2005 Entries
Winter 2005
Sorry not to have done the diary for a while but things have all been rather up in the air lately and each time I managed to find time to jot something down, everything changed and was flying around again. I am actually writing this on my way down to London for some meetings. The mobile is switched off so at least everything should be calm for a couple of hours!!
Well first off I have come back from filming a documentary in the Andes. it was a trek through the range following in the footsteps of the survivors of a 1972 plane crash there (as depicted in the film "Alive" starring Ethan Hawke) in which we tried to manage even a millionth of what they suffered basically to highlight what an incredible group of men and women they were.
The documentary will take the form of 3 one hour parts to be shown next February/March on Channel 5, followed at the end of that week by the film "Alive" itself.
The good news was it was a stunning experience, visually incredible, challenging and rewarding, and a real insight into the well of courage the survivors endured.
The bad news is it was the hardest physical and mental thing you could ask for and completely knocked me for six, but again that just makes their story all the more amazing.
Then on my return to the UK things really went manic! Regular readers will know that for nearly a year now I have been on hold for a new drama series, which was due to start filming about now and for which I have been forced to turn down a lot of projects for this year because of the possibility of clashing.
Well sure enough a week before filming a new producer who had been brought in decided she wanted her own cast (similar to a new manager at a football club) so a week before filming started the original cast sadly all lost out. Now whilst this does make me a bit miffed because of the loyalty I had been asked to show to the project over the year, the consolation is that one of the main reasons I wanted to do this project was the chance to work wioth the original producer whose creations I really respect. Since the drama has now drifted in another direction I guess that wasn't going to really happen, so although frustrated I would rather again wait for the project I really believe in.
Because of all that I am now running around having meetings for projects which I thought I wouldn't be able to do, but suddenly now can, so I will fill you in when I have decided which to pursue.
We're pulling into Euston, so must dash. Train delayed - am now late! All my love
August 2005
Hope you are all well. I know it has all been a bit quiet of late, but this is because the endless negotiations are all still on going. But believe it or not the end is hopefully in sight (touch wood!)
The drama series which I have committed to which has been drawn out for the best part of all of this year finally looks as though it may have been "green lit" with filming due to begin at the end of the year (screened in spring next year.) As ever until it is all done and dusted I can't really reveal too much, but I will say that although it has been a very drawn out and frustrating process I really believe it will be worth it in regards to the end product. The calibre of writers, producers and actors involved really is second to none, and although, it has meant turning down a lot of job offers and being off screen in the meantime, I have reached a point in my career where I would far rather commit only to those productions which I know will be both challenging and rewarding, and of a quality which I can be proud to be involved, and the viewer will be really captivated by.
However that is not to say that you are going to have to wait until next year before you get to see me on screen, for I have been approached to take part in a documentary series to be aired Christmas week. It is all pretty hush hush at the moment but believe me it will be something amazing and mindblowing. I best not say anymore, so keep logged on and at the next journal I will hopefully be able to fill you in fully on this, and maybe even the drama series too!
June/July 2005
I have been waiting for the go ahead on my new TV project, so as I could give you all the gossip. Everyday it seems we have been promised the greenlight tomorrow (hence why I had to turn down Telstar in the West End) and much to everyones frustration for unknown reasons it has failed to materialize.
To make matters worse we got word yesterday that the go ahead will not now be coming through for at least another 6 weeks (aaaahh!!).
Whilst this is very frustrating, as I am so keen to get on with it, the project is of such quality that I know it will be worth it all in the end. The cast attached and the level of writing enjoyed, means that I am 100% sure that the show will be a colossal success with the audience and something which as an actor I will be able to look upon with great pride.
Frustration aside, this delay means unfortunately that I still can't disclose any real details on the project, (other than it will be brilliant - trust me!) and also means that I am having to hold off committing to other projects for fear of them clashing.
As you can see this does somewhat place me in a position of limbo, but I know it will be worth it in the end. On the upside it does give me some much needed time to give over to my production company "Narcissus Films" and to really push the development of our first short film for which the script has now been put through its final draft (I hope) and we can really start pre-production planning all the technicalities.
Along with all that I am still continuing to meet with producers about the other upcoming projects - although as I have said I can't give them a definitive start date as yet (much to their and my personal stress) so all is moving on, just not at the rate at which we all hoped for. Bummer I know, but heh at least there is Wimbledon to watch!! Shall let you know as soon as I do.
March/April 2005
Hope you are all well. What's that old saying about buses all coming at the same time? Well sure enough its all kicked off this end of things. Not only was Telstar fantastic, (a huge thank you by the way to all of you who came to see it and emailed your views) but sure enough it now looks to be confirmed as going into the West End for a run this summer.
"Great" I hear you say. Well in one way yes it is because I really believe in the piece and know that it deserves the chance to be seen by a wider audience. The bad news however is that one of those secret projects I've been hinting at for the past few months finally looks as though it has a start date and sods law it clashes 100% with the dates that Telstar looks like it will be on it's run.
However I am in constant negotiations with the producers of both as I would really like the opportunity to do both the play and the TV project (that's about as much as I can give away on it just yet) and should know within the next couple of weeks whether it's feasible.
The best I can suggest is to keep logged on as I will be sure to let Helen post what is happening just as soon as I can tell you or I know myself.
On top of all that I am still in negotiations for another theatre role this autumn, again with a likely West End run, as well as a film to boot. Sadly though I have had to pull out of the film "Sunstroke" I told you about a while ago. This is because the government keeps changing their minds about film funding and so the producers keep having to change their dates and it now would clash with whichever of the two projects I choose to do this summer. It's a real shame, but thanks to politics I guess that's how it goes, although I and I'm sure you as well, wish the producers all the success in the world with what is a fantastic script.
February 2005
Everything has been so frantic here I've really struggled to find the time. Well now I have (I'm actually sitting in my dressing room in Darlington), what can I say about the play, Telstar.
IT'S AMAZING!! The rehearsal period was really gruelling as it is such a character driven piece that it was emotionally exhausting finding and exploring the key to each character. However we battled through and my goodness the end product has been worth it.
Whenever you read and agree to do a piece from a script there is always that unknown quantity of how the piece will actually come off the page and I have to be honest and say this play has exceeded all my possible hopes. The characters Nick Moran has created are truly amazing and have enabled us to tell an incredible story of a man who more should be known of. The audience response from the first 3 venues has been tremendous and a real indication, that what I feel is so good, is thankfully getting across to those who watch it as well.
We have another four weeks to go, which is really exciting as I am loving taking such an edgy piece like this to places which would normally only receive very safe productions. I really feel the audiences appreciate the play's individuality and emotional connection. There is strong word that we will be taking it to the West End, but I shall have to keep you updated on that, for as ever politics play a part!
On top of all that I'm also plugging away at those other TV and film roles, negotiating contracts and trying to fit them all in around one another. Basically all the boring bits before I actually get to start performing! As soon as they start to glue together I will be sure to let you all know what they entail and be sure to keep logged on for the latest goss!
Ss ever a huge thank you for all your e-mails of support and well wishes, I really do appreciate them all from the bottom of my heart and be sure to come along and see the play if you get the chance. I promise you won't be disappointed.
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