Directed by: Marcus Gordon
Format: Single channel HD video on loop, projection
Running time: 16 minutes, 51 seconds

After each film was shot, Artangel's Associate Director Michael Morris interviewed Marcus Coates on set capturing the artist's immediate reflections on his experience.

Listen to Marcus' thoughts and feelings on the process of production on SoundCloud here.

Michael: So, there's been, sort of, 48 hours of shooting, and you listening and watching. I

just wondered what you felt about how Marcus did.

Marcus: Given that it's really hard to see through my eyes, and really hard to describe some of it, he's actually done a really good job. The first day gave a slightly different perspective, but when the second day material started coming together, I actually saw how good his performance was. With the crowd being there, you kind of, realised, 'Yes, it will definitely fit.'

Michael: Which aspects of your own experience do you feel Marcus really tuned in to? Marcus: I think it was when we did the final step, and we just, kind of, synced up, without

even thinking about it.

Michael: It was very moving to listen to and to watch. At the end, when you both repeated the phrase, 'What's going on?' I found myself not knowing which Marcus was which, which I think was an extraordinary moment.

Marcus: Definitely, and it was just completely by accident really, because I had no idea what he was going to say at any point in that.

Michael: You sparked off each other very well. Do you think that was because you've spent the best part of a year getting to know him, and him getting to know you?

Marcus: Yes. It's just really easy to connect with him.

Michael: And also that inspires trust, I guess, which is the basis of this whole project really.

Marcus: Yes.

Michael: Did you feel that your experiences being externalised-, did you feel that it was no longer part of you?

Marcus: I think that's going to really hit home when I actually see the final product. You kind of see bits of it, but you don't see the full picture yet.

Michael: Did it help you to reconcile yourself with what you've experienced?

Marcus: I've always talked about my mental health issues to pretty much anyone who's ever been interested, and I write about it in my blog, but I've never been emotionally affected by it before. When we were doing the last scene yesterday, I actually felt myself almost crying several times, and I've never done that before. So, it really hit home in that way.

Michael: Was it overwhelming to you, to feel those emotions?

Marcus: Definitely. For the longest time, I was emotionally numb. I wouldn't even cry or be bothered by anything around me. So, it was actually quite surprising that my emotions had come back that much.

Michael: So, there wasn't a numbness. There was affect. There was feeling. You could feel it. Did you feel it in your body as well as your mind?

Marcus: Yes. It became quite a struggle to carry on with the dialogue at one point. Michael: Was that a positive experience?

Marcus: It was a unique experience. I'm not sure if it was positive or negative. I'll probably have to reflect on that.

Michael: It was interesting that it coincided with Marcus Coates achieving a state of nothingness where the thought process had stopped, and something took over, which I guess was emotion that made you feel something.

Marcus: Yes, definitely.

Michael: That feels like a positive outcome.

Marcus: It's nice to know I can still feel those kinds of emotions really.

Michael: Did you think, when you were approached by Marcus, that this would be what would unfold? Did you imagine what it would be like?

Marcus: I had no real idea until he started talking to me. I just saw an ad, I think it was on Time To Change before it closed down, about someone wanting to do some work with people who had psychosis. I thought-, no idea what kind of art form it would take.

Michael: Did you ever have any, sort of, doubts that it could be possible?

Marcus: Yes, definitely. I wasn't too sure I'd be articulate enough to describe some of it, or

he'd understand when I tried to explain it, but it worked. Michael: Yes. Well, thanks very much Marcus.

Marcus: Thank you.