|
When
I was at school the only person who ever stood on the school stage
was the headmaster, Drama and acting were not even on the curriculum.
So
as a total novice quite what possessed me to respond to a request
for film extras in a local paper is still a mystery. Maybe idle
curiosity or misplaced vanity but either way I could never have
expected the fun that was to come.
 |
| Working
on the rooftops |
I'd
seen film extras on the TV before, just walking on in the background
or standing in the Rover's Return. I can do that I thought. No problem,
Easy Money.
My
delight at gaining paid work was tempered only by the realisation
that 300 others had also been "discovered" and that I
wasn't really heading for fame a fortune. Nevertheless life is about
experiences and this would certainly be that.
The
Workshops run by the film's Director David Thacker were invaluable
to all of the supporting artists of which the vast majority had
no, or very limited experience, in any form of drama or acting.
David's
unique ability to energise the group to improvise fictional dramatic
scene's and at the same time learning, was a fundamental ingredient
in everyone's enjoyment and feeling of ownership in the project.
 |
| Iain
and the star of Faith Christine Tremarco |
There
was a definite " buzz " on the set when filming several
scenes in a pub come night club, the girls were dressed in their
finest 1980's going out clothes and I had the terrible job of dancing
with a simply gorgeous girl from Durham University.
Did
I mention the free beer (ok, flat shandy) and that I was getting
paid as well ? If this is the film industry then I could stand this
for a day job anytime.
Working
in the industry is a feast or famine scenario, six day weeks are
the norm and 17 hour days are not uncommon, although my first day
was 14 hours it was the most enjoyable 14 hours of 'work' I have
ever done.
Now
this scenario was not something I had foreseen, my initial thought
of 'easy money' became irrelevant I would have happily done this
for nothing and on a couple of the 'volunteer days' I did.
I now
found myself not just wanting to be in a scene but how could I contribute
in whatever minor way possible to the authenticity of the piece.
I knew it would probably go un-noticed by the vast majority, if
not all of the viewing audience, but I didn't care. I would know,
and that was enough for me.
 |
| Some
of the friendly extras |
The
more friendly I became with other supporting artists the more I
realised that I wasn't alone in this train of thought, everyone
else had been on the same journey. We all felt a sense of solidarity
with each other and the desire to support the cast in whatever way
we could .
If
you've ever wondered why actors, producers, directors, writers etc.
become so expressive at awards ceremonies, then spend some time
on a film set and you will understand perfectly.
The
amount of emotional effort and thought, together with the creative
skill, passion and just pure hard work put into a production is
humbling. The professionalism of everyone was inspiring. Everyone
has an emotional investment in the film and a sense of 'family'
involvement in their contribution, however small in it's creation.
If
the leading actors and crew members do receive an award for this
film, although I won't be on the podium I will be sat at home watching
on T.V. with big tears of joy rolling down my face.
William
Ivory's screenplay " Faith" about Love, deceit, betrayal
and survival set against the backdrop of the 1984-85 miners strike
will be shown on BBC1 in March 2005.
|
