Well, what a busy weekend. From February 19-21, we shot footage for three more episodes of STT. The cast and crew really pulled together, given that I was way less organized than I normally am for something like this. There is a lot of planning that goes into any shoot, including location scouting, props acquisition, contracts, shot lists, craft services (making sure everyone gets fed), and so on. It was a bit kamikaze, but it went so well. And of course in there I also had to get Episode 2 up online.

Saturday, we were on set at 7:30, at Books on Beechwood, who were kind enough to let us use their store as Dan's place. Staff and customers at the bakery next door peered through the window wondering what we were doing. When we wrapped the scene at 8:45, most of us dropped next door to pick up some fresh scones. When asked by the woman behind the cash what we were shooting, I was delighted when we told her "A web series called Sweet Tarts Takeaway" and she responded "Oh, I've actually watched that!"

On to "Sue's house", where we started a bit late, because I got lost on my way over, and I hadn't budgeted for set decoration time to get Sue's kitchen messy and prepped for Janis to be cooking in. We were especially pressed for time because Kel had a 1:00 call at The Gladstone Theatre, where she was playing Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest. Poor woman was probably even more tired than I was after this weekend, having done the morning STT shoot, an afternoon matinee and an evening performance of Wilde's play.

Sunday's shoot started at 9, at Arts Court, where once again Third Wall Theatre let us use their office for Bob's place. I had been fretting about the possibility they wouldn't actually be open at 9, as it was a Sunday before a holiday, but the staff were there on time, and we were able to get started right away.

The cast did well under immense pressure ... I underestimated how much time we would need to get the scenes at Bob's office done, and we ended up behind. Arriving late at the yoga studio location, we managed to grab everything we needed, and finish the day on time. I don't want to spoil episode 7, but the scenes in the yoga studio are hilarious. The actors have amazing comedic timing.

Monday evening we shot for the first time with Evan Welchner, who will have a recurring role as Curtis, Janis's son. Now on my third director of photography of the weekend (due to holiday scheduling), we set to work grabbing the first scenes of what will be episode 5. Our big challenge was how to avoid seeing the snow that blankets the ground here in Ottawa. When we shot the first four episodes, it was fall, and relatively balmy. In the end, I think we managed, although the actors were cold, having to wear lighter coats than they normally would in minus 13 Celsius temperatures. Cast and crew are real troupers!!

Now we are polishing up episode 3, for next Monday's release, and I am trying to figure out how I can rest, while still trying to produce and promote a weekly web series. It's crazy and tiring, but I have never felt so happy and energized about my work.

-Bonnie

From the set