A Hollywood filmmaker said he was left with a “very good feeling” after visiting Guernsey to audition actors, scout locations, and meet with officials.
Gene Fallaize, who grew up in the island, was back home recently to prepare for his upcoming feature film, ‘Under the Watchful Gaze’, which is set during the German Occupation.
Mr Fallaize told Express: “I didn’t know what to expect, quite honestly, coming back to Guernsey.
“I wasn’t entirely sure what the reaction would be like, but I need not have worried.
“It’s been really wonderful that the reception that we’ve had has been great.”
Mr Fallaize and his team were over for Liberation Day, and took the opportunity to audition actors for several key supporting roles while here.
He said the team had “seen some really good options” and could leave with a “feeling of confidence moving forward”.
The production team also took the opportunity to look at locations around the island, as well as to meet with representatives from the States and other organisations.
Mr Fallaize, who has worked with actors including Kevin Spacey and Gemma Atkinson, said it was really important to film in Guernsey, despite it being a more expensive option than shooting in the UK or elsewhere.
“Guernsey is not just a backdrop for this film,” he said, “It’s the third main character, as far as I’m concerned.”
Guernsey had its own “unique look” as well as its own language, Guernésiais, which would feature in the film, he said.
“I want people who lived through those events, to be able to watch the film and say ‘Yeah, that’s about, right’ – if they do then I’ve done my job.”
