Dean Mitchell was raised in Peterborough, England (and getting
ready to make the move to the USA). People thought he would grow out of his unrealistic ambition of working in film and television.
However, during his 13 year career in computer support he always held on to that dream then gave up his profession to pursue
working in the film industry. Over recent years Dean has been fortunate enough to work on set with most of his childhood
heroes.
After all...“How many people get the chance to work in a job they enjoy?”
Dean had
no idea it was being filmed at all, never mind in the UK but when his agent called to ask if he would play a Naboo Civilian
at Leavesden he jumped at the chance but wasn’t used. But you might have spotted Dean as a Doctor regularly assisting
Star Wars ANH actor Denis Lawson(Wedge) and TPM actor Hugh Quarshie (Captain Panaka)
on the BBC medical drama Holby City. He’s also worked on Tough Love starring Adrian Dunbar (TPM) and Closer
starring Natalie Portman.
Episode III Revenge of the Sith: “I was working at Shepperton Studios on ‘Hitchhikers Guide’ with Christian Simpson when Hayden Christensen and Rick
McCallum walked past us. We had no
idea that Episode III sets were based there! We had a walk at lunchtime and saw several sets - got invited into the prop room
and were shown various props including Yoda and Palpatines Chair. We also held various weapons and the principals light sabres.
Then later I bumped into Sue Wood, (one of the best 2nd Assistant Directors in the business) who knew me from
Thunderbirds and Band of Brothers. On my way home that evening I had a call to see if I was free the next day for a costume
fitting! To cut a very long story short I was eventually fitted as Cellheim Anujo, a character previously played by TV Moore in Australia. Rehearsals at a later date with filming following a few days after. On set after take
one I found George Lucas and his 1st A.D standing next to me, then his 1st A.D went away I was surprised
when George turned to me and asked me if I was o.k in the costume and seemed to genuinely care for my well being. He then
took me over to a different starting position and said “we’re going to start this one on you.” Can you
imagine what that felt like? To be in a film I’d dreamed about being in as a child and having a legend telling me he’s
going to start the shot on me! I kept my professionalism in-check because when you work on productions at my level you can
sometimes get directors who don’t directly talk to you... yet here is the biggest director of all time who doesn’t
need to get someone else to pass on a message for him - he must be a really genuine hands-on guy! That shot’s probably
on the cutting room floor at Skywalker Ranch as it didn’t make it to the final edit but I can only keep my fingers crossed
for a special edition in years to come.
