So when people think of Australia, what do they think? They think sun, sea and sand. They think kangaroos, koalas and crocs. They think Steve Urwin, Mick Dundee and Heath Ledger. They think the Harbour Bridge, Ayers Rock, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Opera House. And these are all valid Australia beacons, the things you see on postcards. But what people also think is…Home and Away. Ok. I’m sure a lot of people don’t actually immediately think of Home and away. But I certainly do. I’m a big fan as already noted from our little trip up to Palm Beach in the summer and tea with Mark.
So one afternoon I’m babysitting as normal, picked the kids up, gave them afternoon tea, play at the park etc, and then Isabelle (‘the mum’) comes home a little late all stressed about work. Being the delightful young woman I enquire about her dilemma which is when she informs me that Home and Away are filming at UNSW next week and she’s in charge of all the logistics including getting extras to be in all the scenes and she’s had a few people pull out. This was my chance. CAN I BE AN EXTRA ON HOME AND AWAY? The answer was a resounding yes. Sublime.
So very early on Wednesday morning I made my way to the quad at uni where the filming was to take place. It was freezing, we’re all there in our big coats and hats, and then they make “Matilda” strut around in a little singlet and hot pants! Ha! So I focused on my performance, concentrated on not staring too much at “Matilda” and tried to get as much camera time as possible, aided by my exceptionally bright coloured jeans that were sure to grab the eye.
The story line was that Matilda (I understand that those who don’t follow H&A will not have any idea what I’m talking about but bear with me) has just broken up with Ric (That’s drama just there), she’s just started uni (hence the university ‘scene’) and is deliberating as to whether she should embark on a new relationship. The guy who was chatting up was apparently a ‘typical student’. We all thought it was a bit strange that H&A’s idea of a student was someone who wore a school blazer from a 1850s English public school and a satchel. Of course the extras were to bring reality to the scene and that where we came in.
We were split into groups and then set on certain routes around the quad, routes we were to repeat, crossing over the camera, miming, laughing, and being “studenty”. As was desired I definitely got some serious camera time…at one point I could have tripped up Matilda a metre from the camera – surely I’ll be able to spot myself?! Only time will tell…it’s all going to get very complicated with heading back to the UK and then being behind the Australian episodes – the only solution is to watch every episode. A sacrifice I’m prepared to make.
Conclusion: Claim to fame.
