|
The cast
|
I’m really looking forward to starting work on The Butterfly Tattoo.
Firstly because from speaking to everyone involved I know it’s going to be an exciting and successful project. Secondly because it’s a great story, and thirdly because Chris Marshall is such a delicate and intricate part to play. I’ve got a duty to Chris and to Mr. Pullman to get it absolutely right and I’m looking forward to the challenge.
Chris’ only crime was to fall in love – and who can blame him for that? He’s an incredibly honest young man and the truth-of-the-matter is that the world would be a much simpler and more pleasant place if we were all more like him… But we’re not. Chris learns the harsh lesson that people cannot be trusted and they let you down.
His lashing out at Piers Hawthorn isn’t about one-upmanship or trying to be the alpha-male. It’s a show of how hard growing up can be (especially if you’re forced to do it beyond your years), and how cruel it is that something as wonderful as falling in love can make you so vulnerable.
This is my first role in a feature film, and I feel privileged to have been given it. Chris goes through so many testing emotions and getting the part right is very important to me. Everyone working on the film, cast & crew, is determined for it to be a success. Bring on the hard work and exhaustion!
|
|
|
To be chosen to portray a modern day Juliet in such a tragic and
beautiful love story, adapted from a novel by one of my all time
literary heroes is hugely exciting - and to be honest, just a little
bit terrifying!
When I read about The Butterfly Tattoo it immediately stood out to me
as something that I wanted to be involved with. By the time I had my
initial audition, I felt I already had a fairly strong grasp of who
Jenny is and what she is about. Jenny has a quiet intensity about
her. Her troubled past has forced her to become strong, independent
and fiery, but beneath the tough exterior she is a sensitive and
vulnerable girl. I feel honoured to have been given the challenge of
bringing this intriguingly complex character to life. The next few
months are going to be a lot of hard work, not least mastering the
Yorkshire accent, but I truly believe that The Butterfly Tattoo has the
vital ingredients to make a gripping and memorable movie. I look
forward to working with Phil because even at the auditions, a scary
time for all actors, he brought out the best out in me. I think I’ll
gain a lot from working with him and the expertise of the whole cast
and crew.
|
|
|
The Butterfly Tattoo is an exceptionally exciting prospect. Having the opportunity to work on a full-length feature is a dream come true. I have worked extensively with Phil Hawkins and know of his ability, he truly is an amazing talent; it is this that will set this film apart from other smaller budget projects. He has worked with little or no money and yet has managed to produce work that belies these financial constraints; I believe that The Butterfly Tattoo will transport this ethos to another level.
To have the opportunity to work on a project based around a Philip Pullman book is extraordinary. His involvement adds a great weight to the project and affords it greater gravitas. I believe that in securing the rights to make the book into a film the producers have pulled off a major coup. This along with the way in which the film is being funded have made this project a reality, a reality that many of us who are involved could never have been a part of under any other circumstance.
I am delighted to be playing the part of Barry. I have an odd sort of affinity with the character, the lovable rogue who somehow manages to get it all wrong despite his best efforts. I like the fact that he is larger than life and uses his personality to win people over; and I like that this is juxtaposed with a dark and secretive past.
I look forward to every exciting minute of being a part of this project and am very proud to be involved in, what I believe will be, a huge success.
|
|
Lacking only a top hat, cape and moustache
to twirl, playing Piers has been a lot of fun. My challenge was to make Piers
credible and believable despite his constant unpleasantness. I liked the script
and thought that Stephen added important layers to Philip Pullmans original
character whilst bringing additional depth and life to the narrative as a whole.
To say it was a good to work with Phil and the crew is quite an understatement. It has been a rare pleasure to work with a cast and crew this dedicated. This film is going to be excellent.
|
|
|
At my first audition for The Butterfly Tattoo my car
broke down. Traveling to the second audition I lost my wallet. Waiting for the
phone call the following week, I tried desperately to convince myself that these
were signs that, at the end of the day, I would be rewarded. And so I was: Phil
Hawkins has given me the task of playing one of the most ambiguous characters in
The Butterfly Tattoo. DI Fletcher comes into the story at a late stage and
changes Chris’s perception of his employer Barry Miller. As a character DI
Fletcher offers a real challenge because the audience should never feel sure
about him, but ultimately believe that what he is telling Chris is the truth. No
other character has a more deadly impact on the story, and the dramatic ending
of this tragic tale hinges on me getting it right – so no pressure there then!
I
have worked extensively in independent short- and feature films, but The
Butterfly Tattoo is in a class of it’s own and I’m really looking forward to
bring Fletcher to life on screen, and to work with the brilliant team already in
place. Together we will make an interesting, entertaining and profitable film,
which everyone involved, will be proud of.
|
|
|
I will be playing the part of Mrs Marshall - Chris' mum who has had a tough time
of things from losing her husband to a younger woman to feeling increasingly
disconnected from her son as he experiences the trials and tribulations of young
love.
Mrs Marshall, like her son, is a complex character; and we are seeing her
at a particularly difficult time in her life. Ultimately, like Chris, she has
been unlucky in love. Both of their worlds are falling apart and neither
provides comfort for the other.
I really enjoyed the audition and am very
much looking forward to the shoot.
|
|
 I am thrilled to be involved in The Butterfly Tattoo feature film, which promises to be a stunning project. When I heard the film was to be made locally I made every effort to find out about castings and was pleased to land a small role. It’s important for fresh young up-and-coming companies to be given the chance to make these types of films, which are so hard to get off the ground. Dynamic Entertainment have seized upon a fantastic opportunity to use one of Philip Pullman’s stories and I’m inspired by how they’ve managed to see it through so far. It’s an ambitious project, which is the best way to be!
I was gripped by Phillip Pullman’s book and only wish I’d discovered it as a teenager, as its central themes of innocence, maturity and truth would have resonated even more strongly during that time. I am also excited about the way Oxford is brought to life in the story, as I live in Oxfordshire and recognise many of the streets and buildings mentioned, including the Jericho Tavern, where I often go to see my boyfriend’s band – I’m glad it was kept in the script!
Stephen Potts’ script is captivating and I am excited to be embodying the character of Diane for the film. I very much look forward to meeting everyone involved.
|
|
Vile, obnoxious and exceedingly posh, I am sure Charles will be absolute delight to play. He is Piers’ best friend at Oxford University and comes from a similar sort of background: a member of the nobility and he’s quite a snob about it too.
At the party, as the story unfolds, he is found with Piers smoking cigars and snorting cocaine while drinking bottles of only the most expensive champagne. He ignores anyone he sees as beneath him, namely anyone who isn’t at Oxford or anyone who isn’t quite as wealthy as he is. Testament to this is his calling Chris a ‘damned uppity prole’ during their confrontation at the boathouse: obviously displeased that his party is being ruined by who he thinks of as a mere technical worker.
For all his heartlessness however there is something quite pathetic about Charles for which you have to empathise with. As he tries to make a drunken move on Jenny she pushes him away causing Piers to make fun of his terrible ‘pulling technique’.
He might be posh but he’s certainly no Prince Charming. Poor boy.
|
|
|
During my final weeks remaining in Spain after having toured there for the previous two years with theatrical productions, the opportunity arose to submit myself for the role of Tommy Sanchez with Dynamic Enterprises' "The Butterfly Tatoo", an opportunity that could very easily have been missed had it not been for our perserverance and the organisational skills of all those at Dynamic Enterprises, this led to my achieving the role, and from that point on I have nothing but praise at the speed, efficiancy and proffessionalism of all further communications with regards to contracts updated scripts and information updates.
Now we are at the point of read throughs, rehearsals, and filming on the near horizon, I look forward to meeting the rest of the cast and crew, and working on giving Tommy Sanchez a life.
|
|
|
The Butterfly Tattoo – Character View: Dave
The Character of Dave, in The Butterfly Tattoo holds great function as the trusty work colleague and friend of Chris. Dave works as a balance to Chris, when they are together. He is good humoured and hard working, and as a result, kind and compassionate.
With Chris often in an intense mood, Dave works as a mood lightener. This is often the result of two colleagues having to work closely with one another. They have a lot in common at work (having the same superior is a strong enough connection) and so this bonds Chris and Dave quite well, although, Chris becomes more unlike himself as the story goes on.
As an attitude to life in general, Dave is very much a liberal. He has probably thoroughly explored his mind (with the use of modern chemistry and prog rock) and decided not to push it so hard nowadays. Accepting that days like that had stunted his chances of truly going somewhere big, he has settled for a job in a field has an interest in - being a techie in the entertainment industry. That way, he gets free gigs and gets to travel. Besides, the banter’s good, and Dave enjoys a good chinwag and a story over a cup of tea.
In summary, Dave is a brightening tool for the heavy or intense emotions created for and by the other characters.
RH
|
|
| |
|