Monday 31st January - Wednesday 2nd February

11:09 ST  Back home and back to Torchwood
          Everyone well rested ready to rock n roll :-)
11:46 BBC Julie is back! The US crew is prepping.
15:19 AS  Back to the grind at 4:42am
17:33 BG  Torchwood fans....we start the US filming of the 2nd block tomorrow.
          Starting off with an easy day then it'll get crazy!
19:27 BG  6am crew call on Torchwood tomorrow. 
          Which means 4:42am for hair, makeup, wardrobe and 2nd A.D. Yikes.
          4am for catering.

07:11 JE  We've got sweet chair backs at Torchwood!
08:24 JE  names are on the other side
08:29 JE  Here's one with a name...
08:41 JE  mine just says "producer". So boring!
12:14 DL  By @BillyGierhart Torchwood

Photo: Jane Espenson via Twitpic

Photo: Jane Espenson via Twitpic

Photo: Dichen Lachman via yfrog

14:05 AS  Dear Mr. Pullman, how do u act so creepy when u are actually a
          nice NOT creepy guy? I know that it's 'acting' but where does it come from?
15:43 AS  (What sort of costume is his character wearing...?)
          he has had like 5 changes so far...
          For the most part they r what u would expect/imagine.

Photo: Shawna Trpcic via Twitpic

Photo: Shawna Trpcic via Twitpic

Photo: Shawna Trpcic via Twitpic

09:31 BBC RTD and Mekhi are on a plane back to LA! Not going to lie, 
          the US crew wants RTD back can you blame us? Safe travels gentlemen.
09:35 BBC Currently we are shooting EP 2/3 together. We've got a seriously great cast 
          and crew (UK/US) pulling this off, very well may we add.
09:38 BBC With the time change we just realized that Torchwood is shooting
          AROUND THE CLOCK.

Thursday 3rd February

"Doesn't this make u wanna take a nap?"
Photo: Alana Stone (via Twitpic)

Photo: Jenni Cole/lilferret
via Twitpic

Made another trip to an on location filming of Torchwood. Again they were at City Hall in Downtown Los Angeles which is SUCH a great location; the building and the city are really beautiful. Today wasn't quite as eventful as my last trip out, but of course anything Torchwood has me excited!

So here's the rundown. Last week I got a message from a friend saying he heard they were filming this time and location. And the details of the filming were HILARIOUS. It said: "Bad Wolf filming in L.A. Thursday, Feb 3, 2011 Bad Wolf Productions" Ha, Bad Wolf, that's amazing. Of course he saw this and knew it was Torchwood, especially since it was at the same location as last time.

I was actually considering not going because I didn't have anyone to go with but this morning my friend Jenni said that she and her husband Jeff could come. I jumped at the chance and we were off! When we got there we saw the set up shown in the picture. And that was pretty much our view the rest of the night. The only recognizable cast member on set was Lauren Ambrose who is playing "PR guru" Jilly Kitzinger. Let me tell you guys, she is GORGEOUS in person, her hair, her wardrobe was adorable, I bet this is gonna turn into a cosplay look. Heck maybe I'll grab a wig and try it sometime. Good on her being so pretty and well done to costume, hair and makeup, just aces.

The scenes filmed outside were rather uneventful. Mostly just walking and talking with some woman, couldn't tell you more if I wanted to. That being said, we had fun it was great being on the set none-the-less. They also spent about 2 hours filming inside the building which we couldn't watch so it's POSSIBLE other cast members were there, but we didn't see if they were. Also, we got shushed at one point, from across the street! I think maybe we were having too much fun, but can you blame us? It's Torchwood!

Photo: Jenni Cole/lilferret via Twitpic

Photo: Jenni Cole/lilferret via Twitpic

Photo: Jenni Cole/lilferret via Twitpic

(with thanks to Dana Shukartsi from Barrowman Day - read her full blog entry on-site)

Friday 4th February

Photo: Alana Stone (via Twitpic)


Photo: Daryl Crittenden
(via Twitpic)

16:03 DC  on Torchwood today.... going to be a BLAST!
16:44 ST  Just getting started on set after long day in the
          office. Probably shoot till 7am Sat.
          Just as long as I'm up for Superbowl :-) Go Steelers!
17:40 BBC We've got a wonderfully long night ahead of us here
          in the US with Bill and Lauren.
          Gotta love night shoots.
          Coffee is your life partner!
20:44 DC  Here we go...
02:53 DC  Phone died while on set... :(
          here's all I'm going to show you...
          amazing night!

Monday 7th February - Wednesday 9th February

I've got straight hair!
Photo: Rachel Leah Cohen
(via Twitpic)


My Trailer
Photo: Rachel Leah Cohen
(via Twitpic)

10:20 AS  back to school... and work...
12:20 BBC We've got Alexa Havins here with us today with a
          special guest, here's a clue 
          "uh uh uh didn't say the magic word".
12:59 RLC I got straight hair! !!!
13:28 RLC with an hour to kill.....
          just walking around the Warner brothers lot
15:30 RLC still waiting to shoot with a super fun guest star!
16:22 RLC just waiting to go to set
16:44 RLC great set. great people!
20:37 AS  "Dodgson! Dodgson! We've got Dodgson here!
          See? Nobody cares. Nice hat!"

13:04 JE  Oh my! Sexy happenings on the Torchwood set today
16:00 BBC Go team Torchwood !

22:54 RLC the hair a tad wind blown...but by my trailer.

20:45 RLC Had a blast. Great cast and crew!
22:43 JE  Back on location for Torchwood tomorrow.
          And it's a creeeepy scene. Can't wait!
          Sleep now!

Thursday 10th February

Torchwood - Face of Building

Get it? Face of Building? Like Face of Boe? I really struggled with a title on this entry. Filming tonight was in an office building so I thought about doing a play on the "Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang" office scene...I almost went with "don't want you getting over-excited" but it seemed a bit wordy. It would have been fitting though because honestly I have very little to report. My friend Jenni and I made the trek down to Downtown LA where we saw the outside of a building! Very exciting I know. The picture there is from across the street but really we didn't see anything. I assume they were filming indoors and there was security at the entrance. Tomorrow we're going to check out two locations as well, maybe we'll have more luck. I'll be sure to keep you updated.

(Photo: Jenni Cole/lilferret, via Twitpic)

(Photo: Jenni Cole/lilferret, via Twitpic)

(with thanks to Dana Shukartsi from Barrowman Day - read her full blog entry on-site)

00:47 BBC Our apologies for the suspense. EVERYONE IS BACK IN LA!
          The UK shoot was outstanding.
          What honor to collaborate with the original TW Crew.
00:54 BBC Gave RTD a grand welcome back hug on set today, we missed him.
          Our call tomorrow is late at a night club, break out your dancing shoes!

Friday 11th February

Mystery man with me and John Barrowman
Shawna Trpcic
(via Twitpic)

11:45 AS  Trying to prepare for another Fr-aturday...
18:07 JE  On Torchwood, it's still three hours until lunch. 
          I'm staring at food truck anyway.
18:31 BG  Gratzia!
20:09 ST  Hey what Torchwood fans r watching our production meeting :)
20:49 JE  (we call a food truck in Texas "the roach coach")
          We call them that too, but this is actually the truck
          of the on-set caterer. Delicious hi-qual food! Yummy!

Photo: Jenni Cole/lilferret
via Twitpic

The best thing I saw today was THIS cone, the cone right there, I cannot tell you the amount of joy I got out of the TorchCone. To be fair by the time me and my companion (ha) Jenni got to the TorchCone we had already walked a couple of miles, searching locations and generally getting lost. We were exhausted and I am inclined to believe the TorchCone was more amusing to us than it actually was.

Filming today was...uneventful for the observer. As far as we could tell all the filming was taking place indoors so we didn't get to see anyone, but I had a bit of fun in seeing the buildings and imagining Jack atop them.

We did actually have some exciting fan moments. We were in viewing distance for part of a production meeting. We couldn't hear anything but it was cool seeing certain faces like RTD and Jane Espenson. We saw a lot of emphatic gesturing but nothing to be given away certainly. it looked like a fun group and Jane was kind enough to come mingle with us mere mortals; she was very sweet. Oh and we got a twitter wave from Shawna Trpcic who does the costumes and earlier tonight tweeted a pic of her and John on set, which I'm sure has made rounds by now.

All in all we had a lovely time, which was, as always, enhanced getting to talk to the lovely folks on set. We met a particularly kind security guard who chatted with us, Danny I think his name was. He did a fine job, hopefully we helped make his shift a little more enjoyable. As for spoilers to share, afraid I don't really have any and you know from past reports how I am about that.

Photo: Jenni Cole/lilferret via Twitpic

Photo: Jenni Cole/lilferret via Twitpic

Photo: Jenni Cole/lilferret via Twitpic

(with thanks to Dana Shukartsi from Barrowman Day - read her full blog entry on-site)

(via Twitpic)

11:41 BBC Russell went up to greet a fan who was fixing our
          air conditioning here at Warner Bros. AWESOME!

Monday 31st January

09:04 Confirmed TW setting up filming now in Hampton Hotel Carpark
09:44 Defo TW one burt tree van, one security guard and a small crew.
      Oh and a police traffic car
09:54 They are setting up for a rolling motorway chase.
      Car on back of low loader type filming truck
10:18 Not long now and they will be on M4.
      Police ready. No sign of JB or anyone we know
10:30 looks like just base and setup for motorway scenes
10:44 Had to leave :( been told they have carpark and conference
      room booked all day so if your in the area!!

The Swansea shoot was dramatic, and potentially explosive, but in the interest of maintaining a 'tease but don't spoil' policy, I'm restricted as to what I can reveal. For me, the most interesting thing was the work of the BBC Cymru Art Department, who I had a long and pleasant chat with. They'd acquired an old, closed and mouldy butcher's shop in Frogmore Avenue and transformed it into an old-fashioned, but pristine family pharmacy.

The pharmacy, complete with leaded glass windows, each costing over £800 to produce, gave the shop a totally authentic feel. Fully stocked with 'chemistry' goods, each item polished and positioned to perfection, the pharmacy was so convincingly real, potential customers had actually tried to buy things, and one elderly lady had actually attempted to collect her doctor's prescription!

The idea of 'big budget' comes to mind here, as this lovingly created on-street set would appear in Torchwood for a matter of minutes, and would not (possibly!) survive the evening's shoot!

One thing was confirmed: the UK filming is all largely based on exterior shots. Most of the interior shooting will happen in LA, as one of the production team told me, you'll see Captain Jack go through an aged wooden door into a rustic Welsh cottage, and when he's inside - the identical closed door you'll see will be on a studio set in LA, as will Jack!

Lots of American voices were around today. A silver haired woman who seemed to work closely with RTD and BM, a guy in a silly hat and a large guy dressed in his Arctic survival coat. It'd be nice to get them all identified! As ever, RTD was present, pleasant and personable, happily signing autographs and posing for pictures with fans. I'm impressed he takes the time to do this.

As for the shoot, it happened when Swansea was at its coldest, ie, after dark and at about -4°C. The team from REAL SFX (experts in ka-boom pyrotechnics) turned up, along with a trailer marked 'Animals For Filming'. I expected a lion or something ridiculous to get out, but instead, it was Spike, a Jack Russell terrier who was the star of the shoot.

There were multiple takes of a scene involving a car, some very bad driving and some near collisions. Each was highly choreographed, and repeated ad infinitum, with Spike and his on-screen owner dutifully acting out their roles. The last thing we heard was an enormous CRASH, accompanied by a stack of smoke and dust, and the Art Department's skillful work was gone, forever, and ambulances and police cars were ready for action... all in the interests of Torchwood, of course!

You can find more photos from the day from both Chris Williams and Iris Halliez on Facebook.

 

Tuesday 1st February

I arrived in town at about 10am, and headed right for Mount Stuart Square, a 'classic' square of 'government-style' Victorian architecture used several times in Doctor Who, previous Torchwood episodes and even Upstairs Downstairs. There were two locations, one, an old bank dressed to resemble perfectly a Cardiff police station, and the Coal Exchange, transformed into a modern city hospital. The amount of work done by BBC Cymru's art department was phenomenal.

The police station now had blue doors, frosted glass with the words 'POLICE' and 'HEDDLU' in frosted glass, and a shambles of real-looking police cars and vans parked outside it, and 'Crimestoppers' etc posters shabbily on some external windows. It really looked 100%

The Coal Exchange too, as a hospital, a tribute to its creators, a total transformation having been achieved in just 24 hours. Both of the oak entrance doors had been removed and been replaced with glass swing doors and modern 'foyer' architecture, and the signage was perfect for a contemporary hospital. We had an Emergency Admissions door, no smoking signs, hospital department signposts, gurneys, parked up ambulances, etc. You'd easily have been fooled it was real if you were a passer by!

Slightly eerily, a shrine had been set out in front of the hospital. Hundreds of cards reading such stuff as 'Another day with our precious Emily', and 'Come home soon, dad!' I notice one rather cheeky one which simply said 'We love you, Russell!' - with a happy smiley underneath. RTD would indeed be touched! The shrine was adorned with candles, burning incense and flowers, and looked real - and well established!

Several scenes were filmed here, the major one involving Eve, Kai and the baby in front of the hospital. Other scenes involved ambulances racing to and from the hospital. Amazingly, though on TV it will look as though they moved at speed, perhaps for hundreds of meters, in reality they moved for less than 20 meters before the scene was cut, and the next section of it filmed separately.

Eve and Kai were fluent and comfortable in their roles, though the baby was rather odd. On occasions - it was a real human baby, looking perhaps a year old. I other scenes, it was a mere bundle of perfectly-folded rags, lovingly taken out of a box marked 'Anwen'. What a way to transport a young child! Several people, by the way, thought raggy Anwen looked about half the size of real Anwen, but I guess we'll see if the cameras correct this apparent discrepancy!

We first saw Tom Price outside the mock police station, ex-Nat West police station. In full uniform, he was immediately personable, and actually played up for the crowd. At one point, he started photographing us with his white iPhone whist in character, and then made rather amusing faces. He posed for pictures, obligingly wearing his hat on request, and happily signed at least a million autographs. He's a cool guy. His shoot was ruined countless times by two rather noisy seagulls which, I think deliberately, decided to squawk immediately upon hearing the
word 'Action'!

The evening shoot started late, at around 10.30pm. We had our first glimpse of John Barrowman and Mekhi Phifer, who I was previously certain had returned to the US. Eve, in huge hair curlers, Kai, Rhys and plastic Anwen were on set too, all arriving in their own separate cars.

Eve, Kai, John and Mekhi were involved in the filming. Loads of goofs, John and Eve cracking up, some cartoon running meant we had at least 20 takes. After each one, John and Eve would 'let their hair down' and treat us to dancing, hand and thigh slapping and general JB tomfoolery. It really was funny to watch - they have awesome chemistry between them!

I loved it when John moved into his car to warm up between takes. Each time, he's smile, pose for more fan photos and would exchange a few words with us. He also enjoyed more than the odd laugh with other cast members, at one point dragging Tom Price into his car, and slepping him firmly across the buttocks! Tom immediately announced that he's enjoyed the experience!

Poor Mekhi appeared frozen to the marrow, was wrapped up like Scott of the Antarctic and was constantly drinking coffee in an attempt to stave off hypothermia!

Later scenes involved car chases, SWAT assaults, shooting and a kidnap... but here we're heading into spoiler territory!

You can find more photos from the day from both Chris Williams and Iris Halliez on Facebook.

 

The two scenes I saw yesterday were Gwen and Rhys meeting Andy outside the hospital, and Gwen, Rhys and Jack getting cornered by Rex and the Police, led by Andy.

During the first scene, Andy meets Gwen and Rhys (who is holding baby Anwen), smiles and says "long time no see", so this is their first meeting of the series by the looks of it. They then have a short exchange which ends in Andy saying to Rhys "Gwen Cooper was the best Police officer we ever had!"

Second scene was Jack, Rhys (again, with Anwen) and Gwen, sitting on the steps on the Plas. Rex seems to be with them, too. Jack is explaining something to Gwen. She asks him something, and he shows her his wrist, which has a red cut/scar on it, and no vortex manipulator. Rex, who is beside the trio, and has a white shirt with a gunshot wound and blood on, says something to Jack. Presumably he's asking him what's wrong, and Jack yells "It doesn't concern you!". Then he says "You there, CIA, do something useful!". Rhys then shouts "She's just a kid, Jack!", gesturing to Anwen. Then Police cars surround them from all angles, and Andy emerges.

Gwen: Hold it there! [to Andy]
      Did you call them!? [the CIA]
Andy: They're in charge.
Jack: Say's who!?
Rhys: He can't arrest us, he's American!
Rex:  This isn't an arrest (he then goes on to say
      something about it being a plead for help)
      Now get me out of here! Get me home, go!

That was it, more or less. At the end John made a little speech about how he was glad Torchwood was moving on to do bigger and better things, so looks like that's the end of the filming in Wales.

I'll admit it: I didn't think we'd ever see Torchwood filming again in the Plass. The events of Children of Earth: Day 1 seemed pretty final. All the buzz around Miracle Day suggested TW was looking forward, not back. When I heard they were due to film at the Coal Exchange, I thought it was nice they'd be coming back to Cardiff Bay, but had no hope that this would mean filming near the water tower.

So, yesterday was a nice surprise. Seeing TW back where it all began reminded me what I love most about the show, and why watching it being filmed is such a pleasure. Three things: The Cardiff locations, that are actually meant to be Cardiff. That lovely cast, who evidently enjoy making the show, and are happy to engage with the fans. And meeting so many positive fans, who love Torchwood as much as I still do.

You can read more filming reports from Alun at his blog Posterous, and further photos from Tuesday on Flickr

Wednesday 2nd - Tuesday 8th February

(via yfrog)


(via yfrog)

Thu 14:04 Kai: Tom get back to work you!!
               You've got a lot of pressure on your shoulders.
Thu 16:35 Kai: I will be in a lorry for the next 11 hours.
Thu 17:03 Kai: Tom back to work!!!
               You've got massive pressure on your shoulders.
               I'm surprised you can sleep at night.
Thu 22:08 Kai: I'm glad I'm stuck in this lorry.
               It's freezing and blowing a gale outside.
               Our crew are immense.
Fri 11:58 LM:  Just been booked for work on Torchwood on Monday...
               Hands up who wants a piece of John Barrowman?
Fri 11:59 Jay: En route to location! Heavy winds and rain today
               so I've got my thermals on for a very late finish.
Fri 14:35 Kai: My blood is boiling already!!! COME ON WALES!!!!
               I'm still on nights so will miss it.
               Bloody Torchwood shite.
Fri 15:40 Kai: We're actually back in Cardiff filming this week!
               I'm on nights and filming up the road from the game!
               Typical!
Fri 20:43 Jay: Yey, a break from filming.
               All cast and crew trying to catch some of the
               Wales Match. So it doesn't look good for us then :(
Sat 00:51 Jay: That's a wrap on Torchwood, now the drive
               back to Swansea in these crazy winds!
Sat 01:03 Jay: The team are here for a few more weeks,
               some great scenes too! Series will be out in July
Sat 01:47 BBC: Eve and Kai have a wonderful production day Saturday.
               We're missing you over here in the US production office.
Sat 02:05 Jay: Wicked night filming Torchwood tonight with Kai Owen and Eve Myles on set!
               Can't wait to see it in the new series.
Sun 14:46 LM:  Slightly nervous about making it to set on time tomorrow morning...
               Sounds like its in the middle of nowhere!
Mon 10:15 Kai: Tom hasn't stopped eating or complaining.
               This "promotion" has gone to his head. I don't like the guy at all.
Mon 11:49 Kai: Turd. (photo of Tom Price)
Mon 13:11 Tom: Doggers Anonymous. (photo of Kai Owen)
Mon 14:52 LM:  So cold! Out in pyjamas and only just broke for lunch!
Tue 18:51 Kai: I'm all wrapped here in the UK.
               It's been the best two weeks I've ever had on TW. (so far!)
               Cast and Crew are phenomenal and all deserve to get plastered tonight.
Wed 09:08 Kai: Had the UK shoot wrap party last night.
               I don't feel well at all.

Monday

05:33 It was Cardiff. So inspiring... Up at 3:30am ready for first day.
11:19 Have not been this cold in years!
12:00 So hard to speak when you can't feel your face!!!!
18:47 Only just got my lines out my face was so numb.

19:30 BBC's Torchwood has been on site filming today near
      the British Airways Maintenance hangar.

12:27 Tom Price (photo via Yfrog) CHECK OUT MY NEW WHEELS. Bargain Hunt in the front seat. Bling.

14:52 Tom Price (photo via Yfrog) Annoyingly playing a police officer means everyone on set thinks you're an extra. Facial expression doesn't help.

12:31 Ben (photo via Yfrog) They're filming Torchwood about 100 ft away from me

16:39 Day 1 in Wales finished! UK crew awesome. Eve Miles rocked today..
      Now if I only could overcome jetlag

19:10 Everyone made it safely. Despite jet lag, the cast and crew have hit 
      the ground running in Cardiff!
19:18 Mekhi is definitely feeling the UK cold, tomorrow's temperature doesn't
      look any better. Don't fret we're sending 2tons of heat packs stat.
19:21 Julie and Russell are so happy to meet old friends from the crew of
      the original Torchwood, Doctor Who and Sarah Jane.
19:25 Lets give a warm welcome to director Billy Gierhart who has completed
      the first scene from Ep.2 and say hello to Bharat Nalluri for us!
19:29 We're having some serious RTD withdrawals over here, the office is just
      too quiet and the time change, gross. Very jealous of the UK crew.

Tuesday

I heard a few rumours from normally reliable sources that Torchwood were heading off to Gower... and, coincidentally, to Rhossili Bay, popular with tourists, surfers and one of my favourite places in Wales. Getting close to the Bay, I was beginning to wonder if my 60 mile journey would be in vain.. but the reassuring 'BM' sign at the Scurlage turn off put my mind at rest.

Today was a grey day, and umbrellas and winter coats were evident. Clearly, the cast, crew and security guys were freezing, and the Gower Peninsula was not showing itself at its best. The Base, Rhossili's car park, was packed full of the usual trucks, including make up, FATTS, lighting & special effects, though the catering trucks almost caused me to trespass!

Two helicopters caught my eye - one brown and military looking, the other sleeker, and I think, there to film the other in action. They were constantly circling Rhossili Bay, and Rectory Cottage, a farmhouse on a very steep hill. I wasn't clear what was happening at first, but one of the air crew told me the 'action' was actually in the cottage, but the track to it was closed!

Still, I found myself an alternative path down, the one I normally curse when struggling down in the summer with my surfboard. There were loads of trucks, and red & white mini-buses ferrying crew and cast up and down from the hill to the base.

I was quite pleased to see external lighting rigs and shields, as this clearly meant we'd see some action outside. Soon after I spotted Kai Owen, wearing a ridiculous cardigan and a pair of 'farmer's' corduroy trousers. Kai was relaxing between takes.

A few minutes later, the helicopter was back, circling the cottage - and security staff telling me to get out of the way of the shot. The shot comprised Kai, as Rhys tending a fire in his yard, puahing twigs around with a shovel. He noticed the helicopter - and appeared worried when it appeared to 'buzz' the cottage. Was someone unwanted looking out for Gwen and Rhys?

I heard from a crew member who had read some of the scripts that the helicopters contained the 'bad guys', possibly from some government agency, and they were actively seeking Gwen. We'll see in July if that turns out to be the case!

Eve appeared to be lurking by a wall, either keeping out of shot, or just quietly freezing. I was disappointed not to be able to get a decent picture of her! Maybe the next couple of days will bring us better luck!

At this point, I spotted Russell T. Davies and Julie Gardner, now both based in Los Angeles. They called a set meeting, and after a huddle and a few words, Rhys again did his 'fire' scene, and the helicopter dutifully came back for a further spin. It also started to rain - heavily! It felt real good to see Russell and Julie back in Wales.. wish they were back here permanently!

I hear they're filming at Rhossili for two more days, and at some point, pyrotechnics are promised. I may return to see!

 

You can find more of Chris's photos from the day in his Torchwood! Facebook photo album.

Wednesday

16:12 Just been stopped on my beach walk... Because they're setting dynamite off!
17:07 Lots of machine gun shots. Helicopter is back. 
      Seems to be hovering behind the house
17:15 Looks like they're getting rid of the Real SFX van, trucks etc 
      so they can get some shots of the house from the helicopter
18:42 The cast and crew have broken for tea. Looks like a night shoot.

20:55 fun day freezing on a south wales beach with
      Torchwood and lots of exciting helicopter action...

Thursday

22:17 "Today's car chase on Rhossili beach is the most complicated
       and thrilling action sequence we've ever attempted" - Russell, Julie

Friday

The Base seemed smaller than usual - I'd not be surprised if we later hear of a second unit, working somewhere else in the area. It was fantastic meeting up with the main man, Russell T. Davies at the Base. We've met a few times before, previously in & around Cardiff, and we always manage a chat. I'd not caught up with him since his move to LA, so this was a welcome re-acquaintance.

I asked Russell how he was finding life in LA. He said that it was beautiful and he loved it, but it was clear he was more than pleased being back in Swansea, his beloved home town. When I asked if LA was a permanent home for him, he quickly replied that he was out there for 'a few years', but his firm intention was to return to Wales.

The topic of Ianto Jones and the campaign to resurrect him briefly came up. It was pretty clear that Russell hadn't really picked up that there was a campaign, or that it had somehow not really registered on him. He was very excited about 'Miracle Day', and secretive too. The vague few details he did allude to, I'm not going to print.

Russell confirmed that filming in Wales was scheduled for two weeks, but didn't seem to feel that this was fixed in stone. I'd not be surprised to see it extended. Did Russell expect to see future series of Torchwood? Yes he did, he certainly hoped so, and 'couldn't see why not'.

When I said that I was a little worried that Wales would possibly become less & less a part of any ongoing future Torchwood series - Russell said that he felt Wales would always feature in the show. He said that in a warm & sincere way.

As for today's filming, Russell suggested it might not be that exciting... perhaps a couple of people rushing into, and out of a house.

Russell then finished his coffee, posed for a couple of pix, and disappeared to record an episode of 'Confidential'. Whether he meant 'Confidential' - or 'De-Classified', I'm not sure.

Off to the location. A lovely & very typical row of Swansea terraced houses in the Town Hill part of the town. This clearly was going to be a lengthy shoot. I'm told the shoot was at 'Geraint's house' - he's Gwen's dad, played by Will Thomas. Perhaps some 'family time' was about to occur! The road was closed to all traffic from 0800 thru midnight, and heavy duty lighting rigs were all over the place.

I briefly chatted to producer, Brian Minchin, he of the 'BM' fame. He confirmed things were going well, and that the shoot was expected to take two weeks. Again, Brian hoped that Torchwood would continue beyond Miracle Day.

A larger number of security staff perhaps reflected the urban environment, and for the first time ever - photography was 'strictly banned'. I was told, oddly, that the director (a long haired, bearded, hippy-like character who's name I couldn't pronounce) was 'jumpy' when it came to cameras!

At this point, with powerful lights were trained on the target property, and runners were running, majorly, it was time to head home. A quick spin around the area, a trip to Mumbles and one of Joe's famous ice-creams - the best Wales has to offer!

 

You can find more of Chris's photos from the day in his Torchwood! Facebook photo album.

Eve Myles, John Barrowman and Tom Price were present, as was RTD. There was an ambulance, and a Police car. As well as Andy there was also a SWAT team of officers with large guns.

Cambridge Road itself is only short, and you can see from one end to the other, so getting photos wasn't too hard.

(additional photography from Dave Edwards)

Also worth noting, the Police/ambulance had Welsh on them, so this is specfically Wales rather than the UK (sort of a given really).

Filming is to continue tomorrow according to locals.

18:16 We've just got word that today's unit base is located
      at the school where Russell's mother used to teach. Quite nostalgic.
19:23 Mekhi's just finished his photo shoot dressed in a blood soaked shirt.
      All we can say is YES!
03:32 Temperatures are falling to -2 on tonight's shoot.
      The wet down of the location is cancelled in case of freezing.

Saturday

It was the first time I'd visited a Torchwood location since they filmed the "Newport riots" for Children of Earth in October 2008. Security was much tighter yesterday. I doubt they'd've blocked the road off with barriers in the past. That said, the security guards didn't seem bothered by my taking a few pics. Perhaps that was because filming was too far away to get more than a few pixels even with my 24x zoom!

Still, it was worth the trip to see Torchwood back on a typical South Walian street. The highlight of that last day in 2008 was Eve Myles turning up in a pair of green wellies, so it was nice that yesterday's scene was also all about Eve. It was hard to tell what was going on, but it seemed to involve some official-looking chaps paying a visit to Gwen at Number 27.

(additional photography from Leanne Haywood)

You can read more filming reports from Alun at his blog Posterous, and further photos from Saturday on Flickr

Monday

10:40 AS  A 30 hour weekend was not enough to prepare me for the week.
          Womens prisons, haunted hospitals... And btw those rn't storylines.
14:32 BBC After a long great week of work we're at it again.
          Eve, Mekhi, & Kai all day today.
          They say hello and tell everyone you know to follow us!

21:06 KO  Cracking day. Cracking Day. Eve gorgeous, Mekhi awesome.

Tuesday

07:47 JE  Meeting John Barrowman RIGHT NOW. He's RIGHT THERE.
08:52 BBC They're having a table read for EP#2 upstairs.
          Bill Pullman is on location today. Great stuff.
11:43 TP  Just done read of eps 2&3. Woooo. It's really good.
          I played several roles, including Man#2 which I think
          has awoken LA to my arrival well.
13:01 BBC Family style lunch with everyone.
          We're all going to have Welsh accents by the end of this show.
          It'll be wonderful.
13:58 KO  The read through was epic! Amazing scripts. Great cast. Brilliant. 

(posted via yfrog)

00:22 AS  is going to prison at 6:42am. 
          I'll check in via FB and twitter once I'm situated haha
07:01 ST  Big scenes today dressing 86 background head to toe.
15:11 AS  Laying on a cold hard floor...

23:56 GB  a very long day with an 8am script read for episodes 2+3,
          then long location shoot at an old prison - 
          we love Arlene Tur a lot....

Wednesday

10:36 KO  Off in to work. It's gonna be emotional, and very HOT!!!
12:26 AS  Oh my gosh. Bill Pullman = brilliant!
          So frighteningly good it's hard to watch.

(posted via Twitpic)

Thursday

09:30 AS  Oh boy... couldn't sleep in this morning but I have to work all night,
          outside, in the cold... this might not be good.
14:20 BBC The action never stops, tonight is a big night for John and Alexa
          on location in LA. We working hard on trying to release teasers :-)
14:24 BBC Tomorrow is a super big travel day for cast and crew. 
          Goodbye LA, hello Wales. :-)
          Don't worry, we'll be tweeting from both locations.
14:31 BBC We will miss everyone here until you return, wishing you safe travel.
          Now its time for the highly anticipated day 9 explosion. FUN.
18:53 BBC EP 2 and 3 production meeting then off to set to visit John and Alexa -
          we hear its really exciting over there.

(with thanks to Kristine Keller)

(with thanks to Tony Arranaga)

Monday

21:14 Alana Stone:   Day one of Torchwood filming starts at 4:42am Monday morning... 
                     Here we go.
21:57 Jane Espenson: I have to be up early for Torchwood shenanigans in the morning.
                     So g'night, Twitter!
07:34 Jane Espenson: we start shooting new episodes today!
09:57 BBC Torchwood: Day 1. First shot 8:01am. Coffee pots are bottomless today.
12:32 Alana Stone:   Wow day 1= crazy good team work but crazy none the less!
17:24 Nate Goodman:  Great first day of shooting Torchwood done! 
                     But the really fun stuff yet to come..
09:18 BBC Torchwood: Day 1, smooth sailing, we're so lucky to have such a great crew.

Well my bags are packed! I fly to LA tomorrow and am on set with Eve on Thursday!!
Torchwood - Miracle Day is coming. I'm buzzing.

Tuesday

via Twitpic

Wednesday

17:07 Night shoots all action packed and it's John's first day of work.
      Really exciting night.
17:21 STUNTS! STUNTS! So many STUNTS!

Thursday

07:10 Kai Owen:      Good morning from LA! 
                     I start work on Torchwood - Miracle Day. Tonight!!!
20:01 BBC Torchwood: She's here tonight everyone, the Eve Myles. 
                     Tonight we've got almost a full cast.
                     John, Alexa, Kai. Bill and Russell are meeting as well.
23:58 Alana Stone:   Day four... All night in CIA headquarters.

(via Plixi)

(via Twitpic)

(via Twitpic)

Off to LA next week! That's about it really!

Friday

20:12 BBC Torchwood: John and Alexa have an exciting scene to shoot tonight.
                     We're all taking turns to visit location. 
                     We love our Torchwood Crew!
22:08 Alana Stone:   Day/night 5... No rest for the wicked. 
                     Poor Alexa is running in 5 inch heels. Girl is a trooper!
01:26 Shawna Trpcic: Crew will shoot til 6 or 7 am time for me to sign off. Blessings.

Capt. Jack Harkness is shooting new Torchwood by my office.
The 21st Century is when it all changes. [pic]: http://4sq.com/g1Eibs

Had my first shot at running into John Barrowman this past week (to no avail) when I stopped by an on location shoot for Torchwood. They were filming at a building in downtown Los Angeles which was, as you'd expect, not open to the public. The security guards were all very nice though and they did confirm that Torchwood was filming there. I got a number of responses regarding what time they would start filming so I didn't end up seeing anyone. However, I did get a glimpse inside the building. The set up looked like a bank with a giant vault. I've heard that other films and shows have been shot there but I am unable to confirm that. It looked really great and while they wouldn't let me in to snap any pictures they were kind enough to let me shoot the backside of the vault...through a scratched up window. I know it's not much but I thought I would post it anyhow.

 

(with thanks to Dana Shukartsi from Barrowman Day - read her full reports on-site)