Archive for July, 2009

July 28, 2009

It was my birthday yesterday but promised I’d blog about our day on the set of 12 men so here is part one…

The day of our set visit started sunny and warm. We washed our hair, put on our cropped trousers and ballet pumps, did our make up (well me and Ms Bennet did. Mr Bennet settled for a shower and shave.) Then we collected our hire car from downtown Calgary ready to set off for the filming location, about 40 mins away from the city.

Half an our later, the forked lightning was flashing over the prairies and the skies turned black. It was bucketing down. Mr Bennet had to stop under a gas station canopy and open the suitcases so we could change into jeans, walking shoes and waterproofs. Just like the Lakes in fact!

When we arrived at the set, this was the scene that greeted us

Yes, we felt right at home but as for looking tidy, let alone glamorous. No chance! this is the reality of a movie shoot – a few days earlier, the crew had been shooting snow scenes in 26 degree heat. We were soon drenched – partly because we were mistaken for ‘extras’ as I was too shy to introduce myself as The Author.

We ended up wandering round the set trying to find a mysterious guy called ‘Jesse.’ Along the way, we came across the cast’s trailers including one for EJ and one for Will. And no, I didn’t have to be restrained from forcing the door!

Then Jesse found us and drove us to the Rescue Station itself. Wow. I’ve never seen so many people crammed into a small space – cast, crew and three amazed and delighted Brits who couldn’t believe this experience was actually happening to them. The director also asked me if Mr B had inspired Will. Considering what goes on in Decent Exposure, I decided discretion was the better part of valour, while Mr B just looked enigmatic.

Several scenes were being shot, involving around half a dozen of The Men. The director, producer and actors were all really welcoming, even though they were busy. One of the scenes required about six takes of a gorgeous David Beckham lookalike taking his top off. What a hard life those film people have.:)

After a coffee break, came the moment Ms B and I had been waiting for – Josh arrived on set. “Is that him?” my daughter whispered. “Yes,” said the producer. For once, I couldn’t speak. I can’t tell how surreal it is to see your book and characters being brought to life.

Then it was time for lunch, so we all headed off to the catering vans. The rain was still torrential, but a very nice French Canadian actor offered me his brolly.

And guess who was next in line to us at the lunch van?

On that happy note, I’ll leave the rest of the story until later in the week.

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July 24, 2009

Well, I’ve finally come down to Earth – almost – after our two-week trip to Canada to see the filming of 12 Men of Christmas – the TV movie version of my debut novel, Decent Exposure. My daughter and husband (who will kill me for saying that the director asked me if he’d inspired Will!) came with me. In fact, it was they (who know me better than I’ll ever know myself) who persuaded me to cancel our trip to Greece at the last minute to jet off to Canada. I am so glad they did as we’ve all had the time of our lives.

I’m going to post some pictures and a report of our day on the set – and of the awe-inspiring Canadian Rockies – over the next few days but first, I’ll tell you who Will is.

By delaying telling you about Will, I haven’t been teasing anyone deliberately (would I?) as it wasn’t posted anywhere on the Internet and I only found out myself a couple of weeks ago. But I’ve been reassured that it’s now okay to reveal that Will is being played by the rugged, brooding and jaw-droppingly handsome US actor…

Josh Hopkins

Josh has been in (among other TV shows and movies) The Perfect Storm, Ally McBeal, Brothers and Sisters, Swingtown, Private Practice and Cougartown.

This may sound strange, but a fictional hero – especially a debut hero – is always dear to a romance novelist’s heart. I think I have been amazingly fortunate as Josh is so close to how I imagine Will, it’s uncanny. As an ‘American’ Will, I’d say he’s perfect. It’s as if the production team read my mind.

Just watch this YouTube clip from Private Practice and you’ll see exactly what I mean.

We met him, the fabulous Kristin Chenoweth and nine of the 12 men on the set – and everyone, including the producer, director and crew – was incredibly warm and welcoming, especially since we must have got under their feet more than once!

I’ll be posting more pictures over the next few days – I’m also going to start a special web page for the movie.

Thank you for following the blog and indulging me – and for all the messages. You can see more pictures on my Facebook page too.

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July 15, 2009

I’ve met nine of them and Will and Emma.

OMG….

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July 9, 2009

BBC Staffordshire have done a piece about Decent Exposure and 12 Men of Christmas on their site.

The awesome new RNA Blog will be posting updates, news and Tweets from the Romantic Novelists Association Conference.

Penrith won’t know what’s hit it! I keep picturing scenes line those from Withnail & I,

“We want the finest wines available to humanity and we want them now!”

Now, I must do some packing…

UPDATE: Very sorry – I have given the wrong impression with my hastily scrwaled post – I’m not going to penrith – sadly, as I’m dying to meet up with everyone – but I’m going to Canada to visit the set of 12 Men.

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July 8, 2009

I was out all day yesterday but came back to find this fascinating interview with Richard Armitage on the Vulpes Libris literary site. Richard talks about acting, books, his new project – and why he won’t take the credit for launching the writing careers of three members of the Romantic Novelists Association…

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