On location – part 1

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. 🙂

Comments

1. On July 29th, 2009 at 2:50 am
   Lorraine Powell Says:
   

   Happy birthday. It sounds so exciting. And I thought getting a book accept and in print would be the most exciting bit!

2. On July 29th, 2009 at 6:32 am
   Ellenrhian Says:
   

   Happy Birthday.
   What a wonderful experience for you all.So glad you had such a great time

3. On July 29th, 2009 at 1:25 pm
   nell dixon Says:
   

   Happy belated birthday!

4. On July 30th, 2009 at 3:42 am
   Phillipa Says:
   

   Thank you. 🙂

5. On July 31st, 2009 at 3:15 am
   Hilary Says:
   

   How very exciting, and what a great post! Photos show the total sogginess very effectively. Hope you had a super birthday.

6. On August 1st, 2009 at 4:49 am
   Liz Hanbury Says:
   

   Hope you had a great birthday, P. What a wonderful blog post! I’m eagerly awaiting Part 2 and more details 🙂 If only the lunch queues I stand in had someone as gorgeous as Josh next in line *thud*

7. On August 1st, 2009 at 5:42 pm
   Sally Lawton Says:
   

   Hi Phillipa,
   I have just awarded you a Lovely Blog Award.
   Please go to my blog for the award.

   S x

8. On August 2nd, 2009 at 11:46 am
   Phillipa Says:
   

   Hilary and Liz. Gald you’re enjoying it.

   Thanks for the award, Sally. 🙂