2007 Entries
July 2007
Right first and foremost colossal apologies for the unforgivable delay in getting this latest journal to you. As you will see with what follows things have been incredibly hectic this end, and while I know that is no excuse, hopefully now things will be a bit more settled and we can get back to the norm.
Well where to begin? As an update on the acting front I cannot begin to describe how much I am enjoying playing the character of Kieran Mitchell on “Shortland Street”. It has proven to be one of the most challenging and rewarding characters I have ever played and each day I wake up excited at the prospect of playing him. In addition to that the work place enviroment is again incredible. The level of ability of all those involved in the show, from writers and directors through to camera crew and sound technicians is incredible, and I feel honoured to be able to work with them.
The original plan was to come over here for a short 6 month stint and then return to the UK to continue the acting career as well as pursuing the Political front, with a view to seeking selection for a contested seat at the upcoming General Election. However a spanner, all be it a very welcome one, was thrown into the works when the Producers of the show here approached me about staying on and continuing to play the role of Kieran for a longer term.
April 2007
Hey everybody, hope all is well. Utter apologies for leaving it so long before doing an update for the diary page (especially to you Charmaine!!) only things here have been completely hectic. Now that the character Kieran has finally appeared on screen I have been rushing round not only filming but also doing a load of press to publicize the storyline. Anyway I’ve finally gotten a morning off so am sitting down to belatedly let you know what’s going on.
Things here are going incredibly well. I am enjoying playing this character sooooo much as he really challenges me in trying to show the different levels in his persona. I know that all sounds terribly arty but the great thing about the way he has been written is that he is not just a typical soap “good guy” or “bad guy” but a very human troubled soul, who has lost his way along life’s path for one reason or another. I can’t go into it too much as one of the best things about the entertainment industry out here is that they don’t pre-publicize storylines the way that we do back in the UK in listing magazines. That means that there is still an element of surprise for the audience and because this character is so completely out there, I don’t want to ruin the writer’s hard work by giving too much away. It’s funny actually I have been reading peoples emails and messages and thus far no-one has even come close to guessing where it is all going!
On a personal front though what I can say is how lovely all the cast and crew are. I have to give a special mention to Fleur, Emily and Tim who play Libby, Claire and Mark as they have been not only brilliant to work with, but so much fun to hang around with. They have really taken me under their wings and are showing me the sights etc, so a HUGE thank you to them.
I do have to say I am missing old Blighty somewhat, although it’s weird because a lot of the TV out here is made up of reruns of British programmes (everything from “Cash in the Attic” to “Dr Who”) so if I just veg in front of the telly it’s almost like being back at home. The major crisis of the moment however is that it is near impossible to actually speak to people on the phone back home because of the time difference and the fact that I am always filming during the brief windows when it is possible to call. I have even had to join the 21st century and figure out how to use this damn laptop to send emails to all and sundry! I have even been and bought a web cam, so along with Helen who runs the site am looking at ways of maybe doing a web cam diary instead, as I reckon it would be far easier and better for all involved (it would certainly be faster than my kindergarten standard of typing!!) so keep logging on to see if it comes to pass.
I am finally getting a bit of a chance to explore further a field now as well. I’ve kind of gotten Auckland just about sussed (would still get completely lost if it wasn’t for my sat nav!!) and am now starting to stretch out into the wider country. I have to say it is utterly beautiful and a real honour to behold, and I strongly advise any who can to come take a look. If you are into Ibiza and the Costa del Sol it may not be for you, but if out door pursuits and beautiful vistas are your cup of tea than I can highly recommend it.
Well that’s kind of it for now. Hope all is well and as ever a huge thank you for all your emails and messages.
February 2007
Greetings everybody from the far side of the planet!
Yes I am here in sunny New Zealand and judging from the news from back home I judged the timing just about right to avoid the snow storms. I actually arrived about 2 weeks ago so apologies for not getting the diary done before now but things have been more than a little hectic.
To give you a bit of background to the whole thing, basically what happened is that around the Autumn of last year I agreed to help produce a film through my production company which was due to start filming in New Zealand in the spring of 2007. Chatting to my agent about the venture he mentioned that he had a friend in the business who had relocated over here with her family. He suggested that he give her a call to find out about all the mundane things like places to stay, car hire and all that kind of thing. Well anyway he gave her a call and she very kindly provided all the info needed. She also took me a bit by surprise by saying that the job she had taken up in New Zealand was on the TV show “Shortland Street” and that they wondered if I would be interested in staying on in the country a little longer in order to play a character they were developing at that time. I asked about the character and the storyline that he would be involved in and when the word came through I have to say I absolutely jumped at the chance.
The character is called “Kieran Mitchell” and alas I can not divulge anything about him as it is all VERY secret, but what I can say is that the role and persona are so different to everything else that I have done that from an acting point of view I must admit I felt utterly compelled to take it on, it just all seemed to click together so well that it just seemed right.
So to cut a long story short here I am (after the journey from hell…..29 hour trip turned into 72 hours….enough said!) and I have to say I am absolutely loving it. I have only ever heard good things about this country and my God they were right. The place itself is absolutely stunning, but what has really set things apart for me has been the incredible welcome and friendliness of the people here. Hand on heart I can say that I have never been lucky enough to work with such a good-hearted group of people who have made me feel so welcome and have made the experience itself just incredible.
The only down side thus far is that because the character was originally due to appear at the end of last year and I couldn’t be here then due to the show in Norwich, I have been playing serious catch up filming wise and have been up at 4am each morning and getting in around 8pm. Strangely I haven’t minded working all those hours because the role is so interesting and the people so great, but it does mean that I haven’t had a chance as yet to explore at all. BUT NOW I HAVE CAUGHT UP!!!!! After 2 weeks of mania I am now just about up to speed so am heading to the hills this week to have a look around (and also start pre-production on the film that brought me over in the first place!!!!!)
Fear not though things are still ticking along for the projects in the UK (God bless Blackberry that’s all I can say) so I will keep you updated with what is coming up there, as well as divulging tales from over here when and as I am allowed (should have some photos for you by the end of the week) so be sure to keep logged on for the latest news.
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