Film Friday #3: Reflecting on our first look at THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS: CITY OF BONES

Every Friday we take a look at varying topics relating to the film adaptation of The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones.

Last Friday, fans got a highly anticipated first look at the set of THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS: CITY OF BONES, which is currently filming in Toronto through Nov. 6.

Josh Horowitz of MTV News visited the set in late September when they were filming Magnus’ party, where most of the principal cast was present, and that was the scene we got a brief glimpse at: Magnus’ party.

We caught a brief glimpse from the scene where Clary, Jace, Simon, Alec and Isabelle arrive at Magnus’ and begin looking for him.

Already we notice an adaptation change in which Jace pulls Clary aside and takes the pins out of her hair to let it fall down around her shoulders. Previously that scene happened back at the Institute, but it seems like a well-placed change as they don’t have a lot of time to drag scenes out.

A fan spotted also author Cassandra Clare, who teased a cameo in the film at Magnus’ party, in the video.

Everything from the costumes to the set to the characters looks incredible, but Lily Collins (Clary) insisted that this film is so much more than that.

“It’s really a story that’s based in reality as much as it is in this fantasy world,” she said. “They’re coexisting. It’s more emotionally and character-based than just aesthetically beautiful. It’s got amazing imagery and the CGI is going to be incredible, but it’s not just about that.”

The actors aren’t unaware of the high expectations for the film adaptation and are excited to be a part of it.

 “I’m totally excited to be apart of it,” said Jemima West (Isabelle). “And I started feeling the excitement as it all happened. Once I got the script, once I’ve read the script, once I started reading the books. Then I realized this was a huge deal and being apart of it. I’m so lucky.”

While we did get a first look at Magnus’ party, one actor was notably absent from the video: Godfrey Gao (Magnus). MTV said he would make an appearance in the next video (whenever that may be).

MTV promised more exclusive on-set looks from now leading up to the film’s August 23, 2013 release. It’s safe to say that we’re all holding our collective breaths waiting for the next exclusive look.