Behind bars on the big screen

The move from small screen to big has become a popular one for TV shows around the globe. And it is pleasing to note that our own local programmes are following hot on the heels of shows such as Sex And The City and the like and transforming beloved characters and storylines for silver screen audiences.
An aura of calm surrounds the Image 2000 studio as I wander in. Contrary to what I’d expect to find days before the launch of a movie, there is no manic panicking on the go. It is quite the opposite in fact, as director Fabian Mizzi welcomes me in to the film’s office hub and offers me a sneak preview of Santa Monika, the movie.
“We’re nearly there,” he smiles, indicating towards the TV equipment in front of him and the recognisable shots of well-known characters. “It’s been a long time coming but now that we have finally wrapped filming I am sure that both regular Santa Monika audiences and those who have never followed it will like what we’ve come up with. It’s been a great team effort and we really invested time, energy and funds in creating a great production that will hopefully impress from all angles.”
After 68 full episodes, the weekly TV version of Santa Monika came to a natural close after three years in production. It was a hit from the start, and viewers seemed to like the drama that stemmed from life within a women’s correctional facility.
“It was must-see TV because there was so much meat to explore; the characters were feisty and believable and the storylines very exciting. Those are the precise ingredients that we have kept part of the film which starts where the TV version left off. Many of the characters are recognisable but we have also included new ones and each adds a fresh element to the plot.”
The film is a rollercoaster of twists and turns, and even my quick preview has me glued. It takes us back to the Santa Monika Correctional Facility where mystery, intrigue, hate and vendettas are the order of the day. The story kicks off the introduction of a new character, the mysterious Rebekkah (played by Sandra Davis) who has just been incarcerated by prison director George Said (Ray Attard). Immediately things get puzzling as Mr Said instructs that none of the inmates should ever discover Rebekkah’s true identity.
“It becomes a little like a whodunit,” smiles Mr Mizzi, “a good portion of the story revolves around Rebekkah’s secrets and the reasons why she must be protected.”
The team of prison wardens also sees a new face in the character of Robert Pace (Mark Mifsud). “Ina (played by Sarah Spiteri), one of the inmates, falls for him immediately but her tender attractions are not reciprocated. It’s quite the opposite actually and Robert becomes aggressive towards her. It seems he too is hiding something and information starts tumbling out. Unearthed secrets come thick and fast throughout the film and plenty of trouble is stirred up ensuring riveting viewing.”
The story itself was left in the hands of writer Fredrick Zammit, who was also involved in the original series. “The success of the series was actually my inspiration for the film,” he explains.
“Before it came to an end viewers were already asking for more and Image 2000 was receiving requests for another season. By that point though we had already set our sights on the cinema and viewer feedback encouraged us to bite the bullet and go for it. Obviously we had to come up with a fantastic story to meet their expectations. We need to attract the thousands of loyal fans that Santa Monika already has, as well as people who have never seen the series before.
“Thus the story has been created to stand alone. While all the main characters are still there, new ones are introduced providing a fresh feel, and this script avoids references to anything that may have happened in the past so new audience members won’t be confused.”
The film has been a genuine team effort and the whole crew would often head off for late night pizza and ice cream sessions in search of inspiration. “We faced all kinds of challenges along the way,” continued Mr Mizzi, “but we became good at solving them as a group.
“We wanted to create the best possible product, which poses the usual local problem: finances. We decided not to let that get in the way though, and stopped at nothing. We used the best special effects and technology available and are sure that our audiences will appreciate that.
“One of the recurring pieces of feedback that we received during the run of the show was that people wanted to see more scenes set within the prison itself – and we have certainly given them that this time around. A prison gives rise to so many natural situations – fights for instance, and a lot of research went into finding out what life is really like in an all-female correctional facility.
“The fights add a lot of action to it, and several stunts were carried out, especially by Sandra Davis who chose to complete them all herself; that added a very special aspect to the movie. All of the characters are interesting with individual nuances that add something to the finished product.”
The majority of the filming was actually carried out on site at a real prison, the now disused British prison in Corradino. “The building was perfect for what we wanted and we ended up practically moving in! It’s an incredible venue and quite spooky, which really adds to the overall effect of the movie.
“It had been abandoned for a long time when we decided to use it, so the first few weeks were spent decorating it. We were there for hours on end and a couple of the crew members were forever telling us that it was haunted. Frighteningly, a particular security camera that we had rigged to protect our equipment and which only turned on once it sensed movement, sprung to life at the same time each night and seemed to record an orb floating through the air. Of course we can’t prove what it was, but it definitely sent a chill down our spine when we were there filming late into the night.”
The team of actors were also wholly dedicated to the film, and each of them invested heavily in their character development whether they were reviving old personalities or creating new ones.
Marika Mizzi, who is also one of the directors of Image 2000, explains: “My character, Sandra, was dreamt up over a glass of wine (or two) with Fredrick Zammit some four years ago. I remember telling him how much I wanted to play a baddie warden who makes life hell for all the inmates. To cut a long story short, that simple idea is what developed into Santa Monika and its evolvement into a movie has been incredible too.
“In the end I came to play Sandra, an inmate and not an evil prison guard. That said, throughout the series Sandra terrorised her fellow inmates and it’s been great to make the movie as, in complete contrast, she is finally pinned down by someone who threatens her instead. It has been incredible to watch the character develop from a TV personality into a film one and the process has been truly intriguing.”
Having previewed last night, the film is now running at the cinema.
“This is a jam-packed, action-filled thriller,” Mr Mizzi continued, “and there’s no time for boredom as the plot unfolds continuously. It makes for very addictive viewing. I would advise audience members not to leave the theatre until the very last second as an un-missable titbit awaits them right at the end, a final twist that will glue them to their seats!”
The cast also includes Mark Mifsud, Simone Zammit, Greta Falzon Aloisio, Yvonne Scicluna, Dulcima Aquilina, Vanessa Cassar, Louise Cassar, Doris Bonello, Marvic Cordina, Vivienne Caruana, Melanie Micallef Carr and Ronnie Galea. The original score was composed by Philip Vella.

The film is being distributed by KRS. For further information visit www.santamonikathemovie.com.

Source: Weekender, January 24, 2009