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One of the most effective tools you can have in your arsenal as an actor is a showreel. For many, this will be the first look casting directors have of your performance – a chance to put the name to a face, a CV to a skill, and a look at their new potential cast member. Our team has put together a few tips if you are looking at your new showreel to be ready for the industry return.
Make sure you have permission! Just because you are in a production, does not automatically mean you can use the clip. Before filming, check in your contract or ask the production company if you can use the material for a showreel. Most production companies are happy to comply, but it may take some friendly reminders after the shoot for your copy. Be patient – a good quality clip is always worth it. And please – make sure whatever you use is of a good audio and visual quality. No filming off of another screen or shaky home movies!
Start small and build with what you have. TIt is also best to stay away from recreating well know scenes, as it may be used in comparison to the original Taking your showreel into your own hands can be empowering as well as necessary. If you lack the confidence however, there are service available to help film and edit a professional showreel, such help you can find here. Your showreel will be a great asset to your acting career. Be sure to keep it up-to-date and use these tips to help make a strong first impression with casting directors! IPM's class members get casting & filming opportunities.
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  Image: The Undertaker by Yael Bartana | As found on the official website for the festival Festival Director Cíntia Gil says "This year’s programme brings together various cinematic and narrative forms, landscapes, human existences and ways of expression. It reflects on our contemporary world through its present and its past, and a multitude of sensibilities. The crisis we are living now point, and not for the first time, to the systemic failure of institutions and nations, and their need to be equitable in their capacities to give respect to life, freedom and care. It has given us an acute sense of what needs to change and a desire for stronger bonds between us. This programme is our contribution to that: it comes from a collective effort to resist hegemonic views over cinema and its relation to the world and to our lives. It represents multiple conversations we want to continue in the near future, through different programmes and forms." |
You can find this year's line-up here to find your next favourite documentary and find out more on how to view the VoD opportunities.
Though Pride Parades may be postponed this year due to Covid-19, there are many ways that creatives have come together to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. Over the years, film has been one of the greatest story tellers of how equality and pride. Withe June being Pride Month, IPM's team have put together some of our favourite films celebrating and bringing awareness of equality to LGBTQ+
God's Own CountryOf course we want to start our list with a film based, filmed and cast in Yorkshire! Johnny Saxby (Josh O'Connor) works long hours in brutal isolation on his family's remote farm in the north of England. He numbs the daily frustration of his lonely existence with nightly binge-drinking at the local pub and casual sex. When a handsome Romanian migrant worker (Alec Secareanu) arrives to take up temporary work on the family farm, Johnny suddenly finds himself having to deal with emotions he has never felt before. An intense relationship forms between the two which could change Johnny's life forever. |  |
 | PrideWith a cast like Bill Nighy, Imelda Staunton and Dominic West, Pride is another UK production inspired by an extraordinary true story. In the summer of 1984, Margaret Thatcher is in power and the National Union of Mineworkers is on strike, prompting a London-based group of gay and lesbian activists to raise money to support the strikers' families. Initially rebuffed by the Union, the group identifies a tiny mining village in Wales and sets off to make their donation in person. As the strike drags on, the two groups discover that standing together makes them even stronger. |
MoonlightThe tender, heartbreaking story of a young man's struggle to find himself, told across three defining chapters in his life as he experiences the ecstasy, pain, and beauty of falling in love, while grappling with his own sexuality. Moonlight won best picture for the Academy Awards and Golden Globe, becoming the first film with an all-black cast and the first LGBTQ related film to win. |  |
 | Love, SimonSimon is yet to tell his family or friends he's gay and he doesn't actually know the identity of the anonymous classmate he's fallen for online. Resolving both issues proves hilarious, terrifying and life-changing for Simon. Directed by Greg Berlanti (Riverdale, The Flash, Supergirl), written by Isaac Aptaker & Elizabeth Berger (This is Us), and based on Becky Albertalli's acclaimed novel, LOVE, SIMON is a funny and heartfelt coming-of-age story about finding yourself and falling in love. |
The Miseducation of Cameron PostSet in 1993 after teenage Cameron Post (Chloë Grace Moretz) is caught in the backseat of a car with the prom queen, she is sent away to a treatment centre in a remote area called God's Promise. While she is being subjected to questionable gay conversion therapies, she bonds with some fellow residents as they pretend to go along with the process while waiting to be released. |  |
There are of course many great films on LGBTQ+, some shout outs go to Blue is the Warmest Colour, Carol, The Birdcage, Milk and many, many more! What are some of your favourite LGBTQ+ films that you suggest for Pride Month?
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Wanting to be a diverse actor is always the goal for a professional career. If you take the time to look, you might find some actors do this even in one production! Have you spotted performers doubling up in roles before? IPM put together some of our favourite actors who filled two roles in films with the lovely help of prosthetics and an incredible make-up team!
Eugenio Derbez is Felipe and Felipe’s grandmother, Jack and Jill (2011)
Warwick Davis is Griphook and Professor Filius Flitwick, Harry Potter movies (2001-2011)
Dick Van Dyke as Bert and Mr. Dawes Sr., Mary Poppins (1964)
Margaret Hamilton is Miss Almira Gulch & The Wicked Witch Of The West, The Wizard Of Oz (1939)
Jason Isaacs As Mr. Darling And Captain Hook In Peter Pan (2003)
Amy Adams is Amelia Earhart and Tess in Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian (2009)
Some of our favourite Actors even went beyond just two roles!
Mike Myers in Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (2002)
Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly, Marty Jr. McFly, Seamus McFly, Marlene McFly & More! Back to the Future Series
Eddie Murphy as Prince Akeem, Clarence, Randy Watson, and Saul in Coming to America (1988)
The Cast of Cloud Atlas (2012)
Tom Hanks, Hugo Weaving, Halle Berry, Jim Sturgess, and Hugh Grant all played six unique characters.
Though we of course can't list every single time an actor played more than one role in a production, there are many great classic shout outs like Peter Sellers, Ben Stiller, Michelle Williams and many, many more! What have been some of your favourite performances by a single actor in multiple roles for one project?
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If you have ran out of flour, read the last book on the shelf or looking for a new form of entertainment, IPM Acting Academy has put together some of the top podcasts hosted by actors that will make you, laugh, cry and inspire you during these strange times!
RuPaul: What's The Tee with Michelle VisageIn this podcast RuPaul and his cohost Michelle Visage discuss pop culture, advice, beauty advice and behind the scenes of their hit show, RuPaul’s Drag Race. Take a listen here! |  |
 | David Tennant Does a Podcast With...David Tennant Does A Podcast With... sees David talking to the biggest names from TV, movies, comedy and elsewhere. Listen to revealing conversation, surprise stories and lots of laughs as David chats to the likes of Whoopi Goldberg, Olivia Colman, Jon Hamm, Michael Sheen, Sir Ian McKellen, Jodie Whittaker, Samantha Bee, Krysten Ritter and Gordon Brown, and many more here! |
Russell Brand: Under the Skin With Russell BrandRussell's new podcast 'Under The Skin' asks: what's beneath the surface - of people we admire, of the ideas that define our time, of the history we are told. Speaking with guests from the world of academia, popular culture and the arts, they'll help you see the ulterior truth behind our constructed reality. And have a laugh. Listen to Russel and Guests here |  |
 | Oprah’s SuperSoul ConversationsThe inspirational woman that is Oprah has her podcast to discover and connect to the deeper meaning of the world around you with SuperSoul. Hear Oprah’s personal selection of her interviews with thought-leaders, best-selling authors, spiritual luminaries, as well as health and wellness experts. All designed to light you up, guide you through life’s big questions and help bring you one step closer to your best self here! |
The Ron Burgundy PodcastWill Ferrell reprises his role as Ron Burgundy in his brand new Ron Burgundy Podcast! Each episode has a different theme in which Ron engages in conversation with another notable person on the topic at hand. In true Ron Burgundy fashion, these conversations have a tendency to go off the rails, and we find out things about people we never knew we wanted to know. All can be found here! |  |
Of course this is just a handful of the podcasts out there for listeners. Get started with some of our favourites and explore more from you favourite performers, comedians and singers for inspiration, laughs and a wonderful escape!
Is seems as if the past few weeks there has been a the constant questions as to when we’ll run out of soap. And no, I’m not talking the stock piling of Dove – although that is arguably as important. It’s the British heritance, a staple in most households across the nation, the ever consistent and comforting TV soap. From Corrie to EastEnders, Emmerdale to Hollyoaks – audiences have been wondering when the bank of filmed episodes would finally come to an end. Well, with the recent lock down measure slowly beginning to lessen, there’s some good news to all you fans.
 | With the iconic crowded pubs, scuffles on the street, and pre-watershed kissing, soaps are certainly not always social distancing friendly. With the lock down beginning in March, filming of these iconic series had to shut down indefinitely. Whilst most had a limited pre-recorded footage, to stay relevant and reflect society, filming was never done too far in advance. Thankfully , with restrictions starting to slowly rise, filming may be able to continue sooner rather than later. Below however are the restrictions and limitations soaps will have to abide by. |
Limited Crowds
| To deter the spread of corona, scenes that normally would call for large crowds are to be cut completely. Through some readdressing of scripts and swapping around setting, characters will now be seen in only two or three. Their interaction however will not include any intimate scenes . Already banned on Corrie before the pause in productions, all soaps will follow the lead and remove any kissing, hand holding, and physical intimacy indefinitely – sorry Hollyoaks! Not only are the regular cast limited on set, but there will have to be a limitation of extras. Already Neighbours have gotten experimental in how they build up background characters. Sharon Johal (who plays Dipi on Neighbours) has reported that the set is using their own receptionist and admin staff to fill the roles and avoid brining in external people. |   |
Postponing Story Lines for Older & Vulnerable Actors
Whilst soaps thrive of the variety and a dynamic age range, with the add risk of the older generation, characters such as Corrie’s Ken Barlow will be unfortunately written out for the foreseeable future. Even with the precautions in place, no one is willing to risk the actors most at risk – if it be through age or health reasons. We do however look forward to seeing the character back soon!
Limitations On Location
| Alongside limiting the number of characters per scene, scene are limited to location. Whilst soaps tend to use a mix of studio and on-location scenes, for the time being all shots will be done in-studio. This allows the crew to create a controlled environment, allowing a safer place to work. It looks as if the stories we love will now unfold in the living rooms of characters, with some 1 on 1 conversation. |  |
Follow Government Guidelines
 | Like all places of work, there is a responsibility for each and every cast and crew member to be safe. This includes some of the simplest measures – wash your hands and socially distance. To achieve this and still have an authentic representation of real life, Neighbours have been getting creative with the camera. Whilst they have already started filming, all actors are told to adhere to the 2 metres apart rules. Through some clear angles and camera tricky – the characters still appear close. |
Alongside distancing, more breaks have been introduced for extra hand washing. By the entire cast regularly washing their hands, they can reduced infection. Neighbours have also introduced temperature checks when arriving to work. Corrie and Emmerdale are also looking into any additionally testing as an option for their crew.
Writing in Covid-19 Storylines
Of course, soap dramas are suppose to mirror reality – but be a bit exaggerated. The questions, then however, is whether soaps will write the pandemic into their story lines. Whilst it would certainly make social distancing easier and explain any other oddities away, is it something viewers are wanting to watch? Or have we all had enough seeing it on the news?
Neighbours have reportedly decided to avoid the story line altogether, noting that by the time the episodes end, the subject will be outdated – which is certainly positive thinking. Corrie on the other hand has confirmed it will include the pandemic. Whilst this will explain the streets shutting off Roy’s cafe and the Rovers, writers are not making it a dominating story line.
Neighbours have reportedly decided to avoid the story line altogether, noting that by the time the episodes end, the subject will be outdated – which is certainly positive thinking. Corrie on the other hand has confirmed it will include the pandemic. Whilst this will explain the streets shutting off Roy’s cafe and the Rovers, writers are not making it a dominating story line.
| However soaps may look in the future, it is going without saying that with their return is another step towards normality. Love them or loath them – soaps are here to stay, and it will take more than COVID-19 to bring them to an end! |  |
Our Class Members have Opportunities for beloved series such as these! Join us today to be set ready for your return to filming on-set with Beginner and Professional Classes ONLINE!
With a standstill of many industries, production of films and television have unfortunately made that list. Suspension of some productions and postponed releases of others include some highly anticipated and large names. See below for some of the production impacted: Black Widow, The Matrix 4, The Batman, John Wick 4, Morbius and More
| Amongst these holts on production are many fan favourites Netflix originals. Ted Saeandos however has recently written an article for LA Times that has outlined how the streaming giant plans on reinstating some productions. With its rapidly growing success and large following, Netflix had a dramatic effect on the industry in the past. One of the more unique aspects of Netflix is their embracement of cross-cultural and international productions that are available on its service. This includes series like ‘Money Heist’, ‘Call My Agent!’, and ‘Kingdom’. And it turns out that this global outlook is a big benefit when working around corona. |  |
Filming for some production have now started in South Korea, Japan, and Iceland as Saeandos reports. As guidelines and risk differ from not only country to country but even some cities, each production is unique and must work within safeguards dictated by each health authorities. Just some of the guidelines and their relevant production are outlined below.
  | For productions to go forward safely and confidently, tests for Covid-19 are especially necessary and following social distancing procedures South Korea and Sweden have a limited supply of tests. For South Korean series such as ‘Move to Heaven’ and ‘Love Alarm’, to go forward, all cast and crew have their temperature checked regularly. If any sign of infection is present, production is paused, and testing is immediate. In Sweden they have gone to further extent by all cast and crew going through a voluntary 14-day self-quarantine before the shoot of romantic comedy series ‘Love and Anarchy’. There quarantine will continue through the 11-day shoot. Whilst testing is widely available in Iceland, similar procedures are being adhered. After all negative tests came back from the cast and crew of the science-fiction series ‘Katla’, everyone still has their temperature taken first thing in the morning. All these productions will follow similar standards of hygiene – hand and surface sanitisation, social distancing where possible, and single-use, disposable makeup applicators. |
One thing is for certain; the short-term future of productions is going to look a lot different to what we are used to. Thankfully however, this industry has never been short of innovative and creative professionals. Whilst scripts may have to be readdressed, on set filming reduced and limitations of both crowded and intimate scenes, this industry is sure to continue to provide entertainment to the masses.
Want to be ready for your return to set? IPM Acting Academy is ONLINE! Visit the link below to gets started today with Group & Private Sessions Available
 | As an intern both in the casting office and on set with Rossi Pictures, I have become aware that it is useful to know industry slang! Not only does it help me as an aspiring producer, but it is also useful to know if you’re an actor/actress. Adding these words to your vocabulary bank will definitely make you more aware of what is going on around you on set as well as making it easier to understand industry commands. Here are a few to get you started: |
Checks‘Last checks in before a take’ refers to makeup, wardrobe and art checks. This call is made to identify to the crew that before filming commences, makeup, wardrobe and art department need to come to set and make sure they are happy with their department before ‘action’ is called. |  |
Turnover or Roll Up
Roll sound/camera or Turnover. The A.D. calls for audio and camera to start. “Turnover” is most often used in the British film industry which means ‘starting to film’. This a lead up to 'Action' so for actors this helps understanding that your time to start the scene is coming up.
 | Dirty ShotDirty vs clean defines the foreground of a shot. “Dirty Over" is an over the shoulder medium, medium closeup or tighter closeup of an actor where the actor they face is partially within frame, in their eye line. If the camera is over your shoulder, that means you are still in frame even if the focus isn't on you. Too “dirty" simply means a foreground soft focus element. If the foreground element is also in focus and of a balanced importance, that is not a dirty frame, but a split frame, as with a man staring across the room at a ringing telephone that is prominent in the foreground. |
Sides“Sides” are the pages of the script that are being shot during that day in production or what is being used for an audition. Because movies and TV shows aren’t shot in a linear way, it’s more convenient to provide script sides so that the cast and crew know what the day's filming will entail. |  |
Wrap
At the end of the shoot, it is announced to the crew by clearly stating 'That's A Wrap'. Your day isn't done until you are release by the AD in charger of your schedule. Always stay onset unless you are allowed to leave for lunch or a break.
As an actor these are some of the main terms you are going to hear on set that are key to understanding the day to day runnings of production. Though the list does go on, this is a start to knowing the industry lingo for your training!
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‘The show must go on’. There are more options than Netflix to stream! As we wait to hear what the next steps are for the UK and the world in easing the lockdown restrictions take a look below at some of the ways the arts and talent around the glob is reaching out to us in our living rooms.
We Are One: A Global Film Festival
 | With travelling and large crowds are sudden no-no, many of the well loved festivals have had to cancel. Whilst they’ll be no red carpets or cocktails in the Med, festivals like Cannes Film festival have teamed up with We Are One to provide us with some of the art and culture we’re all craving. The 10 day event with stream on YouTube on the 29th May and include films and documentaries to name a few. Take a look at their channel and preview here! |
The Royal Opera HouseIf like many people, you're taking this time to try new things and open your horizons, check out the free streaming of opera and ballet available on their YouTube letter. These include full length performances and behind the scene clips of many beloved performances. These new streaming options and dates can be found here! |  |
 | MuseumsProviding art and culture in the time of need, many museums have set up a virtual way to experience their exhibitions. From the Natural History Museum in London all the way to the J Paul Getty Museum in Los Angelas, you can see masterpieces, historical artifacts from the comfort of your own home during lockdown! See 10 of the best virtual museums here! |
The National TheatreKeeping the world entertained is no new thing for the National Theatre. This iconic company is reaching out to audience even through a pandemic. Whilst we might be missing out on the interval ice cream, National Theatre streaming new plays every Thursday on their YouTube channel. These include ‘Frankenstein’ and ‘Antony and Cleopatra’ which are available on the channel for a whole week here! |  |
These are only a few of the many great things the world of performance and art is bringing to the world during these unsure time! Enjoy live performances and more from your own home beyond Netflix! What have been some of your favourite virtual experiences?
Want to be camera ready for the returning film industry? Join IPM Acting Academy ONLINE today! Private and Group Sessions available for Professionals & Beginners on the link below!
| Ever wanted to be on one of your favourite BBC Series? Castings are still going in accordance with government guidelines for future and current filming! From beloved favourites like 'Antiques Roadshow' to fantastic pieces like 'Flat Out Fabulous', BBC programmes are looking for contestants or contributors and all the information you need about taking part. |   |
If you want the chance to take part, now more than ever is a great time to get your name in front of some of your favourite series to be considered for their future filming. Take a look at BBC's website by clicking the images below for more information on how you can apply to future filming or click here for more!
 Flat Out Fabulous (BBC) |  The Nine to Five with Stacey Dooley (BBC) |  Race Across the World (BBC) |
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