Tag Archives: Actor

Andy Serkis and Host Of Stars Celebrate Young Actors Theatre

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Who and Where The launch of Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland audio book along with the all star cast including Simon Callow, Chloe Moretz, Andy Serkis, Sandi Toksvig, Paul Whitehouse, Celia Imrie, Dexter Fletcher, Asa Butterfield and other members of The Young Actors Theatre, Islington.

When On Wednesday June 15 / 18:00 / Young Actors Theatre

Frost had a wonderful time at YATI’s launch for the Alice in Wonderland audio book, the theatre made us feel like we had fallen down the hole after Alice, the cast did a reading and performed some songs, and all the while we sipped cocktails and munched canapes. It was a fun (alcoholic) tea party indeed.

I had a chat with the wonderful and polite Andy Serkis, who told me that the Young Actors Theatre had given him his start when he was 18. Asa Butterfield, fresh from a Martin Scorsese lead, put all his success at the door of the theatre, saying that he would never be where he is now without them.

In a bid to raise much needed funds and awareness of the continuing work that Islington’s YATI carries out with budding actors and performers from within the local community, the non subsidised community theatre and acting school has given its young professionals the chance to experience the demands and fun of recording this enduring classic, alongside some of the country’s best-loved actors and performers, all of whom have generously donated their contributions to support this fund-raising initiative, to support the launch of the developing potential fund and create a brand new audio book version of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

In the current climate, it is more important than ever for small, community based organisations such as YATI to be pro-active in generating the income to continue to fund an environment where young people from all walks of life can transform their lives

‘YATI is not only an important part of the local community’ says Andy Serkis, (The Mock Turtle), ‘but is also an invaluable resource for young actors and performers from all walks of life to get an introduction into the acting profession’ before adding;

‘How better then to celebrate the ongoing achievements of the theatre than to bring members past and present together with some of the country’s best actors working today to record a new and fun version of Lewis Carroll’s classic Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’

Andrew Harries, Artistic Director of YATI, says; ‘This is a pivotal time for YATI and we want to celebrate the achievements of the theatre. We have more classes and opportunities for young people in the community than ever before and our members are experiencing an impressive amount of professional success with appearances in The Kings Speech, Attack the Block and Horrid Henry – and that’s just the past 12 months.

And what better way to raise awareness of the theatre, gain the support of the wider community and invest in the futures of as many young people as possible than with the launch of this exciting and fun new version of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. It is great to see YATI students acting alongside some of the nations best loved talent.’

The Young Actors Theatre deserves public funding for all of the hard, amazing work they have done over the years.to support them, buy the CD, volunteer or give them some much needed cash, Young Actors Theatre

Apprentice Felicity Jackson Gives Frost the Low-down on ‘Surviving Actors’.

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Felicity Jackson has been known in the acting industry for years now thanks to her awesome Surviving Actors convention. This year she also came to the attention of Alan Sugar, becoming one of his apprentices. She gives us the goss on business, acting and her apprentice experience.

1) What was the idea behind Surviving actors?

Surviving Actors was a initially going to be a recruitment fair for actors to find those “in between” jobs. We then added the two other key areas to the event – Develop and Create. We believe that all three areas are important to a successful career!

2) How did you make surviving actors a success?
Surviving Actors was a success from our first event because I made sure that I spoke to as many actors as I could to form an event that would be useful to all those involved. We also gained support from Fourth Wall Magazine who were a huge help with our website and marketing.

3) The last surviving actors was a resounding success, everyone I knew was there, how does that feel?
It was an incredible feeling – the event doubled in size, and the response was phenomenal. It definitely inspired me to carry on running my events and to work on what I have already achieved.

4) What is your background?
I went to Drama School to train as an actress which I enjoyed immensely. After graduating I was fortunate to work in a couple of tours, and also did various “in between jobs” which is where I gained a lot of my contacts that I share with the Surviving Actors visitors. I then came up with the idea to set up my own business, and now that is what I do full time!

5) What is the most important thing you have learned in business?
I’ve learnt that in order to maintain a successful business you must build good relationships with other similar companies who are the same stages – you really can help each other out!

6) What is the most important thing an actor can do to help their career?
I believe that planning for those ” in between ” times is extremely important – finding well paid work that utilises your acting skills. I also believe in taking chances, putting your own work on and not sitting back and waiting for the phone to ring!

7) How was your Apprentice experience?
Wow – it’s hard to summarise it in just one sentence! It was a crazy and surreal experience, but I loved every second of it! The board room is pretty scary – no amount of auditions can every prepare you for those nerves! I was inspired by the other candidates I worked with, and learnt from all the tasks I was involved in! My favourite point was when we were doing the graphic design for “Ampi Apps” – it was refreshing to use my creative skills!

8) How can companies get involved with Surviving Actors?
Companies can become involved by exhibiting at our next convention in Manchester on July 23rd. It’s a great chance to meet actors who could benefit from the services that they offer. The day is well thought out, and always keeps the actors needs at the fore front of every decision. It’s created by actors, for actors!

9) What’s next?
Well our next event is at Manchester University, Renold Building on July 23rd 2011 – you can register for a free e-ticket here @ http://survivingactors.com/register.html
We are back in London in January 2012!

Thanks Felicity

Actor Monty Burgess on The Cyber Security Challenge.

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1) Tell us about the Cyber Security Challenge

The Cyber Security Challenge is a series of online games and competitions that test the cyber security abilities of individuals and teams.

I’d read about the Cyber Security Challenge on the BBC website. I was specifically interested in the forensics challenge, run by the US Department of Defence. Basically I was just curious as to the types of challenges they would set up.

2) How did you get into computing?

I’ve been a computer user since I was quite young. My dad, my brother and I used to write programs in BASIC on our first computer. They weren’t particularly sophisticated, but it was fun, and all very new.

My knowledge of computer security just developed over the years really, through curiosity, wanting to learn how to better defend systems, and to understand the workings of viruses and malware.

3) You are also an actor, how did you get into acting?

That’s a difficult question to answer, as there hasn’t really been a time when I haven’t been working towards being an actor. It’s what I’ve always wanted to do since I was young.

4) What is the main problem with a computer’s security?

Harsh as it sounds, the main problem with a computer’s security is generally it’s user. People aren’t very security minded. We take the rapid development of technology (Ipads, mobile phones, android devices, etc, etc.) very much for granted and our first concern is to have and enjoy, rather than have, secure and enjoy.

You only need to do a quick whip round of your friends on Facebook or Twitter, and you’ll find plenty of personal information online – dates of birth, relatives names, email addresses, locations.

5) Do you plan to do more in computing or is acting calling?

I have no current plans to change careers. As enjoyable as the challenges of forensics are, first and foremost I’m an actor.

6) What’s next for you?

I’ve just finished filming on the comedy ‘Betsy and Leonard’ as well as a commercial for Amnesty International. I will be filming a comedy feature in the next month or so. I appeared in a project called ‘Him’ by Confugium Film a while ago, and they are having an industry screening, so I’m keen to see the result.

Advice Blogs for Actors {The Film Set | Genevieve Sibayan}

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Like every actor out there, I have a stack of books sitting on a shelf gathering dust becoming more and more irrelevant by the minute. There are some good informative books, but they’re becoming the exception rather than the norm. Sometimes I look at my stack of irrelevant books and resent them for costing me (taunting me with their perfect spines) especially as there is so much fantastic advice and information out there on the internet. Here’s a few below, these are just the ones I subscribe to so there may be tons more. Let me know if you find any.

 

Bonnie Gilespie’s Blog – The Actor’s Voice

There is so much amazing info here, all for free. Everything here is positive, inspiring and useful. Casting Director Bonnie Gilespie has clearly put a lot of time into this column on Showfax and even though she’s US based, it’s relevant internationally.

rss feed: http://more.showfax.com/columns/avoice/index.xml

The Actor’s Voice – POV

Showfax, wiz all zis information your are really spoiling uz. This time it’s Bonnie Gilespie and friends. Friends being people in the biz, and there’s quite a few. By a few I mean tons.

rss feed: http://more.showfax.com/plus/pov/index.xml

The Casting Corner

Another column on Showfax, this time from Casting Director Mark Sikes. Mark posts some great advice on a weekly basis…he’s there every week.

rss feed: http://more.showfax.com/columns/corner/index.xml

The Actor Cast Blog

Yet more great advice. ActorCast is a US based web service allowing Actors to submit directly to Casting Directors existing services. Their blog has articles, How to guides, Q&A’s and Open calls.

rss feed: http://actorcastblog.com/blog/?feed=rss2

Backstage Magazine

A US trade journal for Actors proving just how much of an industry this actually is. They have a regular advice column.

rss: http://feeds.feedburner.com/Backstage-Columns

Playbills vs. Paying Bills

Advice and insight from three actors from across the pond. Ben Whitehair, Joe Von Bokern and Emily Beuchat share their stories, resources, recommendations and stuff from their respective acting scenes in LA, Chicago and New York. Read it, you will be entertained and you will learn things!

rss feed: http://playbillsvspayingbills.com/?feed=rss2

The Film Set – Frost Magazine

Brought to you by a couple of London actresses…Catherine Balavage and Genevieve Sibayan. Ok! ok, you caught me, this suggestion’s a little biased but we do have some interviews with fantastic casting directors and people involved in Film and TV.

rss: http://feeds.feedburner.com/FrostMagazineTheFilmSet

Know any more blogs that I’ve missed out? Leave me a comment below and I’ll update the post.

Update:

Minimum Wage Actors [Thanks Pete Jenkinson for this one]

News about National Minimum Wage stories affecting or having affected Actors and Performers.

rss: http://actorsminimumwage.wordpress.com/feed/


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Genevieve Sibayan is a London based Actress, you can find Genevieve’s blog here and get updates by clicking on her rss feed. If you’d like to subscribe to The Film Set on Frost Magazine then click here.

JC Mac on Acting in L.A. {Interviews}

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Frost: What does J.C. stand for?

J.C.: Well ‘Joe Cool’ of course ha ha no ‘just crazy’, no ‘jolly cute’ he he take your pick

Frost: You’re in a new film; L.A. Paranormal, what’s it about? When’s it slated for relase?

J.C.: LA Paranormal is a comedy ghost hunting movie centred around Hollywoods number 1 paranormal investigation team strangely enough called ‘LA Paranormal’. It follows the 4 man team documentary style as they investigate many ghostly happenings all over Los Angeles. Shot in the vain of ‘This is Spinal Tap’ the film was shot completely improv, there was a scene order and through line but no scripted dialogue what so ever.

It was a laugh a minute to work on with a gifted comedy cast, we had the whole crew in stitches at least once every day of filming during a take.

The producers knew exactly what they wanted and spent a long time over the casting process, for the final call back there were 12 guys 3 of each character. We all improved scenes in different groups of four, there was some great talent on display and the producers could have gone with any combination and had a good result in fact was one of the most fun days I have had here.The film was directed by John Gonzales who had a very clear vision of what he wanted, I enjoyed working with him.

So I play John London psychic artist, I’m the sensitive of the group who is actually an English playboy who when is not chasing ghost’s is chasing women, there are some hilarious comedy sexploits within the film, but you’ll have to watch it to find out more. The film also stars Mike Hatton, Tres Dean and Matt Temple. It is currently in post production slated for release early 2011.

Frost: Tell me about the web series you’re currently filming…

J.C.: The web series is called Mac and Moreti and is an all action comedy. I’m not allowed to say to much about it at this stage but I can tell you it’s very very funny. It has elements of sci fi and although different I think fans of Lost will appreciate it not to mention fans of Scooby doo ha ha. Steven Moreti a very talented American actor is my co-star in the project and the producers are just starting to leak information out via their facebook group macandmoreti

The show is going live on the 1st January 1.1.11 and can be viewed at www.macandmoreti.com we are still shooting for another 4 weeks all over the Hollywood area and I believe there are 8 episodes in season one.

Frost: What’s it like being a Brit in L.A. Do the the ex-patriot acting community stick together?

J.C.: I’m very proud to be British and representing in LA. British actors and crews are well respected in Hollywood so we have a great reputation to maintain. The American girls just love the accent and… ha ha only kidding.

It’s a great lifestyle, people are friendly the sun is always shining there’s nothing to dislike really in fact I might just stick around a bit longer ha ha

There’s quite a few Brits here doing well right now so think it’s a good time to be British and in Hollywood. There are a few groups of Brits who organize weekly breakfasts and events as well as offer advice to new arrivals.

Frost: What’s the differences between the industry in America compared to the UK.

J.C.: There’s a lot more opportunity here than in the UK. I love the British film industry but unfortunately it’s badly financed and there are now very few films being made in the UK with decent budgets.

I think it’s a great shame and a loss to world cinema as a whole. It’s tough on UK producers with hardly any tax incentives to shoot in the UK so the rates for actors really are generally poor as a consequence.

Hollywood is a tough nut to crack and I think it’s naive to come here and think you are going to make it overnight. There are a lot more jobs here and the rates are higher but there are also a hell of a lot of actors here from all over the world all looking to make it big so competition is fierce. But that said there are opportunities every day that could change your life should you land one. Fortune has been smiling on me since I got here and I have been lucky enough to work with some very talented directors. I recently completed ‘You Kill Me’ which was directed by an incredible young director called Monica Sender who is definitely one of the brightest upcoming directors here and one to watch for the future. I’m currently shooting 2 separate projects with James Van Alden who’s last film ‘A numbers Game’ is doing very well and stars Steven Bauer of Scarface fame. James is a creative genius with an amazing eye and formerly a world renowned fashion photographer. Another film I recently had a lot of fun working on was ‘Hit the big time’ this just won it’s first award at the Swansea Bay film festival last month. It was shot in London, Hollywood, Las Vegas and Utah and starred the hilarious Jason Hyde. We play the dumbest hit-men in history who never quite manage to kill anyone and after bungling a hit in London flee to Hollywood to sell our life storys and hit the big time with disastrous effect. The film thrives on the differences between the Brits and the Americans and is being well received on the festival circuit.

Production Still of JC Mac in 'You Kill Me', Photo by Fady Hadid

Frost: Do you have any advice for actors in the UK who are aiming to work in the US?

J.C.: Advice hmm look left and right before you cross the road cause the roads are big here and make sure you stop for at lease 3 seconds at the stop signs he he…

No seriously come prepared, come with a strategy and come with money in your pocket because it can take a while to book a job here. I hear from most peoples experience it takes about a year before you start to book and the American actors are very very professional. They all have excellent web sites, reels, headshots (in colour by the way) business cards etc and all follow up every meeting with postcards and thank you notes. Never be without you 10 x 8s (headshots with resume that’s CV to you and me stapled on the back) because you never know who you might bump into. Be nice to everyone (good rule in life anyway) because you just never know who you are talking to in fact nearly every waiter, barman, etc is an actor looking for an opportunity just like you so to compete come prepared.

Frost: What’s the most valuable thing you’ve learnt?

J.C.: The most valuable things I think I have learned is not to take yourself too seriously and to enjoy the journey along the way, It’s not just about the destination. It’s very easy to get so caught up in the business that you can lose track of what’s important. Make time for friends and family and try not to let your sole topic of conversation be you no matter how interesting you think yourself to be! Have fun, live life and take it all in your stride remember yesterday is history tomorrow a mystery but today is a gift from God, that’s why we call it the present so enjoy it!!!

Frost: That’s some sound advice JC, not only for those in the acting industry but for all people who work in a high pressure environment. Surely we can’t be at the end of our interview?! Is there anything else you’d like to add…anything at all?

J.C.: I have been in the US a year now, just before I left [the UK] I did a gangster film called ‘Butterflies and Bullets’ directed by Mark Holland and starring some great up and coming British talent including Tony Fordham, Tony Cooke and Mitch Powel. I believe that’s now nearing the end of the post production process and I’m looking forward to seeing it. I also was in the psychological thriller ’45’ along with my brother Chico, we played a pair of rival boxers and I won’t say who but one of us ended up with a black eye at the end of filming. This film won a couple of awards on the film festival circuit.

Frost: Is there anything you miss in the UK?

J.C.: Friends and family but I keep in contact regularly with internet video chats and social networking. The biggest thing I missed was the birth of Chico and Daniela’s son Zacharia, that was a biggie and also the release of his world cup football song ‘It’s England Time’.

The thing you do when you're an "actor"… {Ceri's Column}

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I’m sure that “waiting” is the biggest pain in our collective arse! I mean, war and famine and such are more than a pain in the arse…unless you’re that soldier who got shot in the arse…balls, I’ll start again.

Uh…feck! See what I mean?

All that nonsensical rambling was written as I am waiting for my frigging train to arrive. My mind is not at its razor-sharpness when I have to wait for junk! It grabs on to thoughts like “I wonder if this train has power sockets” or “that hair growing from my mole…is it ok if my girlfriend plucks it out? It won’t get worse, will it?”

When you’re a mediocre actor, like myself, your time spent waiting is roughly four times more than, say, an oil-rig worker. Oil-rig workers don’t sit in their house thinking “maybe if I’d tried an Irish accent”. Oil-rig workers don’t sip at luke-warm cappuccinos in the Starbucks next door to Johnny Jenkins’ Casting for two hours because they miscalculated how long it takes to drive to Manchester and are 3 hours early. Oil-rig workers wear overalls, not their god damned pyjamas for days and days and days hoping against hope for your agent to ring.

Last week, I waited for 2 and half hours to be asked: “Oh…can you come back tomorrow?” 2 and a half hours of sitting and looking at the floor and wondering why I hadn’t brought my IPod and what do I get?!  24 more hours of waiting. AAAARGH!

Oh well, I suppose I could be doing a job that involves “working” or “thinking” or “Business acumen”. We have made our own beds, so let’s…uh…lie…in them? Does that butchered idiom make sense?

Oh shit my train’s here……

by Ceri Phillips