Through the lookin' glass

Just a quick snippet of info - good news is another member of cast has joined the production in principle, though as always this good news is tempered by condition, namely subject to contract, and tying in of finance. Unfortunately we can't give you any names (we're not allowed to mention just yet).

At this stage optimism is the buzz word (and with good reason) with the last element of finance very nearly in place. That is of course good news, as it means with all of our main cast all but secured and the project on the cusp of greenlight we are preparing to move forwards into pre-production 'proper' with the manufacture and fabrication of props, sets, costumes et al in readiness for an early Spring 2008 shoot.

Next stage in the talent chase will come once the money is secure. We will begin our search to cast Sheena and Gordo, before moving on to cast the cameo roles, for the likes of Janet, Robin, and Mags, as well as the supporting roles I mentioned in the last blog.

More info as it arises.

Nick

Bloodied but kickin'

Who'd be a producer? It's enough to leave you tearing out your hair! First one thing, then another - and just when you think you're sorted, some other little niggle jumps up to annoy you even further. What a life!

But we're making progress, albeit at a pace that would leave a snail laughing atus as we trail in its wake. I'll be needing to write my own eulogy at this rate. But joking apart (though in honesty I'm not laughing) though things have taken a turndown in progress terms, the waiting for responses dragging heels slightly, things are still on course. The one scourge that is most apparant in this business is that no matter how quickly you want things to happen, or may think things will happen, add at least 12 months onto any assumptions. Whether that be money tie-ins, cast responses, crew attachments, project readiness. It doesn't seem to matter. So much so that another project I am involved in, a short film, is scheduling for next summer before complete readiness to shoot - at the groundwork is already done. It's irksome.

However that said, we have got a great little cast developing and as soon as we can finally get Billy Boyd to commit (bless his agent) we can begin to make further progress with the lock down of the minor roles - especially for all you actors and actresses who desperately want to get in on the Hot Cal act.

Here's a quick summary of who, in principle, is attached (though always subject to contract). Those marked with an * are being approached / talked to currently.

Norman Tickle - Kris Marshall
Arty Harris - Billy Boyd *
Elsa McNamara - Kelly Brook
Casey Wright - Jemima Rooper
Searle Carson - George Calil
Amy Lowe - Joanna Taylor
William Pertwee - James Cosmo
Janet Pertwee - Honor Blackman *
Mags Pertwee - Gillian MacGregor *
Robin Pertwee - Tommy Flanagan *
Gordo Pertwee - tbc
Sheena MacD - tbc
Linda Tickle - tbc
Clifford Tickle - tbc

We have some options in mind for Sheena MacDonald but remain undecided as to the benefit to brought to the production by each. Amongst those are Pam Ferris (Darlin' Buds) and Claudia Christian (Babylon 5). For me, at least, Claudia remains a firm favourite, with her solid profile stateside, great acting ability, and the attraction factor for Trekkie fans everywhere she remains a front runner - and she loves the project as well! Perfect!

Outwith of that, the roles we are expecting to fill include:

Airline Staff
Car Driver
Trucker
Policemen / women
Paramedics
Fire Crew
Airport Passengers
Miscellaneous Backpackers
Newstand Vendor
Recovery Divers
Diveboat Pilot
Hippies & Stoners
Biker

That's it for now. Keep an eye on developments as we put info up on all our sites. Thanks for your continued interest in Hotel Caledonia (The Movie).

Nick