Peterborough science fiction club (UK) : Sections - Television

MERLIN - (behind the scenes)
By Suzi Kuba

     Chris Harding, (a member of both the PSFC and Nth Dimension), has recently been working as an extra on the new mini-series 'Merlin'. Produced by the same team who previously made 'The Odyssey', this was to be an historical epic set in the Dark Ages and starring Rutger Hauer.

     Back in November, Chris received a 'phone call inviting him to an audition and measuring for his costumes.

     Then on December 31 he went down to Pinewood for his first day of filming. The stars present on that day included Sam Neill, (playing Merlin), and Martin Short. The scene was outside of a castle and Chris ended up on the battlements, which, as he obviously couldn't wear his glasses, proved to be a bit hairy. Other people he met there included Terry Walsh, (who Chris had met before from working on the Cult TV conventions), Neil who tried to teach Chris to juggle, and Reg who gave him some important tips for extra-ing.

Wear warm underwear,
Drink tea when you get the chance and
Grab all the food you can. This last tip led to Chris having to hide a dry Croissant inside his helmet.

     In January, Chris went to Tring where on Ivanhoe Beacon, (hey, wasn't that a different series?), they had built their own Stonehenge. Now Chris was a soldier in the Army of King Lot, carrying the Standard, so he should be easy to spot. During the day they had to attack Arthur's force and in the evening they had to act drunk at the campsite, without the aid of alcohol. Some of his unfilmed adventures included falling down a hole and getting his arm covered in custard. That day's celebrity was Helena Bonham Carter, (presumably playing the ubiquitous Princess Lovely Hair).

     In February he had a chance to do two more days. On Stage A they had built a castle's courtyard. First as a stonemason supervising some work and helping to pull up a basket. Some women then come along and pour some water into a cup, which he has to drink. Unfortunately, a quantity of grit had got into the water, and Chris ended up spitting it out. Later he was on scaffolding while Arthur's knights went off in search of the Grail. Nicholas Clay - who played Lancelot in Excalibur - was there, playing Lancelot's father.

     On his last day the set was of a great hall and Sam Neill was there again. This time they had to shoot one scene 13 times. Towards the end of this run of takes, Chris remarked that it reminded him of the Tellytubbies, "Again, again, again..."

     Fortunately, the opportunity for this experience has coincided with Chris being unemployed. And while it has been fun, he is realistic enough not to expect to make a career of it. Though there is a chance he may get to appear as an extra in future productions.

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Merlin - behind the scenes
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Articles © original authours Layout © 2000 Chris Ayres

Articles © original authours
Layout © 2000 Chris Ayres