News

JONATHAN FIGGIS TALKS, 'PRODUCING THE GUARDS'

DECEMBER 2009

When I was first asked to come on board 'The Guards', I was immediately intrigued as a project like this hasn't been attempted in Ireland before. The interpersonal relationships of the three young Guards with their superior is the central theme of the show but their own personal relationships also play an important role in this drama; showing us how the pressures of the job are not always left at the workplace.

The challenge of the show was evident from the offset with a very tight budget and an even tighter shoot schedule. We got some incredible support from a dedicated cast and crew but also from family, location owners, sponsorship from a couple of local businesses and post production facilities. This support proved to be invaluable. We feel we have achieved a drama with some great performances, high production values and a storyline that will resonate with a lot of people not only around the country but internationally.

CHRIS AND EMMETT INTERVIEW

NOVEMBER 2009

Q - You've just finished the first two episodes of The Guards. What was your best experience during the shoot?

EMMETT - Mine was my actual daughter playing my daughter in the series. She stood in front of the camera for the first time and acted. She played it like the game it was and took to it like peanut butter to jelly. She's seven now, her late singles, so it's about time she earned her keep.

CHRIS - Mine would have to be the Clontarf Castle shoot. It was a pretty mad night. I can't believe we survived.

Q - It sounds like it was a pretty hectic shoot overall. How did you survive?

CHRIS - Microwave dinners …

EMMETT - Cocaine and hookers. And that was just Steve.

HRIS - Only joking. It was being around a great group of people that got us through.

EMMETT - It was hard with what we had, and after four weeks you get tired of slugging. It's then that you rely on your friends to help you out. We looked after each other.

Q - The three main characters are very close. What's the dynamic between the three and why does it work so well?

CHRIS - They were all written to have attributes that help each other.

EMMETT - It's about strong relationships and brotherhood, but none of that would have worked if we didn't connect offscreen. We ended up being on the page as we were when cameras stopped rolling. Top blokes. Love the both of them now.

Q - Which of the three most naturally takes the lead?

CHRIS - Diarmuid.

EMMETT - Yeah, but not in a bossing way, otherwise the friendships wouldn't last. There has to be mutual trust - I sound like a f@*+#n bank!

Q - And which of the three is most likely to get lost in a supermarket?

CHRIS - Aiden… uugghhh

EMMETT - the dozy gobshite. Me brother from another mother.

Q - There are a few shocks in the first two episodes. Can we expect a few more nasty surprises for The Guards in the future?

CHRIS - Yes, the possible storylines are endless where these guys can go and there's a lot more to come.

EMMETT - The first two episodes set up the three boys, who they are and what makes them tick, after that, we turn the whole thing on its head. The first two are Mary Poppins compared to the rest.

CHRIS - You'll just have to keep tuned in…

BEHIND THE SCENES WITH DIRECTOR GRAHAM CANTWELL

OCTOBER 2009

Director Graham Cantwell talks exclusively about The Guards. Here's what he had to say:

'What attracted me to the project initially was the idea of filming something that hasn't been seen in Ireland before, a grass roots look at the day to day lives of the Gardai, seen from the perspective of three young officers as they negotiate difficulties at home and in the workplace. The themes of family and friendship resonated strongly with me and I saw it as a challenge that I couldn't pass up. We had a very tight schedule and a small budget, but thanks to the dedication and hard work of an incredibly talented crew and cast we pulled together something unique and fresh that I believe Irish audiences will really enjoy.'

TV3 ANNOUNCES THE GUARDS

AUGUST 2009

On the 20th, TV3 announced its Autumn Schedule at the Royal College of Physicians in Dublin, including its first two-part Drama, The Guards to be aired in the New Year.

EMMETT IN TIMBERLAKE SHOW

MARCH 2009

Emmett is just finishing up his latest shooting block on MTV's most expensive series to date, the Justin Timberlake produced reality series called, 'The Phone'.

Locations included Seattle, LA and Boston in a high-octane thrill ride where contestants must follow a series of instructions and clues left by Emmett, as the mysterious 'Operator', for their chance to win the game.

With stunts, car chases and explosions, each episode plays out more like a Hollywood action film than a reality show.

More info:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTmjdIm5ntw http://www.emmettjscanlan.com

CHRIS IN SHERIDAN'S PLAY

DECEMBER 2008

While most of us relax this Christmas, Chris Patrick-Simpson will be treading the boards in Dundrum, appearing in the play 'What the Donkey Saw', by Peter Sheridan (brother of Jim).

We're told, 'It's basically a very Irish version of the nativity, with loads of well written belly laughs.' Chris was looking forward to working on something light hearted, although still a challenge as each of the performers play at least three roles each. Early performances have been well received and to sell out crowds.

AWARD WINNING CINEMATOGRAPHER
JOINS THE GUARDS

NOVEMBER 2008

Award winning Director of Photography, Nicholas Schröder has signed onboard the drama series THE GUARDS, to bring his own special brand of magic to the programme.

Yesterday, Nic said, 'I'm really looking forward to working with Steven and Legend United again. THE GUARDS is a great concept, the stories are powerful and hugely emotive. Visually they require bold scope and the kind of gritty realism that is my speciality. I can't wait!'

MEET THE GUARDS

OCTOBER 2008

Legend United can now officially confirm that casting for the leads in new Irish drama THE GUARDS has been locked off.

The programme will star Dublin actor Emmett J. Scanlan, Northern Irish actor Chris Patrick-Simpson and Steven Aldridge as the three leads, Diarmuid, Malachy and Aiden.

Their stern female boss Maeve Healy, will be played by Aisling McLaughlin.