A film update from Madeira

I have been working on my film while staying in Madeira. This break, away from home and my regular work commitments, is allowing me the space and time to visualise and start honing the ‘look’ of the Cradle of Fire film.

A view of Madeira’s Volcanic mountains photo: Diana Scarborough

Being in Madeira is inspirational – the largest island in an archipelago in the North Atlantic, it sits on the African Tectonic plate, but is culturally, ethnically and politically connected to Portugal, one of the outermost regions within the European Union.

It is at the very top of a massive shield volcano that rises out the floor of the ocean. The most recent eruptions took place some 6,500 years ago, adding to the cinder cones and lava flow formations that shape the land.

Volcanic pool on the island of Madeira photo: Diana Scarborough

I managed to take some footage of fish swimming in volcanic pools in Porto Moniz, in the north of the island, which was a challenge on several levels.

I also filmed some of the volcanic rock mountains at the highest point of the island. Perhaps these shots will appear in the film as it evolves?  It is amazing to think that the entire island of Maderia is actually the tip of a ‘sleeping’ volcano that emerged from the sea. This is tapping into various aspects of the story of Vulcan for me.

Cradle of Fire film layer featuring Will Hill font: Vulcan

Some of the work that I have been doing focusses on Will’s font. Some variations are included in the images that illustrate this blog.  I have also added some photographs from my travels across the island, and other stills were taken during my recent Madeira filming adventures.

Cradle of Fire film layer Vulcan and fire

Striking the balance between holidaying and working is not so easy, but it is certainly reenergising me. Creativity is flowing and I am also finding time to recharge physically and mentally, while enjoying the people, landscape, architecture and general approach to life on this essentially rather remote island.

Cradle of Fire film layer Survivor with Will Hill’s font 2_wm_resize

The food is amazing… simple and fresh, and mostly local. Everything is recycled as there is no room for landfill… It is a very distinct vibe and it is a good one!

Blog by Diana Scarborough (with Emma Boden)

Cradle of Fire film layer featuring Will Hill’s font

Cradle of Fire film storyboard featuring a statue of Venus