Long queue well before 10am

The build up for the 7th series of the ITV hit comedy series "Benidorm" started this morning - outside the Hotel Melia. Hoards of enthusiastic locals - and not so local as I discovered, queued patiently for the quest to sign up as extras.

Lynda Boorman - 1st in line

Although the official time advertised was from 10am, I spoke with Lynda Boorman who was first in line.

She told me that she arrived at 8:45am to stake her place and unbelievably had travelled from Santa Pola which is near the airport in Alicante - her daughter was an extra in last years series and had such great fun that she decided to give it a go herself this year.

Each prospective extra had to fill out a form, which was available in both English and Spanish and Helena was on hand supervising and controlling the crowds. For Helena, who works for "Mediterranea Audicion", the company responsible for supplying all the extras, it is her third year of working on the series and she is just as enthusiastic and excited about it this year as she was the first time around.

Cheese!

The hopefuls were called downstairs in small groups - where they were given a number, written on a sticker by Javi, Helena´s assistant. They then had to hold it up when having their picture taken and afterwards that number was placed on their application form.... it was all very well organised.
Three pictures were taken of each person - the face, full length and a side view.... plus a close up of any distinguishing features such as tattoos.

Pere Agullo, the Spanish Production manager from "Filming Spain SLU" was also on hand overseeing things. He is "the fixer" - arranging all the permissions and location requirements are correct and in order for filming to go ahead smoothly and to schedule. He told me that they have had great co-operation with the Town Hall, who are obviously well aware of the knock on benefits of filming for the resort.

With Director David Sant

I spoke with Pere who told me that filming will begin on 24th March until the end of June. The cast usually start arriving 7-10 days prior to the start date, so you may start bumping into them towards the end of next week.... great, they are just in time for the St Patrick Day celebrations! The majority of filming will take place at the 3 main locations - Pink House, the pool area of the Sol Pelicanos aka The Solana and Morgan Tavern, which is Neptunes nightclub in the series.

They will also endeavor to incorporate some Spanish traditions this year, with some Valencian sporting activities! David Sant, one of the two Directors from last year - the other was Sandy Johnson, also popped by to the Melia during the morning. He will once again be at the helm, sharing the job with Sandy.
Good luck to all those the turned up..... there was a second session in the afternoon - I am sure those lucky enough to get the call will have a great time being part of this project.