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.