On Friday 1 March, our members gathered for a special screening of The Ghost of Peter Sellers — followed by a Q&A with the film’s director Peter Medak, producer Paul Iacovou, and editor Joby Gee.
The Ghost of Peter Sellers tells the story of Ghost in the Noonday Sun, an ill-fated film directed by Medak — and one which Peter Sellers did everything within his power to sabotage. Piers Haggard was particularly well-suited to Chair the discussion, having had his own troubles directing Sellers on the set of The Fiendish Plot of Dr. Fu Manchu.
Catch up with all the live-tweets from the event below.
We’re excited for our member screening of “The Ghost of Peter Sellers”, followed by a Q&A with the amazing people behind the film! Follow tweets later this evening on #DUKSellers pic.twitter.com/pd3XQoos2K
— Directors UK (@Directors_UK) March 1, 2019
Alongside Peter Medak, @PiersHaggard introduced the great work of @DirectorsCF before the screening. Make sure you follow them and keep up with their great initiatives. #DUKSellers pic.twitter.com/m0PfZDd1E4
— Directors UK (@Directors_UK) March 1, 2019
What a wonderful, moving, funny film that was - and now it’s time for the Q&A! @PiersHaggard will lead director Peter Medak, producer Paul Iacovou and editor Joby Gee in conversation. #DUKSellers
— Directors UK (@Directors_UK) March 1, 2019
Piers starts by asking for a show of hands of directors who have had something disastrous happen to them on a shoot. A lot of hands go up! #DUKSellers
— Directors UK (@Directors_UK) March 1, 2019
Paul talks about a four-hour phone call he had Peter Medak, where it became clear that there was so much to the story to tell. #DUKSellers
— Directors UK (@Directors_UK) March 1, 2019
.@PiersHaggard explains how he was hired to direct Sellers’ last film. “Why didn’t I walk away? It was obvious it was going to be a disaster”. #DUKSellers
— Directors UK (@Directors_UK) March 1, 2019
Piers adds that the most touching section to him was where Peter met with John Heyman, where the artist met financier. “John did the most incredible interview - it should be in film schools everywhere”, Peter adds. The film carries a dedication to John. #DUKSellers
— Directors UK (@Directors_UK) March 1, 2019
Piers turns it over to the audience for questions. #DUKSellers
— Directors UK (@Directors_UK) March 1, 2019
#DUKSellers pic.twitter.com/uCuVH46yqP
— Directors UK (@Directors_UK) March 1, 2019
A member asks how Peter would have directed Sellers if had the chance now: “I would have made sure he read the script”. #DUKSellers
— Directors UK (@Directors_UK) March 1, 2019
Piers mentions that the producer he worked with was actually too frightened to come on location - no one had his back when talking to Sellers. “Having a decent producer helps!” #DUKSellers
— Directors UK (@Directors_UK) March 1, 2019
Peter agrees - when it really got tough on set, no one was there. #DUKSellers
— Directors UK (@Directors_UK) March 1, 2019
Another member asks if in the end it was better if the film was never shown. #DUKSellers
— Directors UK (@Directors_UK) March 1, 2019
Peter says it could be released tomorrow, and it would be interesting to see how it came across. He wanted to include more of it in the Doc originally. “Too much!” Joby adds. #DUKSellers
— Directors UK (@Directors_UK) March 1, 2019
#DUKSellers pic.twitter.com/gcb2OFLThv
— Directors UK (@Directors_UK) March 1, 2019
A member asks Joby about what he brought from the film, coming from a different genre background. (Peter works in drama, Joby in docs). #DUKSellers
— Directors UK (@Directors_UK) March 1, 2019
Peter says that Joby kept him on an even keel throughout. “These films need so much love”, Joby says. #DUKSellers
— Directors UK (@Directors_UK) March 1, 2019
A member asks Paul how the people of Cyprus remember the film. “Most of the people there don’t remember the film too well - but the turtles were happy to see Peter again.” #DUKSellers
— Directors UK (@Directors_UK) March 1, 2019
Joby adds one thing the locals remember that they couldn’t squeeze into the film: “Apparently Sellers tried to get the pirate boat blown up.” #DUKSellers
— Directors UK (@Directors_UK) March 1, 2019
A member asks whether there was a specific point, looking back, that Peter wishes he had walked away from Ghost in the Noonday Sun. #DUKSellers
— Directors UK (@Directors_UK) March 1, 2019
Peter: Before I made the film. After that it’s too late, you can’t go back. #DUKSellers
— Directors UK (@Directors_UK) March 1, 2019
Was there any joy at all for Peter making the film? #DUKSellers
— Directors UK (@Directors_UK) March 1, 2019
Peter says he had a good time and he appreciated his time with crew - “you have a responsibility to your crew”, he says. #DUKSellers
— Directors UK (@Directors_UK) March 1, 2019
Costume Designer Ruth Myers, who is in the audience tonight, adds that Peter is a director who brings joy with him. “It’s true that the extras threw away all their clothes, but so did Peter.” #DUKSellers
— Directors UK (@Directors_UK) March 1, 2019
And that’s a wrap! What a fantastic discussion on all things failure, filmmaking and Peter Sellers. Thank you to Peter Medak, Paul Iacovou, Joby Gee and also to Piers Haggard for moderating. #DUKSellers
— Directors UK (@Directors_UK) March 1, 2019
The Ghost of Peter Sellers is a must watch. Catch a trailer for it below! #DUKSellers https://t.co/XxJGE4gB9m
— Directors UK (@Directors_UK) March 1, 2019
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