Jason Flemyng, Jonathan Ross and Solomon Kane
A few people have mentioned this to me so I thought I’d share it if you didn’t hear. Got a little story for ya:
A couple of Saturday mornings ago I turned on the radio which, typically, had been changed from the magnificent Radio4 to some other godawful station by the kids. Randomly stabbing buttons to try and find 92.7FM again I heard the came across the dulcet tones of Jonathan Ross and in the fraction of a second he was on before I continued on to John Humphries I heard the words “Jason Flemyng will be on later”. Peaked my interest. Remained tuned to Radio2.
I love Jason Flemyng - he’s in Solomon Kane and is one of the easiest going, nicest actors you could ever want to work with. Purefoy is a joy but he’s quiet and reserved and very English. Jase is much more gregarious and has just amazing celebrity anecdotes and gossip. He’s up for anything, has great energy and humour. He came to work on Kane at the very end of the shoot when I was just so weary after 60 hard, cold and long days and his presence on the set was one of the few things to look forward to.
So I text Jase and ask him to mention Kane if there’s a chance. He responds nice and sharpish saying ‘course he will.
Sure enough Flemyng was on. Good value. Nice banter. Mostly talking about a little indie flick called ‘Shifty’ that he’s supporting and about ‘Clash of the Titans’, that he’s shooting right now. I’m mentally urging him to talk Kane. Which, finally, he does.
JR asks what else he’s been up to. Jase says he’s just done a great movie called SK. Amazingly JR is totally aware of Kane (not the movie, he seemed surprised that existed) but the books and REH’s whole oeuvre. He talked El Borak and other more obscure characters from the canon. All very cool – this guy is a proper genre fan and seems to know his stuff. Very welcome in the BBC’s primary film reviewer. Even better, JR asks Jase whose made the film – I’m going to get a name-check, which is always nice – and what happens? Flemyng dries. Can’t remember my name. “Michael…er…… It’s a secret” 
3 million people listening and he can’t remember the name of his director. Sheesh.
JR saves further embarrassment and goes to a song. I text Jason…reminding him exactly what my name is. (politely, of course) They come back from the song and finally he gives me due credit and explains that on his phone I’m simply ‘Michael – Solomon Kane’.
My daughter put it best - “Gee dad, you really must have made an impression.”
Made me laugh. Snivelling, grovelling apologies from Jason and all is forgiven.
And anyway, as I said to him when he called, it’s easy to get names mixed up – when I cast him, I thought I was getting Jason Statham…:)
You can download the Jonathan Ross show as a podcast from itunes and listen for yourself, if you like.
LOL! Your daughter is right!!
Very interesting interview, though.
What a great story. Funny, my sis and I were recently discussing that Clash would make a great remake, if it were done right. High hopes for that one now! YAY!
Hi Michael,
Good luck with SK. I read Harry’s effusive review and so immediately searched to see when I could buy a ticket; no such luck!
If you are thinking of doing any previews near London please remember me.
I agree about Eric by-the-by. I remember first coming across some 2nd hand Moorcock at the age of 12, second hand at a school bring & buy. I then averaciously devoured all the Eternal Champion novels.
I have to say I have been supremely disappointed in the efforts to bring pulp science fiction and fantasy to the screen. I was so hopeful after The Matrix, to then be more than disappointed in the follow-ups. Why is it so difficult for screen-writers to write an internally consistent plot-line?
I have real hopes as a result of Harry’s review, and will go see it.
Good luck,
Martin
Dear Mr. Bassett:
I know that this is going to sound a bit weird, so please, give me a moment. I’ve been working on a proposal for my doctoral thesis, which is basically the study of nomadic societies in western cultures, Romany gypsies, Irish Travellers, Rainbow Family, Deadheads etc….
For part of my writings, I have interviewed people who are parts of these cultures, or those who have had experience or insight into them. Which brings me to this letter. As part of my studies on travellers, I of course, referenced “Snatch,” and hoped to speak with an actor who had portrayed a “pikey” in the film. Did they work w/ members of a traveller clan; To perfect the dialect or create an authentic wardrobe or campsite? If so, were they open and helpful?
I think we can both agree that Brad Pitt will not answer my calls
In all seriousness, I think Jason Flemyng’s character, while for all intents and purposes, silent, was really well done. I’ve seen him in other things, and have heard that he’s quite a nice fellow. I know that there are sites online where you can get a free membership to some club that will provide agent nammes and numbers, and sometimes even more personal means to contact someone. However, I find them so invasive, and while it would be quite a success to have a comment or conversation with him for my proposal and perhaps ultimately, my thesis, it would be a shallow victory were it not to be his own desire to help or contribute.
I’m sure you meet struggling industry people all the time, just begging for help in on eway or another, and I’m sure that must be so frustrating. I do not wish to be that person. So I’ll end with this… If this strikes a cord with you in any way, and you find a moment to mention it to Mr. Flemyng, I would be so grateful. Regardless of the outcome. I’m sure you can understand what a huge attempt I’m making, and know that I have no confidence that either of you will have time to reply to my ramblings. I’d like to think that if I were you, I’d take pity on a layperson, but who knows?
So, I’ll leave my information, and hope to hear from you.
I am a 29 year old American who is trying desperately to be accepted at Cambridge to get my PhD. I’m hoping that this finds you, and that you’re having a pleasant day. Thank you for you time. I am very appreciative.
I think the best thing you can do is get in touch with Jason’s agents in the UK and ask them. He’s repped by Jeremy Conway at Conway Van Gelder.
http://www.conwayvangeldergrant.com
email – info@conwayvg.co.uk
Jason is a fantastically nice fella and I’m sure if they pass on a message, you’ll get something from him.