Lights, cameras…action! Care home in the movies
The red carpet was rolled out at Sutton Valence Care Home for the screening of the trailer for a movie which was filmed there.
The 70-room residential home served as the set for The Carer, a comedy drama about the unlikely relationship between a legendary actor and the Hungarian aspiring actress who looks after him.
Some of the residents’ family members and staff from the care team were filmed as extras.
Adele Govett, 44, has lived at the North Street home for five years.
She said: “I was in the background during scenes in the front room and the conservatory. We were involved pretty much all day for the six days they were here.
“It was something I will never get the chance to do again.
“It was a very rewarding and overwhelming experience and the actors were lovely. I got all their autographs. I’m interested in photography so I enjoyed watching the whole process.”
During breaks between filming, in March last year, stars including Brian Cox, Anna Chancellor and Selina Cadell met with residents and staff at the care home, which is run by brighterkind.
Hollywood actor Mr Cox, who takes the leading role in The Carer, is perhaps best known for his appearance in The Bourne Identity.
Gaye Harvey, home administrator, said: “The residents really enjoyed seeing the stars and a film crew in the home. It was novel and added a bit of excitement for a few days.”
The €1.6m-budget film, which has had favourable ratings from critics, premiered at the Palm Springs International Film Festival in California in January, and went on general release on Friday, August 5.
The home is planning its own premier and will also be holding its own light hearted version of the Academy Awards when the film is available on DVD.
Eagle-eyed viewers may also spot another Kent landmark, the Theatre Royal in Margate, which featured as the backdrop for an awards ceremony in the film, as well as Boughton Monchelsea Place.