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Are You A Leading Actor?
One of my favourite war films is The Guns of Navarone. The plot revolves around a group of soldiers who are put behind enemy lines in World War II to blow a huge set of guns that are set on a cliff face. One of the men takes responsibility to lead the mission. He doesn’t…
Read MoreI wasn’t destined to be an astronaut
At Christmas I read a brilliant book that I highly recommend for all aspiring actors. It’s called An Astronaut’s Guide To Life On Earth. Now, you might be thinking I have ‘lost it’ recommending an astronaut book for actors. Not so. You will learn more about how to become a successful actor from this book…
Read MoreThe Best Christmas Present Ever
My students very kindly got me a Christmas present, which is very quickly becoming one of my favorite Christmas presents of all time. What is it I hear you ask? Well, as you can see from the picture above it’s a book about the film The Godfather. My students know me well and are…
Read MoreBranding: Your Key to Acting Success
See that huge, seemingly impenetrable cast iron door between you and the career you want? Life would be a lot easier if you had the key, right? But, what if you are the key? Opening the Door So, you’re doing everything possible to make yourself that perfect fit. You’re taking acting classes at every chance.…
Read MoreActing Inspiration – Why Do You Act?
Why Do You Act? In our method acting courses we often teach the importance of remembering what you want. For most actors the answer is simple: we want to tell stories. We’ve all had the experience of losing ourselves in a good book, a good movie, or a good show. We identify with a character.…
Read MoreActing Tips: Targeted Marketing
Targeted Marketing I’d like to introduce a concept that people in the corporate world have known for ages. It’s called targeted marketing. How do you feel when you get a brochure left on your car that advertises the next greatest burger place in London? Here’s what I feel these ads are saying to me: “Hi,…
Read MoreMethod Acting Exercise – The Private Moment
When someone watches you, you change. Research conducted in the personal training industry has discovered that when someone is simply watched while they work out, they greatly increase their efforts. This is bad news for actors. How to Avoid ‘Overacting’ I say ‘bad news’ because an unjustified increase in effort leads an actor to FORCE…
Read MoreThe Art Of Self-Taping For Hollywood Movies
Last week I managed to get one of my students an audition for a major Hollywood movie. I can’t tell you which one, as I’m sworn to secrecy, but suffice to say it’s major league. Each year I take my one-year students from London to LA to experience the Hollywood acting industry. It’s an amazing…
Read MoreJames Gandolfini Method Actor
Last night my wife Natalie and I decided to watch a movie. It was called ‘Killing Them Softly’. It’s a very good film but what was outstanding was James Gandolfini’s performance. It’s a masterclass in great screen acting. The next day I hear the sad news that he has passed away. He was an amazing…
Read MoreRyan has a big problem.
He’s got too much acting work on. Now, I know you may not have much sympathy for him, but to be fair he has worked like a dog to get into this position. He’s been acting for 20 years. He started acting aged 12 on the Disney Channel’s Mickey Mouse Club. After a long hard…
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