In the cold winter months of 2021, as the film industry tried to get back to some sense of normality, Prestige Network was asked to source BSL interpreters for a Deaf actor to play a role in The Witcher prequel, The Witcher: Blood Origin.
It was no typical assignment and the hours varied dramatically, from working through the night to starting in the early hours to ensure that scenes were filmed in the best light possible.
Two BSL interpreters were needed on set each day, with the added complication of COVID tests required the day before every shoot.
But we were pleased to rise to the challenge, and over a memorable 8-months, we were able to supply a service for the talented actor who was making her Netflix debut alongside Lenny Henry.
What was a typical day like on set?
Whether we arrived at 10pm or 5am, Amy Murray, who plays Fenrik, required 2 hours in make-up before we started on set.
Our role was to provide essential access to all that was going on with the make-up artists, actors, and crew.
With so much activity, the set was no place for the faint-hearted, and thankfully, we were all well looked after with supplies of coffee and food, as the hours were long and conditions sometimes cold.
Scenes were shot both outside and indoors, with some takes repeated again and again. Or until the director captured the writer’s vision.
Having two interpreters was essential to ensuring we could provide access without gaps, as interpreters could take turns. The crew and cast were welcoming and interested in sign language. They made the experience accessible for Amy, even learning some sign language. And although some confused BSL with American sign language, the effort and drive was there.
The whole experience was unforgettable. It was encouraging to see such a fast mainstream environment become an inclusive world where seeing deaf actors and interpreters was the norm.
The hope is that we will see more of this but what’s more, we will understand that deaf actors are not just cast because they are deaf and the character is deaf, but because they are gifted actors and the character becomes deaf because they are.
