The Perfect Date (2007)
CAST:
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CREW:
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Format: Digi Beta |
STORY:
A single Dad is about to find himself back on the dating scene...with a little help from his kids.
PRODUCTION:
The Perfect Date" tells the story of a widower who gets asked on a date by the school teacher of his youngest two girls. All taking place in one day, the widower, Tom, is at first a little taken aback but realises he has to move on his with life. He soon finds himself getting advice on dating etiquette from his three daughters and son who try to help him through the evening.
Work on "The Perfect Date" started in January 2007 with an eight week rehearsal period leading up to the four day shoot at the end of February. Principle photography took place on Thursday 22nd, 23rd, 24th wrapping on the Sunday 25th February. Being a co-production with the ITV West Television Workshop, the majority of the young cast were auditioned through the workshop.
Anthony O'Callagahan for the role of Tom was cast after seeing him in a local theatre production of "Ghost Train". He fitted the role in every aspect. The part called for Tony to be a loving family man, be attractive to his new date, and have the build to back up his words when faced with an intruder in his house. The part takes his character though just about every range of emotions possible so Tony had to be able to handle them all.
The majority of the shoot took place in a house in Warminster acting as the familie's house. It was chosen as the look of the place had to be fitting with the story and be production friendly. With four bedrooms, it meant that housing film kit and lights was easy keeping it away from the set and the rooms had to be big enough to set the scenes and get a film crew in there too. In addition, the decor was right taking on warm, wooden texture in some areas making the place inviting and comfortable for our characters. Other locations included a school where we see Tom asked out on his date and the evening restaurant for the date itself.
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Other roles for the part of the single dad and other older characters were sourced elsewhere. For the two younger female roles of 8 and 9 Producer and workshop leader Lisa Ruthven and Producer/Director Paul Dudbridge found Lauren Woodman and Ellie Taylor-Roberts were just perfect. "Both of them showed such a maturity beyond their years which not only aided shooting and taking direction but also fitted nicely with their characters" comments Paul. "I found the best way to cast is to just watch people when they're not auditioning. See how they hold themselves, how do they sit, listen, and act, when not acting.
Casting Eleanor Roberts as their older sister was an example. The character had to be taking the place of her Mum in the family and look after her sisters. She had to look like she could handle that grown up "role". There was a gracefulness about her, not excitable or giggly. She wasn't easily distracted and looked focused on what she was doing. That was the character of a 17 year old having to take on her mother's responsibilities."
