DIVA asked the film's leading ladies, Kat Redstone and Sophie
Anderson a thing or two about their experiences on set, if their
musical talents are indeed real, and, most importantly, what is the
best cure for a hangover…
With such a thriving music scene,
what were the best aspects about filming in London's East
End?
Sophie: For me, it was a brand new experience
because I had only just finished theatre school and was living in
Camden Town, north London the whole time. I love it down there now.
Especially Shoreditch and Brick Lane. I have most of the songs from
the film on my iPod.
Kat: It was really exciting working in East
London, as it is fast becoming a melting pot for all the arts, and
as I was soon to move there, it was great to get to know it so
broadly and on such a personal level too. Now I walk down the
streets where we filmed and feel a lovely sense of having done
something special there. In terms of music, one of my favourite
aspects of the film is the soundtrack and that it showcases local
bands.
How closely do you relate to the
characters of Sally and Liza?
Sophie: I think a majority of people who watch
the film will relate to either Sally or Liza, especially the
situation they are in. I don't relate to Sally on the drinking and
drug dependency, but I do relate to the other ways she tries to
cope with what's going on. I loved taking on the challenge of
playing her.
Kat: I have been asked this question before and
find it quite tricky to answer. I don't relate entirely to the
character of Liza, though I can definitely relate to a time in life
when you don't know what or who you want, or how to get out of a
bad situation. I felt, when we were making the film that she would
develop as a person if she had a life beyond the end scene of the
film and that her relationship with Sally would inform her choices
later on, as it is, ultimately Liza who decides to move
on.
Are either of you in a band in
real life?
Sophie: No I am not in a band. I enjoy
participating in some good old karaoke. But that's about it!
Kat: Well! I did once have my own band called
Iguana Nights, which was a twee four piece. It was around the time
when I was a really big Belle and Sebastian fan, and it was
possible to play music without being an incredibly good musician, a
kind of jingly jangly la la la sound with pretty dark lyrics. I
then played trumpet in a really fantastic grunge band called Who By
Gun with the very talented Sarah Louise Hardiman, which introduced
me to a whole new sound and also a way of being both disarmingly
real and charismatic on stage. This is something, "if" I do
have another music project in the future, I would like to
emulate.
Liza and Sally's relationship hits
turmoil throughout several points in the film; have you ever
experienced a similar situation in real life?
Sophie: I think most people will relate to the
storyline in the sense that you know when the relationship is
doomed, and that it should have finished a long time ago, but, you
can't quite imagine life without them or find the strength to
leave.
Kat: I don't think anyone has avoided a
relationship hitting turmoil at some point in their life! So, yes,
of course, otherwise we'd all be with the person we first went out
with when we were teenagers.
What was it like to work with
director Kanchi Wichmann?
Sophie: Kanchi is what you would call an
'actor's director' meaning she takes a lot of time to develop the
characters and story with the actors. Never once throughout filming
did she ever make us feel neglected. Kat and I have very different
methods of working (because of our training) and Kanchi adapted for
us both. There is definitely a bright future ahead for her!
Kat: Kanchi was great to work with, and really
generous as a director. She very much allowed for us to have input
into what we were doing, and spent a lot of time before filming
creating a backstory with us, which was really important. In the
film, you never see us at a time when things were harmonious. She
also took care of us during long shoots and was very careful that
we were given the opportunity to rest, eat and relax, which was
lucky as were working to such tight schedules due to the
budget.
Have your lives changed much since
the cinema release?
Sophie: We have had so much support throughout
the past few months with the film and we are very thankful for that
- I made some brilliant friends through the film. I am still
working hard in the industry for what I want. Except, for
now, on occasion, people recognise you. It's strange but
lovely!
Kat: I wouldn't say I've been flooded with
calls from Hollywood, but the film has left me with a much greater
sense of confidence. To have your first film played in a West End
Cinema is such an incredible experience, and also very exposing for
a film like this. It was a pretty intense experience to watch
myself in that way, and I suppose we are all our own worst critics.
Since the release, I have done some shorts and a play in Oxford and
London, and now I am doing a master's in performance making.
What does the future hold in store
for you both?
Sophie: I am still working in the
industry. I have been filming some TV Music videos and other
films. I would like to remain working in British cinema and work
with directors such as Shane Meadows, Paddy Considine and Andrea
Arnolds.
Kat: I have no idea what the future holds. I
would love to do more features and expand my repertoire, hopefully
some really juicy character work. I am also hoping to make my own
performance as of this year
Last but not least, what is the
best cure for a hangover?
Sophie: A fry up and back to the pub? I don't
know - I don't drink!
Kat:The best cure for a hangover is an opiate
painkiller and a massive bowl of home-made bolognese!
Break My Fall (Peccadillo) is out on DVD October 3 and can be
purchased through
Amazon
