Tuesday - Continuation of filming Doc Martin

Filming took place the entire day...until 7:00pm. Unfortunately the weather did not cooperate. It was drizzly and cold all day...but the crew soldiered on (time is money).We were advised that Martin Clunes (Lead Actor in the series) was not going to be here (day off) but he would be filming the next day in the streets. However, due to the weather forecast they decided to film on their nearby sound stage (set-up in a local converted barn) instead. They use this stage set for all interior shots of the surgery. Sally and I spent the entire day watching the filming and by the end of the day were allowed to be right on the set (out of camera range obviously) - I guess since the director had noticed that we had been there all day watching and were behaving (not speaking etc during the shots and were following all the rules. To be this close to the actors and crew producing this was fascinating and a privilege. The work that goes into the making of TV shows is incredible. I was impressed at the level of discipline and professionalism I must say. It takes hours to film one scene with so many elements to consider it's mind blowing. The filming crew worked extremely hard, continuing through all the prop changes, actor placement and traffic management in the village (life goes on in the village with cars/trucks etc constantly driving through the set area etc ) and, of course, the weather challenge. The crew always maintained their sense of humor under difficult circumstances, that's for sure! A great day out for a Doc Martin fan.

Harbour side of Bert's restaurant.

The Red Peril (Bert's Van)

Bert's van in the harbor parking area (actually parked on the beach - tide was out!) ready for use...

Ian McNeice (Bert Large)...what a nice chap, he actually posed for this shot.for me.

Wildlife (dinner to me!) on the side of the road en route to Auntie Joan's Farm.  Location is about 15 minutes from Port Isaac......

Auntie Joan's Chicken Coop on the farm.

Auntie Joan's farm house....

When they do outside shots of the pub they use the Horseshoe Inn in Tresparret. We drove over to take a look but it is closed on Monday's and Tuesday's....

Returning from Treparret back to Port Isaac (Port Wenn in the series)

The Old School House (our hotel) can be seen directly ahead.

P.C. Hale (left)starts filming (he wore shorts all afternoon in the cold and damp Port Isaac)

The lead actress in the show Louisa Glasson (Caroline Catz) arrives for rehearsals and shooting.

Doc Martin's surgery in the series.

and so to dinner at "The Mole" in Port Isaac after a busy day of hurry up and wait activities on the set of Doc Martin Series 5.............Wonderful day.

Next stop - If it's Wednesday it must be Swanage in Dorset!