RIP Michael Jackson

Today showed the death of the King of Pop. The international outpouring of grief and the shear volume of press generated shows that he was still one of most famous men in the whole world.

A troubled man who is living proof that pushy parents and life in the public eye is a most unhealthy thing sometimes. Yet was undoubtedly one the greatest performers ever. I'm conflicted as some of the stories surrounding him are most uncomfortable, yet he wrote Thriller. The hands down greatest music video ever made. He sold a quarter of a billion albums in his albums, and permiated the public conscience in a way few performers ever do. His impact on popular culture cannot be underestimated as can be demonstrated by the below video.

RIP Michael Jackson.

Lincoln

I found myself in Lincoln on Monday as my Dad had an old army friend from USA visiting, and he wanted to go see Lincoln cathedral and castle. So off I went as a dutiful son.

What a beaufiful place! And just ripe for filming in (Ron Howard agrees with me as he filmed part of The Da Vinci Code in it lol).

Got to find me a reason to bring my next film there (or write one thats set there! lol)

An open letter to Nick Griffin, Chairman of the BNP and MEP for North West England

LOL ;)

"09 June 2009

Dear Mr Griffin,

We couldn't help but notice that there was egg on your face (and on your suit jacket) on the day after you were elected MEP for North West England.

Please don't leave egg on ours.

You wore a Poppy lapel badge during your news conference to celebrate your election victory. This was in direct contravention of our polite request that you refrain from politicising one of the nation's most treasured and beloved symbols.

The Poppy is the symbol of sacrifices made by British Armed Forces in conflicts both past and present and it has been paid for with blood and valour. True valour deserves respect regardless of a person's ethnic origin, and everyone who serves or has served their country deserves nothing less.

The Poppy pin, the Poppy logo, and the paper Poppy worn during Remembrance are the property, trademark and emblem of The Royal British Legion.

For nearly 90 years, The Royal British Legion has pursued a policy of being scrupulously above the party political fray. It is vital that everyone - the media, the public and our beneficiaries - know that we will not allow our independence to be undermined or our reputation impaired by being closely associated with any one political party. This is more important now than ever.

On May 27th, 2009, the National Chairman of The Royal British Legion wrote to you privately requesting that you desist from wearing the Poppy or any other emblem that might be associated with the Legion at any of your public appearances during the European Parliamentary election campaign.

He appealed to your sense of honour. But you have responded by continuing to wear the poppy. So now we're no longer asking you privately.

Stop it, Mr Griffin. Just stop it.

Regards,

The Royal British Legion"

Windsor

I've just spent 3 days in Windsor filming with the German crew for the Siemens promo.

I've always wanted to go, but never got round to it. This was a great excuse to see the town.



Its absolutely lovely! lol. The castle dominates the town, and is just stunning, and with the river and all the other history bits like Sir Christopher Wrens house, it was right up my street for a history buffs like me.

That's a wrap!

Finally finished on Rubins yesterday. Principle photography has now moved to South Africa for a week, but I haven't lol

James Callis proved to be an absolute gent by buying the crew champagne and chocolates for the whole crew :)As was Timothy Spall.

And I finally got my cameo as Man in post office queue with Tim lol. Absolute Oscar shoe-in ;)

So onto the next thing, which is a promo for Seimans about a new train and involves taking some Germans around London train stations lol

Now just the wrap party!

Black Snake v Rattle Snake

From an email my Dad got from an old friend in Texas! lol

"I've been told not to kill black snakes because they kill poisonous snakes, but this is the first time I've actually seen proof.


The guy who snapped these photos said the rattler was still rattling all the way down!!! "

The King and I

Finally got the pics from my friends Daves wedding in Thailand. Beautiful!

Site Manager

Seems I have a new job! lol

But of course it is all just smoke and mirrors ;)

The Arcadia

We were filming down in Southampton for a couple of days. One of them was filming on P & O's flagship cruiseliner The Arcadia.

I've never been on a cruise ship before, and the Arcadia is a beauty. I could get used to that! lol