Little Ashes Promotional Blitz

My Day At Raindance, Part 1

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Written by Sam Kerbey
Thursday, 30 October 2008
Since many of us were unable to heave ourselves to London for the very first Little Ashes premiere at Raindance, one of our privileged staff members, Sam, was benevolent enough to share her day at Raindance with us. As you read, you may perhaps realize that we have a few surprises for you in the next few weeks! Meanwhile, allow Sam to answer that nagging question, “What was it like?” Check back for the second half of Sam’s adventure soon! - - - I can’t tell you how I felt when I was told by Shannon (Project Manager) that she wanted me to go and meet with Paul (the director) and Carlo (the producer) on the day of the Little Ashes premiere. Nervous doesn’t cover it – I said yes, obviously, I would have been mad not to, but part of me was hoping something would come up and I wouldn’t be able to go! I hate meeting new people and detest small talk so while I was excited in theory, in practice it was my idea of hell. Then the day before she sent me questions to ask and casually drops into the conversation that the writer Philippa would also be there, and possibly some of the actors, and would I mind asking them some questions as well? My response, to quote Rob, ‘What?!!!’ So Tuesday afternoon I made my way to Covent Garden where I was set to meet them -absolutely terrified that I was about to make a total idiot of myself and cursing everyone I could think of for making me do this by myself. Arriving at the club I was completely overwhelmed by the place – let’s just say it’s slightly more posh than my normal hang outs and leave it at that. I’d been told to ask for the ‘Little Ashes EPK shoot’ at reception and was directed to the second floor. Unfortunately the second floor reception had no idea what I was talking about which really didn’t help the nerves situation. I rang Carlo and his assistant Sanjay but both their phones went straight through to voice mail (to be fair I had been warned that they might be out of contact when I arrived) so I phoned co-producer Stewart LeMarechal. He directed me up the fourth floor where they were setting up a camera in a room off the bar – they were going to be filming interviews for the DVD. He asked if I minded waiting as they were running a bit behind schedule, but the plan was I would get to talk to Paul, Philippa, Marina and Matthew when they arrived. So I set myself up in the bar (resisting the temptation to buy a Bacardi to calm myself down) and frantically went over my questions – I hadn’t believed until that moment that I would actually meet so many of the cast and crew. My phone beeped twice in quick succession, the first text was from Carlo asking if I was ok and the second from our very own Cilla who at that moment was pegging it across London from the Eurostar. I was instantly more relaxed, the fact that Carlo had bothered to follow up the missed call was very gratifying and the idea that I would soon have back up was even better. This meant that when Carlo appeared a short while later I was able to greet him almost normally. He’s very friendly, very approachable and instantly made me feel welcome. He thanked me – all of us really, for our interest in the film and the time and effort we’ve put in promoting it. He said he was really busy meeting and greeting people (they were having viewings downstairs) but would bring over everyone as soon as they were available. Cilla slinked in moments later – looking just as awed by the surroundings as I had felt. It was perfect timing on her part as seconds later Carlo returned and introduced us to Matthew and Paul. Once everyone had drinks, Paul wandered off to talk to the various people standing nearby while Matthew sat down at our table. He looked fantastic (un-shaven, casually dressed – very good look) and was very unassuming. He seemed the sort of guy you could quite easily bump into down your local. He was easy to talk to and very graciously put up with my fumbling around trying to figure out how to work my Dictaphone. He answered the questions we put to him in a very open and intelligent manner, it was wonderful listening to his insights on Bunuel and learning a bit about how he approaches acting. When we finished the questions, he seemed content to stay where he was and carry on chatting. I confessed how nervous I was and he was sympathetic “I hate doing stuff like that, interviews or anything, I’ve got to do the EPK (electronic press kit) interviews later and I’m dreading that!” He laughed at me when (eloquent as ever) I said I thought it was fantastic he felt like that, “What?! Why?” Giggling I tried again, “because it’s so normal, it’s how I would be, I thought as an actor you would be beyond that or something”. Shows what I know, apparently there’s a difference between when someone points a camera at him and when they point one at a character he’s playing. Hmmm…I hate cameras period so I guess the subtleties are lost on me. At this point Paul re-appeared and Matthew was called to do his DVD interview. Taking Matt’s now vacant place beside me, Paul asked ‘So are you a member of the Robert fan club then?’ I actually don’t think I could have gone redder if I tried, which seemed to amuse Paul. I muttered something along the lines of ‘enough I’m so embarrassed’ - this, apparently, was even funnier “Aww don’t be he’s wonderful”. As it happens I agree, but the whole situation reminded me of when I was in High School and my Uncle found out I had a crush on one of his friend’s sons. Really not something I wanted to discuss! Deciding a hasty change of subject was in order I tried to launch into the questions, Paul was having none of it though and instead quizzed Cilla and I on the (slightly) more neutral territory of the site and how we got involved. When we finally got onto the questions, Paul’s answers were fantastic, and made me so desperate to see the film! The full interview will come later but as a taster, when asked about his favourite scene, he said it was a water one in Cadaques which is “un-utterably beautiful”. He was called away to meet people towards the end of the interview, coming back a few minutes later he apologised, saying he had to go and did we have any more questions? There were a few so he sat back down to finish, when we were done he was still looking at me expectantly - “is that all?” Trying to decide if I’d made some faux-pas I dubiously agreed that it was and he laughed “it’s just that there were no questions about Rob”. I guess I walked into that one. Set as favorite Bookmark Email This Hits: 243 Comments (20) Subscribe to this comment's feed ... written by Cilla, October 30, 2008 That was a really good account on the time we spent with them. I must say you were amazing that day, very confident and professional. I was just a total nervous wreck., especially whenever Matthew is around. ... written by Autumn Barowski, October 30, 2008 Thanks for the' insider's view'! I can't wait for your next installment. Rob's sudden popularity must be sort of a mixed blessing for all involved-although it's great to get publicity for the film, they must be worried about their hard work being superceded or overshadowed by such a silly thing. I guess I'll be happy if it comes to my area, however it gets here! ... written by Sam Kerbey, October 30, 2008 haha thanks Cilla! I so didn't feel it....Maybe I'm a better actor than I thought I was .... written by Elaine, October 30, 2008 Am I jealous that I couldn't get there in time??? What do you think?? LOL!!! Focus on Rob is not a mixed blessing for the film written by Helenw, October 30, 2008 I dont see why its a mixed blessing. Regent shoudl be thrilled they have an extra angle for helping to get more people to see this film. I always feel this site is too apologetic for coming to this film through liking Rob. WOW!! I can't wait to hear the entire interview!! written by Melissa H., October 30, 2008 How exciting.. they all sound just wonderful! Mixed Blessings... written by Shannon, October 30, 2008 It's a HUGE mixed blessing to have so much focus on Rob in Little Ashes. Get out your pen and paper kiddies, cause I'm gonna give ya the low-down! Imagine...there's this guy. He's perfect in every way. Gorgeous, dangerous...saves your life and makes your skin burn when he's near you. He's "17" years old, so of course the 12-16 year olds think he's "soooo hotttt." They've fallen in love with this 'person.' This 'person' is Edward Cullen. Next up, a film is being made and young, talented star Robert Pattinson has decided to take on Edward Cullen and bring him to life. He does so, and therefore wins the hearts of those same 12-16 year olds. Of course now, they're confusing the actor, Robert, with the character, Edward. They think they're in love with Robert and that Robert is their perfect 'Edward.' Fast forward to this other relatively unknown film that Robert 'starred' in months earlier. Let's call it, Little Ashes! Thanks in large part to the 'Robert effect,' Little Ashes is getting more and more recognition. Fantastic! Independent films such as this one can use all the help they can get! Hey, isn't that why we created this Promotional Blitz project in the first place?! SO, the focus is on Rob, and Twilight, and now therefore on Little Ashes. And don't forget, Robert is still 'perfect' in the minds of these 'new found fans' so what could happen that could squish their perfect image of their perfect man? Perhaps if he's seen kissing another man! insert faux gasp here What if he falls in love with a man! insert another faux gasp here There are definitely adult themes in Little Ashes that these 12-16 year olds who now want to see Little Ashes won't understand and therefore will not look positively on. See, these 'new found fans' seem to have trouble distinguishing the actor, Robert, from the perfect picture they have of him, (thanks to Edward,) in their minds. So, while there are MANY who are mature and can actually appreciate the film, the artistry, the writing, the research, etc......there are many who are 'into' Little Ashes only because of their crush on 'Robert-on-the-pedestal' and will not necessarily like or understand Little Ashes. Mixed Blessings. But, all publicity is good publicity, right? SAM - awesome, superb, fantastical account here of part one of your experience. My jealousy was only a simmering one before, but now? I'm boiling over with envy! I'm so proud of you too! I know how nervous you were...and look? You were absolutely superb!! ... written by Sam Kerbey, October 30, 2008 Helenw - I can see what you mean but I don't think we're neccessarily being apologetic. It's just the more I read about the characters - Lorca, Dali and Bunuel (biographies, autobiographies, reviews of their work etc) the more I think that this film is so much more than just Robert Pattinson's 'other' project. Don't get me wrong, the fact that Rob is doing well is great for this movie and I know the production team realise that - and I don't think there is anything wrong with using his success to promote Little Ashes. But the film is so worth watching on its own merit its hard to stay focused on Rob (shocking as that is) Personally I did not want to mention Rob to the people I met that day, partly becuase I am interested in the film as a film, but also because they actually knew him. I mean it's one thing to have a totally inappropriate crush on a random actor, but meeting them made it much more tangible and incredibly embarrasing. haha did that make any sense? Oh, and... written by Shannon, October 30, 2008 I think I missed something I wanted to say...The 'creators' of this site ARE Rob-fans. We all came to together, in the first place, to help promote "Rob's" film, Little Ashes. But since then? It's become to much more to all of us. I'm speaking for the entire group, hopefully not in err when I say, it's now about promoting this clearly wonderful piece of art. Film isn't considered an 'art' so much anymore. It's become redundant and escapism. But this film? From everything that has been said about it from those who have seen it and from those who I've talked with who are involved in the film, this is a piece of art. And should be treated as such. It's not just another notch on one actor's belt. And it's not just something will bring acclaim and fame and fortune to that same actor. It's about the body of work that's being conveyed. So yeah...we're Rob fans, and all met through a Rob forum. But that doesn't mean that should be our focus or what we want to portray with this promotional site. ... written by Sam Kerbey, October 30, 2008 haha thanks Shannon for being proud of me As to the Rob thing - Wow you really felt passionately about that didn't you? Poor Helen is going to think we're ganging up on her.... On a far more important note why is the text on my comments white? What the hell am I doing wrong ... written by Shannon, October 30, 2008 I wondered about your 'white text' too! I don't know how to fix that!! Hahaha! No ganging up intended! I do feel strongly about that, but I tried to make it, like, story time with Aunt Shannon! ... written by Laura R., October 30, 2008 Sam glad to hear more about your Raindance experience!- and Shannon she has white writing because its supposed to stand out like the equivalent of a mod. post on here - though its not supposed to be hard to read ... written by Shannon, October 30, 2008 Hmmm, a mod. post? That's new to me! And it's quite easy to read, if you highlight everything. Not that it should be like that! ... written by Sam Kerbey, October 31, 2008 haha new to me too! When did that change?! And shoul I feel special? .... written by Elaine, November 01, 2008 I think I should mention a little something I oveheard on leaving the screening of Little Ashes. I was standing near the top of the stairs talking to Sam when someone (Sam said hello to this person so she'll remember who it was) said to Paul Morrison. "Did you know that Rob Pattinson is going to be in a film called Twilight and they think it's going to be big." Paul Morrison shook his head in the negative and said "I wasn't aware of that." Just thought that might be of interest! I may be useless with DVR's but I have very good recall! Sam....all your comments are yellow ... written by Shannon, November 01, 2008 ...someone ...said to Paul Morrison. "Did you know that Rob Pattinson is going to be in a film called Twilight and they think it's going to be big." Paul Morrison shook his head in the negative and said "I wasn't aware of that." Sarcasm at its finest! How funny!! Thanks for sharing that Elaine! ... written by Victor Marzowicz-Velasquez, November 01, 2008 To me, the important thing is that this story will be told, and I think it's particularly wonderful that young people WILL be attracted to it, even if only because they have a crush on some young actor. The telling of history isn't for the sake of the past but for the sake of the future, and so reaching out to young people is especially important. That's precisely why I was honored and enthusiastic to be asked to contribute to this project. Lorca, Ginsberg, Burroughs, Patti Smith, Pete Townshend, Morrissey.... These people were like lighthouses in the darkest night for me when I was growing up and coming to terms with my sexuality, and hell, I wish I had known about Dali back then, as well. Even though the story is tragic and sad, it has so much to offer people. You know, I'll be honest. Nobody posts any news on the Little Ashes board at IMDB anymore, so I've taken to browsing the Robert Pattinson board just to keep up, and there's a lot of stuff that goes on there that I find kind of silly and even joke to myself about from time to time. But then I need to remind myself that I was a silly teenager once, too, and that sometimes the things a person ultimately takes away from an experience isn't what drew them there in the first place. I GUARANTEE there will be many cases of teens who are drawn to this movie because of interest in Robert Pattinson, and who right now worry very intensely about what he's wearing and who he's dating, etc., etc., etc., who will see this film and whose lives will change for the better because of it. Virtually every poet or lyricist that I've heard speak about how much Lorca meant to them has the same story I do -- they randomly picked up a book of his poetry at some used bookstore and it changed their lives. I've yet to hear any of them mention what brought them to that bookstore on that day in the first place. ... written by Sam Kerbey, November 01, 2008 haha Elaine, that would have been Stewart but I so missed that! Very amusing Twilight? What the hell is Twilight?!! Yay text is yellow not white now! I didn't do anything so I'm going to assume it was divine intervention aka Britt or Tracey... And yes! Victor I agree - I had never heard of this story (I had barely heard of Dali) before I started this project! I became involved purely because of Rob but I'm so glad I did. Melodramatic as it sounds I actually can barely remember what it was like to not be obsessed with this film. Obsessed to the point where I keep giving my sister lectures on Dali (my sister has a degree in fine arts and is really not that impressed). What I love though is the film inspires that sort of devotion. If you look at my background it is very academic orientated and when I agreed to help with this site I hoped it would be informative, I hoped it would evoke what I saw as the spirit of the film and the spirit of the characters i.e the pursuit of knowledge ... I think it has and I hope other people see it that way. nnhaha or maybe I'm just annoying and like obsessing over details, who knows Oh and Victor - less of the silly teenager stuff! Some of us are silly-fast-approaching-thirty-year-olds..... ... written by patti, November 02, 2008 Sam - How wondeful for you! Super article and very humerous too! ... written by Elaine, November 05, 2008 ...well if the original draw to this film was Robert Pattinson, then so be it. It was for me and I'm certainly no fan girl. Actually it was two fold. I knew a bit about Dali from helping my daughter with a thesis on Dali back when she was at art college(actually I think I did all the work). Having Rob in that role just made this movie more intriguing. But it has opened up a whole new world to me now that I have read some of the letters and peoms etc of Lorca. However or whatever it is that first gets our interest doesn't really matter although I really couldn't care less who the guy is dating...but I do like his hair Sam - Stewart, that's it, I remember you saying now. The comment from Paul just tickled me..... Write comment Name Email Website Title Comment smaller \| bigger Subscribe via email (Registered users only)

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