Discussion: Calling all Tudors Extras

"Great to hear from you NobelmaninTights. Do you know when filming will be completed?"

"Thank you. I haven't located the photos yet but will keep looking around. So what's it like to work with Jonathan Rhys Meyers? Is he as intense as his screen presence suggests?"

"Katherine Howard's execution has already been filmed as far as I'm aware. I think they've filmed Askew's, too; I was chatting to Rod Hallet and he mentioned doing something unspeakable to her...

As to getting photographs; I couldn't possibly do that...But I know a man who can! Talking of which, I uploaded a few onto the gallery."

"The photos are in the photo section in the orange tab bar at the top of this page. They're just a few taken recently. Hope they give a taste of what we do...

And as to "working" with JRM, well, it has to be remembered that we (extras) are very much in the background of each scene - as our official title suggests. I suppose in a way it can be said that we "work" with him, but the truth is that we are there to react to direction from the Assistant Directors. Sometimes we are lucky enough to be directly involved in scenes with the actors; in the new series, I have been fortunate in that I've been chosen to sit in on the "War Councils". This means that JRM, and all the main male characters, meet to discuss the war with France...and I'm there too, at the same table, as the only extra. I don't have lines, but have to react to dialogue, looks etc. Some may count that as “working” with Mr. Meyers, then fine. I just felt privileged to be there and gave it my best.

I haven't had that much direct contact with JRM, so I'm not at liberty to offer anything but an opinion; he is an intense man. He's also a funny guy, and laidback, uptight, outgoing and intensely personal. Human, in other words. It is possible to almost feel his dedication to the character he portrays. The King is important to him, and that is obvious from his performances. His talent speaks for itself. It may sound like I’m an expert (and I’m not), but he reminds me of a young Richard Burton; there's something indescribably and artistically fiery bubbling away under his skin. Look him in the eyes and that will be self evident. Hear him get frustrated at something and you’re hearing passion, not grievances. I know the choice of him to play one of the most famous historical personages was criticized, but JRM has managed to shake off those detractors and gone on to make the character his own.
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"Another question for NobleManInTights....a couple of members are wondering if the girl with the red hair in your profile pic is the actress who will be playing Elizabeth."

"Hello JRMfanAdrienne in Texas!

Funnily enough, there is an extra on the Tudors who hails from Texas! Look out for a big, very tall (6ft 4) chamberlain in the next series – dressed splendidly in black, including hat, and with longish curly hair (he’ll be right at the front of a scene where someone is to be punished horribly…) And listen out for his excellent English accent! We all complimented him on it, and he took it with good grace. Really nice guy.

Don’t know where you heard that JRM acts like the King all the time! As I’ve said previously, he is a normal guy but with an extraordinary talent; he may well come on set, totally focused and with a mind to completing a difficult or emotional scene, and that could be misconstrued as him “being in character”. Cynical folk may also misinterpret the real Hollywood aura - a presence - that he has as this alleged royal “aloofness”, but I’d put that down to their own failings. JRM can switch between being a lad from Cork, to being the most powerful monarch of the 16th century with consummate ease and in a blink of an eye. It’s quite something to behold, and an ability that the other actors have as well. As soon as the director says “action”, everyone’s in character, no matter what was happening right up to that moment. Makes you realise how gifted these guys really are.

I can’t believe you’ve seen me on screen!
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