So you want to work in film and TV?

As a teacher of Performing Arts and acting, I'm often approached by both the students and their parents about how to take that next step. Some kids are happy doing my classes just for fun and confidence building, but others want to venture into film and television.  It can be a fabulously rewarding and fun path to take, but it's also full of potholes, frustration and dodgy people out to make a quick buck from starry eyed individuals and gullible parents.

The first thing you need to do if you're serious about an acting career is to get an agent. I decided to vlog my chat from here so check out the video below.

Remember if you want to be considered for auditions, you have to put everything in place. An agent is the first step, but you need to keep acting at every opportunity as this strengthens your acting muscles. In my next blog I'll go into more detail about how you can improve your chances to get an audition.

Bullies are Losers

On the weekend I was  thrilled to be part of a music video with a fabulous message - SAY NO TO BULLIES! 100s of industry professionals,  actors and dancers donated their time, and I've got to say, the feeling on set was pretty heart warming. This music video FREE YOU BE YOU really got me thinking about bullies and the way they operate and I realise, unfortunately,  I sometimes come across them in this industry I love.

Have you ever been side stage at an eisteddfod and heard kids giggling and pointing at other performers - bullies. What about in the audition waiting room? You know the kid and mother who talk loudly about all the things they have been cast in. They name drop and act as though they know the casting director or producer, they intimidate you any way they can - bullies. Then there's the ones on set, who constantly push themselves in front of the camera, knocking you out of the way. And don't think this behaviour is just from the children. I've witnessed some pretty vicious looks and snide remarks from the parents as well. Some parents even bully other parents into thinking that their child is inadequate, underprepared, totally wrong for the part or just way out of their league. Some of the conversations I've overheard would make your hair curl.

So why do children and parents resort to this bullying behaviour? Because they want to get the part, win the competition, and they will do it however they can. Same old story, people bully, to pull others down so they can put themselves in a position of power.

My advice to you - ignore the gossip, focus on the task at hand, have fun and don't stoop to their level. Parents - stand back, let your child do their job. Don't be a stage mother. The casting directors, agents, producers and people in power see through the bullies. I've been there when they have said "I don't want to work with that kid again" or "That child's parent is just too hard work."
Remember it's not just the talent they are working with, the personality is equally as important. Bullies are losers!

 

Some of the main cast members from the antibullying music video Free You Be You

 

 

100s of film industry professionals, actors and dancers worked for free to spread the antibullying message.

Visit the Free You Be You facebook page and help spread the message - bullies are losers.

 

I've written a number of scripts in my book Cool Stuff For Kids To Perform which deal specifically with bullying.