Felices 140 Behind the Scenes

Stills photography

Nora Navas and Eduard Fernández reenacting the scene they had just shot for real, allowing me to get my stills.

Working as stills photographer on Felices 140 was a great experience. Of course, the day I turned up, nobody knew me. Everyone was used to working with each other. Then I turned up, the new kid on the block. But, nothing to worry about. I was introduced to the cast and crew, they looked at all my cameras around my neck, and I was away. Click, click, click.

Cramped conditions

The shoot took place in a villa in the Tenerife hills. This was my first Behind the Scenes for a large production. I had done BTS and Making Of for another film company in my ‘down time’, but not on this scale. Famous Spanish actors a plenty. Some of the rooms were small and could only fit the immediate camera crew. There was no room for me to get the camera view shot or any others for that matter. As a result, the director said ‘simply get the actors to do the scene again for you’.

Chicken in the plate

So, this I did. I had to be quick though. As soon as the director called ‘chicken in the plate’ everyone was off. ‘Chicken in the plate’ is the Spanish equivalent of ‘That’s a wrap’. Still makes me chuckle. Nora and Eduardo had just finished an intense scene. I could see them winding down from the emotion. I quickly jumped in to the room to seize the moment before they came out of character. ‘Certainly’ they said after asking if they could do it again. I was impressed at their professionalism. They didn’t just go through the motions as I clicked away. That is to say, they acted out the scenes as though it was the very first time. Absolutely fantastic. I even had the courage to say, ‘hold it for a sec’ while I jumped to another position. ‘OK’ and they simply continued.

When they had finished the scene, they both looked at me. Nora asked if I wanted them to do it again, but I had my shots. After that, I felt really accepted. After all, this was my first real stills photographer engagement. a fabulous experience. Truly wonderful people to work with who made me feel so welcome.

To see more photos of this shoot, click here