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An Actor's training is never done. Even the biggest names (Bradley Cooper, Charlize Theron, Keira Knightley & more) need to continue their actors training on set and between roles. As the industry changes (and it can quickly as we learned during Covid) your skills as a performer need to be at a peak state. Our team has looked at some the most essentials skills that we look at for a performer to keep up with during their training.
IPM Acting Academy Keeps You Industry Ready with Beginner & Professional ClassesFrom Ages 7 to Adults, Group & Private Sessions, IPM Acting Academy's classes bring the practical side to actors training for your career growth and progression with current industry trends!  With the restrictions easing, children have begun returning to school and their social bubbles. But what kind of effects has the lockdown had on children and young adults? People are social by nature and social skills are the biggest part of development for children. So how can an acting class help with kids' social development skills and interactions? With many programmes having to be put on hold due to Covid19, the team at IPM have taken a look at what our classes do to help children through the art of screen acting as our own studio begins to re-open!
Our acting classes are proven to help improve children's grades. When kids have a creative outlet, their minds look at school subjects in a new light. Presentations and class conversations feel less intimidating and the fun side of solving a maths problem becomes more visual in a child's mind. The creative process of acting can apply to many things in an academic environment and their confidence grows when children learn a new skill and feel their own personal growth.
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ActionAs classic, and the number one filmmaking term actors need to know. This is your cue as an actor to start the scene. This could be a movement or a delivery of a line but as the word implies, it is time to get moving. Usually delivered by the director, or the 1st AD, who follows the end of a take with a loud “CUT!” when it's time to stop the scene (and cameras) from rolling.
BlockingBlocking or blocking a shot is basically the camera positioning process that the director, lighting crew and D.P (director of photography) must work out per each movement and position of all involved in a scene. This helps coordinate all aspects of filming ahead of time so minimal adjustments need to be made. SidesThis is basically a condensed version of the overall script you should have learned, just the section that is being filmed that day is in this copy. It makes the referral to the scene easier for both production crew and actor to have it on hand, rather than the much larger original format. This is also a term used in casting for audition scripts that are selected specifically for a character.
First PositionsYou can likely guess what this term means from its self-explanatory title- and no it is not a ballet step! It is yours (and everyone else’s- co-stars, extras, etc) first position in a scene and where you will begin your lines/movement from a specific point on set if there is movement. A director may even halt a scene and want to start it “from the top” and require all on set to return to first positions. WrapNow any movie lovers will know that this golden word symbolises the end of a long day of shooting; hearing “And that’s a wrap” tends to elicit tired cheers and applause from the crew and actors. As you can tell it means to wrap things up and shows that all shooting for that production has ceased and it is time to pack up equipment and go home as everything is taken over by post production. Want to know more about the the Film Industry as an Actor? Join IPM Acting Academy today to begin your Acting Journey! What a lovely idea to keep the kiddies busy for half an hour or so this half term (during lockdown). ITV have created a wonderful creative project where your children can get involved in drawing, painting or sketching your best picture of the ITV logo. All you need to do is download and print a copy of the ITV logo then get creative, then ask your parent or guardian to post a photo of your design using #ITVKidsCreate on Twitter or Instagram and make sure you’re following @ITV. If your design is chosen you will see it join forces with other kids’ designs to create a unique ITV logo to be shown on TV. To help you get started, you can download a template of the ITV logo here and use it to help colour in. Download template here. Guidelines
How do I submit a design? You can download our template of the ITV logo Download template here and paint or sketch us your best design. Then ask your parent or guardian to post a photo of your design using #ITVKidsCreate on Twitter or Instagram and make sure they are following us @ITV.If we’d like to use your /your child’s design, we will contact you on Twitter or Instagram with a link to an online form for you to complete, for a chance to have the design featured on ITV. Can I apply if I’m not in the UK? Unfortunately, not, you/ your child needs to be based in the UK to take part. Any tips on how to create a great design? Download our template of the ITV logo Download template here and get creative! Other than ITV, please don't include any other brands or logos in the design as we won't be able to show these. Designs must be A4 size on plain paper and then photographed. When is the closing date for submission? The closing date is Friday 26th February 2021 at midnight. If my child’s design is chosen, when will it be shown on ITV? We will be showcasing different designs every day between 1st – 31st March 2021, so keep an eye out on ITV to see if you’ve been chosen! Unfortunately, we can’t give any more accurate information on when your child’s designs might be shown - so keep your eyes peeled on our channel! How will my child’s design be shown if it is chosen? This time we will be combining a number of designs together to make one ITV logo - as a collaboration between different children across the nation and their designs. Is there an age limit? You will need a parent or guardian aged 18 or over to submit your photograph with our #ITVKidsCreate on Twitter or Instagram and follow @ITV to enter.   Netflix AuditionSo you want the low down on how to audition for Netflix, or where to audition for that matter? Then you have come to the right place. If you want to be an actor then you have most likely fantasised about starring in one of their award winning productions. After all Netflix is a household name and is known for streaming some of the biggest movies, TV shows, and productions. Arguably, over 180 million people subscribe to Netflix’s streaming services. So if you want to make it in the industry it is the place to be seen.  Netflix Love New FacesNetflix is known for being open to casting unknown actors. Netflix has a huge variety of interesting, unique, and different stories, films, and shows produced and distributed by Netflix. Consequently, it allows aspiring actors more chances to land an acting job. However, that doesn't mean go ahead and contact them yourself: info@netflix.com is NOT going to get you the job on the next project. Start ActingIf its your dream to become an actor you're not going to get that next big role by sitting and watching the shows on Netflix, perhaps you will learn a lot from your fellow onscreen actors, but the most important thing to do is start acting! People will wish their whole life to be actors and never step foot in a training facility or on stage.  Practise makes perfectSo if you are serious about getting that next job, then definitely start training. I would say download a monologue, film yourself performing it and watch how you look, however you probably won't know how to prepare for the delivery that is required for screen acting. Thats where we come in, if you are looking to start training - we specialise in screen acting and can lead you to all the things you require to be even considered for roles on some of the major networks like Netflix. Make sure you enquire HERE so we can help you with the next steps. What do I need to get that Audition with Netflix?TALENT First and foremost TALENT, but don't worry this is something you can develop with training and experience. PROFESSIONAL HEADSHOT No a selfie just won't cut the mustard, if you want to be an actor then you will most definitely need a professional headshot, with at least a few alternative looks. CV Actors who end up on great shows, will have worked incredibly hard on their craft and they will have most likely done anything to get the opportunities, from stage to screen, over time they will build an actors CV with lists of their experience, work and skills. SHOWREEL A professional showreel is like a video CV, its a compilation of your ability in a short video - highlighting work you are proud of r a really good scene highlighting your acting ability.  Do I need an agent?Ideally YES, an agent will source audition opportunities, like Netflix Casting Calls, they will also deal with the legalities of things like contracts and payment for work. But the most important thing that you could do is get out actively acting, training and becoming the best actor you can be, you should also LOVE acting, there is always going to be tuff competition especially if you want to make a career out of acting. Do your researchWhen you do get the audition, do your research! A lot of actors attend auditions on a whim, they haven't done there research of even where they are going, never mind researching the casting director, director or project ( as well as its requirements). Basically the more effort you can put in the better!!  What if I don't get the job?Well that's how it goes in the industry, most actors attend lots of auditions and often they will "just not be right for the part". This can be for so many reasons it's pointless trying to work it out, if your agent can get feedback then great. If not, its important to keep working on your craft, gaining experience and networking with the right people. Start TodayHere at IPM Acting Academy we an provide you with everything you need to start your steps forward in the industry we offer support and can provide everything you need, including Screen Acting Training, CV support, Professional Headshot Packages and even Showreel Services, if you want to grow a screen acting career we are the place to be: JOIN HERE 
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Supporting Actor
Best Supporting Actress
*‘BRITS ON THE LIST’ Honourable Mentions *
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Alfred Hitchcock | Beginning with a legend of cinema, even several years after his death, legendary director Alfred Hitchcock directed roughly fifty films in a span of 6 decades. A London native, Hitchcock introduced new filmmaking techniques that established a new relationship between audience and film- effectively bridging a gap between reality and fantasy with his new “Hitchcockian” style of filming. “The Master of Suspense” ‘s filmography, beginning in the late 1920s and spanning to almost the beginning of the eighties, were typically thriller/ psychological horror in its elements. Some of his best-known works that feature these themes are Vertigo, Psycho, Rope- all films with murder being the act that is foregrounded in the events of the film. His work still influences having established a new layer of cinematography that some of our greatest filmmakers today have incorporated into their work. |
| It is almost fate that this UK director bears a name with a resemblance to an iconic American action movie star, as the same star power is reflected in this filmmaker’s work. Favouring an exploration of race, sexuality and violence, McQueen's style is derivative of experimental creatives such as Andy Warhol and Buster Keaton to name a few. Any fans of McQueen’s work will notice the same tone reflected in his work; a consistent theme cultivated through his collaborative efforts with fellow Brit Michael Fassbender. This was first seen in his first feature length (having previously produced short films under his director credit) film Hunger (based on the real events of the 1981 Irish hunger strike) and again Shame (another Fassbender/McQueen collab dealing this time with sex addiction), starring another UK talent Carey Mulligan | Steve McQueen |
. Many of us, film fans or otherwise will remember the ground-breaking feature film 12 Years a Slave, where McQueen made history back in 2013 for being the first black director to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards.
Sam Taylor-Johnson | She started working in photography and film in the 1990s, alongside fellow Young British Artists, Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin. And now her latest work A Million Little Pieces has a star studded cast including her partner Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Billy-Bob Thornton, Juliette Lewis and Charlie Hunnam. Another adaptation from a novel based on a writer's rehab journey.One for the Ladies! Known for her directorial debut of Nowhere Boy based on the early life of John Lennon, Sam Taylor-Johnson hails from London and is now taking the world on with her directional work. Stepping into the Hollywood scene, Taylor-Johnson directed Fifty Shades of Grey. The adaptation of the best selling series is just one of the projects that have taken her name international and broke records for the biggest opening for a female director within the industry. |
| Slumdog Millionaire, Trainspotting, 28 Days Later…what do these blockbusters have in common? No, it is not a winningly brave protagonist, but being directed by award winning British director Danny Boyle. Having a strong affinity for the underdog protagonist, Boyle has made films that possess both grit and heart. Trainspotting (1996), Slumdog Millionaire (2008) and 28 Days Later (2002) all carry the typical qualities of a Boyle piece- the background being as important to the plot as the main characters delivering dialogue in the foreground. Everything moves in a Boyle production, that is forces you as the audience to pay attention. So, despite the hallucinogenic drug haze we fall down the rabbit hole into or waking up in an apocalyptic horror of a world taking most of our focus, there is a method to Boyle’s madness. | Danny Boyle |
Ridley & Tony Scott | The Scott Brothers combined are arguably some of the greatest filmmakers of all time. Ridley (the elder of the two, and surviving his brother), and Tony have delivered timeless films in the action, sci-fi, historical and biopic genres beginning their respective careers in the 1960s. While Tony was known for his forays into action and thriller- style films such as the commercially successful Top Gun (starring a lesser-known Tom Cruise in his breakout role) back in 1985, Ridley had a reputation for dabbling in different genres, yet ensuring his trademark filmmaking were a consistent theme in his productions. Some of his science fiction-based work includes the cult Alien series (he is directed the first original Alien film and two of its prequels: Prometheus and Covenant). |
In stark contrast, his other credits include several war-based films, with diverse time periods (Kingdom of Heaven- 2005) or settings in space such as the steampunk landscape found in the original Blade Runner released back in 1982. Tony, while still capable of delivering the same atmospheric tone as his brother, opted for the more rooted action/thriller movies. Denzel Washington fans will have caught his work in Crimson Tide (another war based in solely in a submarine), Man on Fire and other Tom Cruise collaboration Days of Thunder (1990).
Though this is a list of only 5 of the UK's film directors, there are countless of internationally known visionaries and of course the many up-and-comers from around the UK that we love to see grow! Some Honourable Mentions for some of the many UK Film Directors: Guy Ritchie, Gurinder Chadha, Tom Hopper, Lynn Ramsay, Ken Loach, Christopher Nolan, Richard Ayoade.
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Many people say ‘I make resolutions, but never keep them’. As an actor, your resolutions don’t have to just be about the regular New Year’s promises, they can be goals you set out for your career or even starting your career! No matter where they are in their career, Actors need to set themselves goals for their skills, CV and creativity. It is the setting and accomplishment of goals that will allow you to find breakthroughs and maybe even that life changing role. Having a goals set and in mind provides a consistent motivation for an acting career. Here are a few small tips on how to set your goals this year.
 | Be Specific. Don’t be vague in your goals, Without specificity, actors will not find the satisfaction of identifying the accomplishment of their goal, or they will not take the most efficient steps to accomplish it. Specific goals should be targeted at one thing, and be comprised of series of steps. Start small, like getting your CV started or updated, and work your way up! |
Make appropriate and reasonable goals. We all want to be the top of our field, but when you are starting in the industry or building your CV, your goals need to be within reasonable reach. If your goal is something that you cannot take steps to achieve or is something that is completely out of anyone’s control, you will not reach it. Set yourself up for a successful goal to grow that confidence. Once you reach your first goal, you will set more and keep advancing and see yourself building a new range, skill or even just getting something creative accomplished.
| Be Accountable. The biggest reason ‘resolutions’ or goals are not achieved is because people do not hold themselves accountable for their growth and efforts. Write your goals down, set out a plan and set yourself reminders. If you’re struggling, seek out help. Your goals can be skills to personal fitness, but if you struggle and give up without finding guidance from either professionals or loved ones, you are not holding that accountability to keep trying. This for any goal you set. |  |
These tips are just the beginning of making and accomplishing your goals. Start with something small today and keep your goals growing and moving forward for your career and you will begin to see the results! The most motivated and active actors are the ones who feel the accomplishment in themselves and their career so go and make one goal today, no matter what the size of that goal may be for your acting career!
Want to achieve your goals with Professional Industry Training? Join IPM Acting Academy today for Screen Acting modules, filming and more!
Having a specialisation in the Television and Film industry is a great thing to have, from sports to accents, your specialty skills can get you recognised for some exciting projects and be that first step in the door that many actors search for in their career. But just specialising in a few skills can be a limiting factor to what you get cast as in the industry. Having a RANGE as a performer is what gives the chance to open up more opportunities for you in the industry. IPM's team has looked at the benefits of having a range for your acting profile and career.
 | Having a range in your performance skills doesn't just mean genre specific skills, every actor needs to be able to do comedy, drama, horror etc. It means being able to perform for Commercials, Voice Only Roles, Video Games, Presenting Roles and even now social distancing interactions! The list goes on and on to what you could use your acting skills for in the industry. The more you are able to adapt to in the medium and format of a performance, the more opportunities for you to get seen by casting. |
This doesn't mean that you can't master a certain specialty or really harness your niche. It is good to keep your skills at a peak state for your specialisations, but this means that you need to be open to the possibility of stepping beyond your regular casting type. As an actor you are there to fill the role with what is needed/wanted by the director. When your range broadens you begin to form into those roles and the more opportunities begin to arise.
| Stretching your acting muscles for a new skill or method isn't just for the casting and career side of performance growth. It is a personal growth that will become more and more evident in your confidence. The more your confidence grows, the more you push yourself to do better. Giving your characters and emotional performances a new edge. as your creativity goes beyond the specialisations that started your passion for acting. |  |
Beginning to broaden your range doesn't have to be a daunting task. As an actor, you will always be growing and always finding something new to learn. Especially in the fast paced growth of the film and television industry. Start with something small, try to work on your improvisation or start learning the accent you have been putting on hold. Little steps can turn in to something big!
Want to broaden Your Range with an Industry Professional Team? Join IPM Acting Academy today - Group & Private Sessions available for Beginners to Professionals!
Everyone has those little traditions to bring in this time of year, with one of those top celebrated pastimes being able to kick back with your loved ones and enjoy the groups’ favourite flick. Happy December from the team here at IPM, that last month of the year and the time known for the hustle and bustle, the rush to meet deadlines and bring ourselves closer to family and friends. These can range from energetic musicals filled with numbers guaranteed to get the family in singalong, a good old children’s animated feature or a classic Hollywood blockbuster with the heart-warming fairy tale ending. Whatever is your family’s guilty pleasure, or in this case, Christmas tradition perhaps you will find some new treasures from our “naughty and nice” list to add to your own. Our team has had a look at some traditional film choices as well as film inspirations for you this holiday season!
‘Home Alone’ trilogy
 | A true classic for 80/90s babies, their parents, and the new generation alike Macaulay Culkin’s burst onto movie screens back in November 1990 as the inventive and mischievous boy hero Kevin McCallister. The precocious Culkin’s shenanigans with his impressive comedic timing beyond his years is combined with raucous visual effects and physical gags – courtesy of the greats Daniel Stern and Joe Pesci playing bumbling would-be petty criminals- made just as an impression nearly 30 years ago as it does for today’s millennial family. |
Boasting two successful sequels- small spoiler: we get to go to New York at one point. Con? It’s not entirely as fun as it sounds- there’s always a good chance that not only the first one will broadcast on your local screens, so you get to enjoy the full trilogy from start to finish. Let the tears of joy and laughter ensue.
'Elf'
| Before delving waist deep into the expansive fictional world of the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the filmmaker of Iron Man Jon Favreau, Elf remains a heart-warming journey of self-discovery, identity, acceptance and the most important message for this time of year- family. Starring another comedic actor such as Will Ferrell (in the titular role as Buddy the Elf) and New Girl’s Zooey Deschanel as his romantic interest, our lead “elf” travels away from his home into the big city. Or rather, the Big Apple, isn’t it interesting how there seems to be a correlation with Christmastime and the city of New York? Despite being released back in 2003, the children that originally fell in love with the charm of Elf, have only renewed it and introduced others to this Christmas comedy so that it may be shared with the younger generation and many others to come. Older audiences might notice veteran actors James Caan and Ed Asner in supporting roles, each delivering and receiving vital lessons in character that all viewers can appreciate. |  |
The Snowman
 | A true British tradition, the vivid display of hand sketched animation, operatic musical score, The Snowman remains a testament of minimalist cinema played on Christmas day in Britain. I bet it was even hard to stop the song mentioned in the title from playing your head as you read it! A film with a central theme as memorable and iconic as the imagery of young boy being led to take off into the night with his abominable friend, The Snowman is a British tradition (at least in our teams) shown every Christmas afternoon on Channel 4 spanning over several decades, its first broadcast dating to Boxing Day 1982. |
It’s hard to say what exactly draws the viewer into this hauntingly beautiful visual of childlike wonderment and festive spirit- we imagine it to be the minimal dialogue that allows the whole family to pay attention to non-verbal clues. Perhaps in that it was adapted from an acclaimed 70s children’s book, then released to a new generation of 80s babies, who in turn encouraged that fascination with their children, etc…IPM thinks it may lie in the central song “Walking in the Air” performed by young schoolboy Peter Auty, who’s ethereal vocals complement the climax of the short film’s adventures. The fact of it being a young child being both the vocal emotional core for the film, and it’s main character combined with the overall whimsical tone of the film makes it even more fitting as a movie to captured both children’s and adults hearts.
'The Wizard of Oz'
| A popular and frequent scheduled programme on BBC One’s midday showings in between the usual Queen’s speech and Top of the Pops, L. Frank Baum’s literary creation comes to life in the 1939 critically and commercially successful adaption The Wizard of Oz. Starring one of Hollywood’s best known names to date Judy Garland as the young noble heroine Dorothy alongside her quirky travel companions, the sheer level of production value on behalf of the MGM company, offers children and parents to suspend all logic and enter a world entirely unlike our own, and join our adventurers on the “yellow brick road” towards those with the answers and power to help them. |  |
One aspect that will stand out to audiences is the amount of effort gone through to craft this world: not a munchkins’ clothing without detail or a brick out of place on the famed street.When watching it back, filmmakers can’t help but feel a mix of admiration and sadness; firstly, for the level of cinematography and production work gone into delivering what is frequently listed as one of the greatest films of all time. Secondly, the sadness in knowing that however far we have come technologically, there is nothing filmmaking wise that can recreate the raw magic captured on film to the level of The Wizard of Oz. Sometimes we wish we could click our ruby red socks together and get a chance to experience that movie magic again for the first time. That’s why it is important to stimulate the knowledge of the influences such as the Golden Age of Hollywood and its impact on modern cinema today, and why it so innovative to the point of being aesthetically appealing many decades on. Boasting a musical standard “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”, this era of filmmaking was aware of the impact a score has on the emotional reaction of the audience. Judy Garland is the film’s bright light of hope in its initial setting of bleak Depression Kansas lamenting her troubles to her uncaring guardians, she emphatically croons the lyrics of the now renowned ballad, almost outrightly conjuring up the ensuing tornado with her siren-like call. “We’re not in Kansas anymore”, stresses Dorothy to her trusty furry sidekick, Toto. No, we are certainly not and after diving deep into the world of Oz, you will never want to be again
Some Honourable Mentions...
Love Actually
An array of plotlines, intermingling the lives of young lovers to the Prime Minister of the UK, the modern holiday classic was directed and written by Richard Curtis. With an ensemble of great UK names headlining this holiday film, there is a familiar face for everyone to identify. The initial release of the film actually received mixed reviews from audiences, but once it hit the UK Box Office it was welcomed with great praised and became an audience favourite for the Christmas season. Who doesn’t fall in love with the young bright eyed Sam’s trouble with his first love as the holiday’s come around as his newly widowed father navigates single parenthood!
An array of plotlines, intermingling the lives of young lovers to the Prime Minister of the UK, the modern holiday classic was directed and written by Richard Curtis. With an ensemble of great UK names headlining this holiday film, there is a familiar face for everyone to identify. The initial release of the film actually received mixed reviews from audiences, but once it hit the UK Box Office it was welcomed with great praised and became an audience favourite for the Christmas season. Who doesn’t fall in love with the young bright eyed Sam’s trouble with his first love as the holiday’s come around as his newly widowed father navigates single parenthood!
Gremlins
Though it is debated whether Gremlins is a Christmas film, the original release of the Horror-Comedy and memorable 80’s classic was during the summer period, but has since become a go-to for the holidays. It follows the story of struggling inventor Randall Peltzer who buys an unusual, furry creature as a Christmas present for his son. However the strange pet Gizmo soon spawns other creatures which transform into little gremlins, and wreaks havoc across the town during the festive period. Gremlins was produced at a time when combining horror and comedy was becoming increasingly popular and to this day is still a classic.
Though it is debated whether Gremlins is a Christmas film, the original release of the Horror-Comedy and memorable 80’s classic was during the summer period, but has since become a go-to for the holidays. It follows the story of struggling inventor Randall Peltzer who buys an unusual, furry creature as a Christmas present for his son. However the strange pet Gizmo soon spawns other creatures which transform into little gremlins, and wreaks havoc across the town during the festive period. Gremlins was produced at a time when combining horror and comedy was becoming increasingly popular and to this day is still a classic.
Die Hard
Another debated film for the festive season, Die Hard originally was released in 1988 and takes place on Christmas Eve. People around the world stand together to say it is a Christmas film. With great lines like ‘Now I have a machine gun, ho-ho-ho’ it is a great film for those who prefer the fast-paced action genre instead of something a bit more sappy!
Another debated film for the festive season, Die Hard originally was released in 1988 and takes place on Christmas Eve. People around the world stand together to say it is a Christmas film. With great lines like ‘Now I have a machine gun, ho-ho-ho’ it is a great film for those who prefer the fast-paced action genre instead of something a bit more sappy!
What are some of your Favourite Festive Films?
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