FOR a movie all about the ritual of the Aussie barbie, it was somewhat ironic that unseasonal weather washed out the outdoor premiere screening of The BBQ.
The unseasonal weather couldn’t put a dampener on Shane Jacobson and Manu Feildel’s appetite to talk, as the two stars of the screen sat down with Community News to discuss their film.
Jacobson, who plays Darren ‘Dazza’ Cook, said the film was all about the tradition of a BBQ.
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READ NOW“The name of the film is The BBQ, there is no mystery what it is about – it’s a great tradition even though Manu has told me that it happens around the world,” he said.
“My character loves the ritual of inviting everyone around for a BBQ, not just doing it on a semi-regular basis but every Sunday.
“That’s probably where the problem started – his wife and family probably didn’t want it to be that regular.
“One day a fridge was unknowingly turned off so the prawns were off which made people sick, it made it onto the TV and straight after that Dazza’s work BBQ Galore wants him to represent Australia in a meat cooking contest, which is where it all starts.”
For My Kitchen Rules star Manu Feildel, The BBQ was his first crack at starring on the big screen and having thoroughly enjoyed the experience, it may not be his last.
“I didn’t know what to expect, I was like a little boy on my first day at school with my highlighter and my ruler for my lines,” he said.
“I was learning my lines, and then I got another script and another then I realised I probably should stop doing that,” he said.
“The first day on set I met this amazing cast who really embraced me and welcomed me.
“There was no ‘I’ve been an actor for 20 odd years’, there was none of that, it was all ‘hey how are you going?’ – it was easy.”
Mr Jacobson agreed the vibe on set was extremely relaxed and he hoped that was something that would translate onto the screen.
“We were having too much fun, then someone would say action and we would be like oh now we have to act,” he said.
“Manu and I got along from the moment we met. Doing a film, it’s like going to a new high school or a job – you hope that you like everyone and you all get along.
“Just because you are like minded doesn’t mean everyone will get along but I think Manu and I can call each other mates now.”
Mr Feildel said the opportunity had come as a surprise and he now wouldn’t rule out future film opportunities.
“I got a call from my agent saying I just had a meeting and they want you to be in a movie,” he said.
“Filming a movie was so different to My Kitchen Rules instead of having 12 cameras in a room, there was only one and we had to film scenes many different times.
“I’ve had a good life in Australia so far, I’ve chased the opportunity and I love a challenge.
“Did I ever think I would be in a movie, then no, would I make a career out of it? Maybe, if someone knocks on the door again I would probably give it another crack.”
With Australia Day just around the corner, Feildel and Jacobson agreed that the ultimate BBQ dish was a spit roasted lamb shoulder.
“As for the top tips, never lean on a hot BBQ and never BBQ naked,” Jacobson shared.
The BBQ is in cinemas on February 22.