Eastbourne Lifestyle 47
it was. They often use code names for big
films and TV shows at the first auditions until
you are cast, then you get the information
and realise its a huge film. They like to keep
everything secret with big films so not to ruin
the surprise before it comes out.
How long were your days on set?
Days on big projects like Disney films are
long! From 12-16 hours a day 4-5 days a
week, the longest day I was on set was 17 and
a half hours! It takes a long time to set the
scene and they have to change camera angles
and re-shoot the scene from the different
perspectives of the actors and views. The set
was huge though. With famous actors on set
such as Ewan Mcgreggor and director Marc
Forster, who directed James Bond, it was ex-citing
and really promotes you to be a profes-sional
and do the best job you can. Strictly
no selfies with the actors or you could lose
your job and be thrown off set! They built the
set in an old hanger, it was simply mesmeris-ing
how big and all of the parts involved to
create the finished product. We have to sign
non disclosure contracts that prevent us talk-ing
too much about the film and behind the
scenes before the film comes out and even
after it’s out! So I have to be careful what I
say!
Did you meet Ewan McGregor?
Yes I did, we were in two scenes together,
they cut the one in which I was right next to
him however! He is a nice down to earth per-son,
he often gave up his seat to females and
older people on set as we would have to stand
around for 40-45 minutes between shoots,
while they set up and changed the cameras or
angles or to re-shoot the scene. It can defi-nitely
take its toll being stood up for 16 hours
and he would give up his seat for people, he
would laugh and joke between takes also. I
also met Hayley Atwell and was in a scene
with her which didn’t make the final cut, but
it was an amazing experience and I certainly
learned a lot watching them work. I was very
grateful for taking direction from Marc
Forster, you can tell he has a vision when he
is directing, and that really does come comes
alive in this film, it was simply amazing to be
a part of it.
Did you get to watch any scenes being
filmed?
I did yes. The scenes that I wasn’t involved in,
I sat and watched from the huge cameras on
cranes at the most astounding sets. I also got
to see how they add the CGI for the animated
characters like Winnie the Pooh and it was
amazing. It’s very clever how they add it and
they use a visual aid on set so we have
something to focus on while we act.
Do you have a preference for theatre or
film?
My heart lies in theatre as I went to the Sylvia
Young Theatre school but film is where my
ambitions lie. I will never turn down a theatre
script however. I think it’s important to
always keep the candle burning for stage
work it brings so many skills to the table that
will help in TV and Film work.
What would you do if you couldn’t act?
That’s a tough one! I’ve been a fighter, sports
commentator, even a teacher at secondary
school. However I always come back to what
I started first, acting. But if I had to choose
a job to do until I die it would be a teacher. I
had some great teachers who understood me,
helped me achieve and always believed in me
even when I didn’t and I was getting in trou-ble
and not on the right path. I never forgot
those influential teachers who helped me to
be who I am today. I always wanted to give
that back and be that same influential teacher
for kids so they don’t fall through the net
and not achieve what they want to in life and
perhaps go down the wrong path. Everyone
is good at something you just have to find out
what.