Hollywood crew find Guernsey talent for upcoming Occupation film

Monday, 11 May 2026 11:46

WW2 Jeeps participating in the Liberation Day parade 2026

Two Guernsey actors have successfully auditioned for speaking parts in the film 'Under the Watchful Gaze.'

Guernsey-born director Gene Fallaize and his company Copsogue Pictures are holding meetings with government in Guernsey today, 11 May.

It follows a busy Liberation weekend schedule of scouting locations and carrying out auditions.

Producer Adam Southwick says they've found two out of the three local actors for speaking roles:

"It's being able to review the tapes as well, and sometimes that gives you a different perspective, but you know if this is going to be a good audition or not within that first minute."

They also spent the Liberation weekend looking at wartime locations, and Guernsey-born director Gene Fallaize says they were impressed:

"This film for me is about authenticity, so more of that local look, that local sound, that's what I'm all over."

Gene says many places have changed little, including the backdrop to the iconic German propaganda picture of a band marching past Lloyds Bank in the St Peter Port High Street:

"There are tricks and tools and movie magic that we can do, but the location largely looks the way it did, so to be able to recreate that moment is so important."

Filming is due to begin in late summer, with as many outside scenes as possible shot on the island.

Further casting sessions will take place over the coming weeks.