Sanctum
Lewis Johns
Broken Hill
Scent
Clearing the AirI’ve added two pics of when Aileen from Hands Can Talk was on the set of The Black Balloon to teach the cast some sign language. I wish the images was bigger, cause I love Rhys’ shirt!
Here’s the story of Aileen came into the The Black Balloon project.
January 2007 Aileen was contacted by producer Tristram Miall in reference to assisting the cast with sign language to be used in the movie ‘The Black Balloon’. At the time Aileen was on holidays and not being truely in the mood for work thought Tristiam was involed as a student producing a small student movie but was pleased to be able to help out. After getting off the phone Aileen mentioned what was happening and said Tristiam had mentioned an actress – ummm Toni ??? yes that right Toni Collette. Now everyone was getting excited – Aileen looked up Toni Collette – talked to friends and family who of course had seen her in quite a few movies and thought she was fabulous. Aileen watched some of Toni’s movies and could see what all the hype was about -Toni was great at what she did.
First meeting – Aileen went to Holsworthy to the house being used for the movie and met Tristram (producer) Elissa (Screenwritter & Director) Toni (the mum), Erik (the dad), Rhys (the brother) & Luke (Charlie “the brother with autism”). Aileen’s comments at the time were: “it was fun meeting everyone” “relaxed and casual and they all picked up the sign language easily” ” We used bits of Makaton, Auslan and Signed English” as the books available at the time the movie was set were only the Signed English and early Makaton Book (which used the signed english signs available). A few times signs were used that are more readily available now thru Auslan.
Second meeting – Aileen again met up on set and practiced with the cast. Having parts of the sript to work from made it easier to plan and try to keep everything looking natural and not overdone. Aileen was then filmed doing the signs to help everyone with revision and Gemma (girlfriend of Rhys’s character) was able to to do all her practice thru the video clips.
Third meeting – Aileen went back and took Elysha with her to meet Rhys (Luke from her favorite show “Home & Away”) . Elysha was wrapped -of course only interested in LUKE!! – had photos with him, saw him on set and sat and had lunch with LUKE .
It was hard not to talk about the movie to all around her but finally the movie is being released and you can read reviews from those who have already seen the movie, look at a trailer, read short pieces on the the cast and interviews.
Aileen said she did not want to be paid for her involvement in the film and fitted in with cast and crew time frame. Aileen got involved simply because someone asked her to and the thought of a film being made and sign language being included (therefore improving and increasing peoples understanding of the use of sign language for people with speech and/or developmental delay) was all the incentive Aileen needed.
. Go see the film – its brilliant – Elissa Down should feel fantastic – what a tribute to her life growing up with two autistic brothers. Every actor in the movie gave their utmost and shone thru.
“Easily one of the finest Australian films of recent years. A story that’s funny, heart-breaking and packed with dramatic energy.” Lynden Barber LIMELIGHT
You can find a lot of information about Hands Can Talk at their website :)