Nuts Wrapped!

So, that’s a wrap on the ‘C’ Projects latest short ‘Nuts & Robbers’. Whenever Marty Stalker from Scattered images approached me regarding the role of ‘Charlie’ I was immediately on-board.

Marty informed me that the script was actually the work of Aidan Gault, a seventeen year old Director/Scriptwriter from Northern Ireland. I was immediately drawn into the script, and found myself very audibly laughing to myself.

I also became aware of how few lines Charlie had in the script, but of how important those lines would be. It would certainly be more difficult to achieve my objectives within six lines of dialogue. As any Actor knows – when you have less to say there is an expectation that when you do speak it will be poignant, or hilarious.

The first read-through was a great experience. I knew everyone around the table, except for my namesake – Derek Halligan, an actor that I have wanted to work with for quite a while.

The shoot date came very quickly, and was naturally an early start. Made all the earlier by the fact that my living room was used as the first location, and swiftly found myself on tea duty for the Director (Milk, two sugars).

Larry Cowan’s first scenes were nothing short of hilarious, and set for the bar for the rest of the shoot.

Upon Arrival at the shop location we shot the scenes with our child Actor (Lewis) First. I immediately became concerned for Lewis, who was practically in an armed robbery environment. But he was fantastic, and practically stole the show!

When it came to shooting my scenes I must say I was a little intimidated by the Presence of Derek Halligan, a well seasoned Actor of stage and screen. But my fears could not have been more misplaced. Derek was wonderfully supportive and (and hilarious) throughout the shoot.

 

 

My Partner in Crime, Chris Heath, I have worked with before on Coast – and was a witty delight throughout. According to Marty Stalker our pairing provided ‘Comic Genius’ – a great compliment considering who we were paired with (Larry Cowan). Throughout the shoot I found myself in awe at his comic timing and delivery.

In Conclusion all I can say is that I was delighted to have been given my role in Nuts and Robbers, and more importantly to have been part of the ‘C’ Project – a serious force for good in Northern Irish Filmmaking.