FIRST WEEK OF FILMING
Well, it was quite a week for Fifty Shades of Grey stars and fans alike as filming for the second and third installment of the franchise began with both of its lead roles on Monday February 29th, 2016.
MONDAY FEBRUARY 29TH, 2016
Jamie Dornan arrives on set in that perfectly tailored suit that only Christian Grey can wear. The crew had a 5am start while the stars arrived on set a couple of hours later. Most of the scenes filmed on Monday were interior, limiting pictures to the public and also disguising which scenes in particular were shot.
Dornan basically snuck into Canada with very few people knowing on Saturday evening, or so reports say, and was under tight security as to avoid any intrusion of his privacy. The general public was notified Sunday evening about his arrival the night before by various online outlets leavings fans stunned that Dornan was able to elude any paparazzi and avoid photographers alike.
While day one was off to a slow start for the fans and public, the days ahead proved to be nothing short of hectic and a tad boisterous.
TUESDAY MARCH 1ST, 2016
Tuesday was a thrill ride for fans as Jamie and Dakota were in full blown Christian and Ana mode. Filming on Tuesday took place in Gastown at SIP, Ana’s new job at a Seattle publishing company. Dornan rocked Christian’s usual CEO style while Johnson looked adorable as always in Ana’s new sophisticated style.
While the day was full of wet and cool weather, it didn’t seem to phase the actors as they were often seen laughing and giggling with each other, disallowing the weather to break their spirits. But things soon got serious when a distraught Ana runs from her office building into the arms of her beloved Christian. It was evident that the scene being shot was the one in which Jack (Eric Johnson), Ana’s boss, comes on to Ana in a most unwelcome way. Ana then flees the office where Christian and Taylor (Max Martini) are waiting for her.
Dornan and Johnson also filmed a walk-and-talk scene along the south side of Alexander Street between Columbia and Fortnight Barbers where they were seen canoodling in the streets. A most definite softer side of Grey is evident in these photos and had fans swooning all over social media.
Filming wrapped in late afternoon after a successful day of exterior scenes. The cast and crew parted ways no doubt in an effort to get a good night’s sleep in preparation for yet another busy day of production on Wednesday.
WEDNESDAY MARCH 2ND, 2016
Filming continued on Wednesday March 2nd on the southside of Alexander between Fortnight Barbers and Columbia where one scene took place beside a parked car. Reports said Ana (Johnson) was seen purchasing a keychain at a kiosk set up by production. Photos later show Ana gifting a box to Christian (Dornan) which is clear evidence that Ana is accepting Christian’s marriage proposal sending fans into yet another frenzy.
Later in the afternoon, the two were seen filming another walk-and-talk scene at the west end of Alexander on the south side. Both were seen dressed in casual clothing while holding hands, suggesting that Christian is settling into his new found freedom with Ana quite nicely and comfortably. Dornan also maintains some scruff which has fans torn. Although the novel mentions Grey having a five o’clock shadow, fans aren’t too sure how they feel about it. We however, love it.
On this day in particular, Fifty Shades Darker was trending on Facebook, evidence of the fan presence on social media. Bella Heathcote (Leila – one of Grey’s [many] ex-submissives) also shot a scene on the street in which she appeared zombie-like, suggesting that since Johnson was also on set, it was the scene in which Leila first meets Ana.
Filming on this day wrapped at a reasonable time in the afternoon suggesting Thursday would be nothing short of awesome.
THURSDAY MARCH 3RD, 2016
Thursday was a more controlled set day as interior scenes were filmed inside the London Pub. Filming lasted throughout the day yet had a late finish. Few photos of the cast members were taken and shared online however, the fans needs this slow day to recuperate from the three previous days. Friday would prove to be another great day nonetheless.
FRIDAY MARCH 4TH, 2016
Christian. Christian Everywhere! Friday was a great day. After a much needed down day for the fandom, filming outside (and inside) started right back up on Friday and we were not left disappointed. Production on Friday was set up at 120 Powell Street, where multiple scenes were shot outside.
Dornan and Johnson were seen outside filming multiple scene in which Christian is dressed both as the CEO and relaxed badboy. One scene in particular shows Dornan exiting an Audi (above) in which he retrieves a package from his car. Upon completion of the scene however, umbrella’s clouded onlookers and blocked photographers from snapping any pictures. No doubt production was told to keep this scene away from the public’s eye. It’s rumoured that the umbrella’s were covering a scene in which Grey retrieves the package from his car and brings it to Ana at her apartment. The secrecy has fans roaring, wondering what was happening behind the shroud of umbrellas.
Another scene was also shot behind 100 Powell street which involved ‘a girl’ walking down the alley followed by an eerie fog. Was Leila lurking in the alley?
Filming wrapped quite late on Friday evening as author E L James posted many pictures on Instagram highlighting the Vancouver city lights at night. Filming would not resume until the following week giving cast and crew a much needed weekend off.
WHAT TO EXPECT THIS WEEK
So what’s coming up this week in Vancouver? We only have a filming schedule for two days – Tuesday and Wednesday in which scenes will be shot in front of and inside at 120 Powell Street. (Ana and Kate’s apartment) That isn’t to say that these two days with very little exterior scenes are the only scenes being shot next week. Although a filming schedule for any other day has not yet been posted, including Monday, we’re optimistic we will get to see Jamie on set again this week.
On Monday it’s rumoured that at least one interior scene is scheduled to be shot however no filming notice has been posted as of yet. Stay tuned to the site and our branches of social media for up to the minute news regarding the progression of filming.
You can find hundreds of high quality photographs from Fifty’s first week of filming in our gallery.
EJD would like to thank @KingsCourtGraph, @gettinmyhateon and FlameFlynet.com for their photographs and contributions to Everything Jamie Dornan.