Published Date:
14 July 2010
CHILDREN in Heage Primary School's FilmClub got a star-studded opportunity when they received a visit from Blair Dunlop, who appeared in hit film Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Blair starred alongside Hollywood legend Johnny Depp as the young Willy Wonka in the hit Tim Burton version of Roald Dahl children's book.
About 30 pupils in the club put Blair through his paces as they quizzed him about life on the film set - and, of course, meeting the infamous Johnny Depp.
Blair, the son of folk legend Ashley Hutchings and singer Judy Dunlop, now 18, was only 12 when he made his acting debut in the hit 2005 remake of one of Roald Dahls most beloved children's story.
He chatted with the kids about their favourite movies and talked about what he has been doing since the film came out.
Not only has he featured in a BBC series, Rocket Man, which starred Robson Green, but he has now set his mind to proving that he can make it as a musician, with appearances at Derbyshire's Ashover Folk and Roots Festival and Towersey Festival.
Blair said: "I haven't done this sort of thing before but its really nice to do it because its a great experience.
"Things like this really bring me back in to it and remind me of what a great time I had filming it.
"I only got into acting when I was at secondary school and I never thought I'd ben any good at it.
"The best advice I can give anyone wanting to get into acting is just to give it a go."
He also showed the students back stage photographs while they munched on pop-corn from a new machine, which was bought with money from Filmclub, a network of after-school film clubs, for being a star club.
The pupils favourite films so far include Charlotte's Web, Monsters Vs Aliens and Honey I Shrunk the Kids.
Erin Richardson, eight, said: "It was incredible.
"I never thought I'd see him face to face and it was so cool."
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Last Updated:
14 July 2010 12:25 PM
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Source:
Ripley & Heanor News
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Location:
Ripley & Heanor