit like an unbirthday?
Posted by: Dorte H | 07 March 2009 at 19:25
I wish to point out that my involvement in this project is only as Musical Director, not Director.
The Producer's (Trevor and Steven) will be busy editing and mixing as we speak, however.
Thnx,
Graham
Posted by: Graham Steel | 07 March 2009 at 20:31
Thanks, Graham. I should have written "musical director and video inspiration."
Posted by: Maxine | 07 March 2009 at 20:35
Well, that bus is not one of Cromer PTA's.
CISB was more UN-conference than any other unconference, I would venture. I mean, there wasn't actually a conference. It was a fascinating exercise in cooperation though, and was good to see how ideas for the film and script developed. A bit of brainstorming, then some dedicated effort from talented people. Then on the second day some expertise came along and made sense of the disjointed maelstrom we had created.
I am optimistic it will be a minor masterpiece.
Posted by: Frank Norman | 07 March 2009 at 20:37
I iz now huge fan of the UN-conference.....
"Yagshemash", as Borat would say.
Posted by: Graham Steel | 07 March 2009 at 20:46
Mr G S of Galapogus, sorry, Glasgow (near Cromer) very much likes this:- "musical director and video inspiration"
Posted by: Graham Steel | 07 March 2009 at 20:52
The bus very definitely went to the station that time. It'll win a Golden Glob (and I use the word advisedly) for Nicest Dog and will be the greatest thing since Charles Darwin inventing the Christmas Pudding.
Posted by: Henry | 07 March 2009 at 21:03
I'll be arriving on (maybe in) my i-Tractor, next time...
Posted by: Graham Steel | 07 March 2009 at 21:29