Day One

We assembled in the dark at Costley Park, ready to begin. The night had been filled with wind and rain, and some of the crew worried about what the day would bring. Me, I slept like a baby. I woke to the first day of filming with a huge sense of anticipation.

It was dull and grey to start with. But then, with perfect timing, the sky turned golden, the birds sang, and we had the perfect dawn opening we'd all been hoping for. It was a bit of divine magic which either happens or doesn't, and we were fortunate enough to be on the receiving end.

The rest of the day followed as it should - a keen team of crew traipsing around Ponsonby following Arthur on his adventures. It was a chance for everyone to hit their straps and get used to working as a team. And apart from our DOP putting his back out, it all went swimmingly. We kept on schedule and wrapped early.

So strange to see a story which has only existed on paper and in imagination come to life. What a great privilege for a writer. I'm looking forward to every day of this.