Hi there.
I worked on this film back in the summer of 1997 as part of the camera team.
Just thought I'd post this because some people may have some questions about the filming etc, and if so, I don't mind doing my best to answer them.
Cheers,
-Mark.
Mark:
Very kind of you.
If you know, was the location shooting a matter of cost or scenery? And, purely out of curiosity- since the players were straight, were there numerous takes on the romantic scenes? I imagine ackwardness, or as Mr. Sparks, qaf fame, says: Overcoming the yuck factor. Thanks in advance for your response.
Regards-
Hello again. Sorry for my delay in replying. To reply to your questions:
We were shooting this film in the Summer of 1997. So I guess one of the big advantages was that the schools were empty because of the Summer school holidays. This obviously enabled us to shoot relatively un-hindered.
We shot in many different schools in and around Basingstoke and of course the other advantage in doing this, is that it negates the need to build specific sets in a film studio.
In fact, nearly the entire film was shot on locations in and around Basingstoke, including Steven's house which was a real house in the city. The other advantage of this of course, is that logistically it is much easier & cheaper to get actors/crew to locations. ie, we did not have to travel to locations spread across a wide area.
The only major studio work I can remember doing in this film was the following:
1) The inside of the toilets where Steven unknowingly communicates with John Dixon.
2) Steven's bedroom (and the key scene where John recounts his trip to Cornwall/Devon
3) The interior of Steven's father's photographic studio.
All these were sets that were built at a film studios near Elstree in London.
Also, the scene where the young group go to the cinema. Exteriors here were a real cinema in Basingstoke, but the interior was shot in Elstree studios' actual viewing room. Furthermore, the film you can see out of focus in the background is actually Get Real footage. It was footage of the scene of John and Louise 'supermodel' Lindmann sitting in the garden of the pub chatting.
With regards to the number of takes etc, there was not a great deal of takes for the romantic scenes as I recall. I do remember though, that both Ben Silverstone and Brad Gorton certainly were not looking forward to their big kiss in the swimming pool. But for this, you can hardly blame them.
It would not be a particularly easy thing to do for two straight guys anyway, but as you can imagine, in front of a film crew and other onlookers, it must be even more so.
I think they both just 'went for it' - which I'm sure is the best way of going about anything you feel uncomfortable doing.
I do remember though that Patrick Nielson (who plays Mark) was very much looking forward to shooting the scene at the school party where he got to snog Kate McEnery!
Cheers,
Mark.
Stupid question any idea where they got that pink thunderbirds inflatable from???
shareNow THAT is a great question! - I have no idea at all. These props people - they seem to be able to get hold of all sorts of weird and wonderful things!
share@ mr. M Alldridge: how was mr. Ian Brimble (portrying John's Father), in person as in work ?
thank you.
Yes, his character was the one who was obsessed with Dr Who wasn't it?
Unfortunately I didn't really get to chat to him much. However, I don't remember anything negative about him at all!
As I mentioned previously, the whole cast was brilliant on this shoot.
I was just wondering if you could tell me about Brad Gorton. I really want to contact him at least by e-mail to tell him what an unbelievable job he did in this movie! I was completely moved by his performance even though I am unsure of my sexuality. What was he like off the set? Is he a great person? I have so many questions for him as he is my inspration. Please respond, as I really want to contact him! You did GREAT in the making of this movie! Thankx, Ian
shareHi Mark,
I'd quite forgotten it was filmed in Basingstoke, where, funnily enough, I've just spent the last month.
Was the cinema you mentioned the Warner one in the Leisure Park or is that too recent an addition to the town's landscape??
I have to say that all the cast were excellent to work with on the shoot. I suppose part of this was because the majority of the cast were all young actors so we all got along superbly.
Just like everybody else, Brad Gorton was a lovely chap though I have to say, I did not really chat/hang around with him much to be honest.
I am afraid I do not have any contact information for him. I can only suggest that you search the net and try to contact him through his agent if he still has one. Alternatively, you could try contacting the production company, 'Graphite Films', although I am not sure though if they would give out somebody's contact details.
What was Ben Silverstone like to work with? Did he have to put in a lot of effort to do some of the scenes (drunk/rain scene)? Every scene that he did took my breath away. I have seen very few movies where every scene was important to the story like this one was.
Also, do you know if Ben Silverstone has set up any foundations or organizations or if he has a special project that is dear to him? I would gladly donate to anything that was important to him. Thanks.
Is there any sequel in mind? I know that millions of people are asking this, but I was really touched by this movie and it is kind of hard to take in the ending. I want there to be hope for both Steven and John. It just doesn't seem fair for them to say that they love each other and then have to let one another go. Please, I am seventeen years old and if there was only one thing that I would love is to see these two together. Sorry to seem so involved in this film, but these two seem perfect together. If there is a sequel, please make them go public about their love in the end of the film. It is only fitting. Thank you.
share mister1989:
I know how you feel about the film 'Get Real.'
You want them to be together but the stars are aligned against them.
Please check out the Ben Silverstone.net Fan Fiction, they have followup stories that will quench your desire to see John and Steven together.
Some of them are many, many chapters long, but absolutely worth it.
Check out the authors: Jon, PasedenaDave, William, Jeff Lo. They most definitely will satisfy your desire to see the two guys together.
They are funny, touching, sexy, everything you would want to see happen.
Tell me what you think.
Steven Robert Marchio
Yeah, I have read them, but it just doesn't feel the same. It's like giving a consolation prize. You can read as many as you want, but what I really want is to physically see this played out rather than have to read it. Do you understand?
sharemister1989
Yes, I understand very much how you feel. I wasn't sure I could read something as a substitute or a replacement for the film and have it feel the same.
But I have read them and some of the chapters do give me what the actual film will never be able to do. The two boys will be together in another place...
It is great to see the two characters together and that they are living, loving and they are funny and sad.
Most especially for me, was the final scene on the track field.
The film's next to last scene is totally rewritten and John Dixon is forced to come to terms with his real life. John Dixon will do in the stories what he did not do in the film.
I'm sorry that the stories don't give you what you need as a satisfying and final resolution.
I took the time to read several chapters and the early chapters where John Dixon begs and pleads to Steven Carter for another chance, after beating the crap out of him...I was choking up.
Well, I was pulled in and John Dixon had to make amends and declare himself openly. He ended up with a new family and friends. It is all fantasy but it is all we have some time.
I wish the Ben Silverstone.net Fan Fiction was still active. Maybe, I could try a story. I liked to see Steven Carter move on with his life and become more active within the gay community. He is an activist now!
Your not the only one who has had an obsession with this film.
Best of luck.
Steven Robert Marchio
Thanks for caring.
Yeah, everyone keeps on saying that they weren't destined to be together. Personally, I like thinking of these two together because they obviously loved one another. If I ever become a director, I would seriously want to create a sequel to this movie. However, I wouldn't go at it alone. I would consult the people that made the original and get input from the fans. This movie was great and it will always have a special place in my heart.
Mister1989
I don't know how I missed this post from a man who actually worked on the film. I had a couple of oddball questions, but it is probably too late for that. Even if he is still here looking at this thread, he might not remember after all these years!
Anyway, I have to disagree with you and chime in with all the others that Steven and John are not meant to be together. John is 18, he might be bisexual or or he might be Gay, it is really hard to tell from this movie. But the bottom line is he is 18. Not 9. Yes alternate sexuality is very hard when you're a jock but he also comes from a wealthy educated family. At every turn, he kicks Steven in the teeth, thinking an apology will solve all. Love, even if it is here, is not enough to overcome all problems. That is one of the first themes we learned in a class in high school (love conquers all). Sorry to backstep, but I just must say this. I could sorta see John pushing Steve off into the lockers when his jock buddies came in and they were about to kiss, but kicking him in the ribs was just TOO much.
My would be reply got expired..
basically, I was admiring your boldness, prowess and success in getting a youth to act in such a film, seeing how hypocritical we can be and he shouyld be paid a fortune for it.
I feel that way being underexposed...and a victim of censorship and promise I will make a hardcore (quote on quote) film on preteen and teen gay love 500 billion times more penetrative than the one your crew did...so help me God which will revolutionise the holy gospels and the filming industry
I feel that way being a youth in the UK alone, without cable TV or internet or credit card..
This is what I would have posted in reply...basically Mark
Kerwen Kandel
I went to the films Premiere in Basingstoke all those years ago. I remember seeing a TV during the after show party that had loads of footage playing showing stuff that wasn't in the film.
There was lots of footage of Ben and a woman playing around in a park (Eastrop Park if i'm not mistaken.)... i remember lots splashing in the ponds and stuff.
I also chatted with Charlotte who said that they filmed lots in her bedroom... but virtually none of it made it to the final cut.
Do you think a DVD with deleted scenes surface?
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