Yesterday I starred in a movie. It was totally awesome and I loved doing it. The downside is today I have an all over body ache.
The problem with playing a superhero is that it's a very active role. I had to do a training montage and leap around on sand dunes and punch a bag for well, I don't know how long but there were three, four long takes just of me punching and man....my shoulders can feel it.
I was a bit worried about acting, since Lee had displayed very little faith in my abilities to pull it off, but overall I found it to be a much less pressurised position that Director. I think the shoot was just a lot less pressurised than the 48 hours, which is the only other experience I had of making short films (apart from a one week video course in sixth form). The shoot was very well organised thanks to Matt and Debs hustling everything along and it was also congenial, silly and fun.
I was a bit disappointed that the Jenni's Angels team was so pared down, not just because the professionals couldn't be there but a significant number of regulars didn't come either. But the important thing is we made a movie, we got all the filming done in one day and it looks good! We watched all the rushes last night after a delicious spa soak (man, my muscles needed it!) and I think it'll look fantastic cut together.
The weather was awful in Wellington which was rather nail biting in the morning, but as we got out to the coast it got progressively brighter and we didn't have rain all day apart from some tiny spots on the beach. The sun actually came out for a few shots and everything!
I have an annoying nervous laugh but otherwise I don't mind watching myself on film, especially because I thought I looked really good! Steph played an old woman and man, she's funny. Her physical acting is just awesome, convincing and well thought through. Nick B played our thug character and he was awesome as well, sneaking and falling and being sprayed in the face with silly string with good humour and aplomb.
Lee played a very hammy mentor character that had everyone in stitches for all his scenes. We have some very funny outtakes that when cut together will probably be longer than the actual movie! My personal favourite was after the Mighty Sandwich bit, when he stood up from the picnic table and said in his Mentor voice "Sitting on a park bench in tights is MIGHTY uncomfortable!" Then I, still sitting looked straight at the camera and said "We'll have more about this tonight, on Nightline." Well, I thought it was funny anyway :) I did feel like we were news anchors sitting side by side at the table facing the camera.
All in all? An awesome way to spend a Saturday. Plus, I'm dying to see if it looks like I can really fly...
Thanks to everyone involved, I had a blast and I can't wait to see it.
PoF: Be afraid
CO: I want to go shopping at Queensgate, but Lee is a slug-a-bed.