Luigi: week 2
14th April
Today, I’m surplus to requirements, as they’re filming Benny and Francisco’s scenes somewhere on the twisty- turny mountain roads, so -mainly because I didn’t mention him last week - here’s a pic of Peter Kočiš, who plays Juraj (it’s pronounced Yoorai, which would translate to George in English) in the film. Peter’s been an actor in Czechia and Slovakia for more years than he cares to remember, on stage, and in television and film. Juraj is a mysterious character, who seems to be prepared for anything and everything that might happen in the canyon. But is he as much of a superhero as he appears?
Peter in Gorropu Canyon. (pic by José Castorena)
15th April
Cast & crew day off.
Lovely day for it.
Cala Gonone from the other side of the marina. (pic by me)
16th April
Today is the first proper day of filming in the canyon. Well, actually, we’re filming on the steep approach to the canyon.
It’s a stunningly beautiful place to be doing any sort of work, and it’s a bit weird walking up and down the same stretch of path, and repeating the same lines, while trying not to lose your footing on the scree (check out Bob’s and Véra’s unsuitable footwear), but that’s the job, intit?
On the other side of the canyon, we have another hair-raising ride in a Land Rover Defender. It’s an adventure in itself, and it won’t be the last time we are on this journey. Not by a long shot.
L-R: Luigi (Fra), Tadeáš (Miki), Véra (Jana), Bob (me). (pic by Sendy)
17th April
This morning, I’m off again, because Fra is filming Luigi’s scenes with his mum (played by Marta Proietti Orzella, who I had a lovely chat with on set at lunchtime - she’s a Sardinian actress based in Cagliari).
Then, after lunch, Benny, Jana, Miki and me are doing a photo shoot for the film poster with the marvellously talented Surrealist photographer Erik Johansson (check out his website, and you’ll see what I mean - his work is awesome). If you think I look a bit scruffy in this pic, I can assure you it is completely intentional.
Or is it?
L-R: Me, Veronika (Costume designer). (pic by Aleš Král)
18th April
Second day of filming on the hillside trail leading to Gorropu Canyon. It’s pretty hot, and my body mic keeps becoming unstuck. At regular intervals, either Václav or Anna is replacing the adhesive. But the scenes are going well, and we repeat them with the camera in a different position, and we have to keep moving down, because the sun, rather rudely, keeps moving.
And at the end of the day, we shoot a scene which involves water, and we’ll say no more about it…
L-R: Adrian (camera assistant), Eli (director), Adam (art department), Václav (production sound mixer), Enora (camera assistant) José (assistant director), Adam (director), Monika (assistant costume designer), Jiřina (key hair and make-up artist), Anna (boom operator). (pic by Alison Davis-Kurley)
No poem this week (too tired) - but if you get the chance, have a look at Lots of Stuff. Click on a picture, any picture - and have a read at some of my poetry. I hope you like what you read.