Dreading it!

Give a dread a home….

Both pale and blonde  they rarely surface before midday preferring to languish in their king sized bed that has not been washed for the last two months. Presumably this is so they can recognise the bed as their own at 4am in the morning.

The Dreads enjoy water, and will soak for hours (ignoring the water meter) in the bath or shower.  Dreads must be fed 4 or 5 times a day in normally large quantities plus several gallons of liquid which needs to be available at all times.

Dreads can walk animals but will need a gold medal for recognition that this has been achieved. Dreads can also cook dinner but will need at least 3 weeks to get over it.  Bathroom cleaning is a no no as both are incapable of understanding the words ‘to clean’ and cannot muster enough strength to lift the bleach bottle.

Dreads can wash clothes but will usually place washing in front of the machine in the vague hope that the clothes will become magical and leap into the washing machine.  It is unknown as to whether the Dreads know how to empty the drier, as this has never been discovered.  Dreads do not wash up dishes, they merely eat and take over the settee and TV accompanied by every single possible light in the house all switched to the ON mode.

The Dreads are sympathetic, kind and can be very funny (housekeeping £50 pcm) but the owner is usually frazzled, short tempered and usually speaks with intermittent swearing.

If you would like to give a Dread a home, please remember, a Dread is not just for Christmas – they have a tendency to stay up to 23 years – even longer.

Have a Merry Christmas everyone

xx

Bentwater - Military Style!

An email was sent to me - was I available to be filmed on the American airbase at Bentwater Park Rendlesham? I knew the area fairly well as I had performed in a show there previously.  Once confirmed, I discovered it was to be a 1950s theme - military style. 

It was a Saturday, 9am when I  landed at Bentwater Parks. On my way in I passed somebody I knew, Jon, a lovely man that that I had worked with on several occasions including X Men. I parked up and wandered over to say Hello and we walked around the outside of the Control Tower looking for anyone connected with the filming. Eventually a car pulled up outside the Portacabin and a couple of people walked inside so we followed. Fortunately they turned out to be the costume people so we were in the right place after all.
We had been asked to come dressed in uniform type clothing so I wore a plain shirt with  a black skirt. black tights and black shoes. However, we all had to look vaguely similar so blue shirts and ties were issued out. At this point a car pulled up and out got another person I knew - Luke. In  the end there were seven men and me - I was happy! Usually if there is only one woman then there is something expected of them... I was about to find out what! Once everybody had arrived we were taken over to the Bentwaters Museum. We stepped through the doors to the words "Cast on Set!" and were taken to meet the Director and the crew. An ex-officer from the original air base was also there to brief us as to what the control room would have been like when in full operation. Inside  the Operations room was a long high platform like a stage.
"Felicity, you're up there."
I clambered up and put on some headphones grabbing a white board pencil as I went. Behind me was a huge board with a list of Pilots names. I was warned not to touch certain one as they had been left from when the operations room was last used during the war. That made me very nervous! However, I could write on the board once filming started and could make up names etc plus tick off various boxes. Well, as I didn't know anything about what i was doing, I was more than a little anxious about the impending improvisation when "Action!" was shouted. I only had minutes to study the boards befoe vocalizing what I was doing to camera!
Name of Pilot...
Fuelled....
Crew list....

Fortunately I can talk away to the camera endlessly which was just as well as the camera was centimetres away from my head. Next to the camera was a photographer taking pictures - all this whilst I 'listened' to my head set (which was totally silent) and wrote on the boards making up names and ticking off whether they had fuelled, ready for take off etc. At some point a bunch of files were given to me so I had to include these in the scenario as well.
I must say I quite enjoyed it, being put on the spot because I never know what it is I'm going to say but somehow my brain gets itself into gear for 'play' mode!
Luckily the Director turned round and said, " That was really believable - I really thought we had planes taking off!"
Lunch was called and we all trooped back to the portacabin. Everyone expected sandwiches but a beautiful hot meal of pork in tomato sauce with potatoes followed by apple crumble and coffee was swiftly provided.
Back on set I was given a white coat and a torch. I was now a Doctor and had to frisk one of the pilots (I know, I know, it's a tough job but someone has to do it!) find out how the pilot was feeling and then get him to follow me to.....well, just off set acturally!
It's at time like these that I think how lucky I am to do  this job . It's not every day that adults get to play act and to be  someone completely different for the day. I mean, what other job  could offer such a variety?

News Reporter!

This was a continuity day carrying on from the  previous weekend. The call time was a 7.15 start so it was a slightly bleary eyed start to the day. I arrived so early that the catering truck hadn't started to cook yet but had prepared the most wonderful fresh fruit salad so armed with a bowl of that I went off to find the dining bus. People arrived in dribs and drabs and Stefan and Jack arrived just in time for the cooked breakfast. Of course, I couldn't sit there and watch them eat could I so I grabbed a fry up and joined them. Shortly afterwards, Blondine, our A.D asked us to grab our costume so we were ready to travel to location. We arrived at the offices where we were to be reporters and grabbed a seat upstairs whilst the lights and cameras were brought in and  situated  into place. As we were talking I suddenly heard a very familiar voice. Now, most actors and actress's rarely get my heart racing and I have never been known to be star struck. However, this sounded like one of my favourite personalities - surely I couldn't be that lucky to meet her?  I crept downstairs and was immediately told to sit down at desk and pretend to be working. That was all very well but I still wanted to look round to see if it was HER.  Finally the Director asked me to do some reaction shots towards the actresses - I looked round - YES! It was my favourite - Maureen Lipman. It isn't often, as I said before, that I get excited but when it's an actress that can play and has played just about everything and anything then I knew we were in for a treat. This was a small shoot in a very small office to I hoped I could properly meet her at some stage. Maureen was in character so I ignored who she was and concentrated on the job in hand. I was sat next to Maureen, Stefan was  the coffee boy, demoted from the Editor. We had previously given ourselves characters and Stefan was the Editor, I was Chief Reporter and Jack was the Junior Reporter. However, our real characters was Stefan as coffee boy, me as admin assistant and Jack as Office Junior! 

Now, there is an unwritten rule if you are a professional Supporting artist - NEVER talk to the main artists unless they talk to you.  That's fine until you find yourself in a small room with 3 of the main actors. It becomes an awkward situation as you don't want to be seen as being stand-offish but neither do you want to be too much the other way either! Fortunately, Maureen flashed a smile so I thought we were probably OK.

Anyway, like I said, my job was to give reaction shots to something that Maureen was saying. Easy Peasy. I grabbed a pad of paper, scribbled down the name of the paper and started making a spider diagram of the different stories that could be happening in a village newspaper. I got so into it that I nearly missed  my cue! Regretfully, I left it on the desk at the end of the day so whoever used that desk for their normal day job must have had a bit of fun guessing what the stories were all about.

Change of clothes next - shooting a different day. I had 3 other outfits so not a problem. I dressed into my next outfit (always wear a vest top as you may get caught out having to change in front of others). We were asked to wait outside which was o.k. but it had started to rain and although I had an umbrella it was a little on the small side for all three of us.  The door opened and Blondine said, quite seriously, "Don't get wet!" Easy for her to say as she was inside....

All of a sudden it was back to the first outfit as some shots had been missed out. Back into my first outfit and back to my desk to make up more stories.

Finally, lunch was called. This was to be a brief lunch of half an hour so we all hurried as quickly as possible back to base for our fish and chip lunch. My fish was so big that it over hung the very large plate it was placed on. Toblerone cake followed on with lashings of cream and then the call came to go back to location.

When we arrived at the offices I went upstairs to read my book...I could feel myself going off to sleep - it was  warm, I was cosy and dry and well fed....I scurried down the stairs for some coffee and found a large tray of cakes - they certainly didn't believe in going hungry on this set! Coffee grabbed, the sun had started shining so I sat on the wall outside. Maureen came out and said,

"We haven't been introduced, I'm Maureen." It was a lovely moment and we chatted about people having bad memories for names especially as Jack was forever being called Mark by myself. The rest of the day went smoothly with no more filming for me so it was just a case of hanging around in case I was needed. 

Now, it has been it the press recently that this particular series doesn't pay well. However, nobody does it for the money - it has continuous actors and supporting artists because everybody loves it, the location is always amazing the crew and cast are warm and friendly. I, for one, look forward to returning - Here's to the next time!!

The Bolly Folly!

Following on from the previous day on Bollywood, I received a text to say there would be no parking at the base the next day which was in Waterloo. I was still required to take everything with me so a huge bag was duly located and filled with suits, dresses, evening dresses, etc. The call time was 7am and it was teeming down with rain as I walked up to the tube. The location itself was in a disused car park which was muddy and full of puddles waiting to catch me out... There was only one bus for everyone to sit on ( yesterday there was two) and the upstairs was being used for make up and costume. This would have been fine on a lovely sunny day but the rain didn't want to let up, the bus was packed full of people and there was nowhere to sit to eat breakfast so I gave up with that. I grabbed a coffee and stayed outside underneath an awning trying to keep dry. Luckily Steve was there to put a smile on my face and to give me a much needed cuddle. 

It wasn't long before we were put into the minibus to go off to the filming location which was a restaurant in Borough. The restaurant itself was beautiful if a little expensive - I mean £7.95 for an apple crumble and custard!) and very cold. I was lucky enough to be sat at a table with two interesting people, Big Al and Dionne which thankfully, so we were able to keep ourselves  entertained whilst freezing our bits off. The only bit of action needed was to converse with the waiter which probably wouldn't be seen on camera plus miming conversation with my fellow dinner guests.

One poor man fell asleep which caused much mirth as his fellow dinner guest was a beautiful young lady who seemed most put out at his sleepiness. It turned out that he had arrived straight from a night shoot and after this shoot was going off to another one. 

Finally, they filming was completed and we were released into the empty Borough Market to shelter from the rain which was now coming down in torrents. Fortunately someone discovered the hidden coffee and biscuits so at least we could all warm up. Some people had opted for a 12 hour day, I had opted for an 8 hour day (thank goodness) and the 12 hour people were led away to change into summer wear - I have never been so pleased to do a short day! As for the rest of us we were taken back to base to await further information. We sat in the bus and chatted and swapped stories and agencies when finally the word went round that we had finished - we were to sign out, have lunch and leave. I didn't stay for the lunch part but ran as quickly as possisble back to the warm and dry tube train before returning home for a long hot shower. I think this may be the end of Bollywood as I know it!

The Best of ....... Bollywood??

Text: Was I available to return to filming for the Bollywood movie? Two days work available so I agreed.
Now,  the trouble is with Bollywood is that you have to be prepared to take your entire wardrobe with you. On this  occasion I was asked to bring:
3 - 4 very smart day and evening options
Jewellery
Scarves
Pashminas.
Luckily I have a car otherwise I'm not sure how I would have carried everything. Anyway, I loaded up the car and set off for the City. I arrived at base way too early so took my time sorting out the clothes and managed to take a couple of  photos of the surrounding area:

I had decided to wear my business suit as I thought  it would be likely to start the day with a business meeting. I was right and after a fried breakfast we were all taken by minibus to a restaurant that was previously used for filming. I was given a man as my business partner and within seconds out came the grape juice and plates with remnants of dinner on them. Bollywood filming always takes ages as everything seems to be filmed at least 20 times so you  always know that wherever you have been placed, you will be there for the next two hours... On the other hand, it was easy work in a lovely atmosphere and all we had to do was to pretend to eat, drink and talk.  Finally, filming moved to shoot from a different angle and as we couldn't be seen we were able to get up and stretch our legs and were free to find the coffee and biscuits. This is always a bit like a treasure hunt - I have no idea why they don't like us to find them and they always seem to be in a secret  location.  Anyway, I finally tracked the coffee down and went off to the conservatory to find a friend of mine, Jon. As soon as I put the coffee down on the table the A. D  called,

"Lunch!"

Now, lunch on a Bollywood can be very strange. The Indian food is for cast and crew only and not for anyone  else. Off we went to the catering truck where roast port and all the trimmings were waiting for us. During lunch we were informed that for the afternoon there were too many of us so some would have to go home. This found us, after having eaten, all standing in a straight line whilst one of the A.Ds chose who they wanted. Believe me when I say what an unpleasant experience this was - it took me right back to school days when  the Captains would slowly build up  their teams by choosing people one by one and I was always left thinking "Please don't leave me till last!"

Various people were pulled to one side - they were going home.  It was such an awkward situation as not only were they going home but they would only be paid for half the day. People had come from all over, three ladies in particular, had come from Southend and were dismayed to find themselves going home. However, the A.D was adamant so home they headed.

As for the rest of us, we were told to change into our second outfit - preferably another suit. Well, I have to tell you, that yes I do have another suit but I hadn't worn this particular suit for a good two years.... I squeezed into this suit which was too tight and too short - especially when I sat down....and then even worse news. We were to take our cars and drive ourselves into Southwark. I was very unhappy at this as I knew the building they wanted to film at and I knew that parking would be extremely limited even on a Sunday. Why they couldn't run us there in a minibus I will never understand.  If I am told at the beginning of a job that I may need to use my car then that's fine. It then becomes my choice. However, being told I had to take my car just  about made my blood boil... On hindsight I should have said "No thanks" and gone home with the first lot.  We couldn't even pair up as we were told all the cars couldn't stay where they were so they all had to be moved. I drove round and round looking for a space - the agency called me twice to see where I was - I was just at the point of giving up when somebody moved and I grabbed the space. It then started raining... We hadn't been given the name of the street the  building was in, just the building name so it took some time,  and a lot of asking people as to where it was .

For the rest of the afternoon, I sat beside some magazines and read them cover to cover in the background of the shot.  We eventually finished  late afternoon and were told to return  tomorrow at a different location. Great - I was really looking forward to it....

Newshounds!

Text: Can you play a newspaper reporter for a TV  show (the one with the most deaths in one place). I had worked on this before, albeit a different series so I knew that the cast and crew would be very welcoming. Having agreed, the job was confirmed.

On the day I travelled off to Buckinghamshire (can't say where just yet!) to a most beautiful location. The call time was 11.15am so I drove through the countryside, birds singing, sun shining (for once) at a lovely slow place - don't worry there were no other drivers :)

I arrived early so went off for a coffee on the catering bus to wait for the others. It was very strange waiting by myself as usually there would be someone to greet me and to tell me how the day was going to pan out. At the very least there would  normally be another member of cast to talk  to.

I peered outside - one man was sauntering past the coffee place and tI thought I recognised him, I smiled and said hello. It wasn't until a lot later that I realised that it was the actor Ace Bhatti who played Doctor Yusef Khan in Eastenders. 

I have to mention what a lovely person he was - not pretentious, and made everybody feel as if they were in a team. He had a very wicked sense of humour too!

Suddenly a mini bus pulled up and a man called out

"Are you press?" I nodded.

"Come on then, there's another one here too."

The other person was a handsome young man called Jack. Well, his real name was Jack but for some reason I couldn't stop calling him Mark!  We got in to the mini bus a little surprised that there was no one else with us and traveled to location. There was a church / community centre opposite a cafe, or what I took to be a cafe. Even when I went inside the place I thought it was an old fashioned coffee place. We were put on to a table and given huge slices of coffee and walnut cake and Victoria cream sponge to eat. We didn't eat them because usually food on set has been there for a number of days. You can imagine my dismay, a few hours later when I saw my cake being eaten by someone on set!!
Two others were brought on to set and were asked to stand beside a door leading from the cafe into the 'museum'. One turned round and I realised it was the lovely Fabio who I had had the pleasure of working with on previous productions. Fabio was to play the part of a participant in a yoga class with three others - this was their second day.
"Action!"
"Cut!"
We were taken into the  Community Centre where Jack and I met reporter number three, Stefan.  He was just as I'd imagined a newspaper editor to be, a large man with a booming voice and I could just imagine him downing a few pints down the local pub collecting a few newsworthy stories. We decided between ourselves that these would be our character, Stefan as Editor, myself as Chief Reporter and Jack as Junior Reporter.
Blondine (probably the 3rd A.D) came in and said,
"I want someone who can pick things up quickly!"
Everyone murmered that they all could and I said we all could as that  was part of our  job.
"You'll do."
Next thing I know I'm  a Scene of Crime Officer (wait a minute - wasn't I supposed to be the reporter?) known as a SOCO for  short. Next I was given the outfit, a fetching one piece in jaycloth blue with plastic bags for shoe covers, gloves and a mask. As Ace was opposite me, you can imagine the ribbing I was getting....My job was to dust down one of the doors (no, silly or course I'm not going to tell you which door - that would give you a clue and clues can only be revealed in the series.)  Several passerbys stood and gawped looking quite shocked until they turned their heads and noticed the crew waving at them from behind the camera.  This scene didn't take long and we were soon heading back towards base for a brief lunch.  The catering is well known for its excellence and this day was to be no exception with chicken curry, salad, puddings etc. However, time was tight so we were very soon heading back to location to be reporters heading back to our offices presumerably after their lunch!  Thereafter not much happened sadly so we were quite relieved when the words
"It's a wrap!" sounded out loud and clear. We were also very happy as we knew that the reporters would all be back next week to work inside the offices and would be working with.....well, you''ll just have to wait for that one!

Crowning Glory!

A job appeared on Starnow for diners that were happy to eat pizza in front of a camera  for a comedy viral. I'm not the biggest fan of pizza - let's face it, it can be boring to eat but thought I'd apply anyway. I forgot all about it until my mobile rang and I was confirmed for the job - brilliant! I was asked to go along the following day to a place  in Tottenham Court Road. The call time had changed from 10am to 8am which irked me slightly but then again, early start, early finish (honestly, anybody would think I didn't like this job!). Lovely friendly people greeted me when I walked in with a lovely runner asking if I wanted anything from Pret. For once, I declined food and asked for a coffee instead. A man walked in to the room and introduced himself, he was Andrew and was my partner for the day. Three others joined us and after a quick natter we were all set to start. However, what was quite strange, were the actors. Not that they were strange but they were look- a-likes of the Royal family so suddenly Prince Harry was asking about the coffee, Kate was sorting out her make up and the Queen was sorting out an outfit whilst Prince Phillip needed help choosing a tie. It was a very odd feeling as they all seemed very real and it wasn't just me that felt like that judging by the crowd when we went outside!  As for myself and Andrew, our job was to hold hands and to walk up and down and give reaction shots to the fact that the Queen and her family, including a royal corgi were walking down the street to go in to Pizza Hut. Tourists stopped in their tracks to see Kate, Harry, Andrew walking up and down the road. A couple of guys who swaggered around thinking they were very cool, actually thought they were  talking to Kate and Andrew! Not so cool, guys!

Next we returned to the Green room to wait whilst the next shot could be prepared. It wasn't long before the director called out my name and Andrew and I were placed on a table near to the Royal family. They were very interesting to watch as each of them took on their roles. They were very respectful of their characters too and said that they always considered their characters when accepting jobs and deciding  whether to take a job on or not. Mary, who played Queen Elizabeth remained very dignified throughout and was a real joy to talk to especially when she spoke of her time at London Airport when tourists thought she was the real deal!
The Crown Crust Pizza was brought over but we couldn't  eat any of it. It all looked delicious but had been sat around being photographed for a couple of hours so we didn't dare try it. Meanwhile the Royals had theirs, freshly baked but little was eaten as they were all on diets!
One of the Supporting Artists was told to go home leaving just four of us. We suspected that it was the way he behaved in front of the camera, trying look in to the camera and almost blocking  the Royals. It's never a good idea to upstage actors especially when it's Royalty!!

Sushi anyone?

Text: Can you play a restaurant diner in a Sushi restaurant? Of course I could but where was it? It would be in Central London. Job accepted. The base location was actually in Wormwood Scrubs Car Park and early too - 6am which meant everybody driving in as the tubes start at 5.15 so couldn't be sure of getting there on time. As soon as we arrived at the base we were all told to hide our stuff that was on view in our cars - well, considering where we were it wasn't that surprising. I strolled over to where the coffee was being put out and helped myself to some very welcome refreshment, especially welcome at that hour!  People began to arrive and to my astonishment I didn't know a single person there. Normally there is somebody to recognise. It's very odd not knowing anybody - it's a bit like starting a new job - unsure of what to say, who to speak to or what to do. Usually I just head for the dining bus and generally always find someone for a conversation but the bus was full of equipment so was a no go area. Thankfully, it was a bright  and sunny day so that we could all congregate outside for a natter. 

Costume called - over I went -  I was dressed for a business lunch in my usual black business suit. They liked the suit, hated the shirt. I was put into a grey see through shirt which thank goodness,  a vest top was found to go under it to preserve a bit of modesty! Especially as then i was told to lose the jacket. Trendy accessories to be replaced by classic pearls. Returned to the bus to find that all the equipment had been cleared so breakfast was being served. This was a cooked breakfast in a box the type of which you would normally expect to find noodles in - how odd. Still, it was filling and set everybody up for the day ahead.

Next, we were off in the mini bus to the restaurant location in Nottinghill. I was paired up with Darren and we were placed at the back of the Sushi restaurant. After an hour or so, the place started to get really warm - air conditioning couldn't be put on due to the slight noise it would give. It had been an early call and no water seemed to be forthcoming..the girl behind me just lay down on her bench seat with her eyes closed. Everybody was struggling to look interested, make pretend conversation and to stay awake!  The sushi in front of us couldn't be eaten either as it had been prepared the day before especially for the filming. We did have to look as though we were eating it though, with chopsticks, which caused a little bit of hilarity as beans shot off plates in all sorts of directions. 

Next came close up shots of the main actors so we scurried upstairs for a welcome cup of water or coffee. We had all been told to leave everything behind at the base so I had nothing to read or do. However, it wasn't long before we were called downstairs to resume 'eating'. We were placed at the front of the restaurant this time, very close to the lovely Simon Baker (seriously gorgeous in real life). Suddenly make up and costume descended on me:

"You're in shot"

"You're definatly going to be seen"

I hadn't the heart to tell them that my name is "Mrs Blur" to the people I work with as usually that's what I am in the background and therefore, this scene was likely to be cut. Anyway, it gave them something to do. I sat by myself reading menus and deciding on drinks to have  with my lunch. Of course, in my head it was much more exciting. I was a business woman waiting in a city restaurant for my lunch time lover - he was late and I was getting impatient. I kept looking towards the door waiting for him to arrive....

"It's a wrap!" 

Daydreams would have to wait, it was time to go home. The mini bus was sent to collect us but the first one was full so five of us said we would wait for the next one. Well, we waited and waited and waited some more. No sign of our mini bus. One mini bus turned up but on its way to a different location where they were filming that afternoon. The driver said he would radio through that we were still waiting to get back to base. Still we waited....One of the people phoned the agency who assured us they would get right on to it. We waited some  more - still nothing. A security man from the film was spotted across the road so we all ran over to him. At first he seemed reluctant to radio across to base but eventually he did which seemed to galvanise the troops in to action and finally a mini bus arrived to take us back to base. Once on the bus, my mobile went off with a couple of messages left by people.  Both of the messages concerned my costume blouse because they thought I'd gone home with it! Bit of a cheek really - they'd noticed that the blouse was missing but not the fact that we hadn't signed out or got our chit signed so that we could be paid!  It was with some relief that I finally got back in to my car, in my own shirt and with water in hand. My mobile went off.

"Re: the job for tomorrow - you are confirmed"

Well, that was a much better way to end the day!

Patiently improvising...

Advert: people wanted to play patients or visitors for a medical corporate. I applied and within a week I had been shortlisted and shortly afterwards received the news that I had the part of the hospital visitor. It was a lovely day and I arrived for my 9.15 call time earlier than expected, as usual. This was in Brentford, a place where I had spent many happy hours living in Brentford Dock.  I couldn't find anybody when I arrived so I mooched about a bit then wondered if I was in the right place.... I ventured in through the doors of this University - still nobody in sight, just empty corridors.  I back tracked, checked my instructions, looked at the board which stated what each floor was for and quickly realised that I needed to be on the ninth floor. Thankfully the lift was working and when the doors opened at the ninth floor  I stepped out into a hospital corridor - how strange! I peered through one door and found myself staring at a bed with a body in it. Now I was seriously worried that I was definitely on the wrong floor maybe even the wrong building. I walked further along the shiny corridor and passed by two trolleys with patients on them - wait a minute - on further investigation I began to comprehend that this was a training hospital floor and all the patients were dummies! It was, to say the least, a little bit on the creepy side.

I heard somebody talking so headed for the voice and found the costume lady who was setting up in a side room. This was an amazing room with floor to ceiling windows over two sides of the room overlooking a sheer drop - good thing I didn't have a problem with heights. 

The actors began to arrive then the door opened and a very beaming face walked in.  a Supporting Artist named Phil who, strangely enough had worked on several of the productions that I had been on and yet, we had never met. We seemed to be waiting around for an awfully long time and apologies kept coming in from the Director for keeping us waiting. Actually, we didn't mind as we had good company, biscuits and coffee. The filming was delayed due to the main actor as he couldn't find the place....He finally waltzed in with a face like thunder and without an apology to anyone. Thankfully he decided to sit outside the room, ear firmly glued  to his mobile whilst we all exchanged glances at each other...no words were said but we all knew what everybody was thinking! 

Eventually it was time for Phil and I to do our bit. We were asked to improvise a scenario that included why I was there visiting Phil, how we knew each other and what family we had. We decided that I was Phil's co-worker from an I.T firm where  he worked with a fierce boss. Phil was a married man, with a dog and was a problem solver for the I.T firm. I had come to see how he was and to convey messages from people at work especially from the dreaded boss. Next we had to browse through a magazine and make comments:

"What does she think she looks like?"

"Nobody in real life would ever get away with wearing that!" 

The camera was focused on us and our dialogue so we had to be heard having a real conversation. Luckily for me I love improvisation as it can mean thinking out of the box and thinking very quickly on your feet! Both of us were wearing microphones but I have to say had I  known we were going to wear them I wouldn't have worn a dress....especially as the mics were put on in front of everybody!  Fortunately our dialogue went very well, possibly better than the Director was expecting as he came over, took our names and said he would use us again as he was very pleased with our work. We had also made up time so we wrapped almost on time.

Another job done - another friend made and hopefully a future couple of contacts - always nice!!

Seize the day!

Advert on Starnow: Actress wanted for a short film for the Epilepsy Society. It would be filmed in Southampton but all expenses would be paid plus a decent wage. I applied and after the usual "you have been shortlisted.." I was contacted and told I had the job. I had the weekend to research Complex Focal Seizure and as I wasn't quite sure how far they wanted me to go with the seizure I also researched some others just for good measure! I quickly realised that there were very few  videos of adults having a seizure but there were plenty on children so research by reading was the method of choice. Luckily the Epilepsy Society had plenty of information that was easy to read and understand. 

The day of filming arrived and clutching my pink M&S bag stuffed full of clothes, make up, hair brushes and anything else I could think of I set off to the station.  I had to be in Southampton by 10am and having caught the tube, train and taxi I finally arrived before everyone else (of course!). Coffee and introductions over, it was a short walk to the Health store where we would be filming. The clients were there waiting for us - luckily they seemed very pleasant which makes the filming a lot easier. I was given a brief synopsis on what was wanted during the filming and then off we went - talk about a quick start!! 

It really was a lovely day and everybody was friendly and welcoming plus we managed to wrap in just under two hours!

Here's the final video:

Starving!

Advert on Total Talent caught my eye looking for passersby, school teacher and mums for a TV Commercial. Decent pay so I applied. A week later I got a call confirming that I had the job. 

It was a very wet and miserable day when I arrived at Willesden Junction for the 9am call. Base was in the park where three large buses were holding everyone. Having grabbed breakfast, I jumped on board one of the buses and started chatting to a couple of the women. They had been given the job through an agency, which, strangely enough was an agency that I was registered with.  It turned out that the agency had supplied everyone except me - very unusual. Well, I didn't mind as it meant I would have no agency fee to pay and would probably have my invoice paid long before anyone else had their pay.

With breakfast over we were off in a mini bus to a location outside a school. Here, we discovered about 100 children all dressed up as Hank Marvin complete with guitars! They had chaperone's and mums in tow so it was a little bit cramped on the holding bus. This was an easy job, just walk up and down and ignore the Hank Marvins.  I had to laugh when one person behind me had to be shown how to walk...it never fails to amaze me how some people lose all ability to do something so simple when put in front of the camera.  Believe me, I have seen it all, people who suddenly can't clap, walk, run, eat, talk once a camera is on them, yet quite able to do these things when rehearsing without the camera!  

The rain started to pour down relentlessly so we sat or stood on one of the two  double decker buses. I sat next to a 'stage mum' who had two children on the shoot. Invariably doing this job I've always found someone that shares an interest with me and in this case it was our children. I keep referring to them as children but the majority of them were 16 or 17. One of her children had been to audition at the same drama schools as my daughter. What was interesting was that nobody that was on the bus and had auditioned had got a place at any of the drama schools. Yet these schools are very happy to charge £30 for each audition. I later discovered that most of these places want older people with life experience. One school recruits for their show in 3 years time! It's a shame they don't refund the £30 when these kids don't get in. 

Anyway, the weather had cleared and we moved over to the High Street causing a bit of a stir with the locals as the music blared out and the miming and dancing began. Most of the adults weren't used in this part so we climbed back on to the bus to swap stories of past jobs and to exchange names of good agencies whilst berating the bad! 

After a very long time queuing for lunch and having eaten it in very cramped quarters we were asked to get back in to the mini bus again and traveled to the other side of the park. Yet more rain so we all sheltered under our umbrellas watching the kids do their thing until we were called upon to walk up and down outside the park. Excitement grew as word went round that this could be the last scene of the day.....but, no it wasn't. We were moved to a block of flats where we observed lines of children going up and down stairs....whilst we all stood there, not being involved at all and there we stayed for the next hour....

Funny, isn't it how some people think filming is exciting!!

Stormy Weather!

On the site Total Talent, a job advert caught my eye. It was for a documentary on the Boscastle floods and the ad was looking for someone to play the mother, Kim Evans, similar

age to me with short blond hair. I sent off my application but, to be honest, didn't expect to hear anything back.

A few days later my mobile rang - I'd got the part. It was to be shot at one of my favourite studios, Wimbledon Studios so  later that week I  set off with a ridiculous amount of clothes as I'd been told to expect a lot of water...Having suffered from delayed underground trains, as well as a dying phone I finally made it albeit 15 minutes later than the call time. Fortunately everybody else had the same problem so I was one of the first to get there. When I arrived, I was shown to costume which was to be a peach top with a denim skirt which was too wide and too long - oh well! I was also given white plimsolls to wear. The studio was outside, I guess because of the water so it was a bit like filming in a garage  but four times the size. I was introduced to my 'husband' , my three children. and the lady from the visitors centre who would be rescued with us.  Next came the introduction to the cold water pool.... The children went in first and they were truly amazing not a complaint from any of them to accompany their shivering  frames. As we stood there, waist deep in water, my 'husband' made the mistake of looking down with his glasses on - of  course they slid down his nose and straight in to the pool! A man in a frog suit entered the pool and swam round to find them but to no avail. Maybe, someone said, a second set of glasses could be used? Not so, according to Health & Safety as this meant some glass specs were in the bottom of  the pool and could very easily be trodden on. Finally, when we were all shivering our bits off, the glasses were spotted and duly rescued.  Our day continued with a climb up a ladder to the purpose built attic where we huddled together and sang songs such as The wheels on the bus,  Old MacDonald's Farm and if you're happy and you know it. As this was taking place, a 3D camera hovered above us as we shivered in time to the songs.  Next came the wind machine (we obviously didn't look cold enough) which was directed straight at us. Against this wind my husband tried to find a way out by climbing out of the window on to which rain was being directed. It was very cramped, wet and cold yet still no complaining from the three children! Eventually and thankfully lunch was called and it was off for some dry clothes and hot food from the canteen. Wimbledon Studios are fabulous with their food and selections and the choice was between lamb, fish and a vegetarian option followed by chocolate mousse or cake! Of course all this food started to make us all feel a bit sleepy and lethargic especially as we knew that we were in for another soaking! 

The attic was being taken apart so that it could be put on to the floor for close ups of the escape via the window so we went and sat in the 'Train' by the Police Station to re-record our singing and our screaming. Luckily, as we were inside there were no passersby!

Once we were back inside we were  given the dry spare set of our costumes except, there was no spare costume for my denim skirt so it was back into a soggy skirt...This time we had to all crouch down beneath the attic (now on the floor)  and attempt to climb out of the window whilst having some serious rain aimed at us. Once husband was out I had to help the children climb out so they could stand on the roof. Luckily I didn't have to climb out as the  skirt would never have made it - so I stood within the window frame and looked upwards at the invisible helicopter. It's difficult to describe how it feels knowing you're about to open a window and have cold water aimed at you when you're already cold and shivering...

Finally, it was a wrap and we were soon back in to our  nice cosy and warm clothes although we all looked a bit bedraggled with out wet hair and no hair dryer in sight. Fortunately it was a warm April day so by the time we had walked to the tube we had begun to dry out. We must have looked quite a strange sight, with such wet hair and not a bit of make up left in sight either!!

It's Electrifying!

I had a call from an agency that I hadn't heard from in about 15 months. Could I play a mourner at a funeral. It was in Ealing with a nice easy call time of mid-day. I guessed that this would be similar to my previous job with lots of people all moving around to  make out the church was  full when edited. When I got there someone else had arrived at the same time - Crispin. It was also his first job with this agency. Costume and make up pronounced us as fine so we went downstairs to sit in the bar area of this sports complex. Four men arrived but from a different agency, next, an older couple with a beautiful dog called Chou Chou who spent her time rather happily in her doggie holdall although, of course, with plenty of cuddles from us!

Eventually there were eight of us, seven men and me as the lady with the dog was a driver for one of the elderly gentlemen. Four were to be coffin bearers and four of us were mourners. Next stop lunch! This was to be, in my memory possibly the worst Cajun Chicken that I have ever had but however, I hadn't had to shop for  it or cook it so wasn't complaining. 

Once lunch was completed we got in to the mini bus to travel to location - a nearby cemetery - which we drove in to and then promptly out as the driver realised it was the wrong one. Easy mistake to make I guess as they all look the same. By this time April showers had taken a hold so we sheltered in the mini bus to wait for the appearance of the sun. You can learn a lot about people when you're all together on a not very big mini bus! Eventually the weather cheered up and we got out to stand in front of a disused church, currently being used as storage by local am dram societies. A hearse with a coffin and flowers fronted the church. Crispin and myself were used for specific reaction shots - sad, suprised, indignant etc. The person we were expressing these emotions to was the comedian Russell Kane who turned out to be the devil in disguise as he tried in vain to make us corpse!

Russell Kanes Live at the Electric begins this Thursday on BBC3.

It's a Black Day...

Text: Can you play a mourner at a funeral?  Full days pay for six hours work, starting at 10am. I was there like a shot - a huge church in the middle of West London. No food or coffee laid on here except for water and crisps although, to be fair, we had been warned to bring a packed lunch.  There were a couple of agencies working on this one so it was  very busy.  I soon discovered that there were one or two faces I recognised - Jon, Graeme, Derek and Steve and as always, its lovely to see a friendly face or two. This was to be a really tedious shoot as most of it revolved around moving from place to place so that when edited, it would look as if the church was full. The saving grace to the day was the beautiful choir that sung their hearts out although if I'm honest by the time I had heard the same song over and over again a rather large headache began to manifest itself...

Thankfully we had an early finish so I went home, took off the black coat, black suit, black shoes, jumped in to  something more colourful, jumped on to the sofa and thought

"Funny going to a funeral when you have no idea of who died!"

Fine Dining

A casting appeared on StarNow - open casting at a studio in Central London from 4pm - 8pm. Off I went and as usual being too early I went off to have  a coffee in Covent Garden. When I got back to the studio I couldn't believe how many people there were!  At 3.45 the place was literally heaving. Everyone  clutching forms, requesting pens, being measured, photographed...well, to be honest I didn't think I stood much of a chance with so many others.

A week later I received a call to be a restaurant  diner -  the place was Soho and the call time 5am.

This presented me with a slight problem - how to get there? Trains didn't start until 5.15  I don't do night buses but in the end managed to grab a  lift from someone who was happy enough to drive  into Central London Phew!

As I waited outside a shop front for the crew to get the place opened, I realised that Ann from the Bollywood filming was here - Brilliant! Then a beaming smile through the crowd - it was David (Britvic & Bollywood)! We were ushered inside to find rails upon rails of 1960s - 1990s clothing. To begin filming we would all be in 1970s clothes and to be honest, I was a bit doubtful about how it would look. However, once I had the boots on and the coat I loved it! Wardrobe had a terrible time separating me and that coat when the time came...

Once dressed we headed for the pub - I kid  you not and waited in all our finery for our  instructions. Pots of hot porridge arrived with dried fruit - not to everyones taste but warming all the same. One of the younger people was a dancer and it wasn't long before he had Saturday Night Fever blaring out and teaching everyone how to do the dance.

Next we were off down the road to a very posh restaurant which Ann recognised as she had been there for her birthday meal some time previously. We all lined up, a bit like soldiers on parade when David and I were told to step forward and were guided to a table. It turned out to be the table next to the main actors - Steve Coogan. For the next couple of hours David and I "rubarbed" through a meal of steak (me) and chicken (David) who really suffered for his art as he's a vegetarian! No veggie meals available presumably in the 1970s! We tried to avoid the nodding dog syndrome that many people  do in filming - in reality people don't actually nod that often.  More grape juice to wash it down with... and then we started all over again - more steak, more chicken, more grape juice! We started with the silly games - what other fruit could be used to make a conversation with? Pineapple, apples, pears, passion fruit....Seriously, if you're stuck in a restaurant and not allowed to talk then miming fruit words can be quite entertaining! Finally filming was done for that part and we were back off to base to have our lunch - noodles in a box which was very tasty even though we had to eat standing up.

1990s next - what awful clothes they wore (I wore!). I had skinny cropped jeans, baggy shirt and my hair was given a spiky fringe - not a good look... We went out into Soho and Ann and I walked round and round in circles for what seemed like hours. Everybody had sore feet as they were all wearing costume shoes. My shoes had been taped up with parcel tape as the insides had fallen apart and Ouch! did they hurt! More food arrived - a mango salad which was very welcomed by then. I was given three children to stand with  opposite a patisserie - all very cute and one very shy and very tired. This was their first foray into acting and I'm not sure they would do it again - the "starry eyes" had worn off and the "exciting" bit had definitely taken a nose dive.

Finally the words we were all waiting to here "It's a wrap!" We all hobbled back to base and very gratefully returned our shoes to costume. As I hobbled over to the tube, I paused to think, and not for the first time, what a strange job I do and I wouldn't change it for the world :)

It's Bollywood Day 2!

Turned up on set in a suit and newly acquired white shirt as per request from production (why Bollywood think that Business people only dress in white  shirts is beyond me!). Catering had been set up in a side street and after a lovely Sunday morning fry up we got into the mini van to travel to location. This was an empty office building in the middle of the city. Filming began quickly and I had to stand and talk to the receptionist and then walk up and down the corridor - pretty ordinary really. Next, we lined up to hand picked for the board room scene and I was lucky enough to be chosen. We sat round the board room table and the main actors gave us a short presentation. Great stuff.

Lunch followed and we finally got to eat Indian food at last! Very delicious it was too. I think this must have been to set us up for hours of tedium that followed. Everybody had to change into evening wear for a banquet. We were a little stuck on places to change and putting  tights on in the front seat of a car was never going to be a great idea.  I found the changing area and went in to be greeted by 

"Felicity! Can't believe you're here!" It was a beautiful woman named Hemma who I had met whilst working on Lee Nelsons Well Good show. She was getting dressed into the most beautiful Sari and looked truly stunning. It was so good to see her again. By this time, hours had begun to pass. Production hadn't realised that the clocks had changed and had gone forward by one hour which meant standing around for a while (a long while) until darkness fell. The temperature also fell...

Finally, we were taken to the great hall and were given seats at certain tables. I was right at the back well out of sight but as the room was so beautiful, it didn't really matter, plus with seven other people at the table we all had plenty to talk about. More red grape juice was forthcoming and 'champagne' toasts given. I had an opportunity to sit next to a wonderful lady called Anne with whom  I had loads in common with. Hopefully I will work with her again one day. Finally it was a wrap and I volunteered to give David a lift back to collect his bike. It probably would have been quicker to walk as the sat nav decided that going round the block was the way to go....

That was the last of my Bollywood adventures but my mobile has texts stating that more filming is imminent!

Bollywood 2

Text: Are you available for another day on a Bollywood movie - business people wanted.

I dragged out my old faithful suit (which I have since decided doesn't suit me at all...don't wear wide leg trousers if under 5'4"). 

The shoot was to be in E14, call time of 8am. As usual I arrived early so had a great fry up breakfast before filming began. We were travelled (walked) from unit base location (Canary Wharf). As we walked along I was tapped on my shoulder by a man who said,

"You don't remember me, do you?" Well, seeing as I have the worst memory for names (give me a script to remember any day but not names!!) and most people know this I had to declare that no, I didn't remember him at all. As it turned out I was on a shoot for a Commercial earlier on in the year with him. I had given him several agencies to try and contact. I do try to help people find agencies / work as when I started I wasted a lot of time trying to sort out the good agencies from the bad ones. In these days of recession why  spend time researching when you could be working?

Anyway, off we went to Canary Wharf where about six of us were not used. We sat outside a bar - luckily it wasn't cold - the sun was shining and we were still there chatting away until lunch time!  Sadly, we weren't allowed to have the delicious smelling curries that were reserved for main cast but our meal was decent enough so I wasn't complaining!

After lunch we returned to Canary Wharf where it was just a matter of standing around in different places. It's always interesting being put with different people and on this occasion one person stood out as they had nothing to talk about but themselves.....not only that but how successful they were. It makes me laugh when you get  people like that - if they are that successful then why are they a Supporting Artist on a Bollywood movie? 

Anyway, I digress....after we had been outside for about an hour we suddenly realised that there was an awful lot of people with cameras all flashing away at the main actors. Word must have gotten out very quickly and what seemed like coach loads of people started arriving. Eventually there was just a bank of people all with cameras all excitedly chatting away whilst the poor Director tried in vain to film the bits he wanted. In the end we were used as blockers to block the fans from taking pictures. What happened in the end was they incorporated the fans into the film as it was the only way of getting it done.  Of course it wasn't long after that when the infamous words went round "Its a wrap!" This was great news for some of us that were working the next day on a double shift as Business Executives from 8am until 2AM!!

The Model Daughter

Advert on Total Talent: Audience wanted - paid. Although not my normal kind of work I thought I'd give it a go. The pay was reasonable, breakfast and lunch were  included so although I wasn't going to be  in front of the  camera I thought I would be able to  put my feet up for the day, relax, eat lots, get paid - perfect!  I emailed my details through and so began a series of emails  between me and the shopping channel. Did I know of anyone else that might be interested? Well, probably yes but, I had given up facebook for Lent (I don't know why I do it either, it's become the yearly ritual to give something up. Normally it's either red wine or chocolate but as I was wasting an awful lot of  time on facebook it seemed like a good idea at the  time).  I suddenly realised that I didn't have many peoples emails  - I always contacted them via f/b. I sent out various emails to as many people  as I could but couldn't reach quite as many people as I would have liked. Could I have cheated and gone back on f/b? Well, yes, but then what's the point of giving something up for 6 weeks if you're going to give up giving up!

Anyway, the people I gave to the  shopping channel were all contacted and various days given to them. I was then asked if I could find a mother and daughter to be part of the show to be make up models. Well, I couldn't resist and sent off a couple of photos of myself and my daughter. To be honest, had I not had a home birth I would swear she was someone else's  as Millie, my daughter, looks nothing like me. (As it turns out she is the spitting image of her great  great grandmother).

Obviously the rate of pay would increase if chosen and we spent the next  few days anxiously wondering whether this would be Millie's first professional paid work. I should explain that Millie has just studied Performing Arts for two years and is hoping to get into musical theatre. Anyway, the day before we were told "Yes" we would be in front of the camera. Much excitement followed with lots of wailing from daughter

"What do I wear?"

We had taken a friend along and he was going to be part of the audience as were several people we knew. When we turned up there were lots of people from the Divine video, all recognising me as the girl that got the snog! (please see earlier blogs for Divine or my website via Starnow) much to my daughters embarrassment! We set off for breakfast clutching our £3.50 voucher and sat down in the canteen waiting for the others. Eventually, once everyone had arrived we were taken to the studio (Maidstone Studios). It was a small studio with the seats only being about four deep. We  then had to watch pillows being tested by an elderly couple (they were a big hit by the way, he was a real  comedian) hair trimmers for men plus a few others that don't spring to mind. People were asked to volunteer to ask  questions that had already been set and my friend Gerry put his hand up and proved to be very popular with the lady presenter! 

In between products, there was a warm up comedian. He was seriously, the worst comedian I have ever listened to. His jokes were unfunny and his timing was dreadful. He finally admitted that he normally worked the clubs in the evening and his normal jokes were not considered to be appropriate for a day time audience. Eventually, lunch was called and we all trotted off to the canteen clutching our vouchers. Lunch was fabulous and Millie soon lost herself in a very gooey chocolate cake for pudding. We were approached towards the end of lunch and asked to go to make up to be un-made up. Millie was very anxious about taking her make up off. I don't know why at 17 years old anyone would worry about taking make up off - it's when you get to my age that it becomes more serious!! I wear make up every day even if I'm not seeing anyone that day. I'm not seriously anxious about it but it's just something I have always done and always will. Anyway, the make up was removed and much to my satisfaction, the guy who was to put on our make up, Jerome Alexander, asked me to remove my make up.... I explained that it was all off and then he asked if I could pin back my "bangs{ (fringe). Back to make up again. Nobody in the whole of the make up department had make up head bands so clips had to be used. Believe me, I looked awful - no make up aprons either! When our time came, we had to walk down some steps ,wave  and smile as we took our seats on the set. Now I'm quite relaxed in front of a camera, it doesn't bother me at all. However, Millie  suddenly got an attack of nerves quite badly. This had the odd affect of making me incredibly anxious and nervous. We sat in front of the cameras and I could feel my heart racing pumping at twice it's normal speed. Jerome looked first at Millie commenting on her skin before turning to me. By this time,  Millie was perfectly at home in front of the camera but as she was to the side of me I couldn't actually see her so I still thought she was really nervous. Jerome came towards me with his soft American accent brandishing his special powder brush and as he approached all I wanted to do was to grab Millie's hand and shout

"Get me out of here!"

Of course, being the ever professional, I didn't do that and went on to comment how lovely his products were and how useful they were in their little compact compartments whilst my knees knocked so loudly I was sure that everyone in the room could hear them! The filming was completed very quickly and I did give a huge sigh of relief that it was over. Millie, on the other hand said

"I wouldn't mind being a presenter!"

We were presented with free make up sets afterwards and had a good laugh about it but it just goes to show how powerful the bond is between mother and daughter. I have done many camera close ups since and the problem of nerves never returned. 

I look forward to the day when I see her up on the screen and can proudly say

"We worked together on her very first professional job!"

Playing Trains

Corporate - can you play a passenger on a train with possible dialogue?

Yes, of course I could. Off I went to Sundridge Park Station, Kent, for a nice late start - 11am. As usual, I was far too early so parked the car up in the stations car park and went to see what was happening.  Along the way  I met a man who was also a bit bemused by the set up. Where was the catering van, the make up, the costume? A train was in the station and somebody yelled at us to get on. We jumped on without our bags containing the usual two other outfits (we were dressed in suits as the brief said 'Smart, no summer colours, take hats and briefcase"). The train began to move which we hadn't expected - where were we going? As it happened it was only going to the next station and back again.The train seemed to be quite full and we quickly realised that these were volunteers (paid) who worked for the train company. It's always interesting to see people playing extras who have no experience, the compulsion to look at the camera can sometimes be overwhelming...... We were sorted out in to 'Good Train" and 'Bad Train' (I kid you not) and I was in the Good Train. I was approached by a woman "You can do lines?" I said "Yes I could do lines" and I was promptly taken down to the front carriage where the crew were. The lines weren't difficult. As far as I remember they were something like "Can you tell me what the problem is? How long will we be?" Normally this would be completed very quickly however, remember what I said about people looking at the camera? For some reason, people felt the need to not only look in to the camera but to turn round and look at the camera so it went on for a while. The poor Sound man had to hover between seats to get the right position and he was a very squashed Sound man by the end of it! Back to our seats whilst other scenes were filmed and then off to lunch. Now when I say off to lunch....we stood on the platform eating fish and chips with a can of coke.... Not a sign of a coffee to be had anywhere. We were then given, which was unexpected, a bag of food and drinks to keep us entertained for the afternoon. which as  the day went on, was very much appreciated except we only had one loo on the train so most of us declined the drinks! 

Next, we were bundled into a carriage and had to react to a guy who was getting fed up , as  in the script, the train by now, had been at a standstill for over an hour, eventually he opens the doors of the train and jumps out. 

It was quite a long day, and I could really empathise with the real guy who did actually jump out of the train as our carriage was getting warmer and warmer, books had all been read, the food had long since gone...I can't imagine what it must be like stuck on a train with no information coming through from the driver.

Eventually, they asked for volunteers to walk along the track to the station. My hand shot up and I was chosen to 'escape'. We had to climb down a ladder then walk with high visibility jackets on, along the track. By the time we reached the platform the words we had been wanting to hear were said "It's a wrap!". It was a very strange sort of day but lovely people and they did try their best, in very unusual circumstances to look after us so, would I do it again? Course I would!

Coming Up (again!)

"Can you play the main characters mother for another film in the series "Coming up?" Well, I was hardly likely to say No, was I? This was to be a short shoot and at the wrong end of the day for me - 6 - 9.30pm. I much prefer getting up earlier and being in daylight but due to the nature of the filming it had to be filmed at night time. 

I arrived at the studio, parked the car and went and found the costume people. I was looked up and down, pronounced "Just fine" and went off to meet the others. There were two students who were playing the main characters friends and they were very excited about meeting the male main character. As usual, I had no idea of what, or should I say, who they were talking about (note to self: watch more telly!). We were bussed out into the depths of the Deptford / Greenwich borders to the most wonderful house. I think Deptford must be quite unusual in the way that the well off seem to nestle in quite happily with the not so well off. Here was this stunning row of Georgian type houses nestled in amongst the  council flats and the old community centre. We ventured inside this glorious house with its original features and warmly polished wood floors to find birthday cake and cards. The crew were filming  from the outside in  filming us toasting my "daughter" Bailey and wishing her a Happy Birthday with lots of cuddles whilst drinking the wine which was a bit naughty as this was real wine and as I was driving I had to be very careful that I didn't suddenly forget and swig it down in one!

I won't spoil the film by telling you where the male lead comes into the film - after all, if I gave you everything you'd have no incentive to watch it! I have to say that the main actors were very pleased with our presence and shook hands and said thanks all round much to the delight of the two students. After all, it isn't every day you get to shake the hands of a werewolf! (Russell Tovey)

No Pain No Gain!

Advert on Starnow caught my eye for someone to play a mother / victim in a domestic violence film. This was a student film, which normally I would bypass due to the fee of "No Pay" although this one did offer expenses. However, something about it interested me so I applied. A week later I was told that I had landed the role. This was never going to be an easy role for me to play as I come from a violent background with my father always using my mother as a punch bag. I did feel that I could bring something to the role that perhaps, others couldn't if they hadn't been through the same scenario. 

The shoot was in a private house in Egham, Surrey. I ,and my bag, which contained an entire set of different clothes in case they didn't like what I was wearing squeezed through to the conservatory to meet the man that was to be my husband. He was a trained actor - I am always delighted to meet and work with someone who has been through the actors training ground because it always means that, unless you are completely ignorant, you will come away with more knowledge than you previously had. 

Having briefly met each other, the sound person sat in front of us and asked us to get started on an argument. It's quite an odd thing to start an argument with someone you don;t know and whose character you know nothing about. Anyway, the character in question turned out to be one that slowly angered before erupting in violence. Once started we were well away and it took a minute to realise that the crew were looking visibly shaken! Windows were promptly shut to lessen the noise of the screaming! Next, we moved in to the sitting room where filming began in earnest as time was ticking away. We stood behind a sheet that was lit up from behind so that we appeared as shadows. Again, we started the argument but, this time using hand gestures so that we weren't quite so static. At one point a gun was brought out, fired, followed by me falling to the floor. Thankfully, we only had to do this a couple of times before it was time for me to wrap. As yet, the film is still untitled and editing hasn't been completed but I will endeavor to gain permission needed to provide a link for you to see the final product.

Bollywood

Text: Are you available to be a posh restaurant diner in a Bollywood movie? I have to admit that I was a bit anxious on this one as I had heard both good and bad reports from various people. However, one  thing I have learned is that other peoples perceptions about what  is bad can vary enormously! I confirmed that I was free and the job was mine. We all had to take several changes of clothes, all cocktail types for changes throughout the day to show day time and evening. This was a nightmare. The only place to change was on a bus and there were an awful lot of us to get changed and the costume people were seriously fussy. Eventually it was decided that I should wear a red dress with stilettos and off I went tottering around in my fur coat. Now I know that a fur coat nowadays is not PC but this is one my late mother gave to me over thirty years ago and I have never had the heart to get rid of it. The only time I wear it is on set and thankfully, so far no one has minded including the very lovely David, a vegetarian who was to be my partner in a further day of filming. We were sat in groups or in pairs round tables whilst the main actors did there bit at the bar and in the restaurant. I am sure that one of the reasons that so much Bollywood is done in this country is that we have no idea who the actors are and therefore, do not fuss round them or become starstruck. It was only later when hoards of people turned up at an outside shoot that we realised that the main couple had the same kudos as the Beckhams. The crew were very polite, not only to us but to each other calling the director Sir and always using the word please to everyone. There isn't a specific person allocated to look after the extras on these shoots so sometimes it can be a bit awkward when one crew member tells you to do something whilst another tells you to do something completely different! 

We all had plates of food  put in front of us and told that under no circumstances were we to eat it as it could be hazardous to our health!! The place itself was beautiful.  It was a restaurant at the top of an office building right in the city of London and the view was amazing. Finally, lunch was called and we all got back into mini buses and arrived back at base. This was the bit I was looking forward to the most - the food! However, when I arrived at where the curry was being cooked I was turned away - it was for the main cast only.....

Over to the catering van where a very nice roast pork with all the trimmings was being dished out but it wasn't quite the same!

More filming was to follow with everyone changed in to evening wear. More inedible food was served and more grape juice poured in to the wine glasses (now come on, you didn't really think they'd serve alcohol on set, did you?). It was a long 12 hour day but we had been well looked after and the food, although not quite what iIexpected was plentiful and filling. Everyone got on well together which always makes the day seem that bit nicer and that bit shorter. Sadly I can't tell you the title of the film as it only has a working title - production 45 but as soon as I know I will pass it on. Having ventured to dab my toe into the Bollywood films - would I do it again? Yes and I did but more of that  to come later....

A very patient patient!

Mobile rings: Can you be a patient in a hospital for 5 days?

Let me see, can I sit round, do nothing and get paid for 5 days? Yep - job confirmed!

It's always a strange place to go to Elstree Studios as you have Eastenders on one side and Holby on the other and never the twain shall meet! Turned up for my first day (BTW this is the only job that doesn't provide food unless you want crisps, biscuits or fruit) but you get a lunch allowance paid to you after the job is finished. I walked down the corridor with my ridiculously heavy bag - wasn't sure which PJ's they'd want or slippers or bath robe....to find my lovely friend Kathy who I'd appeared in Cardinal Burns with. Excellent! We got changed into out lovely hospital gowns - mine was huge so I was stapled into it - then went to meet the others. We were a mixed bunch of young and old - some were nurses, patients and visitors. There was one 'comedian' who was telling us all about his adventures on set, many of which seemed to revolve around pubs! Sadly, he didn't last long as he liked to muck about on set, such as falling out of bed which although raised a smile to us, didn't endear him to the director. One  girl was a professional dancer and about to take on a job as a dancer on a cruise for six months -  how lovely! Another was a DJ, someone else an actress - it's always interesting to find out what people actually do.
I was asked if I could look very ill. Actually they meant dead! I had to lie in bed very still whilst a nurse checked my pulse, sounded the alarm then the doctor and nurses started to resuscitate me. There was a lot of laughter as people grabbed things in a hurry to help and then realised they had picked up suppositories or pile cream!
Another day I had to lie on a stretcher bed and be pushed around which is a very odd feeling. Not only are you not in control but when the ceiling starts passing by it does start to make you feel really ill! Sometimes you get to interact with the main actors - always exciting.
After five days it was  time to go and leave Holby behind. THere was lots of hugging  each other and it was all very emotional to leave one another. It is an amazing feeling at the end of five days as these strangers have turned into  good friends. After all, there really isn't a lot to do there  except read and talk so we probably found out more about each other in those few days than possibly their own friends knew about them. I am glad to say that I am still in touch with all of them and I will be more than pleased if ever our paths get to cross again. Holby City - what a legend!

Camouflage

Received an email asking if I would be available to return to 'Coming Up' to make another film. Fine by me. Didn't get a confirmation email back  so I assumed the job was cancelled and made plans to visit friends for the weekend. I arrived at 9pm really looking forward to spending time with good  friends, good food (of course) and good wine. I noticed that my phone (still on silent after driving) had a message. It was from Simon from Coming Up.

"Haven't heard from you. Still OK to film tomorrow? Have sent out another email."

Oh my goodness! I did the quickest turnaround ever and headed back from whence I came!

Arrived nice and early to the studio and costume decided that I would do as I was. I was supposed to be a passerby so wasn't really expecting any major problems regarding wardrobe. Make up and hair were fine so it was off down the road to a pub for breakfast. Actually, we weren't actually in the pub but in their back yard which housed an old fashioned red bus which had been turned into a restaurant!  On this particular  shoot there were only five of us so we quickly got to know each other very well. It's always lovely to be part of a small shoot and you very quickly find that you become part of  a temporary family. 

After breakfast we drove off in the minibus to Deptford High Street where filming was to take place at a greengrocers. I was summoned to the front.

"We want you to be a grocery shopper and react to the main character."

No problem. I had no idea who the main character was (I still didn't when he appeared but soon found out when a crowd  started to assemble) but I am always happy if some acting is incorporated into my day.  My role was to take vegetables from the shop keeper, say "Thank you" then turn round to face Ashley Walters and say "Excuse me, please." 

then I was asked,

"Can you continue talking to the grocer?"

Me? Talk to the camera?  Of course I could! Getting me to stop would be the problem! Actually it was very easy as the grocer had fruit and veg that I had never seen before. I mean who knew about pudding fruit?!

This took most of the morning due to people shouting out Ashleys name or stopping to stare at him. On the way back to where the green room was situated I asked Ashley if he minded people interrupting him when he worked.

"No, you have to remember that these are the people that watch the films." 

He spoke to everybody who wanted a word with him taking  time out from filming to make sure that he gave his time  to those that wanted it. What a man!

The rest of the day passed by without us being used any more although it was expected that we would be used inside a restaurant but instead we were outside freezing our bits off without so much of a snifter of a film crew!! We broke for lunch at 4pm where we were told it was a wrap. Long day but as I was with some fabulous people, it didn't seem as long. On to the next job but what it could be and where is anybodys guess!

Chavtastic!

I received a text asking me to be part of a TVC (TV Commercial) for a well known betting company. The brief stated that one smart costume should be worn plus one other that was more tarty. Thankfully the Cancer Research shop came to my rescue over the tarty one!

The venue was Sandringham Race Course on a very cold, snowy and frosty morning. I had just arrived when one car started to slide backwards with no driver inside and was headed straight for a brand new van! Fortunately the owner of the car managed to fling open the drivers door and pull up the handbrake and steer the  car round. Phew!

I headed  in for breakfast (you know me) and met lots of people I knew - it was a bit like a reunion - fantastic! The day had a staggered start and I was in the early section - 6.30am start. I like early starts and am definitely a morning person which helps in this business when early starts are the usual. After a cooked breakfast we headed out into the stands to watch an invisible race... I was summoned over to stand on a box with a hat from the costume department complete with feathers. To be honest, it looked like a pigeon had crashed into my head at speed! Fortunately, it was decided that I was a bit on the small side and they needed someone much taller so I managed to escape the hat. 

We weren't quite sure what was going on as nobody had explained the advert to us. However, the words 'Chav' and 'Transvestite" seemed to be banded about....In the next shot, one woman had to stand on a Chav!  We were moved around the stands and around the racing area when the Chavs started to walk up. Now I feel I must mention one lady here - Lula. Her costume was amazing complete with corset and bowler hat - fabulous!

After a very quick and hurried lunch we were back to filming again, this time at the racing enclosure. There were a couple of blonde ladies, dressed to the nines, as chavs, shouting,

"Go on gel" 

"Put some welly init!"

From behind them, a man looking every inch the country gentleman fired a tranquilizer gun hitting one in the neck and one in her rear end. Of course this was all staged but it was really funny to see it all happening. Looking around we began to notice that there were some new arrivals - women who certainly weren't 'all woman'. A lot of time was spent trying to discover - man, woman or ? 

There was an awful lot of hanging about for this job and just when we thought we'd be let go, they decided that we should all go to the bar and continue filming up there. Eventually at exactly 6.30 we (the early shift) were let go. Here's the link to the ads.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XZ5MOB3nww

Is there a Doctor in the house?!

A StarNow advert caught my eye. People needed for a short film: paramedics, passersby, doctors for a hospital scene. It was fairly low pay but it was on a Sunday and for once, I had a free day (unusual when you're a mother and I don't care how old the kids are!) I applied and a couple of days later I received an email - could I be a doctor - uniform supplied. Well, I've always fancied myself in a white coat so thought why not? 

It was a lovely sunny January day and I arrived to find people already seated round a table. I was suited and booted ( always need a suit in this job) and as soon as wardrobe knew who I was a white coat was given to me. I was to be the only doctor (later a consultant) amongst the paramedics, nurses and the hospital visitors. 

I started chatting away to a lovely man called Raymond who made most of his money by being a Supporting Artist (always a Supporting Artist darling, never an extra) in Spain. He had some really interesting tales to tell and most of us were, of course spellbound by his narration of his past. A woman next to me, Tracie, also spoke Spanish so the two of them nattered away whilst the rest of us listened almost like watching a duologue!

We were sent outside to look up at the top of a building where people were standing and we all had to react to the situation: astonished, shocked and relieved. I wont give the plot away but look out for Chanel 4 series of short films "Coming Up" and 'The Postcode Lottery'.