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Johnny Depp Lends A Hand
One of the unsung qualities of successful actors is ‘helpfulness’. Time and time again I have observed this trait up close and personal, with great actors. It’s easy to dismiss this trait as perhaps not that important but believe me, the industry loves helpful people and as a result they get more work. Recently, Johnny…
Read MoreEva Mendes looks cute in her new dress….but she is on a serious mission
On Saturday 4th of August Eva Mendes was spotted wearing a cute new dress, as she struggles with her purse to pay a parking meter. No big deal you may think. Well the paparazzi love this sort of thing, don’t they? They can’t wait to get a shot of her in a flap in her…
Read MoreThe Truth About Talent
The truth about talent is that it is over-rated – or at least the concept is misconceived by many. Many seem to think that talent is ‘god-given’, but nothing could be further from the truth. Extensive medical and psychological research has been done and the evidence is overwhelming. Talent = hours practiced. Putting more hours…
Read MoreOscar Month
It’s that time of year again. It won’t be long before we are watching a top actor blubbing about how they would never have made it without Mum, Dad and Mimi the family cat! But I have to say, I love the Oscars. Tears and tantrums to boot! So, who are the movers and shakers…
Read MoreRecognition for De Niro and Wallach
Leading Method Actors Robert De Niro and Eli Wallach are to receive industry recognition this year for their lifetime contribution to cinema, and boy have they contributed! De Niro is to receive a lifetime achievement award at the golden globes. Kevin Spacey announced this by saying that De Niro, 67, was ‘universally acknowledged as one…
Read MoreDe Niro Breaks Down
This email was going to be about another one of the Best Actor nominees but something happened the other day that takes precedence over that for the time being. De Niro broke down in tears during an interview the other day. You can watch it here: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2273674/Robert-De-Niro-breaks-tears-discusses-plight-bi-polar-illness-portrayed-Silver-Linings-Playbook.html#axzz2K2AeNHRt We are used to seeing him playing the…
Read MorePaul Giamatti star of Sideways and Barney’s Version with Brian Timoney
Oscar Nominee, Paul Giamatti with Brian Timoney Last week, I was invited to a special screening of a new film called Barney’s Version starring Paul Giamatti (famous for his role in the film Sideways). Firstly, this is an amazing film, and Paul turns in an Oscar-winning performance. I predict he will most definitely be nominated…
Read MoreReady for lift-off?
The other day I saw the film Flight starring Denzel Washington. I have a special connection to this film. Victoria Burrows, the US casting director who cast Flight, comes to our studio in LA to visit the students each year. For the last 18 months, she has been telling us about how great Flight is.…
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…
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