When I get a little 'ping' in my pocket, the one telling me I've received an email, I'm always hoping that it will be from my agent. Every time I hear it, my mind jumps to castings and the wonder of what I'll be casting for. I've spoken often about the variety of jobs that could come my way, and unfortunately the emails don't often give much away. I may get a brand name, or a production house, sometimes an indication as to the type of work and occasionally a wardrobe request. Way back in June, I had such an email come through to my phone, not much more than a time and place. I rang my agent and he mentioned something about an album cover, my ears perked up straight away. I headed down to Putney Bridge, grabbed my usual casting treat of a Milkybar and a strawberry Ribena, and headed to the studio. First to arrive, nothing unusual there, I headed inside and met the lead producer for the project who spoke extremely cryptically, when I quizzed her on the band/artist that the cover was for. More guys began to arrive and conversation turned to more familiar topics (football, TV shows, films, girls). Eventually called in to cast, I was introduced to the creative director who told me a bit more about the project. After a short debate with the producer he revealed the band to me. My jaw dropped. I was very familiar with them, and couldn't quite believe what I had heard. When I lived in Spain, one of the band albums had become an almost anthem for me. I have so many memories of tranquility in Barca, and getting lost in their music. Obviously I was quick to say all this in the casting! So, cast I did. And carry on I did, as usual, as if the casting had never happened. I learnt a long time ago that no matter how good I feel coming out of a casting, or bad for that matter, there is no upside to getting excited about a job until it is booked. Thankfully two weeks later, thats exactly what I did. Im not sure Ive ever been more excited for a day of work than I was that day! I was reunited with the aforementioned producer and creative director and a fantastic team around them. Needless to say, everything went perfectly and everyone was extremely happy with the final result. Even in that early stage, we really felt we had created something special. Which was a good thing as we were one of three teams presenting an image to the band. Again, carry on as usual. It must have been at least three weeks until I received confirmation that our image had been chosen. My agent called me to let me know, the feeling that I felt in that moment, its almost indescribable. I was excited, and then the magnitude of the whole thing settled in and I'm not sure what I was. I began to realise just how big a deal this was when I rang up my Dad to tell him the news. Its not often that my Dad goes crazy for me about a job, but this one had him more excited than I was. Life felt good...it was about to get even better. A month later I was lying in bed one morning and received a call from an unknown number. A London number, meaning it was likely from an office. I answered to a woman asking about my connection to the album cover and asking my availability to shoot a corresponding music video. My availability!! I would have cancelled any plans I had. As it turned out I was very available as a consequence of breaking my collarbone (see last post). We shot the music video. The production team that took control were responsible for some of the greatest covers ever created, and I say that with absolutely zero exaggeration. The band that this whole thing is about have had some of the greatest covers in history.
The album was released on the 7th November 2014, the bands first in over 20 years. Upon writing, it is to be their last. The music video was released four days later on the 11th November. To have been a part of this project, to be in any way connected with this band is such an unbelievable honour.
As cheese as this may sound, I think the best part of this whole experience as been the way I have been able to share my success with my family and friends. I've done many jobs were I have felt proud of myself, where I have felt a real buzz inside of me. When, first, the album cover, then the video were released, the amount of love I felt from everyone around me was, just...overwhelming. Seeing the looks on their faces when they realised it was me, the way in which my friends have been showing off my success to anyone and everyone who will listen. My uncle had a count down going to the release date of the album, literally reminding my Dad most days. As I said at the start, some jobs become more than just a job. Im going to struggle to top this one...oh wait, no I won't! I will use this as momentum to take me higher and further.
The next stop for me on this crazy adventure called life is Cape Town. I leave in five days, landing in CT on December 1st, just for the three months! Yep, three! As pleasant as that sounds, this is very much a work trip. My agency over there Full Circle, has put faith in me, in their desire to have me in town, and I intend on repaying that faith. Like when I upped and moved to Barca, Cape Town is going to change my life for the better. I just hope they're ready!
