US movie producer returns to roots
Hollywood player Frances heads home
Published:
INVERURIE-BORN Frances Patterson has rubbed shoulders with stars such as Kevin Bacon, Angelina Jolie and Meryl Streep.
And now she is heading home to showcase her latest film – Ruby Blue.
The movie, starring Bob Hoskins, will be shown at Aberdeen’s Belmont Picture House next month.
Frances worked on set as line producer, a role which saw her oversee the film's budget and day-to-day activities.
It is a very important role and gives her power even over the director.
Frances, who wouldn’t reveal her age, moved to Hollywood to get involved in the film business after a chance meeting with Kevin Bacon.
She said: “I flew out to Los Angeles to visit some friends, and they introduced me to Kevin, so it was completely by chance that I began working as his assistant.
“That’s how it all began – more than 25 years ago.”
Since then, she has worked with such stars as Meryl Streep, Gary Oldman, Angelina Jolie and more recently, Simon Pegg and Bob Hoskins.
And she includes films such as Tomb Raider 2 and The River Wild as her greatest achievements so far.
She was also an assistant producer on Run Fat Boy Run, which was directed by Friends star David Schwimmer.
And despite now living and working in Kent, she has fond memories of her time in the US. She said: “Kevin was great, he was a really nice guy. I remember when we were working on The River Wild he spent $50,000 on a party for the 300 crew members.
“We were all working away from home and it was a really nice gesture.”
“Angelina Jolie was really friendly and down to earth as well.”
But Frances, who was born in Inverurie and went to the town’s academy, said she missed her home comforts.
She said: “I really missed butteries and mealie pudding – and especially local beef.
“I'm really looking forward to my visit. It will be good to get back to Aberdeen.
“Unfortunately, it will just be a flying visit this time for the screening of the new film.
“But I do visit as often as I can because I still have family in the area.”
Francis admits she hasn't always been a big fan of films.
As a youngster she was more interested in sports, and played in the school’s hockey team.
She was also the school cross country and swimming champion.
Her new film, Ruby Blue, tells the story of a 65-year-old man whose relationship with his son deteriorates after his wife dies.
Jack (Bob Hoskins) is left alone until hope arrives in the form of an eight-year-old girl who delights in his neglected racing pigeon, Ruby.
But when his innocent friendship with the girl is thrown into question, Jack's life is thrown into turmoil once again.
It will be shown for one night only at the Belmont on Wednesday, June 18.
