Local man parlays medieval hobby into first movie role
Posted Mar 10, 2011 By Stacey Roy
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Tweet ThisEMC Entertainment - Medieval times aren't traditionally connected to technology, but for Smiths Falls native George Bailey, the two worlds have come together wonderfully as his passion for this lost era has earned him a role in an independent film.
The film, known as 'Our Pagan Heart' is an emotional look at pagan beliefs and how they shape the lives of its followers. The film is being shot in season at Thornhaven Grove in Inkerman, Ontario and will be taping throughout the year to capture the nine sacred days of the Pagan calendar (Samhain, Ritual for Fallen Warriors, Yule, Imbolc, Oestra, Belthaine, Midsummer, Lammas, Harvest-tide). The first filming session was Feb. 19-20 where Bailey was surprised to learn he would not be a background warrior.
"I am now the village chieftain," Bailey said.
This role requires lines, which he was learning on set in preparation for the role. Casselman resident, Laurie Stewart, who has written, directed and will produce Our Pagan Heart under her company Morrighan Films, said Bailey was a natural choice for this role.
"George has a strong silent presence. That quiet strength is a great asset in a chief, allowing him to rise above the petty squabbles and gain the attention of the whole village with a single word," wrote Stewart in an e-mail interview.
Bailey's only preparation for this on-camera experience has been his years in Medieval sword fighting demonstrations, which Stewart plans to put to good use in future scenes. He and Stewart met through their connections in the Druid spirit world.
"It's kind of a labour of love for all of us," Bailey added. "I'm just hoping that I don't do too badly."
Stewart has been very impressed with Bailey's focus and speed in getting into character and projecting it to the camera.
"George was a delight to work with," she later added. "George found his heart quickly and made the Chief a realistic and powerful character."
The film uses some professional actors, but they are not in the lead roles as those involved in the Pagan community can bring a deeper understanding of the issues the film raises.
Like the Pagan community itself, the experience of working with novice and professional actors has been one of co-operation for Bailey with actors willing to provide their support on the process of moulding a character.
"If you have an idea about your role bring it to her. She's (Stewart) willing to allow you to develop your own character within the parameters of the film," Bailey said.
AN ACTOR'S LIFE
This experience has opened Bailey's eyes to the work that is involved in creating a film and has deepened his appreciation for the actors he sees on screen.
"The cold was challenging," Bailey added. "You get it perfect on the second shot and then it's let's do it again and again."
His partner, Diane Dennie, is delighted to see Bailey take on this new challenge, adding "this is very out of character for George."
Her hope is to have a local showing of the nine-episode drama in the Smiths Falls area once it is complete this time next year. Bailey admitted his first reaction was fear of how he would do, but in the end decided to accept the invitation and experience what it means to be an actor.
"It's okay to be afraid, it's just not okay to give into it," Bailey said.
The Smiths Falls man will be on set once more the weekend of March 26. Stewart expects filming to continue until December 2011 with editing, etc. taking her into the spring. Her hope is to show the film at film festivals around the world before selling it to television or DVD.
For more information on the film and Morrighan Films please log on to www.morrighanfilms.com.
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