Simply Sives summer delight today in the form of some terrific casting news!
Jamie Sives has been cast as Mr. Godalming in the film adaptation of David Nicholl's book "One Day." More fantastic is that Jamie will be reunited with superb director Lone Scherfig for work on this film; Lone of course directed Jamie in his award- winning, critically acclaimed performance in Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself. The new "One Day" film is about two lovers who meet once a year on the same day (Jamie plays a lover to the lead character Emma, who will be portrayed by Anne Hathaway)
Just wonderful news! You can read more from the author at his blog here, and read about the book release from last year (just out in paperback this month in US) at this link.
If that wasn't good enough, word has it that Jamie has been cast in the HBO production of George Martin's beloved Game of Thrones series. Jamie has apparently been cast in the role of Jory Cassel. I am really quite uncertain on all of this, for I thought some filming had already been done, but apparently additional filming is due to start on this series for the cable channel starring Sean Bean at the end of the month. I am working to confirm this casting, but in the meantime you can learn more about this production at the Westeros.org website.
IF YOU ARE HERE LOOKING FOR MORE INFO PHOTOS OF JAMIE, PLEASE CHECK MY FLICKR FOR LOADS MORE :))
Help yourself, he's FABULOUS and will do a wonderful job with the part! :)))
Update: Word on this casting is spreading fast and the reaction is quite positive, as seen here on a site called Winter Is Coming.net. Rock on!!
ps no, that wasnt me there singing praises to Jamie lol, should tho! lol
Random Trivia: If true Jamie will be appearing alongside Mark Addy, with whom he worked with on It's a Wonderful Afterlife. IAWA DVD will be released in the UK next month on August 16th.
This of , just one week after the August 10th release of the Triage DVD which stars Jamie and Colin Farrell. :D
Finally, reminder that the Clash of Titans DVD with Jamie and Mads Mikkelsen is released on July 27th. Valhalla Rising with Jamie and Mads is screening in very select venues in the US and on demand from IFC, with the DVD already long out in the UK (and frankly on just about every torrent possible oy~~), and soon to follow in the US.
Showing posts with label casting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label casting. Show all posts
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Updated: Interview with Des Hamilton and Casting "The Eagle of the Ninth"
UPDATE: FILMING IS UNDERWAY IN THE HIGHLANDS OF SCOTLAND TODAY. This is confirmed directly by
Jenna Dewan-Tatum, wife of Channing who tweeted
"Im with Chan as he is filming on top of a mountain in Scotland,20 min muddy hike to get to set,it's freezing and raining..this is true love!"
UPDATE: via the Inverness Courier there is more from Des and on the casting of extras for Eagle who were not at all afraid to have their head shaved for the roles which are being filmed this weekend and beyond in the Highlands of Scotland. Quotage:
With location filming underway in earnest this week in Scotland for Kevin MacDonald's "The Eagle of the Ninth," there is a new audio interview with casting director (and longtime friend of Sigma Films) Des Hamilton (his pic on the side) on his work for the new movie. Extras continue to be cast (YES PARTS ARE STILL OPEN! GO FOR IT!), and in this audio interview available here via the BBC, we learn yesterday that indeed the 20-40 year old men who are willing
to have their head shaved are being cast as "ferral' men, Pics celts that lived north of Hadrians wall. Press and Journal comes through again too with an article on the open casting taking place, as another event was held yesterday. Quotage:
Jenna Dewan-Tatum, wife of Channing who tweeted
"Im with Chan as he is filming on top of a mountain in Scotland,20 min muddy hike to get to set,it's freezing and raining..this is true love!"
UPDATE: via the Inverness Courier there is more from Des and on the casting of extras for Eagle who were not at all afraid to have their head shaved for the roles which are being filmed this weekend and beyond in the Highlands of Scotland. Quotage:
"Former Millburn Academy pupil Kevin MacRae (26) was also hoping to be signed up. "I have never done this before," admitted Mr MacRae, of Uist Road, Inverness."I have just got back from Australia, having been away travelling for a year. Unfortunately, there is no work here at the moment and this would be the first chance to do something."So how would he feel about having his head shaved? "No problem," he replied. "I usually have it shaved anyway."Losing his locks was also not a problem for Christie Berg, who not only has a long pony tail but also a beard. "It would not bother me," said Mr Berg, of Carnac Crescent. "I would be prepared to cut it off."Painter and decorator Peter Boyle and his pal, concreter Daniel Craig, both aged 39, were sporting kilts in a bid to be noticed. "We wanted to show them we were prepared to get dressed up for our Scottish heritage," said Mr Boyle, who travelled up from Glasgow to audition."We stayed overnight in a camper van. Inverness is a wonderful place — everyone is really friendly and there is such beautiful countryside round about."
With location filming underway in earnest this week in Scotland for Kevin MacDonald's "The Eagle of the Ninth," there is a new audio interview with casting director (and longtime friend of Sigma Films) Des Hamilton (his pic on the side) on his work for the new movie. Extras continue to be cast (YES PARTS ARE STILL OPEN! GO FOR IT!), and in this audio interview available here via the BBC, we learn yesterday that indeed the 20-40 year old men who are willing
to have their head shaved are being cast as "ferral' men, Pics celts that lived north of Hadrians wall. Press and Journal comes through again too with an article on the open casting taking place, as another event was held yesterday. Quotage:"Some arrived at the four-hour casting session at the Spectrum Centre in Inverness with freshly shaved heads, while others sported impressive beards and donned kilts to prove their credentials as fearsome fighting foes. Des Hamilton, the casting director, said he was looking for 12 to 24 individuals who will take part in filming at Achiltibuie on the Coigach peninsula this weekend.
Asked if the auditions could unearth the next Brad Pitt or George Clooney, Mr Hamilton said: “It might be a little far-fetched, but if someone steps forward and pursues their ambitions, then who knows? Scotland has always been a talented country in the arts.”
Paul Duncan, 33, of Blackthorn Road, Culloden, said: “I’ve done this sort of thing once before and enjoyed it.“I’ve already got a shaved head and it’s something different.”Eagle of the Ninth is set in Roman Britain and charts the journey of a Roman officer along Hadrian’s Wall into Scotland to recover a lost Roman legion. The film is directed by Kevin Macdonald, whose previous films include The Last King of Scotland and Touching the Void.Men who auditioned for roles will be told if they have been successful today."
A tabloid claimed there is a scene due to be filmed today, with an extra on IMDB who wrote: Have got confirmation that extras are required for this movie. The company involved are UniversalExtrasLtd. Filming will take place on Saturday 10th October 2009 around Inverness area. £85 per day. Email to info@universalextras.co.uk
A reminder of course that Jamie Bell (HALLAM FOE) and Channing Tatum star in Eagle, which will be based out of Film City Glasgow in the coming weeks thru the end of production next month.Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Extras Still Needed for "The Eagle of the Ninth" with Channing Tatum and Jamie Bell
I've been asked to pass along a quick reminder that with location filming on Kevin MacDonald's The Eagle of the Ninth due to begin in early October, extras are STILL NEEDED to feature in the movie with Channing Tatum, Jamie Bell,Donald Sutherland, Mark Strong etc (see Imdb for more)
In particular: Young women to be featured 'Roman Beauties,' and men to play FEATURED VILLAGERS AND ROMAN SOLIDERS. For your chance, click here and good luck :)
As a reminder of what has been posted here previously, the Highlands of Scotland will feature in location scenes for Eagle, with filming due at various stations near Achilitbuie, Glen Sloy, Fox Point and more. Julie who writes the Achilitbuie Garden blog says filming is next week, again confirming what was reported previously, with dates in the highlands between 2-14 or 17th. The production will be based out of Film City Glasgow with some studio filming due later on.
In particular: Young women to be featured 'Roman Beauties,' and men to play FEATURED VILLAGERS AND ROMAN SOLIDERS. For your chance, click here and good luck :)
As a reminder of what has been posted here previously, the Highlands of Scotland will feature in location scenes for Eagle, with filming due at various stations near Achilitbuie, Glen Sloy, Fox Point and more. Julie who writes the Achilitbuie Garden blog says filming is next week, again confirming what was reported previously, with dates in the highlands between 2-14 or 17th. The production will be based out of Film City Glasgow with some studio filming due later on.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Scottish Casting Call for Eagle of the Ninth with Channing Tatum and Jamie Bell
Anyone from Scotland interested in being an extra in Kevin MacDonald's upcoming "The Eagle of the Ninth," we have news for you! A casting call is underway for THIS SATURDAY, SEPT 12 at the MacPhail Centre in Ullapool, Scotland. The Press and Journal reports that:
An opportunity for local men aged between 16 and 45 and woman aged between 16 and 25 to appear in the feature film Eagle of the Ninth, directed by Academy Award-winner Kevin Macdonald. Anyone interested will have their pictures and contact details taken and passed to the production team, 10am-4pm, Saturday.
Casting is being conducted by longtime Sigma associate Des Hamilton for what is sure to be another fantastic film from Mr. MacDonald. Good luck to all who apply!
An opportunity for local men aged between 16 and 45 and woman aged between 16 and 25 to appear in the feature film Eagle of the Ninth, directed by Academy Award-winner Kevin Macdonald. Anyone interested will have their pictures and contact details taken and passed to the production team, 10am-4pm, Saturday.
Casting is being conducted by longtime Sigma associate Des Hamilton for what is sure to be another fantastic film from Mr. MacDonald. Good luck to all who apply!
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Casting Closeup: Jamie Sives Reading for Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself
As a sort of follow on the post below, casting for films is a huge deal to say the least, but one that perhaps doesnt get as much attention as it deserves. There was huge media focus brought on Sigma Films several years ago with their wonderful film
Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself. Although the following are sometimes tucked in as extras on DVD anymore, thanks so so much to those who have allowed the video release of my fave actor Jamie Sives reading for casting director Des Hamilton for a role very beloved by many.
Casting SUCCESS! :) Enjoy these clips from the movie
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Got Gaelic? You could be Child Star in "Eagle of the Ninth"
More news tonight regarding Kevin MacDonald/s upcoming The Eagle of the Ninth, starring Jamie Bell. The Times is reporting that a wide casting call has gone out for young lad "aged between nine and 12, speak fluent Gaelic and look convincing as a 2nd century member of the Seal People, a mysterious tribe who play a crucial role in the film. The character, known as Seal Boy, will feature heavily in the movie. The casting team has auditioned a string of candidates but so far has not found the right actor.“We need a boy with a lot of energy and feist. So far no one has been suitable,” said Kimberley O’Neill, the film’s casting assistant. She added that several other Gaelic-speaking supporting roles, are also in the process of being cast. Channing Tatum, who plays Pretty Boy Floyd in the 2009 film Public Enemies, is Marcus Aquila, a young Roman officer and son of the legion’s commander. Bell plays his slave Esca, with whom he travels to Scotland to retrieve the legion’s standard and remove the stain on the family honour. During their travels they meet the Seal People, who speak Gaelic and dress in seal skins."
As readers of this blog will long know, casting by long time Sigma associate Des Hamilton has been well underway for the movie which will be based at FILM CITY GLASGOW, and mark the return of Jamie Bell, star of Hallam Foe, back to Scotland. Filming is due to begin in October for the movie on location in the Highlands of Scotland, notably "filmed north of Ullapool in Wester Ross, around Loch Lomond and at other locations closer to the production’s Scottish base at Film City in Glasgow."
The article makes note of the decision to use Gaelic in the movie; no word if the main stars will also be speaking the language in the film, but the piece points out that "Macdonald’s decision to use Gaelic in the film has ruled out most well-known Scots actors and has raised eyebrows among academics, who claim the Romans’ adversaries would not have spoken the language. Gordon Maloney, of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the Gaelic college on Skye, said that while Pictish and Gaelic belonged to the same family of Celtic languages, they were far from interchangeable.
As readers of this blog will long know, casting by long time Sigma associate Des Hamilton has been well underway for the movie which will be based at FILM CITY GLASGOW, and mark the return of Jamie Bell, star of Hallam Foe, back to Scotland. Filming is due to begin in October for the movie on location in the Highlands of Scotland, notably "filmed north of Ullapool in Wester Ross, around Loch Lomond and at other locations closer to the production’s Scottish base at Film City in Glasgow."
The article makes note of the decision to use Gaelic in the movie; no word if the main stars will also be speaking the language in the film, but the piece points out that "Macdonald’s decision to use Gaelic in the film has ruled out most well-known Scots actors and has raised eyebrows among academics, who claim the Romans’ adversaries would not have spoken the language. Gordon Maloney, of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the Gaelic college on Skye, said that while Pictish and Gaelic belonged to the same family of Celtic languages, they were far from interchangeable.
“In the 2nd century they would have been speaking Pictish,” he said.“It’s about as similar as English is to Spanish. The language spoken then wouldn’t be understandable. It would make just as much sense to have them speak English. Historically it would be quite inaccurate.”
Julius Caesar invaded England in 55 BC, but it was another 135 years before the Romans made any meaningful incursions into Scotland. They established forts from Dumfriesshire to Tayside. But their territory was continually threatened and they built Hadrian’s Wall to keep the northern tribes out.
Hadrians wall lol, King Arthur w/Clive any one? VIVA TRISTAN ala Mads Mikkelsen best kick as Arthurian soldier recruit ever on film, just sayin' :) Please note: Eagle is NOT a Sigma production, just one that fascinates me, is based out of the fabulous Film City Glasgow, and stars Jamie Bell, cant wait to follow this production too! More actual Sigma stuff coming soon, promise!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Casting Notes: Des Hamilton for Eagle of the Ninth with Jamie Bell
As reported here several times now, Eagle of the Ninth, the very anticipated new film from director Kevin MacDonald will be filmed in Glasgow using Film City as a production base, and mark the return of star Jamie Bell (Hallam Foe) back in Scotland. Long time Sigma collaborator Des Hamilton is handling the casting for the film, and as noted in the Press and Journal, people everywhere are turning up in hopes of landing a part in the new movie due about the early Roman occupation in the UK. Thanks to a kind wee bird for the heads up, we can see some good photos of the crew and Eagle hopefuls at the casting sessions here via flickr, with the news article pointing out:
More than 100 budding actors packed into a remote Highland community hall on Saturday for the chance to play a role in one of two potential Roman blockbuster movies being made in the region this year.
They posed for photographs at the Macphail Centre in Ullapool’s Mill Street, and left their phone numbers in the hope of joining the cast of Oscar-winning, Scots-born director Kevin Macdonald’s latest production, The Eagle of the Ninth. The story, inspired by Rosemary Sutcliff’s children’s fantasy of the same name, charts the journey of two warriors who cross Hadrian's Wall into Scotland to recover a lost legion. The makers put the call out for actors to play villagers, and for two Gaelic-speaking roles.The only stipulation the movie-makers gave prior to the casting was that the characters must be “lean” to fit in with the story. Some scenes for his [Kevin MacDonald] new production will be shot in October near Ullapool.
As always, I will happily post any reports, stories or photos from this ongoing production; the email is always open sweetonsigmafilms@gmail.com or feel free to leave comments (annoy ALWAYS cool too) to help get the word out and spread the news on what is sure to be another great film productions for Scotland!
Thanks so much to the kind reader for the heads up! much appreciated!
Monday, June 8, 2009
Be a Celtic Warrior with Jamie Bell in "Eagle of the Ninth" Casting This Week!
Wanna be a Celtic or Roman warrior and fight along side Jamie Bell and Channing Tatum for Kevin MacDonald's upcoming Eagle of the Ninth? Well now you can as casting is on THIS WEEK for Extras in the new movie which will be filming in Glasgow this September. Casting is being done by long time local casting director Des Hamilton (who worked with Sigma associate Kahleen Crawford previously; they each have their own co now) and will take place JUNE 10. Details as follows:
We are currently looking for Scottish men aged between
24-35 of lean physique, who would be able to be strong in combat
to appear in the feature film as Seal Warriors.
Eagle of the Ninth will be directed by Kevin Macdonald (Last King of
Scotland) and produced by Duncan Kenworthy. The film will shoot in
Scotland in September this year. Eagle of the Ninth tells the story of a
lost legion in the battle between the Roman's and the Celts in the time of
Hadrian's wall. Featured Extra's and Extra's will be needed for a number
of consecutive days in September. We are conducting casting in Glasgow on
the 10th June.
If you are interested in this opportunity and fit the description above
then please contact me via email or on the number below and we can arrange
for you to come along to the casting. Look forward to hearing from you.
Kimberley O'Neill
Casting Assistant
Des Hamilton Casting
17f Clerkenwell Road
EC1M 5RD
M: 07791537344
T: 0207 253 5558
GOOD LUCK TO ALL WHO APPLY! Note this is NOT a Sigma production, just a post related to JB who is superb.
Thanks to the wee bird who gave me the heads up, most appreciated! Am always happy to post this type of thing to help get the word out for sure!
We are currently looking for Scottish men aged between
24-35 of lean physique, who would be able to be strong in combat
to appear in the feature film as Seal Warriors.
Eagle of the Ninth will be directed by Kevin Macdonald (Last King of
Scotland) and produced by Duncan Kenworthy. The film will shoot in
Scotland in September this year. Eagle of the Ninth tells the story of a
lost legion in the battle between the Roman's and the Celts in the time of
Hadrian's wall. Featured Extra's and Extra's will be needed for a number
of consecutive days in September. We are conducting casting in Glasgow on
the 10th June.
If you are interested in this opportunity and fit the description above
then please contact me via email or on the number below and we can arrange
for you to come along to the casting. Look forward to hearing from you.
Kimberley O'Neill
Casting Assistant
Des Hamilton Casting
17f Clerkenwell Road
EC1M 5RD
M: 07791537344
T: 0207 253 5558
GOOD LUCK TO ALL WHO APPLY! Note this is NOT a Sigma production, just a post related to JB who is superb.
Thanks to the wee bird who gave me the heads up, most appreciated! Am always happy to post this type of thing to help get the word out for sure!
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Outcast Odds n Ends
A few quick odds n ends related to the filming of Outcast, starring James Nesbitt and the wonderful Katie Dickie (Sigmas Red Road, upcoming Donkeys)
First, an interview with a young actor named Josh from Shawlands Academy confirmed that yes indeed frequent Sigma collaborator Des Hamilton did the casting for the movie. In the piece, Josh says that "I play the main girls brother, Tomask.” and says of the two principle leads:
Are you excited about working with James Nesbitt?
“Yeah! I’ve only met him once so far at the read through, but I didn’t get to talk to him much.”
Who else have you worked with?
“Kate Dickie who is also a great actress and there are a lot of other amazing young actors.”
Also related there are a host of new interviews now online with Mr. Nesbitt as his latest film Five Minutes of Heaven is to be released. While there are sad comments on the tragic passing of Natasha Richardson, wife of his co-star in Five Minutes, the articles also mention his work in Outcast, such as this from the Belfast Telegraph:
Also related there are a host of new interviews now online with Mr. Nesbitt as his latest film Five Minutes of Heaven is to be released. While there are sad comments on the tragic passing of Natasha Richardson, wife of his co-star in Five Minutes, the articles also mention his work in Outcast, such as this from the Belfast Telegraph:
Currently filming Outcast, a Celtic horror film directed by Colm McCarthy — who also directed Murphy’s Law — Jimmy’s had to sport a rather bushy beard. The movie is being filmed in Edinburgh and Galway and in between filming he somehow managed to find the time to fly home to support his big sister Kathryn, a teacher at D H Christie Memorial primary school in Coleraine.
Jimmy flew over for the official launch of their learning support centre before jetting back to continue filming in Scotland, then jumping back on a flight the next day to co-host the ball with me.
“It’s not an effort,” he said. “It’s an easy thing to do and a pleasure and it’s important for me to support local events. “And I get to come home and see friends, which is an added bonus.”
Mr. Nesbitt said he is looking forward to spending Easter at home with his family, and after OutCast wraps, he said “Then I’m off to Australia in May to film ‘Love and Mortar’, directed by Nadia Tass.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Hear my Heart
Today I should like to address matters of the heart.
I honestly dont know, I really dont know what the hell is the matter with me of late, but I am truly slipping and there's been enormous pressure on the personal and professional front, so I'm woefully behind on things that matter. things that matter to this heart at least:
Heartbeat One: Great news in that last week Colin Kennedy began the casting process for his short film "I Love Luci." I think this is terrific, and if he is holding true to what he posted earlier, I am thinking Kahleen Crawford must be doing the casting for him, but not certain. In lieu of an imdb page for referrence, my plan is -tangent upon me surviving past november that is-to make up a separate page here with all the crew and shoot dates etc. Dorky to be certain, but I actually like knowing who does what on films, and bother to wait for the credits at the end of the film too! ooh freak :P but anyway, aces ACES Colin that the film is moving forward in such a tangible way! Upward and onward for you! :))
Heartbeat Two: Heartland Film Society 2008 Festival features another topic close to my heart: New Town Killers, starring Sigma's own Alastair Mackenzie along with Dougray Scott. Director Richard Jobson will be giving a presentation on New Town Killers, WITH CLIPS TO BE SHOWN, as well as a talk on his work filming in Edinburgh. In addition, the festival website notes this talk will describe how he uses locations as characters in screenplays- yeS!! This is one of my favorite things about filmmaking, and I think David M does this as well to a lovely degree in his movies. Anyway this talk by Mr Jobson is the OPENING EVENT ON OCTOBER 24, with tickets now available for the event in Aberfeldy, Scotland
Bonus Video: Clip from Youtube user Vincent
Heartbeat Three: Jamie Sives. Now yes yes I flat out ADORE him, my favorite actor (plus so damm swoonworthy, my heart just pounds sometimes when I watch him in Wilbur-which I did the other night which saved me) This mention however is not about shameless drooling this time, but rather to point out that at the above event, A Woman in Winter will be screened at the Heartland Festival on Saturday, October 25. No word if Jamie will go to this event, probably not and no way in hell I can fly over to Scotland now for it anyway, but still hopefully others will get a chance to watch this unique film of Jamies and Mr. Jobsons.
Heartbeat Four: No bloody word yet on what is happening with the follow up to REd Road, "Rounding up Donkeys," booo! please please anything? Am I the sole fan out here who cares and is waiting for this movie? Anyway, was checking to see if Digital Guerillas had released any of their footage they shot while the movie was ongoing and it turns out they are making a peice for VALHALLA RISING. Quotage: "Digital Guerillas has visited and produced a set report for Glasgow Film Office on the new feature film Valhalla Rising. With interviews from Mads Mikkelsen, Gary Lewis, producer Karen Smyth and many more it will show an interesting insight into the making of the film. Look out for the report closer to the release of the film."
Ok yes I will look for that- and lets hope there is lots of JAMIE Sives in there too besides Mads :)) BTW I am thinking VH has wrapped, but could be wrong. Those videos of Sasha seem out of order to me, but I am uncertain if theyve finished filming completely in Glasgow/ FCG?
Heartbeat five: Right, clearly I've got a broken heart yet again-I fail... besides being horrified that Sarah Moosehunter Palin may actually be one heartbeat/attack away from the presidency of the US-just no no NOOOOOO (for the non myriad keeping score at home, I sent mr. waay too young, yet sexy pickup driving manboy on his way-seems hes been driving round too many other ladies when I'm not there for even old bat and lonely me to endure heh- so buhbye babycakes! ) Naturally when you are blue and disgusted there is nothing but romance and sappy movies showing on tv, but I was reminded of a film that had love in it, rather sums up my own life
Love and other disasters, lol. The film was eh errm well ..., and the following clip is out there, and yes totally I lied,time for more Jamie Sives
I honestly dont know, I really dont know what the hell is the matter with me of late, but I am truly slipping and there's been enormous pressure on the personal and professional front, so I'm woefully behind on things that matter. things that matter to this heart at least:
Heartbeat One: Great news in that last week Colin Kennedy began the casting process for his short film "I Love Luci." I think this is terrific, and if he is holding true to what he posted earlier, I am thinking Kahleen Crawford must be doing the casting for him, but not certain. In lieu of an imdb page for referrence, my plan is -tangent upon me surviving past november that is-to make up a separate page here with all the crew and shoot dates etc. Dorky to be certain, but I actually like knowing who does what on films, and bother to wait for the credits at the end of the film too! ooh freak :P but anyway, aces ACES Colin that the film is moving forward in such a tangible way! Upward and onward for you! :))
Heartbeat Two: Heartland Film Society 2008 Festival features another topic close to my heart: New Town Killers, starring Sigma's own Alastair Mackenzie along with Dougray Scott. Director Richard Jobson will be giving a presentation on New Town Killers, WITH CLIPS TO BE SHOWN, as well as a talk on his work filming in Edinburgh. In addition, the festival website notes this talk will describe how he uses locations as characters in screenplays- yeS!! This is one of my favorite things about filmmaking, and I think David M does this as well to a lovely degree in his movies. Anyway this talk by Mr Jobson is the OPENING EVENT ON OCTOBER 24, with tickets now available for the event in Aberfeldy, Scotland
Bonus Video: Clip from Youtube user Vincent
Heartbeat Three: Jamie Sives. Now yes yes I flat out ADORE him, my favorite actor (plus so damm swoonworthy, my heart just pounds sometimes when I watch him in Wilbur-which I did the other night which saved me) This mention however is not about shameless drooling this time, but rather to point out that at the above event, A Woman in Winter will be screened at the Heartland Festival on Saturday, October 25. No word if Jamie will go to this event, probably not and no way in hell I can fly over to Scotland now for it anyway, but still hopefully others will get a chance to watch this unique film of Jamies and Mr. Jobsons.
Heartbeat Four: No bloody word yet on what is happening with the follow up to REd Road, "Rounding up Donkeys," booo! please please anything? Am I the sole fan out here who cares and is waiting for this movie? Anyway, was checking to see if Digital Guerillas had released any of their footage they shot while the movie was ongoing and it turns out they are making a peice for VALHALLA RISING. Quotage: "Digital Guerillas has visited and produced a set report for Glasgow Film Office on the new feature film Valhalla Rising. With interviews from Mads Mikkelsen, Gary Lewis, producer Karen Smyth and many more it will show an interesting insight into the making of the film. Look out for the report closer to the release of the film."
Ok yes I will look for that- and lets hope there is lots of JAMIE Sives in there too besides Mads :)) BTW I am thinking VH has wrapped, but could be wrong. Those videos of Sasha seem out of order to me, but I am uncertain if theyve finished filming completely in Glasgow/ FCG?
Heartbeat five: Right, clearly I've got a broken heart yet again-I fail... besides being horrified that Sarah Moosehunter Palin may actually be one heartbeat/attack away from the presidency of the US-just no no NOOOOOO (for the non myriad keeping score at home, I sent mr. waay too young, yet sexy pickup driving manboy on his way-seems hes been driving round too many other ladies when I'm not there for even old bat and lonely me to endure heh- so buhbye babycakes! ) Naturally when you are blue and disgusted there is nothing but romance and sappy movies showing on tv, but I was reminded of a film that had love in it, rather sums up my own life
Love and other disasters, lol. The film was eh errm well ..., and the following clip is out there, and yes totally I lied,time for more Jamie Sives
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Wanna Be a Dead Viking?
Apologies for the sporadic postings of late, frankly the life has gotten a bit stupidly busy to be honest, and I can barely keep up with the various jobs, child, school, home, let alone find time to do a proper blog entry here. I feel like Im drowning and the worse part is that this is NOTHING compared to how busy I will be for teh next four weeks (including being on a panel at Comic Con!) Anyway, I really am very sorry for being behind on things...as witnessed by the following, which took place earlier today and wont do anyone any good now *woe woe woe* soorrry!
As many many Mads Mikkelsen/Valhalla Rising fans probably got on those handy dandy google alerts 14 hours or so ago when it went out, there was a bit of casting news for the new film starring Mr. Mikkelsen and Jamie Sives (Sigma Films "Hallam Foe," Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself"). Highland News reports that doubles and extras are needed for the film which is currently on location in the Glen Affric area of Scotland.
It would seem there is a need for the body double of the young man they cast in the lead, as the paper reports that "Picture doubles" of 12 or 13 are needed to stand in for one of the main cast for around five weeks' filming.They should be between 12 and 13, ideally have light brown/blonde, chin-length hair and be 4'8." Other vital statistics include chest measurement 28, waist 26, inside leg 24 and shoe 5. They will be paid £50 per day.
If you've ever had the idea you'd made a good dead Viking, this would (have been) your chance, for the piece of second casting news reported involved a call for "15 male extras aged between 18 and late 20s are also needed for a day, possibly longer, if they are skinny – and ready to have their heads shaved if needed!The extras will be playing dead bodies "at various stages of decomposition" and will be covered in a lot of make-up and will be wearing rags
As many many Mads Mikkelsen/Valhalla Rising fans probably got on those handy dandy google alerts 14 hours or so ago when it went out, there was a bit of casting news for the new film starring Mr. Mikkelsen and Jamie Sives (Sigma Films "Hallam Foe," Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself"). Highland News reports that doubles and extras are needed for the film which is currently on location in the Glen Affric area of Scotland.
It would seem there is a need for the body double of the young man they cast in the lead, as the paper reports that "Picture doubles" of 12 or 13 are needed to stand in for one of the main cast for around five weeks' filming.They should be between 12 and 13, ideally have light brown/blonde, chin-length hair and be 4'8." Other vital statistics include chest measurement 28, waist 26, inside leg 24 and shoe 5. They will be paid £50 per day.
If you've ever had the idea you'd made a good dead Viking, this would (have been) your chance, for the piece of second casting news reported involved a call for "15 male extras aged between 18 and late 20s are also needed for a day, possibly longer, if they are skinny – and ready to have their heads shaved if needed!The extras will be playing dead bodies "at various stages of decomposition" and will be covered in a lot of make-up and will be wearing rags
The shoot date is Friday, July 25, but the extras could be needed again in the following weeks. They will be paid £85 per day and £40 for costume/make-up fitting."
Excellent, well at least there is progress of a sort, with filming news and now we know next week, the Highlands of Scotland will be full of dead Vikings! LOL (no word if any ghosts or Nessie will make an appearance to help celebrate this historical event :P ;)))))
Valhalla Rising, which is using Film City Glasgow as their production offices, is set for release in April of 2009.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
By Gosh By Golly, It's Great Casting News for "Valhalla Rising"
Calling all Boglies! Monarch of the Glen,( Glenbogle)fans that is! Great news today as it was revealed over the weekend that actor Alexander (Sandy) Morton, beloved for his role as Golly the gamekeeper in Monarch, has now joined the cast of "Valhalla Rising" woo! This is great as he is a solid Scottish actor to be certain, and I'm quite pleased to learn this news! Here is an old press release from the BBC on his role as Golly in Monarch :note this is a pdf link)
The Scotsman reports that Sandy will be playing the role of a father in the new viking film from Nicolas Winding Refn currently due to begin production shortly along the coast of Scotland, and is based out of Film City Glasgow this summer. There is also great news that a "making of " documentary for the DVD is forthcoming and is currently being shot. This of course is awesome news, for Sandy is joining the cast that already has Mads Mikkelsen and Jamie Sives, , so lets hope there is loads of extra footage/goodies for goofball fans like me to drool over.
Speaking of drooling I'm sure there will be plenty people gaga over the over casting news as a beautiful Scottish model named Lauren Tempany has now joined the cast. This casting was brought about by casting director Des Hamilton (who has worked frequently with Sigma Films in the past) as the director was so taken with her,he wrote a part especially for the fledgingly actress. Quotage:
Tempany caught the eye of Scottish casting director Des Hamilton, whose previous discoveries include Kathleen McDermott, whom he spotted out shopping in Glasgow's Argyle Street and put forward for a major role in the 2002 film Morvern Callar.
"There's a making-of documentary being made around Valhalla and they asked me if I had met any young girls who were interesting," said Hamilton."I saw a photograph of Lauren and thought she was interesting and I met her. I introduced her to Nicolas and they got back in touch with her and she is now in the movie."
"I couldn't believe it," said Tempany. "But I am absolutely thrilled, especially to do a film in Scotland. It's a great movie and it's got a great cast." The paper also notes Tempany will play the daughter of a local Scottish chieftain who keeps Mikkelsen's character as a slave.
She has hoped to break into acting for some time.
"It's just been totally last minute," she said, shortly after being fitted for her costumes in Glasgow. "I've just heard in the past week that he's actually written a part for me, so I am totally, totally thrilled. I am just like – wow!"
WOW indeed-how cool and good for her. Roll on Valhalla Rising news!
The Scotsman reports that Sandy will be playing the role of a father in the new viking film from Nicolas Winding Refn currently due to begin production shortly along the coast of Scotland, and is based out of Film City Glasgow this summer. There is also great news that a "making of " documentary for the DVD is forthcoming and is currently being shot. This of course is awesome news, for Sandy is joining the cast that already has Mads Mikkelsen and Jamie Sives, , so lets hope there is loads of extra footage/goodies for goofball fans like me to drool over.
Speaking of drooling I'm sure there will be plenty people gaga over the over casting news as a beautiful Scottish model named Lauren Tempany has now joined the cast. This casting was brought about by casting director Des Hamilton (who has worked frequently with Sigma Films in the past) as the director was so taken with her,he wrote a part especially for the fledgingly actress. Quotage:
Tempany caught the eye of Scottish casting director Des Hamilton, whose previous discoveries include Kathleen McDermott, whom he spotted out shopping in Glasgow's Argyle Street and put forward for a major role in the 2002 film Morvern Callar.
"There's a making-of documentary being made around Valhalla and they asked me if I had met any young girls who were interesting," said Hamilton."I saw a photograph of Lauren and thought she was interesting and I met her. I introduced her to Nicolas and they got back in touch with her and she is now in the movie."
"I couldn't believe it," said Tempany. "But I am absolutely thrilled, especially to do a film in Scotland. It's a great movie and it's got a great cast." The paper also notes Tempany will play the daughter of a local Scottish chieftain who keeps Mikkelsen's character as a slave.
She has hoped to break into acting for some time.
"It's just been totally last minute," she said, shortly after being fitted for her costumes in Glasgow. "I've just heard in the past week that he's actually written a part for me, so I am totally, totally thrilled. I am just like – wow!"
WOW indeed-how cool and good for her. Roll on Valhalla Rising news!
Saturday, April 26, 2008
The Vikings are Coming!
They've endured badgers and Babyshambles and zombies and now its only fitting a legion of Vikings are due to descend on Film City Glasgow. Latest word is that seafaring friends from the north are to descend on FCG for the next several months as they set up camp and film "Valhalla Rising." This film is to be directed by Nicolas Winding Refn and stars Mads Mikkelsen. Mads Mikkelsen is quite the star in Denmark and is frankly quit
e a talented actor, having appeared in Sigma's Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself, but is better known to US audiences for his turns in King Arthur, and the last James Bond blockbuster, Casino Royale. As good as he was in these films (sooo goood as Tristan! and can I just say ...so bleeping impossibly handsome -------->*thud*) I must say too I really thought he turned in superb performances in films such as Open Heart, Adam's Apples which was very funny I thought, and I just recently saw him in "After the Wedding" which was produced by Sigma's Gillian Berrie.
The Press and Journal reports that an open casting call is taking place in Glasgow, Scotland for the part of a young boy to play a pivotal role besides Mads. The paper saysm"they are looking for a small, slightly-built 13-year-old, no bigger than the average 11-year-old. At the same time, he must be athletic enough to appear in action scenes and must have his sea legs, as much of the film will be shot at sea. The successful applicant will get all the best lines." LOL dunno if that is quite the way to appease the other actors but that is one way to generate interest! :)))
Its was interesting to see that the casting director quoted for this piece is someone named Des Hamilton who has worked with Sigma Film's Kahleen Crawford in the past and helped cast films such as Hallam Foe, Young Adam, Dear Frankie, and Sigmas/Paddy Considines' short "Dog Altogether." The newspaper article quotes Mr. Hamilton saying " “It’s so exciting that Scotland is attracting this kind of co-production.It’s got a budget of £3.5million, which is very healthy these days. The production is in full swing now, and the director is here.For someone who wants to be an actor, this is as good as it gets.It’s a tremendous opportunity and it will be lucrative as well. It will be a good earner for a little kid as well as a leg-up into the industry.”
There is no indication if Sigma will be involved in this at all, or any other crew from past Sigma films will work on the film, this film,which had been rumored for years now as seen on the official Norway website, should be an interesting one.
e a talented actor, having appeared in Sigma's Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself, but is better known to US audiences for his turns in King Arthur, and the last James Bond blockbuster, Casino Royale. As good as he was in these films (sooo goood as Tristan! and can I just say ...so bleeping impossibly handsome -------->*thud*) I must say too I really thought he turned in superb performances in films such as Open Heart, Adam's Apples which was very funny I thought, and I just recently saw him in "After the Wedding" which was produced by Sigma's Gillian Berrie.The Press and Journal reports that an open casting call is taking place in Glasgow, Scotland for the part of a young boy to play a pivotal role besides Mads. The paper saysm"they are looking for a small, slightly-built 13-year-old, no bigger than the average 11-year-old. At the same time, he must be athletic enough to appear in action scenes and must have his sea legs, as much of the film will be shot at sea. The successful applicant will get all the best lines." LOL dunno if that is quite the way to appease the other actors but that is one way to generate interest! :)))
Its was interesting to see that the casting director quoted for this piece is someone named Des Hamilton who has worked with Sigma Film's Kahleen Crawford in the past and helped cast films such as Hallam Foe, Young Adam, Dear Frankie, and Sigmas/Paddy Considines' short "Dog Altogether." The newspaper article quotes Mr. Hamilton saying " “It’s so exciting that Scotland is attracting this kind of co-production.It’s got a budget of £3.5million, which is very healthy these days. The production is in full swing now, and the director is here.For someone who wants to be an actor, this is as good as it gets.It’s a tremendous opportunity and it will be lucrative as well. It will be a good earner for a little kid as well as a leg-up into the industry.”
There is no indication if Sigma will be involved in this at all, or any other crew from past Sigma films will work on the film, this film,which had been rumored for years now as seen on the official Norway website, should be an interesting one.
Mr Hamilton said: “Mads Mikkelsen’s character is a warrior who has had his tongue cut out and the boy communicates for him.”
The casting director has already been round dozens of schools in the west of Scotland in his search for a star. The story is set in the 11th century and Vikings have been living in Scotland for decades.
An expedition sets out to return to Scandinavia but gets lost in fog. They eventually reach an unknown land and think they have died and gone to Valhalla, the Viking equivalent of Heaven. But it turns out to be America.
Further info on the movie can be found here.
Bonus Video: Even though I tend to avoid war pictures, Im mad for history and historical pieces, and the woman who sings in this fan video for Tristan (including Mads in King Arthur) is just wonderful, wish I could sing like that.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Through the Eyes of Children
News on the progress of Rounding up Donkeys is slow, but bits and pieces do trickle out now and then. If you brave and patient enough to endure the comments on IMDB, in the midst of some of the ZOMG SOOOOHOOOTTT!!! and random trolls, every once in a while there will be a good intelligent thread or if you are really lucky, a piece of filming news. Now there is no way to verify any of this, and having learned my lessons several times over that you simply cant always trust what is read over there, however there were two pieces of news saying that RuD was filming the other night on some place called Victoria Bridge in Glasgow, and even better a bit of news from an extra in the movie who says he took part in some location work was done at some place called "Nice n sleazys" on Sauchiehall street last week. LOL with a name like that naturally I had to go look it up. The street looks like a happening place, and this club is apparently one of the hip places to go hear bands so I will add that to my itinerary when I go to Glasgow .I'm well aware now that Glasgow has a seriously awesome new music scene, and although Im going on the first trip by myself, it should be ok I think and cant wait to see if I happen to hear a great band while Im there.
I think extras in movies are always cool people, showing such enthusiasm just to be part of films so I appreciated hearing this. Speaking of extras there was a news story online involving extras and Rounding Up Donkeys. The story was about a young child who was lucky enough to be cast as an extra for the movie. Quotage:
I think extras in movies are always cool people, showing such enthusiasm just to be part of films so I appreciated hearing this. Speaking of extras there was a news story online involving extras and Rounding Up Donkeys. The story was about a young child who was lucky enough to be cast as an extra for the movie. Quotage:
"The eight-year-old was given her own scene, in which she had to stare at Cosmo from the doorway of a high-rise flat. Although she will only be on screen for seconds, she was introduced to the film’s star and the director, and said she was treated like a VIP by the crew.
She told The Courier, “I was really surprised that I got in the film and was really excited. I was really nervous, but it felt like being a real actress. I got my own car and they gave me an umbrella so I didn’t get wet.
“James Cosmo was really, really nice to me. When my mum asked him if we could take a picture he just said yes straight away.
“But the film’s an 18 so my mum’s just going to show me the clip that I’m in. She’s seen the first one and it’s a bit too adult for me so I don’t think she’ll let me see this one.”
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Are You Really Hot?
So with the trailer for Hallam Foe (aka Mister Foe) now up on US iTunes, there was a cool bonus of the high definition version of the trailer (only changes I spotted in addition to the magnolia board at the begining, it reads Mister Foe in David Shrigley's fabulous tree artwork/titles at end of trailer).
( Links are from hd-trailer.net cause I couldn't get the link to copy right, curses)
*Small
*Medium
*Large
There is something rather wonderful to watch footage of this film in glorious High Def. Not sure if we ever will get the film in say Blu-Ray (which I imagine is a hugely expensive thing and certainly too cost prohibitive for many independent film companies) but you can see so many things-I esp love how clear the shots of Edinburgh are, with Hallam and Kate scrambling across the rooftops, Jamie in the clock shot is great too-well all of it frankly.
Now with high definition, in addition to the clarity of the scenery, you of course get far better looks at the actors themselves. I know that many actors and filmmakers aren't too keen on this High Def business as its TOO revealing-too many of the cracks, imperfections and flaws may show more readily. I guess as they adjusted to having to shoot in color, so too the transition for most films being shot in secret-revealing high definition must be a hard transition to make, but one that is inevitable. I understand very little about how much of this works, how widespread and genuinely common it is anymore, but from what I gather most things are shot on high def because that is the industry standard and is needed in order to compete etc.
In my mind, with more detail being revealed, more flaws exposed the more real things are, the more the need and trend grows to hide the flaws and seek the "perfect"-including in your cast. This trend of seeking better bodies, achieving the seemingly flawless looks set by celebrities is a growing one, especially evident I think most here in the US, land of so much wealth and so, well, so MUCH. I wont go into a rant on the dangerous precedents being set by the fashion industry, but I was reminded again how shallow and perfect obsessed our world is becoming when I saw an article pop up in relation to David Mackenzie's Spread.
A casting director for the film put out this call "... currently holding an open casting call for models for the new Ashton Kutcher movie "“Spread”," for two h
it HBO series and for the popular show “Rules of Engagement”.We are looking for REALLY HOT female and male models age 18-25. Girls must be at least 5’'8" and guys must be at least 6’ tall. Girls must wear a bikini under their clothes and guys must wear swim trunks (or underwear) under their clothes.WTF? REALLY HOT? What pray tell is the universal standard casting category description of "really hot?". By whose standard is this?? Is this common casting standards now?? I gather then the traditional categories of say "Blonde hair, blue eye girl" or "brown hair muscular man" is passe? No more attractive, lets just get right down to it and say REALLY HOT (as opposed to your "marginally hot," "occasionally -if seen while under the influence of alcohol- hot" and " hot in remote parts of kazakhstan"categories) good grief! Plus as we know, once you turn 26 you magicially are no longer "really hot" perhaps just a 30 something who is still sorta hot, then middle age with only a vestige of hottness, then of course we become ancient and are only dreaming of being hot. If you are only marginally hot, do you no longer get cast in parts then?
I am cognizant that this is a "sex comedy" and that heh the star is certainly described as "hot" more often than not, but still-would not a simple 'surfer' do? or what about 'swimmer' or physically fit (I am gathering this is for beach scenes and of course its set in LA, land of the beautiful and plastically enhanced people) How does one cast HOT exactly-whose standard of ho
t or sexy is it? Last time I checked, hot was rather relative. It would be a lie of course to say that general good looks do not matter cause quite frankly-if handed the choice between say Alastair Mackenzie of Sigma and this fellow with the teeth that Colin used as an example of his I Love Luci movie, rightly or wrongly, I believe most would think that Alastair is the more handsome well wait-the word is hot (to say the least!) and the more attractive out of the bunch. This is not to say of course that all things should be based on shallow ideals and standards because if that were the case-my Victoria's Secret encased C cup boobs might make the grade, the rest, including my big ole butt, would most definitely go in the NOT HOT category, and I should resign myself to being alone (and dateless) forever! God how depressing. However, if we are honest with ourselves, most people strive to be attractive in some form or another lol at least once in a while and make do with the genes and body they were given (or at least once in a while make an effort to 'clean up", bother now and then to wear the latest styles etc), hope and seek they are attractive to others say they are hoping or wanting to date, or even as Borat would say, make sexy time!, but still I found this call of the agencies just absurd. And just because it may be the way things are, does NOT mean that is the way things have to stay!Now I know that in film especially the pressure is on to be thin and beautiful (as the camera adds weight and more scrutiny is there-stop those wrinkles! etc) and I know that you obviously need to cast certain looks for the roles as the part demands (example Colin's 50 Ft. woman for the We are the Physics music video, while who wouldn't want to have long legs fab body and fab hair like this chick, how did he cast his video I wonder? Did he or the casting director say-"calling all tall leggy young beautiful models who are keen to be seen as a raging overgrown femgiant please apply?" lol) True enough, the cast of Hallam Foe ar
e all beautiful people -well maybe some wouldn't put Ewan Bremner in the "really hot super hunk" category equal to say Clooney or Johnny Depp, but still he has his fans and I think he's fab regardless!-but they also look very real and like people I would see in everyday life -still attractive, (Jamie and Sophia fans would totally put them in the REALLY HOT category) but have a real everyday quality-it's the same I think in all the movies of Sigma. yes I know people like Ewan McGregor, Mads Mikkleson, Gerard Butler, Claire Forlani, Sophia Myles, Shirley Henderson etc have all been cast true enough but they are also quality actors and I like to think you can have both without the label 'really hot' a requirement in the casting decision. I think being a casting director must be a very hard job and it must be hard to try and get the right people to match the image in the producers and directors head for the roles, but no part of me thinks that David turned to his casting director and said hey get me hot babes! oh wait-REALLY HOT-no mere hot for me-REALLY hot.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
A Question of Casting
Casting questions seem to be to the fore of late, given the apparent uncertainty over who will play the female lead in "Spread." It must have been resolved, and although not always correct nor official, the infamous IMDB page for the new David Mackenzie directed film has been updated and now shows Laura Linney in the part that Jennifer Jason Leigh had previously been announced to be portraying. With the status now set as "filming," some new crew names etc are on the page, including the DoP Steven Poster. Mr. Poster who shot a couple funny films in the past including those most excellent of hosers Doug and Bob (beauty eh?) , but also did fine work on films such as Mrs. Harris and esp Donnie Darko (*ignores the blight on the record of Rocky V*), so this news gives me some idea of the light tone to this film.
On a more somber note however, is a report today that Rounding Up Donkeys has an issue with a cast member who apparently wants to sue Sigma Films. The Scotsman has an article online, where actor Andy Armour, who had portrayed Alfred, Kate Dickie's character's father-in-law, in Red Road, claims he "was ditched from Rounding Up Donkeys and the role handed to the younger and better-known James Cosmo." Quoting Mr. Armour as saying "They have gone back on their word.That promise is broken and I'm broken," the article continues to note "Armour considers he has been treated "shockingly badly". He said he had a contract for all three films and is initiating legal action for compensation. "My union Equity are suing Sigma Films. We are trying to get some compensation, but of course it doesn't make up for it."
Clearly this is an unfortunate situation to say the least. The head of Sigma and one of the film's producer's Gillian Berrie is quoted as openly saying that the film went thru two writers, changes of titles and the character of Alfred is now much different than originally conceived. She openly says they changed their rules on sticking with the same cast for all three films of the Advance Party series but it was something that needed to be done.Quotage from Gillian:
"It was a very, very horrible and difficult and emotional time for us, because we didn't want to break the rules and we didn't want to hurt Andy." She said there were lengthy meetings and discussions over the issue. "But in the end it's got to be the film first and we broke the rules. "What we really liked about Cosmo was this contradiction of this huge man, but very, very soft, a big teddy bear. It wasn't age, it wasn't talent, ability or anything. It was personality and size and tone… It was very much a collective decision."
Now having been in situations (non film!) where I've been on the receiving end of what seems to be an unfair decision, as well as the one who has to make some truly hard decisions, I fully understand how emotional situations similar to all this can be. Bottom line always wins the day though, and ultimately if a certain actor isn't right for the part, then he/she isnt; it is just inherent in the film business and I gather that at one point or another all actors have to face this sort of disappointment along the way. No WAY do I have skin thick enough to take on that kind of job that is for certain! Now these decisions aren't always fair, nor certainly easy to bear as a person, but I gather when casting movies these type of situations happen from time to time. I remember reading before about some casting flap when Stuart Townsend was supposed to be Aragon in the Lord of the Rings trilogy and there was much ado when he was replaced with Viggo Mortensen. As I am certain emotions were high like they are in this Rounding up Donkey's case, this ultimately proved to be an excellent casting decision, for Viggo OWNED as Aragorn in the multi-Oscar winning LotR as did all the casting done on that film-no way can I imagine for example anyone other than Ian Mckellan playing Gandalf.
I realize too there are other influencing elements afoot such as the thoughts of first time (well for a major film) director and what she wants, the feelings of all various producers involved as well as the ones all putting up the money for the movie (there seem to be both the various Scottish agencies as well as the Danish company Zentropa), so perhaps there is more to this than we know at this point, but most probably Armour just flat out didn't suit the part as it now is written in the final script. I tend to believe this because Armour had been cast before, no reason to believe he disappointed in the role then, and given the part has changed since- and again Sigma fully admits they changed their own rules- it doesn't seem to outrageous to think they might want to recast the part. I would hope they would consider breaking their own rules (as much as that flies in the face of what they were trying to achieve at the start by setting such a high bar) and see this follow up film to Red Road have the same quality of performance and characters that draw you in honestly and continue with the high level of film making than make sacrifices by not changing actors; if it means recasting certain parts then so be it. Cold and cruel I guess coming from miss creampuff emotional person me but thats how I see it. Side note: Still no word if Tony Curran will be in this film alas. Tony Curran, whose performance was so good in Red Road and his flawed character so intriguing, would make such another great appearance in this second film, I really hope we get an update on this soon.
Anyway, I think casting director Sigma uses has been pretty good so far, and she would have a certain influence in this I should think. Kahleen Crawford did a great job with casting Hallam Foe (and is also to head casting for Colin's I Love Luci short film I think) ie Jamie Bell IS Hallam Foe, and frankly her casting people like Maurice Roeves and Ewan Bremner was completely inspired, as they gave great background performances and were a true highlight of the movie. The best casting I thought she did though was Claire Forlani as Verity in Hallam Foe, who gave just a spot on EXCELLENT performance, better imo than Sophia Myles, but I digress.
There is one thing that troubles me in that the article seems to subtly imply that age discrimination is a factor here. The Glasgow Film Office blog says the part is for "64 year-old Alfred Patterson," who "facing a serious, life-threatening illness, [] decides to make amends for his past errors and neglect of his family. He seeks out his estranged daughter Jackie and her twelve-year-old child but the more he tries to do the right thing, the more he continues to do wrong." Armour is 74, and while it was noted this change had nothing to do with age, its understandable that is his upset about loosing a starring role at this point in his career. Besides if past films are proof enough, Maurice Roeves is an older man, they surely could have given that part to any number of actors who can turn a comedic role, so to imply they are anti old people is off base. As for Mr Armour, true he's not had any leading roles before and this must be a huge disappointment to him obviously as he lamented "You don't get chances like that. They are once in a lifetime."
My feelings: If Sigma truly did break their contract then they should try to settle this without it becoming a media circus, although this news surely wasnt 'broken' by them I should think, and I hope this matter is resolved quickly and quietly. However by implying it has to do with with something more serious than a simple recast, gives one pause of course and should be taken seriously if there were any proof or validity to this, but frankly my instincts feel that Mr Armour is just speaking in the heat (heartache) of the moment and this is not at all about age discrimination, just a bad break. Lets hope this is resolved soon, so we can move on to the details of the film making and progress of the movie.
On a more somber note however, is a report today that Rounding Up Donkeys has an issue with a cast member who apparently wants to sue Sigma Films. The Scotsman has an article online, where actor Andy Armour, who had portrayed Alfred, Kate Dickie's character's father-in-law, in Red Road, claims he "was ditched from Rounding Up Donkeys and the role handed to the younger and better-known James Cosmo." Quoting Mr. Armour as saying "They have gone back on their word.That promise is broken and I'm broken," the article continues to note "Armour considers he has been treated "shockingly badly". He said he had a contract for all three films and is initiating legal action for compensation. "My union Equity are suing Sigma Films. We are trying to get some compensation, but of course it doesn't make up for it."
Clearly this is an unfortunate situation to say the least. The head of Sigma and one of the film's producer's Gillian Berrie is quoted as openly saying that the film went thru two writers, changes of titles and the character of Alfred is now much different than originally conceived. She openly says they changed their rules on sticking with the same cast for all three films of the Advance Party series but it was something that needed to be done.Quotage from Gillian:
"It was a very, very horrible and difficult and emotional time for us, because we didn't want to break the rules and we didn't want to hurt Andy." She said there were lengthy meetings and discussions over the issue. "But in the end it's got to be the film first and we broke the rules. "What we really liked about Cosmo was this contradiction of this huge man, but very, very soft, a big teddy bear. It wasn't age, it wasn't talent, ability or anything. It was personality and size and tone… It was very much a collective decision."
Now having been in situations (non film!) where I've been on the receiving end of what seems to be an unfair decision, as well as the one who has to make some truly hard decisions, I fully understand how emotional situations similar to all this can be. Bottom line always wins the day though, and ultimately if a certain actor isn't right for the part, then he/she isnt; it is just inherent in the film business and I gather that at one point or another all actors have to face this sort of disappointment along the way. No WAY do I have skin thick enough to take on that kind of job that is for certain! Now these decisions aren't always fair, nor certainly easy to bear as a person, but I gather when casting movies these type of situations happen from time to time. I remember reading before about some casting flap when Stuart Townsend was supposed to be Aragon in the Lord of the Rings trilogy and there was much ado when he was replaced with Viggo Mortensen. As I am certain emotions were high like they are in this Rounding up Donkey's case, this ultimately proved to be an excellent casting decision, for Viggo OWNED as Aragorn in the multi-Oscar winning LotR as did all the casting done on that film-no way can I imagine for example anyone other than Ian Mckellan playing Gandalf.
I realize too there are other influencing elements afoot such as the thoughts of first time (well for a major film) director and what she wants, the feelings of all various producers involved as well as the ones all putting up the money for the movie (there seem to be both the various Scottish agencies as well as the Danish company Zentropa), so perhaps there is more to this than we know at this point, but most probably Armour just flat out didn't suit the part as it now is written in the final script. I tend to believe this because Armour had been cast before, no reason to believe he disappointed in the role then, and given the part has changed since- and again Sigma fully admits they changed their own rules- it doesn't seem to outrageous to think they might want to recast the part. I would hope they would consider breaking their own rules (as much as that flies in the face of what they were trying to achieve at the start by setting such a high bar) and see this follow up film to Red Road have the same quality of performance and characters that draw you in honestly and continue with the high level of film making than make sacrifices by not changing actors; if it means recasting certain parts then so be it. Cold and cruel I guess coming from miss creampuff emotional person me but thats how I see it. Side note: Still no word if Tony Curran will be in this film alas. Tony Curran, whose performance was so good in Red Road and his flawed character so intriguing, would make such another great appearance in this second film, I really hope we get an update on this soon.
Anyway, I think casting director Sigma uses has been pretty good so far, and she would have a certain influence in this I should think. Kahleen Crawford did a great job with casting Hallam Foe (and is also to head casting for Colin's I Love Luci short film I think) ie Jamie Bell IS Hallam Foe, and frankly her casting people like Maurice Roeves and Ewan Bremner was completely inspired, as they gave great background performances and were a true highlight of the movie. The best casting I thought she did though was Claire Forlani as Verity in Hallam Foe, who gave just a spot on EXCELLENT performance, better imo than Sophia Myles, but I digress.
There is one thing that troubles me in that the article seems to subtly imply that age discrimination is a factor here. The Glasgow Film Office blog says the part is for "64 year-old Alfred Patterson," who "facing a serious, life-threatening illness, [] decides to make amends for his past errors and neglect of his family. He seeks out his estranged daughter Jackie and her twelve-year-old child but the more he tries to do the right thing, the more he continues to do wrong." Armour is 74, and while it was noted this change had nothing to do with age, its understandable that is his upset about loosing a starring role at this point in his career. Besides if past films are proof enough, Maurice Roeves is an older man, they surely could have given that part to any number of actors who can turn a comedic role, so to imply they are anti old people is off base. As for Mr Armour, true he's not had any leading roles before and this must be a huge disappointment to him obviously as he lamented "You don't get chances like that. They are once in a lifetime."
My feelings: If Sigma truly did break their contract then they should try to settle this without it becoming a media circus, although this news surely wasnt 'broken' by them I should think, and I hope this matter is resolved quickly and quietly. However by implying it has to do with with something more serious than a simple recast, gives one pause of course and should be taken seriously if there were any proof or validity to this, but frankly my instincts feel that Mr Armour is just speaking in the heat (heartache) of the moment and this is not at all about age discrimination, just a bad break. Lets hope this is resolved soon, so we can move on to the details of the film making and progress of the movie.
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