This Is Guernsey

By Cheryl Latter

Herm was the perfect setting, said producer Gene Fallaize. (0604572)

HOLLYWOOD came to Herm this week as Shell Beach became the first location for filming of Cupsogue Pictures’ newest project, Monkeyshine.

Producer Gene Fallaize grew up in Guernsey but is now based in Los Angeles.

‘We decided to use Herm because it was the only place I could think of in the British Isles that has the particular aesthetic values we were looking for,’ explained Gene. ‘When we saw that part of the script, there was no question in my mind about where we would use for that location.’

The film’s director, Jamie Rae, had never visited the Channel Islands before, but thought the setting was ideal.

‘These kind of shoots are weather-dependent,’ he said, ‘and even though it was raining, it still looked really clear. The layout of the beach and the colour of the sea gives it a real desert-island feel.’

Several Herm schoolchildren appeared as extras, as did volunteers from Guernsey. The Monkeyshine team was amazed at the support it received from locals.

‘From 14 months ago, when we first approached the Heyworths about using the island, we have had nothing but complete and utter support,’ said Gene. ‘The way everyone has come out and become involved has helped us no end. It wouldn’t have been possible without the Herm residents and the extras from Guernsey.’

Everyone’s generosity and willingness to help has been invaluable,’ agreed Jamie. ‘I was apprehensive at first because I’ve never worked with children, but they were brilliant. You’d think they’d been extras 100 times before.’

The two lead actors in the film, Aaron Scully and Mandy Highton, accompanied Gene and Jamie for the Herm shoot. For both, it was their first visit to the Bailiwick.

‘I didn’t know what to expect from the island and I was pleasantly surprised,’ said Sydney-born Aaron. ‘When we first arrived, all the views I saw were beautiful.  I was taking photos constantly.’

As these were the first scenes to be filmed, teething troubles were to be expected.

‘The first day of shooting for any film is really about warming up and getting used to working together,’ said Aaron. ‘It will just get better and better throughout the shoot. A big part of filmmaking is the ability to deal with problems. We have had a few obstacles today – mainly the weather and time restrictions – but we dealt with them well.’

‘We started late because of the weather but it all came together,’ added Jamie. ‘In the grand scheme of things, the scenes we filmed today will be a key part of the completed film.’

Gene had spent 18 months preparing for the day and was happy to see it all come together.

‘I am more than pleased with the way things went today. Looking at the beach with all the extras in place, it was exactly as I had envisioned it.’

From here, the team goes on to Northamptonshire to shoot the rest of the film, including scenes at Sywell airport.

The completed version of Monkeyshine is expected to be in post-production by the end of August, and ready for release in September.

The finished film will have premieres in England and Los Angeles, and there will be a special Guernsey premiere at the Fermain Valley Hotel at the end of September.