Standing In

One very cold Saturday morning I found myself standing in an outside shopping mall with the wind whipping up a frenzy all around. It was extremely cold and I was very glad to be shown to the basement of a local restaurant. I was to be a stand-in for the day for a Japanese actress (I never did find out her name) and this was an advert for a well known camera company. Others started to arrive and having been told not to expect breakfast we all milled around hoping at the very least for a hot cup of coffee. One of the runners appeared:
"You know that breakfast is in the next room? Help yourselves."
We didn't need to be asked twice! To this day that breakfast stays in my mind. There was cheese, hot croissants, rolls, freshly baked bread, ham, cold meats, fruit, yogurt, danish pastries (well, that was me in Heaven right there!). In fact, anything you could think of that you could possibly want for a cold breakfast was there with plenty of hot drinks.
The AD came up and asked me to stay where I was for the time being as he was about to take the Supporting Artistes on to the set. To be honest, I was delighted as it was a beautifully warm room with food, plenty to drink and the days papers had been given to me.
It wasn't long before the S/As reappeared very cold and needing the warmth of the room.
"We will be using you shortly" I was told. I began to dread going outside. Everybody had red noses and were stamping their feet trying to get some feeling back in them. I had to remind myself that as a Stand-In I was getting paid more than the S/As so I would just have to get on with it.
The S/As were called on to set once more.
"We will get to you soon" said the AD to me. So I took the Saturday papers and magazines, gathered  a danish pastry and a coffee and settled down in to my seat. Time went by. Nobody called. Had they forgotten me?  Well, at least I was warm and cosy. From time to time an S/A would appear and we'd have a chat over yet another coffee. Eventually the AD came over to me:
"Actually, I'm not really sure why you've been booked today. I don't think they're going to use you. "
I didn't mind, I was having quite a nice time thank you very much. After all, I would get my pay whether or not they used me.
"Lunch!" Various forms of pizza arrived and everybody dived in.
"And that's a wrap!"
The whole day had only been four hours long and I felt very blessed to be in such a lovely position to be paid for reading the papers, eating cakes and drinking coffee! Plus the lovely company of all the S/As to chat to - it really was the perfect day!

It's the End of the World!

I got an email from a friend asking if I had seen the casting on Starnow. For some reason it had bypassed me but this friend had been along to the casting on the Saturday and found that everything was above board and it was a proper casting for a film. The next casting was the next day so I should get myself down there. The casting was for dancing zombies.... well, the money was good so why not?

Off I went not quite knowing what to expect. In fact all I had to do was to fill in a form and have my picture taken and that was it. During the next few weeks I began to hear that friends had already started work on the film so I assumed that I wasn't needed. However, a couple of weeks later I got an email   asking me if I could go to a recall. This would be in the form of a short dance practise. Off I went, not quite knowing what to expect or at what level they expected me to be at. In fact it was very easy and the recall was just to make sure that we could all work together as one. Various movements were made, for example walking up and down then turning heads to the  right or left all to the count of eight. It was interesting seeing some of the people that couldn't walk in front of a camera. Their limbs seemed to take on a life of their own!

Another couple of weeks went by.... 

Mobile rang,

"Can I book you for three days work?"

Thank goodness for that! I was also asked to go for a costume fitting at Elstree Studios which would also be paid for. Now I imagined that we would be made up as zombies but, no in fact we had very ordinary clothes to wear. I work a knee length skirt, knee length boots, a polo neck and a padded jacket - very country woman!

The first day of work arrived at Letchworth and I turned up early (of course) and settled in for a coffee. A lovely lady called Jan joined me and I  knew that the 3 days we'd both been booked for would certainly be a laugh as she had a wonderful  sense of humour. Anyway, it turned out that the production team had a  sense of humour too as we were moved out to  location which was, for us, a freezing cold room with nothing in it above a pub. Luckily, another friend Derek had joined us  and he had been filming the previous day so knew where to get lunch, coffee etc as nobody bothered to tell us anything. In fact the next two days were a bit like that and we really did feel forgotten about. We did manage to put the heating on though which was something.  Day one consisted of ... well, nothing as we took turns to sleep on crash mats which had been left after Marshall arts classes. We were even given overtime! The next day seemed to be the same again. After several hours we were finally called downstairs to the pub where the main actors were. Finally we were going to do something! In fact it was just looking towards the actors at certain points all together. It didn't take long and we were put back in our room. Hours later, a man came up and said,

"You don't mind staying for overtime do you? It will be a couple more hours."

"Yes I do mind." I said. He looked a bit perplexed.

"I have been here for hours, done nothing and I have a long drive home."

At this stage we were already into overtime anyway but by then I was fed up and didn't want to part of it anymore so I left. I did feel a bit of a Diva when the minibus arrived to pick up just me...
The third shoot was to be a night shoot, weeks later, at a completely different location. I was dreading it....On arrival on a freezing cold late afternoon Jan and I headed for our breakfast. Although it was 4pm, the crew and cast had been working nights for that week so this really was breakfast for them.
We were moved over to location (a pub) and we settled ourselves in for the long night ahead. We were each given a pair of goggles which lit up so that it looked as if beams were coming from our eyes. Some people even had them in their mouths and I was very glad I wasn't one of them! When our time came we had to run up and down a closed off road. Now, when I say run I mean literally run - it was certainly not a dainty  jog! It was also very slippery as the previous days rain had started to freeze.  We all had shoes and boots on from costume as well so that wasn't easy running in somebody elses  shoes! I can't begin to explain how cold it was -  well it was the end of November but this was a particularly bitter night. Hand warmers and hot water bottles were very soon in evidence to try to keep some  of the heat in. I was very grateful that I had been given boots to wear and although I had a short skirt instead of the tights I'd been given, I managed to get away with wearing my own leggings - nobody noticed :)     Thankfully everybody had a good sense of humour which kept us going through the first half of the night before our dinner was served at 1am. We all felt so much better afterwards but of course nobody wanted to go back outside to do any more running! We finally wrapped at 3am and it was a very tired crew and cast that arrived back at base to get changed and then to chip the ice from the car windows.  I thought I had put this particular film behind me when,
"Can you do one more day?"
Well, we'd been ignored, frozen to death, did I really want to do any more?  It was a day shoot and it was at a different location so I said I would do it.
So on 19th December at 7.30 am I found myself near the  Royal Business Park in E16. It was very cold but everybody had their thermals on or had smuggled in some heat pads and hot water bottles. We were taken by mini bus over to the location which was a disused water tower. This was an amazing place - you walked in at ground level and realised that the floor dropped quite a way down plus there was also quite a way up too. Add to this the bizarre dummies scattered about that were dressed as people also with the lit up goggles attached it was certainly a weird and wonderful place to be!  We had to stand very still and lean slightly over so the camera could catch our lighted goggles. Basically, that's all we had to do whilst we watched the actors carry on in the bar that had been replicated in the basement.
I think we were all quite glad when the days shoot was over. The dining bus that had been our home for the day had steamed up as the rain came lashing down. Everyone was wet, tired and although more than pleased to say we'd all been on the set of The Worlds End, I think I can safely say we were all very pleased when "Its a wrap" was announced and we could all go off, warm up and  dry out. Just think...some people think this is glamorous!!

(and  no, I haven't even got the special goggles on - perhaps the alien invasion had a special effect on me!)

Humpreys music video

Got a message via that wonderful (!) site Starnow.
We are casting extras for a one day shoot music video happening in between the dates 27th- 30th of October.

The artist is called Humphrey Milles and you can listen to the track on this link.

http://soundcloud.com/raul-caldeira/06-not-enough/s-JhKZL

Now, I never do unpaid work. Very occasionally I will do expenses only if its something I am interested in but No Pay No Way is  my usual mantor. However, I listened to the track & found that I really liked the music so decided that in this case I would go ahead and do it for expenses.
So on a bright Friday morning, at 7am  I found myself at an office building in Woolwich High Street dressed in office style clothing. There were about 20 of us  so it took some time to get us all organised and fed and watered!
The job was simple, at first... we just had to sit down and listen to an actor give a speech. Of course there was no such speech as the music would be played over the top of the filming.
Next we had to stand up and give a person  a hug whilst the actor directed  us as to where we should be looking for hugs! Around this time people began to  leave. Not because they didn't like the filming but because they had other things to do, work to go to and besides, they weren't being paid so it really didn't matter - did it? It certainly caused a few problems as suddenley there were empty chairs and areas of space where there wasn't any before. This often happens with no pay/expenses pay  jobs. After a while we were asked to do a bit of mad dancing before being filmed having  coffee & biscuits.
I'm not in most of it as I was sat next to Humprey Miles on his left side which is never seen but I still think the track is quite good. Here's the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdmKFNQLQUk

Black Mirror

Mid November I was asked to be a driver for a TV  series that showed the darker side of life. My car, a very old Nissan Micra in Cornflower blue seems to get quite a bit of filming probably because of its colour.

The call time was early - 6.30am. I found the base which was in High Wycombe and went into the room allocated for some breakfast. Next we had a costume check. I have never understood why, when you are a car driver, you need a costume check and several people had to change their clothes.  Sometimes I feel that it is the people in charge of costume that feel they have to justify their jobs so they make sure we bring lots of changes of clothes and then make sure we use them even though we can't be seen....
Next was hair and make up so we trudged round to another building whereupon a lady took off her shoe and a live mouse raced across the room! She had been wearing trainers that were too big and the tiny mouse had wedged itself in the front of her shoe jumping out at the first opportunity! It was certainly one of the strangest sights I've ever seen. Make up weren't too pleased though as we all went back to our allocated area leaving them to deal with the mouse...
It seemed to take a while to get the filming up and running so we just sat and chatted with each other. There weren't very many of us so it was lovely to get the chance to talk to other people about their filming and casting experiences.
Eventually, we were called to our cars and had to line up behind a barrier. We had to stop at the barrier and buy a ticket to go and watch, what I later found out, was some form of execution. The filming went on for some time with cars reversing back to Number Ones (first position) and then  going  again. It can be quite tedious as each driver is by themselves so only the radio for company and even then it has to be on low as the Directors wishes must be heard! This was quite a short shoot and after just a few hours we had finished, sadly before lunch was being served so there was just enough time for the chits to be signed and we were all on  our way home again. What would be the next job I wondered.

Crime drama

Phone call: Can you go for a costume fitting?
Yes, I'm available.
Phone call: It's now been cancelled.
Oh well, never mind.
Phone call: You've been booked.
Without a costume fitting? Suits me.

Off I went to film a crime tv series. It was to be set in Brixton although the holding area was about a mile away. I found the place, walked in, had my name checked on the list and then:
"You've been cancelled. You're not supposed to be here."
I looked at my phone messages - nothing. Checked the voice mail - nothing. Email - nothing.
I phoned the agent.
"Why do these people think I'm cancelled for today?"
"Because they cancelled you late last night. I'm trying to get a cancellation fee for you...Hang on, where are you?"
"I didn't receive any text or email so am here waiting to go into costume but obviously theres confusion as to whether I should be here or not..."
At that moment I was ushered into costume with mutterings of people not turning up.
"Who hasn't turned up? " (Agent)
"I don't know but it's a good thing that I'm here then.."
For whatever reason, a couple of people hadn't turned up so luckily my day was not about to be wasted after all. I was quickly dressed into 1980s fashion and hair dressed accordingly.
Off to the minibus to travel to Brixton Market. This is a wonderful place full of food that I have never seen before and quite frankly not sure I would like to try some of it either!!

Walking up and down the market made it really easy to forget what you were there for in the first place because everybody on the stalls and in the shops were so  friendly. I would have liked to stay for longer to find out about the food, how it should be cooked and eaten but time was against us.

Next it was back for a bite to eat then into 1990s costume. Now if you think about it, 1980s fashion was bad enough but 1990s? Can anyone remember what people were wearing in that era? Nope, most people remember it as pretty dull and boring which is exactly how I was dressed...and as for the hair...

The next location were some back streets where there were some old clapped out cars waiting to be driven. Actually, they were usually pushed because they kept giving up!  The job was simple enough - walk up and down, light a cigerette  and notice what was going on around me. I'm a non smoker so that took a bit of getting used to. The cigerettes are never real tobacco but are the herbal ones.  Smoke  enough of them and they give you the worst headache ever!!
After a very long 12 hours the job was done, filming was wrapped for the day leaving us to find our way to the nearest station....now, what direction  was that again? !!

The Corporate

I was approached via my website - somebody wanted to consider me for a part in a  corporate - fully paid. It was to play the part of a boss in a company - my script would be sent asap. I agreed and began to learn the script which was fairly short. It didn't seem too difficult so when the audition was set up I felt fairly confident. However, 24 hours before the audition another script was emailed over. It was a bigger part and I would be playing the Company Director. The trouble was that both the scripts were  fairly similar with the same  'business speak' words so one script kept turning into another....Anyway 24 hours later I found myself in Central London dressed in business wear and waiting anxiously to be seen. At that point I still had the two scripts - one that I had learnt and the other which was very roughly learned. I was also in panto playing two different roles so just had to hope that that didn't enter in to things!! I walked into a white room with an oblong table. Along one side sat three men whilst I sat on the other side. After the initial introductions I was asked to audition for the part of the Company Director. This threw me slightly as I had expected to say the first learnt script. Fortunately, it was OK to read it and as I had roughly learnt it the night before I didn't have to have my head stuck to the script! 

"OK now can you do it in an American accent?"

Now, I can do accents but first I like to study them. That way I find I can imitate them much better. However, I took a deep breath and launched into what can only be described as the worst possible American accent ever!! 

"Can you do a German or European accent?" This time to save my blushes I replied,

"If I could hear the accent you are after then I would be happy to imitate it for you."

"Can you learn an American accent?" By now, the audition clearly wasn't going too well so I began to relax as obviously I hadn't got the part.

"Well, from which part of the USA? My sons girl-friend is from Arizona and could teach me their accent which is pretty soft sounding."

That seemed to go down well - phew!

All of a sudden we had finished so with the knowledge that there was no way they were going to give me the part I began to walk towards the lift when another man appeared. It turned out that he was the writer. I had to go back into the room and do it all over again and yes, even the american accent!
 By the time it was over I knew I hadn't got the part but well, I tried and if you don't try then you'll never know.
A day or so later I received an email:  You impressed myself and David so much we would like to offer you the part . Would it be possible for you to practice in the Arizonian accent as well. We will probably film two versions. English and American so we have the choice.
WHAT?! Surely this was a mistake? Maybe they had sent the wrong email to the wrong person? I responded with: To say I'm shocked is the understatement of the year! 
But of course I accepted the part.
Six days later I found myself in Old Street in the most amazing apartment. The type you see in magazines - all white and glass and everything hidden - including the doors! This wasn't what I was expecting at all because when I had rehearsed it I assumed I would be sitting behind a desk or standing up. Yet here was a large settee and a man being 'interviewed' in front of the camera about the business using his own accent and an Indian accent. Thank goodness I hadn't got that one!
Make up checks were fine (I'm used to doing my own) and hair brushed then it was off upstairs. Aha! There was a desk and two chairs after all. Presenter sat opposite with the camera just off his left shoulder and I launched into the American accent with everybody round me and looking intently at me. I finished and breathed.....they all smiled - they liked it! Thank goodness for that! Lunch was postponed (forever as it turned out) but after a quick cuppa we were ready to roll. As it was all 'business speak' there was certain terminology that I wasn't sure about so a couple of explanations were made and the monologue altered accordingly. American done  now for the BBC accent....The trouble was, I had spent so long on the American accent that I hadn't really practised it in English ...
there were certainly a few starts and stops along the way as English slipped into American!
Finally it was in the bag and time for me to run home to make myself in to an old lady/ Beauty Therapist  for the pantos opening night. Luckily I made it with time to spare. What a great job!
 

Vegetaria!

I noticed a plea from  an agency on facebook. They wanted someone to appear in a vegan advert but weren't going to handle the job themselves as it was a favour to a client. Although I didn't belong to this agency, I thought I would apply. After various emails going back and forth I was invited to a costume fitting at the American church in Tottenham Court Road. As usual I arrived early and tried to get in.... The front door was locked and had no sign of a bell to ring. I wandered around to the back to another door. This time there were plenty of buzzers to press for attention but which one?!

Eventually somebody went in and I grabbed my chance and ran in behind. No signs anywhere. I could hear singing downstairs so thought I could try there and at least I could find somebody to ask.

It  turned out to be a rehearsal for the musical "We Will Rock You." Well, I didn't think I was quite suitable for that one so tried another room and found somebody connected with the vegan advert. At least I knew i was now in the right place! I was to wait upstairs until they were ready for me. Where  there's a costume fitting, theres a wait. An older man joined me and told me that he had been for a casting for the advert and that everyone working on it was supposed to be vegan. Oops.... 

I was finally called downstairs and walked in to find a young man in a boiler suit with fruit being attached to his groin. OK, so now I was getting worried - what on earth was going on and what would be expected from me?! One of the costume people must have seen the look on my face and said,

"Don't worry the fruit and veg are only for the men."

Thank goodness for that. Eventually myself and a younger  lady who was we supposed, meant to play my daughter were asked to sit down in a couple of chairs and pretend that we were in a car looking at the man in the boiler suit. That was it. Nothing else. I was surprised as they were paying for me to go to the costume fitting and really they could have saved their money.  As I signed the release forms I was given the date for the filming which was to be 2 days later at a different location.

Friday arrived and I got to location in time for a coffee and a chat with a  couple of the others. The girl playing my daughter turned up and quietly explained that she wasn't vegan either. We were called off to the minibus and driven to location which turned out to be a car wash garage. Our guy in the boiler suit was dancing to music with the various veggies and fruit moving in all their full glory! I began to wonder what was expected of us.... We were called in and asked to sit on a couple of chairs so that we looked as if we were the car wash customers. I thought it looked a bit odd personally as the boiler suit guy was doing such a good job I felt that we were somehow interrupting what was a good bit of filming. Anyway there we say until the Director asked us to go and dance around the boiler suit man. Now, I can pretty much do anything without too much embarrassment thanks to acting classes but this poor girl who I was with was totally mortified. She didn't act at all and in fact it turned out that she was a friend of the crew. Anyway, we danced away much to everyones amusement and were finally released for lunch - veggie thai curry which is a particular fav of mine so when the Director came and gave thanks to us and to release us, he also asked us to stay for lunch. Yummy!

Here's the link -   its no surprise that we were cut out but it's still a great watch!

http://youtu.be/OYwjjTuZsxM

Stick Imagery

An agency that I had almost forgotten about about sent me a text asking if I could be a stand in. It would involve learning a biography so that I could portray the character as closely as possible.  I presumed that this was a random text, said Yes, and didn't think any more about it. I certainly didn't think I would hear from them again. All of a sudden, the phone rang and  the agency explained that the producer wanted my  Spotlight link. Now although I have had several featured and speaking roles, my main work is with Corporate filming which Spotlight refuse to recognise. Anyway, through the power of persuasion and giving them lots of work which included theatre work (it proved a point that I could learn a script) I finally received a call on the Thursday to say I was booked for the next week for one possibly two days. Excellent news, in fact so good that I went out to celebrate and fortunately only had a couple of drinks because when I got back there was a message to say that I was needed for the next day and please could I learn the biog for that day as I couldn't have the script with me....Gulp! I downloaded the biog - all 9 pages of it.

After very little sleep, I caught the train to Camden, found the production offices and went in to meet the cast. It was a little bit daunting sitting, waiting in reception whilst people you recognise and are about to work with walk past you. Eventually I was invited in to the room. This was a large room that looked as if it had been set up for a board meeting with a large table in the middle. I sat down and nodded 'Hello' to people who were very quickly being introduced to me.  The script was read through, adjustments made and then we broke for coffee whilst chairs were rearranged to mimic the set that would later be filmed.  The character I was standing in for was to be interviewed and the  idea was for me to imitate the character as closely as possible. I had to walk in to the make shift set, sit down and be interviewed giving as full answers as possible. Luckily, I liked the character that I was standing in for so when reading the biography I had retained some interesting facts about her life. As part of the show, the character would have to remain on set for the full 45 minutes and be continually brought into conversation even when the next guest was interviewed. Any of the cast could ask questions and all this in front of a panel of writers who changed the script according to my reactions and answers. Lunch was called - a delicious cold buffet - after which the writers went away to look at the script and to write in some extra details. It was decided that the rest of us could all go home as there was little else to be done. I have to say that it was a little odd walking along the street to the tube station with the cast of the Kumars!

I arrived home and noticed a missed call. It was from the producer. Oh crap! What if he didn't like my portrayal of the character? Had I  learnt enough? I didn't  have time to waste as I was appearing in Radio Plays that were in front of an audience that night so I just had to bite the bullet and return the call. Producer was very happy and could I stay for another five days? The fifth day would involve doing the dress rehearsal at the London Studios - would I be OK for that? Errrm...now let me see.... Of course I would!!

Off I went to perform the Radio Plays and during the interval my mobile rang - I was also booked for a Corporate on the Sunday - it was starting to get busy!!

Monday loomed - I had spent any spare time researching yet more material for the person I was standing in for. I wanted to find out things that the Kumars wouldn't know because otherwise they could pre-empt my answers and it wouldn't be possible to do that in the real life  situation. This time the rehearsal rooms were in Kings Cross with a lovely late call time of 10am. Of course on arrival,  breakfast had to be eaten before any work could be undertaken. Another actor joined us named James who would  stand in for a well known actor. We sat at the table looking over  our  biogs eating our breakfasts put together by a lovely lady named Tara. Soon it was time to start work and I was up first. Again no paperwork was allowed so I had to 'morph' into my character. Fortunatly it went very well and when it was James turn I had to stay and answer any questions that were sent my way. It was a wonderful day and everyone got to  know each other a lot better so everyone felt comfortable with one another. On my way out, I popped in to the writers and gave them my research on the person I was imitating . They seemed to be quite relieved and asked if I could research the other character too but  I declined that offer!

The week continued with a lady named Jo  who joined us as a stand in for the singer that was also to be interviewed. On Friday, however, it was all change. Jo and I arrived at the London Studios, signed in and were shown to our Green room and more importantly where the coffee was! James joined us and just as I was about to take my first slurp of coffee...

"Everybody on set!"

Wait a minute, no breakfast and now no coffee???!

A microphone was given to me to wear and then it was on to set where 5 cameras were aimed at us. During the following hour, I developed the worst headache - the kind that just isn't going to go away and thanks to the kindness of the cast I was soon clutching tablets and a glass of water.

Finally, lunch was called and we rushed to the canteen to wolf down the chicken dinner and to grab a quick coffee. The afternoon continued with Michael Ball making an appearance in the form of an advert - all in the name of comedy of course!

Evening came and the studio audience began to arrive. James and Jo had gone out to grab some fresh air and some food and left me to concentrate on putting together a  small script. I had been asked  to provide the voice for Bindya, Sanjeevs ex-wife. The audience would not be able to  hear what I was saying but the actor I had to speak to on the phone would. I had to devise a short paragraph to explain to the actor that the daughter would be picked up in one hour. It was up to me how I delieved this so in my best Indian accent (Oh dear..) I told the actor (this was live) that I had been having a crisis with George Clooney and a project we were working on which was  why I was late picking up the daughter. The actor was so taken with this that he repeated it to the audience and totally forgot to say that the daughter would be picked up so luckily one of the cast improvised saying they had received a text explaining the lateness!

Finally the show ended and it was hugs and kisses all round. And Yes, I finally got to meet the person I had been impersonating all week and very thankfully she had responded to all the questions in a very similiar way to me. 

So who were all these people? The actor James stood in for was Tom Hiddlestone,  Jo stood in for Amy McDonald and as for me? I was Twiggy, the famous icon of the 60s and now the model for M&S!

Anoushka

I was asked via a website if I would consider taking part in a Dirctors workshop. The idea was that six Directors  would try a new method of direction on me and I would act it out with a script. Well, it sounded exciting so why not? Off I went to Swiss Cottage for 2.30 call time. It was being organised inside somebodys 'bejou' house. It was delightful but it was very small. There were a couple of people just finishing off their session in front of me so I holed up in the kitchen with a very welcoming cup of coffee and pretended not to listen through the hatch that was in the wall...well it was open, what did they expect?! It turned out not to matter too much as their script was entirely different to the one I was going to act out. My partner for the scenario turned up and was a strapping muscle bound , tall, gorgeous black young man. I only mention what he was like because he was about to become my son... Not only was he about to become my son, he was going to play my infant son. 

Warm up exercises first which were a series of mirrored movement using both facial and body movements.  The script was briefly explained and we could ask questions whenever we needed. 

 So, the first scenario was to talk and play with 'my son' as if he were a baby. Now, I am 5'3" so having this huge man on my lap - head in my lap as it were - was a little unusual. Anyway, we played the game and he happily chortled away whilst I sang lullabies and stroked his hair. At this stage, I think we were both glad that we weren't looking at each other.....

Next came improvisation. I had to get my now grown up son to the phone. He had earlier gone to a job interview that he didn't want and my job was to get him to the phone. His job was to remain sullen and refuse to go to the phone preferring instead, to stay inside his bedroom. This went on for a while but eventually he looked as if he was going to answered the phone when nope! he scuttled back inside his room. 

Next scenario was that my character had cancer and had recently come out of hospital and was returning home. My son hadn't been to visit and clearly didn't welcome her home, or that's what it looked like. In truth, it was because he was scared he was going to lose her and if he didn't interact with her then that would never happen. This part  was scripted and had to be very quickly learnt.

It was a really interesting role to have played and fun to see how Directors were learning from a Mentoring Director that was looking after them. Whether any more comes from it - I will just have to wait and see!

The Football Wannabes!

Text: Can you play a football fan, in blue,  for a well known newspaper ad?

I had a scarf, a hat, ...well, that would do wouldn't it?  

I arrived at Watford Football club for the call time of 7.30 am sporting any blue clothes that I could lay my hands on  and was directed to the parking spaces. We were quickly ushered into the restaurant where a welcoming display of croissants, danish pastries, sausages and bacon rolls with hot pots of tea or coffee awaited us. I sat down at one of the round tables and was joined by a friend of mine, Derek. The table soon filled up and banter flowed around the table as if we had all known each other for some time. However, the time soon came when we eventually we had to go to work. Filming was outside and as we were directed to our seats in the stand, we were given extra blue clothes such as t shirts, scarves and flags. I was split up from the people  on my table and soon found myself sandwiched between two people who were the sort of people I dread. You can always tell these people as the first words they usually say are not an introduction to their name but:

"Hello, I'm not really an extra, I'm actually an actor."

Nothing in the world gets my back up more than hearing this. If I am talking  to a trained actor, it will come out during the conversation. However, with wannabe actors, the need to establish themselves as an actor in the opening sentence is always a necessity  especially if they are failing wannabe actors... 

I asked them if they had had any training. Both answered no. Perhaps, I thought they might have some stage experience. Again no. Strangely enough both had agents, although I am sure it would be debatable as to how good these agents were in the light of lack of experience and training these wannabes had. One of them was very excited that he had gone for an audition for Emmerdale. Had he got it? No. 

The other had gone for  a role in a film - had he got it? No. 

I spoke to them about training and perhaps getting a few workshops under their belts or maybe the odd days acting seminars to help them out. Apparently, you don't need any of this, you just need to feel that you can act.....

I daresay these two are still not doing very much and I dread the time when I meet them again as I am sure I will do.

I resisted the temptation to tell them, when my  mobile rang in a tea break that I had just been offered a speaking role in a film....

Nailing it!

I was booked for a childrens tv programme for CBBC. I was quite excited at this prospect as it was to be filmed at Elstree Studios but not the one that I was used to.  I was to be a customer in a nail salon - nothing too taxing! Parking was available and as we had to take rather a lot of changes of clothes it was just as well. 

On arrival at the studios I was given directions to the place of filming. There didn't seem to be anybody about when I got there but there was another lost soul so we went into a studio where we thought we should be but nope wrong one so we sidled out muttering apologies....

Eventually we found someone who turned out to be the 2nd A.D called Darren. He very quickly took us under his wing and showed us where the tea and coffee were plus where our dressing room was to be. There were 5 of us in all so not a huge  crowd scene. 

In came costume and decided we all needed to change our tops but everything else would do. Off we went to set. I felt somebody touch my arm,

"Hello Felicity, I recognise you from the hot tub in Cardinal Burns."

Oh Dear God.... Here was a man who had seen me in my bra and pants, and actually it wasn't even my bra as it belonged to costume!!

I managed to steer the conversation away from the hot tub and got on with the work. It was very easy as all I had to do was to  walk in to the nail salon, go to reception and check my appointment then sit and have my nails done (and I get paid for  this?!!).  Occasional reaction shots were needed when several items were thrown across the set but suddenley it was lunch time. This was a bit of a shock to us as we hadn't been told that there wouldn't be any lunch.  Not even so much as a voucher for lunch....Luckily McDonalds saved the day... On our way there however, we were lucky enough to see Kevin Bacon in his army uniform which was just fabulous and totally made the day for everyone! It wasn't long after that when we were wrapped and were able to set off home after a very lovely day for all.

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!!