French Weekender 2007


More From A Film Crew’s Point of View by Jax Keighley


Ferry Crossing


It seemed to take forever for the ferry to set off, but the Weekenders soon warmed up with a few drinks but they were still very aware of the Camera at this stage.


As individuals opened their Challenge envelopes, it was an


Mr Monet obviously wasn’t around but a local man was when we took the wrong turning followed closely by Kevin and Carol. The look on this gentleman’s face was a


picture in itself, as we tried to turn in the narrow, uneven street. A shot missed.


Eventually we found the others, but unable to get breakfast as planned a quick detour was made to the nearby town of Vernon. The Weekenders found a little bar, which served breakfast but the light wasn’t too good and we couldn’t get any decent shots in here. After a croissant and 2 double espressos each, we were definitely wide- awake and raring to go on to our next stop.


Versailles


opportunity to catch the look of horror on Carol’s face. What was additionally funny was Kevin’s reaction to his wife’s dismay. Caught it! (Paul looked shocked too – Ed)


After retiring to our cabins we missed possibly one of the best shots on the trip. Oh to have had night vision on the camera to catch Paul climbing into his bed. What a picture it would have made!


Day One - Le Havre to Vernon


After our journey home on the Italian Job, it was too much for Chris and I to resist a “Full English Breakfast”, on the ferry, when the announcement was made that the restaurant was open, so we tucked in, before returning to the cars and on to Monet’s Garden.


extra large pockets would have another use!)


This is an imposing structure, and hard to imagine the people who once lived here. Whilst walking around we even found a possible descendant of Chris’ by the name William Keighley. Chris got some shots for the


16 www.beastmaster.co.uk


By now the rain had started but it didn’t deter our determination to get some shots of the Weekenders, or they some shots of us.


On entering the Palace Chris was informed that he couldn’t take his tripod, so he decided to hide it in his jacket (I knew those


Bags unpacked (ok for Chris and I this actually means, just spreading the entire contents over the whole room!) we dressed for dinner.


At first the group was quite reserved and certainly aware of the Camera. However, after a couple of glasses of wine, the banter began to flow and Chris, with some cunning placement of the camera managed to get some shots of the intense conversations that we’re going on. Unfortunately the camera wasn’t running whilst several of us were trying to persuade Paul to eat his avocado.


After a great meal we made our way back to the hotel. With our designated driver Stu at the wheel, the conversation managed to go from films we loved as kids to Stu having an Umpa-lumpa tied up in his boot


opening sequence of the video and then moved outside. Assuming that the use of tripods was prohibited because of the flooring within the house, he whipped it out for some shots of the gardens. However, no sooner did he do so, he was pounced upon by a rather grumpy security guard, who threatened to throw him out!


Don’t you know we’re filming a video here!


On to our Hotel


After a bit of a detour, due to road works we eventually found our way to the hotel. I think that Sat Nav just decided to give up on us.


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