Characters

Dad:

The dad will need to portray a fairly average British parent. Despite this it is important that the subtle sense of danger or malice is brought out. We feel that the two possible actors we have chosen would be able to do this, having both played similar roles in their cinematic careers.

Ciaran Hinds

Ciaran Hinds has played a number of imposing and menacing roles such as his portrayal of Fletcher in ‘There Will be Blood’ (2007). At the same time he is capable of playing the role of afather and displayed vulnerability in ‘Hallem Foe’ (2007)

Ralph Fiennes

In ‘Schindler’s List’ (1993) Fiennes plays a Nazi in charge of a concentration camp. Contrasted to this he also played an almost-comic gangster in ‘In Bruges’ but his character still has an air of heartlessness and evil. Interestingly in that particular film, he is also shown to be father and caring for a baby’s welfare during a shoot-out. This ability to combine elements of different character types would be a key asset and a very appropriate one for the role of the ‘dad’.

Main Character:

The main character, Tomos, is a character that with his youth would also be an easy victim. A feeling of innocence is important and both choices have shown their ability to do this in previous films. Despite this it is important that the character is not shown to be weak because ultimately our film would see the progression of his knowledge regarding the situation of his foreign exchange parents. Culminating in his escape, the film would need an actor able to show understated bravery and strength of character.

- Jamie Bell

Jamie Bell is established as a high quality, young British actor who has featured as a lead in a number of films, with a wide range of characters. In ‘Hallem Foe’ (2007) he played a loner living in a large country mansion outside of Edinburgh. The film then follows him as he goes to Edinburgh and his experiences in the ‘real world’. He brilliantly created an innocence allowing a furthered connection with the audience. It is this link that is crucial with regards to our young target audience.

Max Riemelt

We felt that Max Riemelt would be the perfect choice for the role of Tomos in our film. His youthfulness and normality would be important in the depiction of an apparently ‘average’ scenario. Coupled with his German nationality averting any language problems he has also played characters with similar emotional levels as Tomos. In ‘Die Welle’ (2008) he plays as a schoolboy whose teacher creates a social experiment with his class. His character Marco is shown to be strong whilst still not opinionated enough to realise the dark and twisted direction the ‘project’ is taking. This naivety is a similar characteristic of Tomos.

Mum:

Though not featured in the opening two minutes the character of the mum is one of great significance. Similarly to the dad, she would need to be acceptable within a normal household/environment. That is to say there should not be any outstanding features that would distract or imply the wrong sentiments.

- Francesca Annis

Francesca Annis has featured in a number of British TV drama and films. Her most recent film was ‘Shifty’ (2008) which circulated around the drug culture in a town on the edge of London. This shows her ability to play more edgy characters as well as having the sensitivity to act in period BBC dramas such as ‘Cranford’ (2007).

Harriet Walter

Harriet Walter has appeared in a number on films and TV dramas including ‘Babel’ (2006) and a portrayal of Queen Adelaide in ‘The Young Victoria’ (2009). Similarly to Annis Harriet Walter can give a sense of motherly kindness whilst capably switching to a more sinister character. Walter has also featured in ‘Law and Order: UK’.

BJH CMV CF