The Wolf of Wall Street
The Wolf of Wall Street is the true story of stockbroker Jordan Belfort on his rapid accumulation of wealth and his spiral into crime and corruption. The Wolf of Wall Street is directed by Martin Scorsese and stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Matthew McConaughey, Jonah Hill, Joanna Lumley, Jon Favreau and Jean Dujardin. We spoke with the 2nd AD for the UK and Italian units, Frazer Fennell-Ball.
Frazer Fennell-Ball is a 2nd Assistant Director working in feature films in the UK. His credits include work on Skyfall, Hugo, John Carter of Mars, Star Wars: Ep III and many more (click here for full profile).
What can you tell us about your role on The Wolf of Wall Street?
Back in May, I was the 2nd Assistant Director for the London section of the movie that filmed in the some of the most famous parts of Central London - St James’s Park, Westminster, Kensington & Tower Bridge. Then we prepped the Italian location and shot mostly in the port of the picturesque port town Portofino near Genova in Northern Italy. We then went out to sea to get plate shots out in the Med. One of the trickier things was having to find picture doubles for the main cast, including LDC and Joanna Lumley, and they had to fit the specific 90s tailored costumes perfectly which is not always as easy as you would imagine. It’s strange to think, but the 1990s are now classified as “period” and the look and clothing style was very different to what we wear now.
You’ve worked with the Martin Scorsese before on Hugo. Did The Wolf of Wall Street feel more like a classic Scorsese film?
I think Mr. Scorsese has shown us another side to his talents with his adaptability in recent years with films like Hugo, so I’m not sure what constitutes a “classic” Marty film anymore. But you can never fail to learn from the experience of working with one of the greats of modern cinema, whatever film he’s making. I think both films, although completely different in style, period and genre, still contain moments of his magic. I would actually say neither are Classic Scorsese films as there isn’t any gratuitous violence in either of them!
Leonardo DiCaprio not only stars in the film, but is a producer too. Does the demand on his time make it harder for the ADs?
I think in general when they are acting & producing on the movie, they are generally easier to work with as they are willing to give more for the production. In LDC’s case, I think he offers a lot more to the Director than most other actors as he is so involved and does so much research into the period and his character, whether he is producing or not, which is probably one of the reasons he is one of the best actors of our generation.
What else have you been working on recently that we might see in 2014?
‘Edge of Tomorrow’ is a Sci-fi film set in London 2020, directed by Doug Liman & starring Tom Cruise & Emily Blunt that comes out May 30th, 2014. And I’m currently shooting in Oxfordshire on the hotly anticipated David Ayer film ‘Fury’ with Brad Pitt, which we think is going to blow a few people away with its graphic portrayal of the end of the 2nd World War.
Have you got any advice to aspiring assistant directors?
Buy two alarm clocks, a small notebook, a four-colour pen, a pencil and a sturdy pair of boots! Apart from that, work hard, listen lots, put your phone on silent, know your callsheet, ask the right questions but most of all be likeable and keen. Do all of that and you could be the next Terry Needham!
What has been your best day at work?
I’ve been so lucky and have had some incredible experiences in fantastic countries, too many to mention. If I had to choose one, doing the Glacier Unit on ‘The Golden Compass’ atop the Franz Josef in Switzerland, co-ordinating movement of cast, crew and equipment in numerous helicopters was a logistical experience I will never forget. We actually had to evacuate the mountain due to adverse weather and I nearly got stuck up there with the Swiss mountaineering team as the last helicopter couldn’t take off due to the impending snow blizzard, but after some heroic work the pilot got us off the mountain just in time, but it was a very close call!!
Members can vewi Frazer's profile here and find him on facebook
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