Becky Sharp
Elizabeth Weald - Email
Synopsis
Written and Produced by Elizabeth Weald and directed by Qwin Cowper.
It’s never been easier to become a celebrity! Many believe it’s their right, their destiny to have their 15 minutes of fame. Becky Sharp is no different, she believes it’s her destiny to climb her way up to the top of the celebrity ladder by any means necessary. She made her way into the industry by getting her tits out on page 3. Then upgrading from Slag to Wag by marrying one time England football hero Gary, who now sits on the bench for Chelsea.
After fears of her career slipping after being sacked by Max Clifford, Becky turns to ex Butlins redcoat Tony Chambers, who recommends a well-earned boob job to perk up her popularity. Having made her name by winning “Brittan’s best real jugs” by the readers of “Splurge” magazine a boob job would not go down well with the press.
Could disguising the boob job as a shoulder operation, “operating from the front” put the press off the scent?
It’s never been easier to become a celebrity! Many believe it’s their right, their destiny to have their 15 minutes of fame. Becky Sharp is no different, she believes it’s her destiny to climb her way up to the top of the celebrity ladder by any means necessary. She made her way into the industry by getting her tits out on page 3. Then upgrading from Slag to Wag by marrying one time England football hero Gary, who now sits on the bench for Chelsea.
After fears of her career slipping after being sacked by Max Clifford, Becky turns to ex Butlins redcoat Tony Chambers, who recommends a well-earned boob job to perk up her popularity. Having made her name by winning “Brittan’s best real jugs” by the readers of “Splurge” magazine a boob job would not go down well with the press.
Could disguising the boob job as a shoulder operation, “operating from the front” put the press off the scent?
Liz Weald - Producer/Writer
Where the idea came from
"Becky Sharp was an idea that came to me after reading “Vanity Fair” by William Thackeray. His character Becky Sharp and her desperation to claw her way from the depths of poverty out into high society, was still true to a lot of young women today as many see becoming a WAG as a means to be rich, famous and beautiful.
Originally the piece started out as a costume drama inspired by the 2005 BBC3 production “Casanova” starring David Tennant, which had punk influences to it sex, drugs and rock and roll. However, with my student budget I soon realized that a costume drama can’t be done cheaply so the idea was soon dropped for this project, but not forgotten.
I then started to work out a script that was manageable, cheap and most importantly very entertaining. I started watching “Kerry Katona Crazy in love” where it dawned on me that the most effective way to produce this piece would be in a MTV Mockumentary format. Once I’d found the format the script just wrote itself."
Elizabeth Weald, April 2009
Originally the piece started out as a costume drama inspired by the 2005 BBC3 production “Casanova” starring David Tennant, which had punk influences to it sex, drugs and rock and roll. However, with my student budget I soon realized that a costume drama can’t be done cheaply so the idea was soon dropped for this project, but not forgotten.
I then started to work out a script that was manageable, cheap and most importantly very entertaining. I started watching “Kerry Katona Crazy in love” where it dawned on me that the most effective way to produce this piece would be in a MTV Mockumentary format. Once I’d found the format the script just wrote itself."
Elizabeth Weald, April 2009
An Interview with Qwin Cowper (Director) and Liz Weald (Producer)
On Set filming Becky Sharp
Casting
When casting for the programme I auditioned over thirty actors and actresses, I was really looking for people who were enthusiastic and intuitive to my piece.
When I came across Jess (Becky), Jack (Gary), Matt (Tony), Emma (Nurse Karen) and David (Steve) I knew they were right because they made me laugh at my own jokes. I think the chemistry between all the actors, on and off camera was so great and most of all I really felt that they liked their characters and enjoyed playing them.
I’ve been lucky to have such an amazing cast of talented actors and I think they each gave something unique to their character making it their own.
When I came across Jess (Becky), Jack (Gary), Matt (Tony), Emma (Nurse Karen) and David (Steve) I knew they were right because they made me laugh at my own jokes. I think the chemistry between all the actors, on and off camera was so great and most of all I really felt that they liked their characters and enjoyed playing them.
I’ve been lucky to have such an amazing cast of talented actors and I think they each gave something unique to their character making it their own.
Cast
Crew
Becky Sharp - Jessica Dyas
Gary Sharp - Jack Cramer
Tony - Mathew Field
Karen - Emma Lees
Steve - David Chrysanthou
Gary Sharp - Jack Cramer
Tony - Mathew Field
Karen - Emma Lees
Steve - David Chrysanthou
Elizabeth Weald - Producer
Qwin Cowper - Director
Adrian Smith - Camera one
Jason Smith - Camera two
James Walker - Camera three
Katie Hoyle - Lighting
Ash Flight - Sound
Andy Yates - Sound
Will Hudson - Narrator
Qwin Cowper - Director
Adrian Smith - Camera one
Jason Smith - Camera two
James Walker - Camera three
Katie Hoyle - Lighting
Ash Flight - Sound
Andy Yates - Sound
Will Hudson - Narrator
Jessica Dyas - Becky Sharp
Jack Cramer - Gary
Filming
Filming for Becky Sharp was a great process and so much fun, I’ve never been on a shoot where every crewmember at one stage or another is in fits of laughter. The crew were really professional, enthusiastic, ready and willing and their creativity shone through each day. A special thanks goes to Director Qwin Cowper who is the complete opposite from me. Who knew we would make the perfect, creative, harmonious Director/Producer team. The production would also be nothing if it wasn’t for Pauline and Mel letting us use their beautiful home as the set for Becky’s house. The production is now at fever pitch waiting for your verdict, we hope you immerse yourself in the in the world of z-lister WAG Becky Sharp and enjoy the crazy life she leads.
Jessica Dyas - Becky Sharp
Matthew Field - Tony
