"My name is Gennady Filimonov (alumni of Performing Arts High School class of 1979 alumni of Manhattan School of Music BM 1984 and MM 1985) Fulbright Recipient 1986-1987.
When Alan Parker visited our school (Performing Arts) in 1978-79, he took a picture of me practicing my violin in the stairwell, which was an excellent BW photo. It became the original poster of what then was called "Hot Lunch" and later renamed "FAME". When it was decided to rename the film, they re-did the poster in which I am the violinist with the white head band playing my violin along with Irene Cara singing "Shady Sadie.... Hot Lunch" sequence.
This was an amazing experience to work professionally while we were finishing school and looking forward to further our studies in conservatory etc. For me, it was an eye opening experience in seeing people like myself totally committed to their art. It reaffirmed my conviction of the path I had chosen in life. It also provided me the opportunity to work with a great director.
Since then I have worked in the "Equalizer" (TV show), first episode of FAME the TV series, and I have become a highly sought after musician, in that I have been soloist/concertmaster in collaboration with Rod Stewart, Linda Rondstatt, Tony Bennett, "Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber", "Heart" and many others."
"I am also a prolific studio recording artist. To date, I have performed in over 850 soundtracks including "HEART" Road Home album. Currently I am a member of Seattle Symphony Orchestra since 1994, 1st violinist of the Odeon String Quartet in Residence at Cornish College of the Arts (Seattle), member of classical music committee of Pacific NW Chapter of NARAS (Grammy)." "And I forgot to add, that when Alan Parker heard me playing in the stairwell, he told me about his project and had invited me for an audition....which I took and won!
Originally I was to have a character of a Russian Violinist (playing myself), but because the film was long as it was, several characters were cut out. You can hear me playing my violin in "FAME": Sonata for violin and piano by Cesar Frank, Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto 2nd mvt. and in the final moment of the film when we are all playing in the orchestra, the film ends with my face."
Hi Mark, this article about Gennady Filimonov is very interesting. I will have to watch Metamorphosis again to see if I can spot him. I did notice before that several faces from the movie pop up in the that first episode, including of course Shorofsky's assistant (Mrs. Tossoff) and Coco's backup singer and the musician who sits next to Bruno at a grand piano (in the TV episode) and later joins in at the end. Do you have any idea who these two people are? I don't think the girl singer is Lycia Naff? And are there even more students from the movie in Metamorphosis?
ReplyDeleteI just had a look at Metamorphosis on you youtube channel and I think I spottet Gennady, but his hair was much longer, making it dificult to recognise him.
ReplyDeleteI was wrong about the tall African American student I mentioned in my previous post, he is sitting next to Montgomery at a grand piano and is playing a tambourine in the finale in the episode. In the movie he is seen during Hot Lunch and gets a close-up in the choir during I Sing the Body Electric (and also standing in line beforehand). Coco's back-up singer is the one with the bright eyes next to her during Hot Lunch and also in the Body Electric choir with a white/orange dress. I'm sure both of them are in the cast list of the movie somewhere, if only I could figure out which one they were, so I hope you can help.
HB
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI'm afraid I don't know the answers to your questions but Here is a list of the full cast from the Movie
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080716/fullcredits/
I hope it helps.
Mark
Hi Mark, the reason I want to identify these actors is so I can add their names to the Metamorphosis page on the IMDb. I have already added Gennadi Filimonov and Anthony Evans, whom I found thanks to your post in which Alan Parker talks about Fame. Now the search goes on to identify Coco's backup singer. So if you ever find out more information about her, please post the info on your wonderful blog.
ReplyDeleteThank you.