I am Sherlocked?

So today I saw the 3rd series of Sherlock being filmed. It was pretty great i might say!

It started with me heading up at 5am from the coach station using National Express to London. I don't know if it was the little girl in me getting excited at the prospect of possibly seeing said filming, or the fact i'd had a satisfying amount of sleep. Either way i spent the journey watching the sun slowly appear listening to Alt-J. After arriving in London, I headed over to hand out forms for participants, all eager to get to camp and get their visas.

At about 2, when i could leave, I ran to Green Park tube station and raced to Euston Square. After getting out of the underground I rushed over to North Gower street to be greeted by at least 100 fans of Sherlock and the sight of Mark Gatiss and Martin Freeman chatting. I blended in with the crowd and grabbed my camera; filled with anticipation. I started talking to an Italian fan about where she had traveled from, general chit-chat and of course, a love for Holmes.

Gatiss and Freeman chatting on the set of Sherlock

   About 10 minutes later we were moved across to the corner of the street and Freeman disappeared. The set was organised for the first shoot on N. Gower and we all lay in wait for action to be called. This took a little while, but i think we were all so excited at seeing the process happen nobody seemed to mind the standing.

Lights...Camera...

 Arwel Wyn Jones, the production designer for Sherlock was taking pictures of the 'Fandom' gathering again. Set hands and runners rushed about and Mark Gatiss stood chatting to others by Speedys.

Not so random Arwyn

Not long after this there was a hum in the crowd and all attention was drawn to the mouth of N. Gower. Benedict Cumberbatch had arrived and the 'Cumberbitches' were showing. A few waves were thrown to the gathering and smiles exchanged. It wouldn't be long now, and shooting would start. It was really interesting to watch this part of production. Yes of course it was amazing seeing these actors in their natural environment, but it's also fascinating to watch it raw in front of your eyes then to see it later transpire to film.

Cumberbatch arrives on set

After a little longer, Cumberbatch and Freeman disappeared inside and filming began. I was apprehensive to begin with that seeing filming would spoil details of the new series, but in all honesty you cant hear anything. Also, the scene they were shooting was Sherlock and John exiting 221B with Sherlock hailing a taxi. 

Taxi!

This was shot a couple of times before the actors stood around chatting and messing around. It was nice to see them interact with one another. I dont know maybe its my love for observing that made me happy to watch. Maybe it was just because it was actors who I respect. I dunno. It was enjoyable either way.

Smiles on Set

Detail change?

 Anyway. After a little while longer, a couple more takes were shot and the actors and crew gathered for what looked like the promotional shots and personal photos. Cumberbatch disappeared soon after.

Smile!

 Freeman also headed off set and down to the hotel that resides on N. Gower street. A while later he resurfaced with new costume. A canon Watson moustache which interests me. The small details that Moffat, Gatiss and other writers for the show add are a large part of the draw to the show for me.

A canon looking Doctor Watson

The scene was shot several times from different vantage points and with slight changes to expressions, timing and length. Again, Freeman hung around set for a while chatting before a few more takes were shot. Gatiss had been hanging out watching filming opposite where we had been stood and was exchanging goodbyes as the scene wrapped.  There was a cheer and we all clapped before both men left.

Gatiss and Freeman exhange a goodbye

 As the last few bits of the set were being packed up we walked over to Speedys to see if we could grab a picture infront of the infamous address. Fortunately we did, it was a great end to a great day. I'm even in my Camp Leaders shirt.