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From stunt doubles to costume designers, we talk to the people who've helped make some of London's most iconic films. Here, stunt performer Dani Biernat explains why she pulled down Hugh Grant's trousers and how she tumbled out of a taxi again and again while filming 'Bridget Jones's Diary'.
When Bridget falls out of the cab outside Borough Market, is that you?
‘Yes! I was in the cab with the other lot – Gemma Jones, Jim Broadbent… It pulls up outside “Bridget’s flat” and I fall flat on my face on to the tarmac. When I first did it they were all like, “Bloody hell, did that hurt?” But as a stunt person, you learn how to fall. I remember doing it about six times and, to be fair, by take five you’re a bit bruised. But that’s part of the job.’
Any funny moments while filming?
‘They shot the scene where Daniel [Hugh Grant] and Mark [Colin Firth] have a fight in a restaurant at Bedales, near the market. At one point their stunt doubles go through a glass window. They needed people sitting by the window, so I’m in that scene [not as Bridget]. While we were filming, I remember telling Hugh he needed to put some knee pads on and he was like, “How am I going to get these on?” And I went, “Well, I’m going to have to take your trousers down, mate, simple as that.” So I did. I thought: How many women would like to be here with Hugh Grant in his pants! But I much prefer Colin.’
Who did the famous slide down the fireman’s pole?
‘That was on the tallest fireman’s pole in London at a fire station near Borough Market. Renée did it on wires – it was her backside that came down – but I did all the lining up and the wide shots without a wire.’
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