Bei
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- gibt es die angekündigten Neuigkeiten:
Zitat:
Darren's recollection of the audition:
Richard Armitage's headshot looked distinguished as he looked right at you - he looked like one of those old black and white portraits of a movie star from the 30s or 40s, so I was already feeling a little intimidated, yet excited. There was something about him, I thought. I wasn't quite sure what to expect while anticipating Richard Armitage's arrival. I was hoping he wouldn't be arrogant, which some actors can be often due to insecurity. I was a little nervous too. This was after all my first audition I was giving for my first short film.
The door rang while I was sipping my tea, accidentally spilling a little on my black sweater. Thank God it was black. I breathed deeply to control my nerves. I told myself, "Darren, just put the spotlight on him and don't be nervous."
When I opened the door, Richard Armitage stood there dressed in a black cashmere turtleneck and long woolen trench coat, dark slacks and black dress shoes. He extended his hand as he shyly said hello to me. I shook his hand, nervously. He was very charming. I led him to the living room. Through the window, one could see paparazzi down the street outside the hospital where the Queen Mother was ill. Richard noticed them and asked what the fuss was about and I told him. Richard looked out the window and said he loved the area and asked me how I found this place. I said, a year and a half before, I was desperately looking for some place to live as I would be starting University in a week’s time. I continued telling him how I met a chap in a pub who overheard I was looking for some place and he told me about a room at his place across the street for rent. He said that was amazing and how lucky I was. I told him, "It sure was! My place was literally around the corner of the University on Marylebone High Street." We then continued on with some small talk and I went over his resume with him. He told me he had just done STAR WARS Episode 1 THE PHANTOM MENACE and how thrilled he was to experience the world of George Lucas on the set and he described it to me. He played a Naboo Fighter Pilot. Face it, for many actors, to be in a STAR WARS film was an achievement and a man's boyish dream. He also had stuff here and there. (That same year, in 1999, Richard was cast in CLEOPATRA a miniseries as Epiphanes).
I served Richard hot tea and some water and the first actress came to read with him. He was quite charming and friendly with her. She was a lovely, bubbly young Australian actress and I could tell she was quite smitten with him. I could sense though it wasn't quite right when they read. I felt Richard thought the same, but was polite about it. Then the doorbell rang and it was Miss Jennifer Taylor Lawrence. I remembered telling her how I thought she sounded so much like Emma Thompson over the phone and she laughed and blushed a little and thanked me for the comparison to such a great star. I told her I had people who were in session for an audition in the living room and asked if she would wait in the kitchen area for a bit. She said it wouldn't be problem at all. In addition, I asked her if she wanted tea and she said she had her bottle of water and encouraged me to take my time. I thought, wow, she was good at putting me at ease! I liked her from the start!
Soon after the other actress left and I brought Jennifer into the living room. Richard stood up from the couch as I introduced them both. Right then, I thought they really looked elegant together, like a couple out of a Noel Coward play. They sat together on the couch and read a scene. I directed them a little as they asked me questions about the characters from time to time. They mentioned they were loving the script and that they had rarely read a short that was as truly character driven as STAGED. This was clearly chemistry I was witnessing. I adored them both right then! When Jennifer left, I had Richard stay behind a bit longer. I asked him which actress he felt best with. He said they were both lovely, but he was really impressed with Jennifer's acting He suggested I go with her. I already knew what he was going to say and made the decision before asking him and he confirmed my decision!
Back then, I could sense something special about him, I knew he would go far in his career and hoped my hunch was right. I felt lucky to have found him as well as Jennifer, especially from the 500 submissions of headshots and resumes! The role of Daryl was between Richard Armitage and another actor that day, but of course I cast Richard on the spot. After Richard left, I called Jennifer to let her know she got the role of Lily and she was thrilled. I told her I even asked Richard if I should cast her and told her his answer. I could tell she was delighted to hear and she said she felt good with him too.
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The Dragon-Queen is coming! Sorry Richard und danke an Jessie für die wundervolle Sig!
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