From scratch to Opener in 21 and a half hours

Last night at 10.30pm at the Altrincham Ice Dome, the cameras started rolling for the new Phoenix Opener, by which I mean the opening video sequence that plays with the lights down before the team steps onto the ice. At 8.00pm this evening, after a marathon ten hour stint in the edit suite with Cameraman Jon (who also edits), I shut down the computer with three completed versions of the Opener finished.

I'll preserve the mystery until after it's been shown this weekend, but the quick snippet of insight that I'd like to share before collapsing in a vaguely continent heap is that if you are lucky and honoured enough to be able to surround yourself with people who'll put themselves through hell and high water for you, there is no end to what can be achieved. That 21 and a half hours proved it, and hopefully the fruits of the labour of so many fine people will be enjoyed by even more this weekend.

Right now I'm shattered. I've had about four hours sleep in the past 36. My vision is going blurry, my head is foggy, I can barely keep my eyes open and focussing on this screen is a challenge. But for all the grousing that I'll no doubt do over the course of this coming season, I wouldn't change it for anything. Season 07-08 is here, bring it on...