Long ago in a galaxy far far away, I was a poker reporter. I reported on high stakes poker tournaments and competitions, relaying the fortunes of the Irish competitors. It was there I met Len Collin for the first time. He's not hard to miss is our Len, the only thing bigger about him then his size is his personality. We got on immediately.
Roll forwards a few years. I'm still playing poker but not reporting on it any more. I've gotten interested in acting and been in a play with the No Drama group from Boards.ie. Mel Gibson I aint but I do seem to have some talent for this and I'm really enjoying it.
So, out of the blue I get a call from Len. Now, I know Len is a big time writer. His credits include 41 episodes of The Bill, episodes of Holby City, Casualty, Soldier Soldier, Londons Burning etc. So, you might have seen his work if you have you know, a telly.
"Where are you in the world?". Its the first and most common question I get from my mates when they call because my nutjob life could have me anywhere and like, long distance is expensive!
Len has a production coming up and wants me to use Boards to help recruit people to audition. I tell him about my nascent acting interest. He doesnt laugh hysterically which I take as a good sign.
So. Auditions. Tricky things. You might think that knowing the writer/director makes it a walk but I know Len. He's a very fair and even handed person. Plus when it comes to his work I know he'll choose the best actor for the job... connection has got me an audition, but thats as far as it will go and I'm good with that.
Theres 4 people in the room and a video camera. Oh God, they're going to video this?? My left hemisphere slaps my right, hard. If you get this there's going to be an awful lot more "video cameras" you twonk.
"Recite Humpty Dumpty". Immediately the one thing in the world I cannot remember is the start of that stupid stupid nursery rhyme. "Any style or direction?" "Nope, off you go". <pause> "None?" I still cant remember it. I am now panicing. "In your own time.".
"Humpty Dumpty had a great fall, no wait, thats not the first line is it". IDIOT IDIOT IDIOT.
"Don't worry, its just a test for lines". Yeah, great, awesome, a test... a test for lines, a test I've just massively failed.You're blowing this audition!
On to piece of improv where I play a hypochondriac talking to his doctor. I had thought I could put in a journeyman audition and have a shot at a part but I've blown it so I have to step up and prove myself. I have to take a chance or two and trust to myself and go for it.
My time in No Drama workshops has prepared me for this though. I throw myself into it, I've nothing to lose after all.
Two days later the phone rings and I get the good news, I've actually landed the role. I knew it wasnt the lead I was auditioning for but it turns out the role is very sizeable one and will be in most of the episodes.
There'll be 8, 10-minute webisodes as what we think will be the first serious professionally-made-for-internet episodic drama. Len's script is terrific. Its like a dark Father Ted meets Twin Peaks set in Westport. This is drama you wouldnt see on TV...
Filming starts on location in Mayo early September. I'll try to keep a daily blog of the shoot and pics etc.
Holy. Shit.
Pics are a must for this :)
Posted by: Sparky | August 31, 2009 at 01:12 AM