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Acting 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…
Read MoreBlack Swan and Method Acting
This post raises a very important point within acting that you need to know, so I would recommend reading it the whole way through. At the weekend I went to see the critically acclaimed film ‘Black Swan’. It was a very interesting film and I recommend you see it. Not only is it a great…
Read MoreSlumdog Millionaire and Successful Actors
On Wednesday I met with Dev Patel at The Groucho Club. In case you don’t know Dev, he played the young male Indian lead in ‘Slumdog Millionaire’. It was interesting because very quickly it became apparent to me that he possessed many of the traits successful actors demonstrate. He was enthusiastic, positive, polite and a…
Read MoreThe Oscars and Method Acting
Well the results of the 2011 Academy Awards are in and I guess there were no great surprises. Colin Firth won Best Actor. Although Colin puts in a great performance I would argue that method actor Javier Bardem’s performance in ‘Biutiful’ was far superior. His performance was in another league. He brought great emotional depth…
Read MoreUltimate Acting Showcase
Last week my graduating Ultimate Acting Students had their exclusive showcase at The Groucho Club, London. Above I have posted a backstage video from the night.
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