ACTORS in a forthcoming independent film with a decidedly West London flavour paid a visit to a Turnham Green church today (Friday).
Onlookers enjoyed the chance to watch cast and crew for a new comedy called Amar, Akbar & Tony as they took over St Michaels and All Angels, in Bath Road, Chiswick.
Large gel-covered lamps were set up alongside the outside of the building to ensure that, despite the rain, ‘sunlight’ shone through the stained-glass windows illuminating the wedding scene taking place inside. There writer and first-time film director Atul Malhotra was positioning his leading man and lady for the multi-faith event which sees Muslim Akbar (Sam Vincenti) ‘marrying’ Christian Samantha (Brent born Laura Aikman).
The stylish groom is known for his roles in Waking the Dead and Alfie, while the stunning bride is a very familiar face to TV viewers having starred as Keith Lemon’s girlfriend Rosie in Lemon la Vida Loca and May Phelps in the BBC drama Casualty.
Supporting cast members include fan favourite Meera Syal (Goodness Gracious Me) and Nina Wadia (EastEnders).
Acton resident Atul decided to write the film himself in an attempt to capture the unique culture and vibrancy of his part of London. Having grown up in India and then Harrow, with a schooling from Elstree and a graduation courtesy of Brunel University, he has worked for Granada and created many documentaries including Ross Kemp on Guns and Breaking Magic.
He said: "It’s a film about three friends and the highs and lows of their lives with the vision being to portray the self-assuredness and determination of the multicultural youth of today. We’re 11 days into shooting now and have already done scenes around Ealing, especially Southall, and are still looking for a site to film the second half of the wedding which takes place in a mosque. It could be we use Hounslow again for that.
"We have an amazing cast, a fantastic crew, and while the budget is challenging and hugely ambitious it’s also incredibly exciting. We’re not supported by any Government or agency and I’ve pretty much had to go out and find the funding myself. I’m a big believer in independent cinema and the local communities we’ve been to so far have been absolutely brilliant with how they have supported us.
"The aim is to have the filming all done by next month and then get the thing out in time for the film festivals in London and Toronto. There are also still places for extras to be in various scenes so if people are interested they should check out Facebook and Twitter pages or just go direct to the film’s website."
