Sunday, February 22, 2004
What we did on our holiday
This was the second time we have been to Berlin- so we were a little more sussed about how to get the best out of the Festival.
Monday
We set of from Stansted at 2.15 and got to Shoenfeld a couple of hours later. A shuttle bus took us to the S-bahn (train station) and from there it was a short ride to Alexanderplatz.
By the time we got to A-platz it was snowing- the Tower looked like some weird UFO amongst the whirling flakes.
The hostel (Transit Loft) was a short tram ride away and we spent the rest of the evening settling in and exploring the little streets around it- lots of nice cafes, bars and eateries. With a bar in the hotel and an excellent billiard hall downstairs- many people didn't even leave the building.
Tuesday
Next morning we headed for Potsdammer Platz ( On a U2 fro A-platz) there we joined the Festival queue and bought tickets for a couple of Movies 'Trolley-wood' and 'A tale of two sisters'. (a Korean Horror Movie)
Those who didn't fancy Horror decided to go to the 'Talent Campus' to see some prize winning short films about Berlin.
We walked along to the Tiergarten and the Brandeberg Gate. Half of us then went on to the Reichsag/Bundestag- An amazing bit of Architecture with great views of the city.
The movies were both very good too- 'The Tale of the Sisters' was a psychological horror about 'Angry Ghosts' - A little bit like 'The Shining' or 'Don't look now'.
The Festival TV Channel interviewed us before we managed to escape Potsdammer platz.
Wednesday
Some of us went to the Zoo (and surrounding area) the rest of us went off to the Turkish Market (which was closed!) and then on to the 'East Side Galley'- the longest bit of Wall left which is covered with famous murals.
There was fairly pristine snow on the ground as we walked across the Tiergarten (snow ball fight ensued!) then passing the Russian War Memorial we got to the Talent Campus. A real paradise for media folk- lots of famous and wannabe famous film people. We sat in on a presentation from the Cinematographer from 'The Lord of The Rings' - lots of interesting technical stuff- including how to shoot 'day for night'. Lots of film footage- specially stuff which LOOKED like it was CGI generated- but was really LIVE. It would have been good to just hang around the Campus- there were lots of impromptu talks and events- Oh for a Press Pass!
Thursday
Today we went to the Alexanderplatz tower (very tall) and the Berliner Dom, The Dome is very atmospheric - specially the Crypt and on the viewing platform high above the Lustgarten. then on to see 'Trolleywood'.
The 'race for Trolleywood' was the best bit of the trip!- We were running late so we managed to lose half the party on the U-bahn 'French Connection' style.
Keep up folks! Michelle who was leading began to resemble a grey version of the White Rabbit.
The Film was good- a first feature documentary shot among the LA down and outs. The Director was a very young, very pretty and rather posh (female) photo-journalist who I managed to corner briefly and ask lame questions about film stock.
We ended the day by having a pleasant meal in a little Prenzlauerberg Cafe called 'The Titanic'- This was the last night of cheap beer, food and baccy.
Friday
The Turkish Market- and it was open! A place were you can get a slap up meal for a quid. Then on to 'The Topography of Terror'- the site of the Gestapo torture cells- ruins really- but with a creepy atmosphere. We then wandered into the Institute of Contemporary Art for a coffee -but ended up looking around some exhibitions and spotting two German Comedy/Performance Artists -as seen on 'Euro Trash'!
Then Check-point Charlie for a souvenir fest.
Airport and home (eventually)
Pity the poor minibus drivers (including me) Unknown to all John saved many lives by finding an audio tape of 'Bill Hicks'- which revived my fading brain sufficiently to get home at 3.30 a.m.
It was tiring - It was good- It was just before half tem.
Next year perhaps Rotterdam (Feb) or Florence (Nov)
This was the second time we have been to Berlin- so we were a little more sussed about how to get the best out of the Festival.
Monday
We set of from Stansted at 2.15 and got to Shoenfeld a couple of hours later. A shuttle bus took us to the S-bahn (train station) and from there it was a short ride to Alexanderplatz.
By the time we got to A-platz it was snowing- the Tower looked like some weird UFO amongst the whirling flakes.
The hostel (Transit Loft) was a short tram ride away and we spent the rest of the evening settling in and exploring the little streets around it- lots of nice cafes, bars and eateries. With a bar in the hotel and an excellent billiard hall downstairs- many people didn't even leave the building.
Tuesday
Next morning we headed for Potsdammer Platz ( On a U2 fro A-platz) there we joined the Festival queue and bought tickets for a couple of Movies 'Trolley-wood' and 'A tale of two sisters'. (a Korean Horror Movie)
Those who didn't fancy Horror decided to go to the 'Talent Campus' to see some prize winning short films about Berlin.
We walked along to the Tiergarten and the Brandeberg Gate. Half of us then went on to the Reichsag/Bundestag- An amazing bit of Architecture with great views of the city.
The movies were both very good too- 'The Tale of the Sisters' was a psychological horror about 'Angry Ghosts' - A little bit like 'The Shining' or 'Don't look now'.
The Festival TV Channel interviewed us before we managed to escape Potsdammer platz.
Wednesday
Some of us went to the Zoo (and surrounding area) the rest of us went off to the Turkish Market (which was closed!) and then on to the 'East Side Galley'- the longest bit of Wall left which is covered with famous murals.
There was fairly pristine snow on the ground as we walked across the Tiergarten (snow ball fight ensued!) then passing the Russian War Memorial we got to the Talent Campus. A real paradise for media folk- lots of famous and wannabe famous film people. We sat in on a presentation from the Cinematographer from 'The Lord of The Rings' - lots of interesting technical stuff- including how to shoot 'day for night'. Lots of film footage- specially stuff which LOOKED like it was CGI generated- but was really LIVE. It would have been good to just hang around the Campus- there were lots of impromptu talks and events- Oh for a Press Pass!
Thursday
Today we went to the Alexanderplatz tower (very tall) and the Berliner Dom, The Dome is very atmospheric - specially the Crypt and on the viewing platform high above the Lustgarten. then on to see 'Trolleywood'.
The 'race for Trolleywood' was the best bit of the trip!- We were running late so we managed to lose half the party on the U-bahn 'French Connection' style.
Keep up folks! Michelle who was leading began to resemble a grey version of the White Rabbit.
The Film was good- a first feature documentary shot among the LA down and outs. The Director was a very young, very pretty and rather posh (female) photo-journalist who I managed to corner briefly and ask lame questions about film stock.
We ended the day by having a pleasant meal in a little Prenzlauerberg Cafe called 'The Titanic'- This was the last night of cheap beer, food and baccy.
Friday
The Turkish Market- and it was open! A place were you can get a slap up meal for a quid. Then on to 'The Topography of Terror'- the site of the Gestapo torture cells- ruins really- but with a creepy atmosphere. We then wandered into the Institute of Contemporary Art for a coffee -but ended up looking around some exhibitions and spotting two German Comedy/Performance Artists -as seen on 'Euro Trash'!
Then Check-point Charlie for a souvenir fest.
Airport and home (eventually)
Pity the poor minibus drivers (including me) Unknown to all John saved many lives by finding an audio tape of 'Bill Hicks'- which revived my fading brain sufficiently to get home at 3.30 a.m.
It was tiring - It was good- It was just before half tem.
Next year perhaps Rotterdam (Feb) or Florence (Nov)
What we did on our holiday
This was the second time we have been to Berlin- so we were a little more sussed about how to get the best out of the Festival.
Monday
We set of from Stansted at 2.15 and got to Shoenfeld a couple of hours later. A shuttle bus took us to the S-bahn (train station) and from there it was a short ride to Alexanderplatz.
By the time we got to A-platz it was snowing- the Tower looked like some weird UFO amongst the whirling flakes.
The hostel (Transit Loft) was a short tram ride away and we spent the rest of the evening settling in and exploring the little streets around it- lots of nice cafes, bars and eateries. With a bar in the hotel and an excellent billiard hall downstairs- many people didn't even leave the building.
Tuesday
Next morning we headed for Potsdammer Platz ( On a U2 fro A-platz) there we joined the Festival queue and bought tickets for a couple of Movies 'Trolley-wood' and 'A tale of two sisters'. (a Korean Horror Movie)
Those who didn't fancy Horror decided to go to the 'Talent Campus' to see some prize winning short films about Berlin.
We walked along to the Tiergarten and the Brandeberg Gate. Half of us then went on to the Reichsag/Bundestag- An amazing bit of Architecture with great views of the city.
The movies were both very good too- 'The Tale of the Sisters' was a psychological horror about 'Angry Ghosts' - A little bit like 'The Shining' or 'Don't look now'.
The Festival TV Channel interviewed us before we managed to escape Potsdammer platz.
Wednesday
Some of us went to the Zoo (and surrounding area) the rest of us went off to the Turkish Market (which was closed!) and then on to the 'East Side Galley'- the longest bit of Wall left which is covered with famous murals.
There was fairly pristine snow on the ground as we walked across the Tiergarten (snow ball fight ensued!) then passing the Russian War Memorial we got to the Talent Campus. A real paradise for media folk- lots of famous and wannabe famous film people. We sat in on a presentation from the Cinematographer from 'The Lord of The Rings' - lots of interesting technical stuff- including how to shoot 'day for night'. Lots of film footage- specially stuff which LOOKED like it was CGI generated- but was really LIVE. It would have been good to just hang around the Campus- there were lots of impromptu talks and events- Oh for a Press Pass!
Thursday
Today we went to the Alexanderplatz tower (very tall) and the Berliner Dom, The Dome is very atmospheric - specially the Crypt and on the viewing platform high above the Lustgarten. then on to see 'Trolleywood'.
The 'race for Trolleywood' was the best bit of the trip!- We were running late so we managed to lose half the party on the U-bahn 'French Connection' style.
Keep up folks! Michelle who was leading began to resemble a grey version of the White Rabbit.
The Film was good- a first feature documentary shot among the LA down and outs. The Director was a very young, very pretty and rather posh (female) photo-journalist who I managed to corner briefly and ask lame questions about film stock.
We ended the day by having a pleasant meal in a little Prenzlauerberg Cafe called 'The Titanic'- This was the last night of cheap beer, food and baccy.
Friday
The Turkish Market- and it was open! A place were you can get a slap up meal for a quid. Then on to 'The Topography of Terror'- the site of the Gestapo torture cells- ruins really- but with a creepy atmosphere. We then wandered into the Institute of Contemporary Art for a coffee -but ended up looking around some exhibitions and spotting two German Comedy/Performance Artists -as seen on 'Euro Trash'!
Then Check-point Charlie for a souvenir fest.
Airport and home (eventually)
Pity the poor minibus drivers (including me) Unknown to all John saved many lives by finding an audio tape of 'Bill Hicks'- which revived my fading brain sufficiently to get home at 3.30 a.m.
It was tiring - It was good- It was just before half tem.
Next year perhaps Rotterdam (Feb) or Florence (Nov)
What we did on our holiday
This was the second time we have been to Berlin- so we were a little more sussed about how to get the best out of the Festival.
Monday
We set of from Stansted at 2.15 and got to Shoenfeld a couple of hours later. A shuttle bus took us to the S-bahn (train station) and from there it was a short ride to Alexanderplatz.
By the time we got to A-platz it was snowing- the Tower looked like some weird UFO amongst the whirling flakes.
The hostel (Transit Loft) was a short tram ride away and we spent the rest of the evening settling in and exploring the little streets around it- lots of nice cafes, bars and eateries. With a bar in the hotel and an excellent billiard hall downstairs- many people didn't even leave the building.
Tuesday
Next morning we headed for Potsdammer Platz ( On a U2 fro A-platz) there we joined the Festival queue and bought tickets for a couple of Movies 'Trolley-wood' and 'A tale of two sisters'. (a Korean Horror Movie)
Those who didn't fancy Horror decided to go to the 'Talent Campus' to see some prize winning short films about Berlin.
We walked along to the Tiergarten and the Brandeberg Gate. Half of us then went on to the Reichsag/Bundestag- An amazing bit of Architecture with great views of the city.
The movies were both very good too- 'The Tale of the Sisters' was a psychological horror about 'Angry Ghosts' - A little bit like 'The Shining' or 'Don't look now'.
The Festival TV Channel interviewed us before we managed to escape Potsdammer platz.
Wednesday
Some of us went to the Zoo (and surrounding area) the rest of us went off to the Turkish Market (which was closed!) and then on to the 'East Side Galley'- the longest bit of Wall left which is covered with famous murals.
There was fairly pristine snow on the ground as we walked across the Tiergarten (snow ball fight ensued!) then passing the Russian War Memorial we got to the Talent Campus. A real paradise for media folk- lots of famous and wannabe famous film people. We sat in on a presentation from the Cinematographer from 'The Lord of The Rings' - lots of interesting technical stuff- including how to shoot 'day for night'. Lots of film footage- specially stuff which LOOKED like it was CGI generated- but was really LIVE. It would have been good to just hang around the Campus- there were lots of impromptu talks and events- Oh for a Press Pass!
Thursday
Today we went to the Alexanderplatz tower (very tall) and the Berliner Dom, The Dome is very atmospheric - specially the Crypt and on the viewing platform high above the Lustgarten. then on to see 'Trolleywood'.
The 'race for Trolleywood' was the best bit of the trip!- We were running late so we managed to lose half the party on the U-bahn 'French Connection' style.
Keep up folks! Michelle who was leading began to resemble a grey version of the White Rabbit.
The Film was good- a first feature documentary shot among the LA down and outs. The Director was a very young, very pretty and rather posh (female) photo-journalist who I managed to corner briefly and ask lame questions about film stock.
We ended the day by having a pleasant meal in a little Prenzlauerberg Cafe called 'The Titanic'- This was the last night of cheap beer, food and baccy.
Friday
The Turkish Market- and it was open! A place were you can get a slap up meal for a quid. Then on to 'The Topography of Terror'- the site of the Gestapo torture cells- ruins really- but with a creepy atmosphere. We then wandered into the Institute of Contemporary Art for a coffee -but ended up looking around some exhibitions and spotting two German Comedy/Performance Artists -as seen on 'Euro Trash'!
Then Check-point Charlie for a souvenir fest.
Airport and home (eventually)
Pity the poor minibus drivers (including me) Unknown to all John saved many lives by finding an audio tape of 'Bill Hicks'- which revived my fading brain sufficiently to get home at 3.30 a.m.
It was tiring - It was good- It was just before half tem.
Next year perhaps Rotterdam (Feb) or Florence (Nov)
What we did on our holiday
This was the second time we have been to Berlin- so we were a little more sussed about how to get the best out of the Festival.
Monday
We set of from Stansted at 2.15 and got to Shoenfeld a couple of hours later. A shuttle bus took us to the S-bahn (train station) and from there it was a short ride to Alexanderplatz.
By the time we got to A-platz it was snowing- the Tower looked like some weird UFO amongst the whirling flakes.
The hostel (Transit Loft) was a short tram ride away and we spent the rest of the evening settling in and exploring the little streets around it- lots of nice cafes, bars and eateries. With a bar in the hotel and an excellent billiard hall downstairs- many people didn't even leave the building.
Tuesday
Next morning we headed for Potsdammer Platz ( On a U2 fro A-platz) there we joined the Festival queue and bought tickets for a couple of Movies 'Trolley-wood' and 'A tale of two sisters'. (a Korean Horror Movie)
Those who didn't fancy Horror decided to go to the 'Talent Campus' to see some prize winning short films about Berlin.
We walked along to the Tiergarten and the Brandeberg Gate. Half of us then went on to the Reichsag/Bundestag- An amazing bit of Architecture with great views of the city.
The movies were both very good too- 'The Tale of the Sisters' was a psychological horror about 'Angry Ghosts' - A little bit like 'The Shining' or 'Don't look now'.
The Festival TV Channel interviewed us before we managed to escape Potsdammer platz.
Wednesday
Some of us went to the Zoo (and surrounding area) the rest of us went off to the Turkish Market (which was closed!) and then on to the 'East Side Galley'- the longest bit of Wall left which is covered with famous murals.
There was fairly pristine snow on the ground as we walked across the Tiergarten (snow ball fight ensued!) then passing the Russian War Memorial we got to the Talent Campus. A real paradise for media folk- lots of famous and wannabe famous film people. We sat in on a presentation from the Cinematographer from 'The Lord of The Rings' - lots of interesting technical stuff- including how to shoot 'day for night'. Lots of film footage- specially stuff which LOOKED like it was CGI generated- but was really LIVE. It would have been good to just hang around the Campus- there were lots of impromptu talks and events- Oh for a Press Pass!
Thursday
Today we went to the Alexanderplatz tower (very tall) and the Berliner Dom, The Dome is very atmospheric - specially the Crypt and on the viewing platform high above the Lustgarten. then on to see 'Trolleywood'.
The 'race for Trolleywood' was the best bit of the trip!- We were running late so we managed to lose half the party on the U-bahn 'French Connection' style.
Keep up folks! Michelle who was leading began to resemble a grey version of the White Rabbit.
The Film was good- a first feature documentary shot among the LA down and outs. The Director was a very young, very pretty and rather posh (female) photo-journalist who I managed to corner briefly and ask lame questions about film stock.
We ended the day by having a pleasant meal in a little Prenzlauerberg Cafe called 'The Titanic'- This was the last night of cheap beer, food and baccy.
Friday
The Turkish Market- and it was open! A place were you can get a slap up meal for a quid. Then on to 'The Topography of Terror'- the site of the Gestapo torture cells- ruins really- but with a creepy atmosphere. We then wandered into the Institute of Contemporary Art for a coffee -but ended up looking around some exhibitions and spotting two German Comedy/Performance Artists -as seen on 'Euro Trash'!
Then Check-point Charlie for a souvenir fest.
Airport and home (eventually)
Pity the poor minibus drivers (including me) Unknown to all John saved many lives by finding an audio tape of 'Bill Hicks'- which revived my fading brain sufficiently to get home at 3.30 a.m.
It was tiring - It was good- It was just before half tem.
Next year perhaps Rotterdam (Feb) or Florence (Nov)
This was the second time we have been to Berlin- so we were a little more sussed about how to get the best out of the Festival.
Monday
We set of from Stansted at 2.15 and got to Shoenfeld a couple of hours later. A shuttle bus took us to the S-bahn (train station) and from there it was a short ride to Alexanderplatz.
By the time we got to A-platz it was snowing- the Tower looked like some weird UFO amongst the whirling flakes.
The hostel (Transit Loft) was a short tram ride away and we spent the rest of the evening settling in and exploring the little streets around it- lots of nice cafes, bars and eateries. With a bar in the hotel and an excellent billiard hall downstairs- many people didn't even leave the building.
Tuesday
Next morning we headed for Potsdammer Platz ( On a U2 fro A-platz) there we joined the Festival queue and bought tickets for a couple of Movies 'Trolley-wood' and 'A tale of two sisters'. (a Korean Horror Movie)
Those who didn't fancy Horror decided to go to the 'Talent Campus' to see some prize winning short films about Berlin.
We walked along to the Tiergarten and the Brandeberg Gate. Half of us then went on to the Reichsag/Bundestag- An amazing bit of Architecture with great views of the city.
The movies were both very good too- 'The Tale of the Sisters' was a psychological horror about 'Angry Ghosts' - A little bit like 'The Shining' or 'Don't look now'.
The Festival TV Channel interviewed us before we managed to escape Potsdammer platz.
Wednesday
Some of us went to the Zoo (and surrounding area) the rest of us went off to the Turkish Market (which was closed!) and then on to the 'East Side Galley'- the longest bit of Wall left which is covered with famous murals.
There was fairly pristine snow on the ground as we walked across the Tiergarten (snow ball fight ensued!) then passing the Russian War Memorial we got to the Talent Campus. A real paradise for media folk- lots of famous and wannabe famous film people. We sat in on a presentation from the Cinematographer from 'The Lord of The Rings' - lots of interesting technical stuff- including how to shoot 'day for night'. Lots of film footage- specially stuff which LOOKED like it was CGI generated- but was really LIVE. It would have been good to just hang around the Campus- there were lots of impromptu talks and events- Oh for a Press Pass!
Thursday
Today we went to the Alexanderplatz tower (very tall) and the Berliner Dom, The Dome is very atmospheric - specially the Crypt and on the viewing platform high above the Lustgarten. then on to see 'Trolleywood'.
The 'race for Trolleywood' was the best bit of the trip!- We were running late so we managed to lose half the party on the U-bahn 'French Connection' style.
Keep up folks! Michelle who was leading began to resemble a grey version of the White Rabbit.
The Film was good- a first feature documentary shot among the LA down and outs. The Director was a very young, very pretty and rather posh (female) photo-journalist who I managed to corner briefly and ask lame questions about film stock.
We ended the day by having a pleasant meal in a little Prenzlauerberg Cafe called 'The Titanic'- This was the last night of cheap beer, food and baccy.
Friday
The Turkish Market- and it was open! A place were you can get a slap up meal for a quid. Then on to 'The Topography of Terror'- the site of the Gestapo torture cells- ruins really- but with a creepy atmosphere. We then wandered into the Institute of Contemporary Art for a coffee -but ended up looking around some exhibitions and spotting two German Comedy/Performance Artists -as seen on 'Euro Trash'!
Then Check-point Charlie for a souvenir fest.
Airport and home (eventually)
Pity the poor minibus drivers (including me) Unknown to all John saved many lives by finding an audio tape of 'Bill Hicks'- which revived my fading brain sufficiently to get home at 3.30 a.m.
It was tiring - It was good- It was just before half tem.
Next year perhaps Rotterdam (Feb) or Florence (Nov)
What we did on our holiday
This was the second time we have been to Berlin- so we were a little more sussed about how to get the best out of the Festival.
Monday
We set of from Stansted at 2.15 and got to Shoenfeld a couple of hours later. A shuttle bus took us to the S-bahn (train station) and from there it was a short ride to Alexanderplatz.
By the time we got to A-platz it was snowing- the Tower looked like some weird UFO amongst the whirling flakes.
The hostel (Transit Loft) was a short tram ride away and we spent the rest of the evening settling in and exploring the little streets around it- lots of nice cafes, bars and eateries. With a bar in the hotel and an excellent billiard hall downstairs- many people didn't even leave the building.
Tuesday
Next morning we headed for Potsdammer Platz ( On a U2 fro A-platz) there we joined the Festival queue and bought tickets for a couple of Movies 'Trolley-wood' and 'A tale of two sisters'. (a Korean Horror Movie)
Those who didn't fancy Horror decided to go to the 'Talent Campus' to see some prize winning short films about Berlin.
We walked along to the Tiergarten and the Brandeberg Gate. Half of us then went on to the Reichsag/Bundestag- An amazing bit of Architecture with great views of the city.
The movies were both very good too- 'The Tale of the Sisters' was a psychological horror about 'Angry Ghosts' - A little bit like 'The Shining' or 'Don't look now'.
The Festival TV Channel interviewed us before we managed to escape Potsdammer platz.
Wednesday
Some of us went to the Zoo (and surrounding area) the rest of us went off to the Turkish Market (which was closed!) and then on to the 'East Side Galley'- the longest bit of Wall left which is covered with famous murals.
There was fairly pristine snow on the ground as we walked across the Tiergarten (snow ball fight ensued!) then passing the Russian War Memorial we got to the Talent Campus. A real paradise for media folk- lots of famous and wannabe famous film people. We sat in on a presentation from the Cinematographer from 'The Lord of The Rings' - lots of interesting technical stuff- including how to shoot 'day for night'. Lots of film footage- specially stuff which LOOKED like it was CGI generated- but was really LIVE. It would have been good to just hang around the Campus- there were lots of impromptu talks and events- Oh for a Press Pass!
Thursday
Today we went to the Alexanderplatz tower (very tall) and the Berliner Dom, The Dome is very atmospheric - specially the Crypt and on the viewing platform high above the Lustgarten. then on to see 'Trolleywood'.
The 'race for Trolleywood' was the best bit of the trip!- We were running late so we managed to lose half the party on the U-bahn 'French Connection' style.
Keep up folks! Michelle who was leading began to resemble a grey version of the White Rabbit.
The Film was good- a first feature documentary shot among the LA down and outs. The Director was a very young, very pretty and rather posh (female) photo-journalist who I managed to corner briefly and ask lame questions about film stock.
We ended the day by having a pleasant meal in a little Prenzlauerberg Cafe called 'The Titanic'- This was the last night of cheap beer, food and baccy.
Friday
The Turkish Market- and it was open! A place were you can get a slap up meal for a quid. Then on to 'The Topography of Terror'- the site of the Gestapo torture cells- ruins really- but with a creepy atmosphere. We then wandered into the Institute of Contemporary Art for a coffee -but ended up looking around some exhibitions and spotting two German Comedy/Performance Artists -as seen on 'Euro Trash'!
Then Check-point Charlie for a souvenir fest.
Airport and home (eventually)
Pity the poor minibus drivers (including me) Unknown to all John saved many lives by finding an audio tape of 'Bill Hicks'- which revived my fading brain sufficiently to get home at 3.30 a.m.
It was tiring - It was good- It was just before half tem.
Next year perhaps Rotterdam (Feb) or Florence (Nov)
What we did on our holiday
This was the second time we have been to Berlin- so we were a little more sussed about how to get the best out of the Festival.
Monday
We set of from Stansted at 2.15 and got to Shoenfeld a couple of hours later. A shuttle bus took us to the S-bahn (train station) and from there it was a short ride to Alexanderplatz.
By the time we got to A-platz it was snowing- the Tower looked like some weird UFO amongst the whirling flakes.
The hostel (Transit Loft) was a short tram ride away and we spent the rest of the evening settling in and exploring the little streets around it- lots of nice cafes, bars and eateries. With a bar in the hotel and an excellent billiard hall downstairs- many people didn't even leave the building.
Tuesday
Next morning we headed for Potsdammer Platz ( On a U2 fro A-platz) there we joined the Festival queue and bought tickets for a couple of Movies 'Trolley-wood' and 'A tale of two sisters'. (a Korean Horror Movie)
Those who didn't fancy Horror decided to go to the 'Talent Campus' to see some prize winning short films about Berlin.
We walked along to the Tiergarten and the Brandeberg Gate. Half of us then went on to the Reichsag/Bundestag- An amazing bit of Architecture with great views of the city.
The movies were both very good too- 'The Tale of the Sisters' was a psychological horror about 'Angry Ghosts' - A little bit like 'The Shining' or 'Don't look now'.
The Festival TV Channel interviewed us before we managed to escape Potsdammer platz.
Wednesday
Some of us went to the Zoo (and surrounding area) the rest of us went off to the Turkish Market (which was closed!) and then on to the 'East Side Galley'- the longest bit of Wall left which is covered with famous murals.
There was fairly pristine snow on the ground as we walked across the Tiergarten (snow ball fight ensued!) then passing the Russian War Memorial we got to the Talent Campus. A real paradise for media folk- lots of famous and wannabe famous film people. We sat in on a presentation from the Cinematographer from 'The Lord of The Rings' - lots of interesting technical stuff- including how to shoot 'day for night'. Lots of film footage- specially stuff which LOOKED like it was CGI generated- but was really LIVE. It would have been good to just hang around the Campus- there were lots of impromptu talks and events- Oh for a Press Pass!
Thursday
Today we went to the Alexanderplatz tower (very tall) and the Berliner Dom, The Dome is very atmospheric - specially the Crypt and on the viewing platform high above the Lustgarten. then on to see 'Trolleywood'.
The 'race for Trolleywood' was the best bit of the trip!- We were running late so we managed to lose half the party on the U-bahn 'French Connection' style.
Keep up folks! Michelle who was leading began to resemble a grey version of the White Rabbit.
The Film was good- a first feature documentary shot among the LA down and outs. The Director was a very young, very pretty and rather posh (female) photo-journalist who I managed to corner briefly and ask lame questions about film stock.
We ended the day by having a pleasant meal in a little Prenzlauerberg Cafe called 'The Titanic'- This was the last night of cheap beer, food and baccy.
Friday
The Turkish Market- and it was open! A place were you can get a slap up meal for a quid. Then on to 'The Topography of Terror'- the site of the Gestapo torture cells- ruins really- but with a creepy atmosphere. We then wandered into the Institute of Contemporary Art for a coffee -but ended up looking around some exhibitions and spotting two German Comedy/Performance Artists -as seen on 'Euro Trash'!
Then Check-point Charlie for a souvenir fest.
Airport and home (eventually)
Pity the poor minibus drivers (including me) Unknown to all John saved many lives by finding an audio tape of 'Bill Hicks'- which revived my fading brain sufficiently to get home at 3.30 a.m.
It was tiring - It was good- It was just before half tem.
Next year perhaps Rotterdam (Feb) or Florence (Nov)
Sunday, February 08, 2004
I'm in Berlin all week (9-13th) for most of my students this means a chance to catch up with course-work.
AS Media are working on Project Briefs also on an exam question- "How do films tell stories/ Refer to two films of your choice and discuss some of the main techniques used by film makers."
The two films we watched were 'Donnie Darko' and 'Blue Velvet'- but any other Film is OK.
For A2s there's also a question- "Account for the popularity of one genre of your choice. Illustrate your answer with examples."
Speaking of exams- I've just been marking AS MED1 papers- A first form -I usually mark MED2s.
The marking was a bit of a revelation - Heres my first sage advice for anyone trying the MED1 'Reading the Media' exam.
1. Don't DESCRIBE the text- ANALYSE IT - this means running it throough your 'Concept Grids' - such as THE KEY CONCEPTS'.
You also need to EVALUATE it- that means make an arguement based on your analysis.
Use all the Key Concepts you can- but don't be afraid to concentrate on what you think is the main feature of the text.
Always try and say something about ideology and Representation.
Spot something
Relate it to a concept
Make a comment which shows how it is part of a bigger picture.
Also this week - The best BBC Workshop- (I'm missing it) It starts at 11.00 and is on Camera & Lighting technique. (Friday 13th at Whiteladies Rd)
CIAO- See you all after Half Term (on my birthday- Monday 23 Feb!)
AS Media are working on Project Briefs also on an exam question- "How do films tell stories/ Refer to two films of your choice and discuss some of the main techniques used by film makers."
The two films we watched were 'Donnie Darko' and 'Blue Velvet'- but any other Film is OK.
For A2s there's also a question- "Account for the popularity of one genre of your choice. Illustrate your answer with examples."
Speaking of exams- I've just been marking AS MED1 papers- A first form -I usually mark MED2s.
The marking was a bit of a revelation - Heres my first sage advice for anyone trying the MED1 'Reading the Media' exam.
1. Don't DESCRIBE the text- ANALYSE IT - this means running it throough your 'Concept Grids' - such as THE KEY CONCEPTS'.
You also need to EVALUATE it- that means make an arguement based on your analysis.
Use all the Key Concepts you can- but don't be afraid to concentrate on what you think is the main feature of the text.
Always try and say something about ideology and Representation.
Spot something
Relate it to a concept
Make a comment which shows how it is part of a bigger picture.
Also this week - The best BBC Workshop- (I'm missing it) It starts at 11.00 and is on Camera & Lighting technique. (Friday 13th at Whiteladies Rd)
CIAO- See you all after Half Term (on my birthday- Monday 23 Feb!)
