As a huge film buff, I was thrilled to be asked down to the set of upcoming horror comedy title Jack the Stripper, which is going to see reality royalty Katie Price put her acting skills to the test.
At the helm is director Michael Head who has put together many top titles, including The Spin and Bermondsey Tales. Last week, I ventured down to Hither Green cemetery to watch him shoot the opening scene which took the story back in time.
Besides the fact I got a little lost to begin with trying to find the location, the day got off without a hitch. But this could have gone terribly wrong as as I almost walked into a real life funeral when I first turned up, which would’ve been rather awkward.
As I nearly headed into the crematorium, it was only then I noticed that there was a lack of film cameras, so I thought I should probably give Michael’s assistant Rachel a call before I gatecrashed someone’s service.
Now I was in the right place, a small church at the rear end of the cemetery, my editor tasked with me trying to assess if it was really as glamorous as fans might expect. But as it was filmed in a graveyard, I’m going to say it did lack the glitz and glamour of Hollywood – but it was certainly not lacking in top talent.
I was lucky enough to be able to spot a handful of famous faces that day including Harry Potter star James Phelps, Hollyoaks actor Jamie Lomas, Minder’s Gary Webster and TOWIE beauty Chloe Meadows.
(Image: Andy Barnes)
Call me a ‘muggle’, which is a word the actors used on set for people outside of the industry, but I was completely unaware just how much of a huge operation it is to just try film what would look like a simple scene. And when it comes to stunts and fight sequences, it’s a whole different story…
As a massive Harry Potter fan, it was also rather surreal getting to watch one of your childhood faves – AKA Fred Weasley – showcase their acting skills in the flesh, without all the bells and whistles of post-production.
My only experience of watching films being made before, is through whatever I’ve seen on screen, and I was expecting to meet the stereotypical straight-talking borderline abrasive director who ruled the ship with an iron first. But Michael couldn’t have been more friendly and welcoming, so I was very thankful to tip my toe into the film world on a set of his.
It turns out, Michael’s attitude and positivity also spread to the cast who are certain the movie will be one for the books.
Set in London’s Whitechapel district in 1888, the new take on the story of serial killer Jack the Ripper will see lead actress Charlotte Kirk star as the lead role, Jackie/Lottie, who finds herself plagued by the infamous Jack The Ripper (Jamie Lomas), who is head of a secret organisation known only as The Court.
Unfortunately, I was unable to meet the Pricey on set, but I was informed the TV icon will be joining the film as an elected female who was the head assassin/boss, and she was the ‘Jackie’ before the lead character, Lottie.
Although I was unable to catch-up with Katie myself, I was still able to do some digging about how she’s been behind-the-scenes. Now, I’m not saying I didn’t expect Katie to be brilliant on screen, but I was taken aback by how everyone spoke about her on set.
We all know and love the iconic TV personality, but I can’t say I was familiar with her acting abilities – but surprisingly everyone I spoke to claimed she was “an absolute pro”.
And by the sounds of things, Katie could be returning for the sequel, as Lottie is set to require the help from her character towards the end of the movie.
If all of this sounds like something up your street, then be sure to keep an eye out this Halloween, as the new horror spoof will be released for viewing then.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
