I’ve never been much of a fan girl, but when I heard Outlander was filming in Edinburgh, I knew I had to find the set, and (fingers crossed) see the cast. I figured I would never again be only ten minutes walking distance from the cast of my favourite television show, so why not?

I think most of us can relate to the excitement and attachment you feel to your favourite movies, television shows, and Hollywood stars. Especially the thought of seeing them in person, and seeing the distant, and mystical world of film magic appear before you’re very eyes.

The extensive process of preparing the set, and getting the right takes is so often overlooked, because the final product is so seamless. It wasn’t until I saw this process up close that I gained a newfound appreciation for film and production. Getting to watch how a small alley off of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile can be transformed into an 18^th century tunnel and courtyard is really amazing

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The elaborate fantasy world we see projected on the TV can be stripped down to a team of hardworking actors and crewmembers with a well-established set and a handy green screen. The process was of course still glamorous to me as an excited fan, but also none other than a typical work environment with people doing their daily tasks, completing assignments, and working their hardest.

Television is one of those jobs that for many people would be an undeniable joy, but at the end of the day, it is still an industry like any other that requires much effort, skill, and discipline. Every person there had a job to do: from the crew workers setting up the lighting and sound to the assistant director calling the orders, and to the main actors obediently reciting their lines.

The moment I met Caitriona Balfe and Sam Heughan was so exciting, but after waiting awhile (lets be honest, many hours), I was no longer super giddy or nervous around them, because they were just two people not too different from you and me, (except for being amazing and super talented actors on TV, but no big deal).

The point is that what I will actually remember the most was how genuine, real and down to earth they were. After a long day of shooting, they still took the time to talk and take pictures with everyone waiting there.

It was quite surreal, because you don’t really believe that you’re speaking with the two people you watch on TV. In that moment, they are just two regular people who are so friendly and appreciative of everyone’s support.

I have such respect for actors who remain true to themselves and to their work, and I am even more so a fan of the process knowing they are just as humbled by it too.