FILMING THE SPANISH ROSE

by Andy Nettleship

A few weeks ago, I had an unexpected phone call, asking whether I could arrange a sword fight for a film.  Clare Brittain, at The Works, had given my name.  She knows I own a small armoury and have a history of simulated violence, which fitted the required profile.

The historical adviser, Iain Jones, explained that the film was a short, set around the Restoration (1660), and designed to advertise the talents of the lead actors to American theatrical agents.  They needed to be trained in sword fighting, and there was a part for me.   As it happened, I had already booked the week off work, so with a quick change of plan, I said, ‘yes please’.

I packed loads of 17^th century clothing, artefacts, weapons and anything that might be useful.  The location turned out to be a fascinating old house in Grendon.  I knew that my apprentices had dance, modelling and acting experience, but was not sure whether I would be faced with a couple of prima donnas, scared of breaking a fingernail. 

I had absolutely nothing to worry about.  Michella Dos Santos is an experienced hip-hop dancer (don’t ask me, but it’s very energetic), and Craig Palmer was almost a professional footballer.   From the start, I knew I had two fit, enthusiastic pupils, who were keen to learn, and add sword fighting to their CVs.  They already had good balance and footwork, so the first lesson was how to swing a steel blade at someone, without permanently taking him off the end-credits.  By Monday evening, it was Errol Flynn Meets Braveheart, all over the back lawn.  We were having fun!

We started filming, the next day, having practiced and modified some sequences from Iain’s storyboard of the fights.  In filmland everything takes ages to set up, short segments are shot from every possible angle, and rarely in order.  Still, the weather was pleasant enough, and there were no lines to learn.  Michella’s fight with Craig started with the end sequence, and took most of the afternoon.  We then filmed my fight with Michella, which comes first.  It should all make sense after the editing.

Basically, she is walking through the woods, when I leap out and try to rob her.  My three lines in the script were pruned down to four words, before the rough stuff starts.  We had the director worried on more than one occasion.  Michella sprang forward and hit me an almighty wallop on the helmet.  I staggered back, hearing cries of, ‘ Cut.  Are you alright?’  I smiled and said, yes, that’s exactly what I told her to do!  Later, I was asked to do some random attacks on the camera, filming my opponent’s point of view.  I did what I was asked, but it made the cameraman nervous.  The unedited video looks convincingly dangerous.

That evening, I staggered to the Playhouse, to rehearse ‘Trivial Pursuits’.  I was tired, aching and thoroughly satisfied by a good day’s work.

I had Wednesday off, whilst a birth scene was shot at Fawsley Hall.  The director’s wife really was due to give birth in two weeks, and apparently, she gave a very loud and realistic performance.

Thursday started in the pub.  A nook in The Maltshovel was dressed for a conversation scene, and we had to finish before lunchtime opening.  Look out for Bernie Wood, Mindy Robinson and Suzanne Richards.  I played a passing drunk, one of my four characters in the film.  I was glad I had packed so many changes of clothing and wigs.  Back to Grendon for a few more shots in the afternoon, then another rehearsal at the Playhouse.  I must be a glutton for punishment.

Friday was the last day of filming.  Some filling-in bits for the fight scene, and then we built a whorehouse.  Yes, that’s right.  An attic bedroom and corridor were set for the final scene, between the three main actors.  Bernie and I are in the background, our characters having met on a business basis.

The whole thing was done on a limited budget, but with professional crew and equipment.  I hope to soon have a recording of the finished film, complete with blooper reel, and all the extras that come on a DVD.  When that happens, we will have to organise a screening for Playhouse members.  There was some talk of expanding the storyline into a full-length feature.  If that should ever happen, I will certainly be after a part.