SA EXCLUSIVE: Sienna Miller talks about her South African mom and Ben Affleck tries out an SA accent

On 10 January 2017, Channel24 flew to London to meet the cast of the soon-to-be released crime film, Live by Night. Bronwyn McKay sits down with Ben Affleck and Sienna Miller to find out more about what went on behind-the-scenes of the 1920s gangster flick.

London – It’s warm and cosy in the foyer of the luxurious 5-star Claridges Hotel. Just a short walk from the Bond Street tube station, it’s a haven from the icy snowflakes floating down outside the French windows. 

The grand art-deco building dates from the 1850s and plays the perfect host for our meeting with the Hollywood elite that’s about to play off in one of its opulent suites. 

Just last night we rubbed shoulders with Ben Affleck and Sienna Miller on the red carpet at the BFI Southbank cinema. But today we get the opportunity for some one-on-one time away from the screaming crowds. 

How do you make the most of your few minutes with the A-list stars? Or for that matter how do you even start the conversation? Turns out, all you need to do is say that you’re South African.

“My mom is South African. She speaks Afrikaans and everything,” an excited Sienna exclaims right as the interview kicks off. 

Ben quickly adds: “The greatest camera operator in the world is a South African guy. His name is Colin Anderson. He was the Steadicam operator on this film. I picked up some South African stuff from him.”

This prompts both Ben and Sienna to try their hand at a South African accent – and although they don’t completely nail it, it automatically breaks the ice and sets the tone for a fun interview.

WATCH BEN AND SIENNA TALK ABOUT THEIR SOUTH AFRICAN CONNECTIONS:

Of course the interview wasn’t only about the stars’ South African connections.

We also spoke about what went on behind-the-scenes of Live by Night and how it works when you have to star in and direct a sex scene in a film!

WATCH THE BEN AFFLECK AND SIENNA MILLER INTERVIEW HERE:

Live by Night opens in South African cinemas on Friday, 3 February.

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