Are you a budding actor embarking on your long yet exhilarating journey through the Film and TV industry? Have you experienced any challenges that might be getting you down? Or maybe just finding that the cold, grey weather is blocking your creativity and motivation? If this sounds like you, you’re not alone. The best way to keep going when you hit bumps in the road is to find sources of inspiration, giving you fuel to keep going when times get hard and pushing you towards your end goal of seeing your lovely face on the big screen!


In this blog, I am going to share techniques the greats have used to become the household names they are today, as well as things I engage with when the river of ideas runs dry.


Engage in all forms of media


As an actor, you might think that watching all the classic films and new TV shows would be enough to inspire your performances, however you shouldn’t just focus on the screen to find inspiration as there’s only so much you can learn from one medium that is only a century old. Looking at other sources can open you eyes up to how different stories can be told, informing your performances.


Websites


‘The New York Times’ - Arts https://www.nytimes.com/international/section/arts


A site to see an international view of what’s going on in the current world of art is ‘The New York Times’ Arts section. Staying on top of the international art scene can help fuel your creativity, exposing you to ideas from all four corners of the globe, whilst also keeping you informed of what’s being made today and what kind of characters are excelling in the ever changing media landscape.


Tetragrammaton - https://www.tetragrammaton.com/home


This is less of a website and more of an online art gallery from the brilliant mind of Rick Rubin. For those who don’t know, Rick Rubin is one of the most successful American music producers, producing albums for Lady Gaga to Metallica. Tetragrammaton is derived from Rubin’s podcast of the same name where he interviews a range of creatives. The site, on the other hand, is a curated online space that showcases art, music, films, and other artifacts and a great space to observe and consume art without bias.


Acting specific sites like Spotlight and Backstage


Back to an industry-focused site, some fantastic websites for actors to take a look at are Backstage and Spotlight, where you can find what kind of jobs are available out there, industry updates and what’s casting now so you can practice making audition tapes for the roles you would like to be cast for.


Actor websites


Whose your favourite actor? What do they do that makes you so captivated by them? Research them. What do they do to get into character, how do they push past rejections and where do they turn to get inspired? One day, you will be just like them and help the you’s of tomorrow work towards their dreams.


Books


‘Quiet’ by Susan Cain - about (how relate to acting?)


This book explores the value in introversion and how it can be a vital skill in unlocking creativity and success in a world that typically places more importance on extraversion. As some of the best actors are surprisingly introverted, it is interesting to learn the different beneficial traits gifted by introversion and what can be learnt from this as a budding actor.


‘The Creative Act: A Way of Being’ by Rick Rubin


I know what you’re thinking, another Rick Rubin mention?! As he is arguably one of the most successful and creative individuals out there today, it’s worth taking a deep dive into his work and ideas on creativity to see what can be learnt from his thought process and see what ideas his words can inspire in you.


Podcasts


‘How to fail’ by Elizabeth Day


Knowing that everyone fails, that you too will fail at some things and how to cope with that is essential as an actor. Elizabeth Day’s podcast explores the idea of failure by interviewing a range of different people from actors to sports men and women, learning their failures, what it taught them and how to succeed better.


‘A Beautiful Anarchy’ by David duChemin


If you’re shorter on time, duChemin’s 15-minute podcasts explore the trials and tribulations of life as a creative and aims to provide inspiration to those who crave to create. Listening to this podcast whilst on a walk can help you absorb interesting points and instantly apply what you hear.


Videos


‘Give yourself permission to be creative’ - Ethan Hawke for TED
A video I always find myself coming back to when I am lacking in inspiration is Ethan Hawke’s TED talk. He beautifully uses anecdotes from his life to relate and motivate to an audience of struggling creatives, leaving you with an inspiring instruction to make your own path and not be afraid to ‘play to fool’.


Stay mindful


Now your brain is full of creativity, take a moment of peace. Go on a walk in nature. Enjoy the simplicity of breathing, listening, watching the world around you. Give the ideas space to grow.


Another way to can process your creativity and encourage ideas to flow is to journal. This can help you bring your ideas into the world, without editing or judging. It is also great practice for actors to help develop self-awareness, foster originality and improve memory retention.


Putting this into Practice


So what small step can you take right now to help you keep moving towards your dreams? Obviously, taking IPM’s amazing acting classes are a great place to start to help you practice your acting and allow you to explore different ideas. After this, choose something to read, watch or do that has been explored in this blog and see how you feel afterwards. Even the smallest steps are carrying you towards where you want to be, keep going no matter how many challenges you face.


I will leave you with this quote from Rick Rubin’s book ‘The Creative Act: A Way of Being’ to inspire you to keep pushing through the months to come:


“A river of material flows through us. When we share our works and our ideas, they are replenished. If we block the flow by holding them all inside, the river cannot run and new ideas are slow to appear. In the abundant mindset, the river never runs dry. Ideas are always coming through. And an artist is free to release them with the faith that more will arrive. The recognition of abundance fills us with hope that our brightest ideas still await us and our greatest work is yet to come. We are able to live in an energized state of creative momentum, free to make things, let them go make the next thing, and let it go. With each chapter we make, we gain experience, improve at our craft, and inch closer to who we are.” 


-Rick Rubin, American Record Producer

When we think about success in acting, we often envision young stars making their mark in Hollywood. However, June Squibb is a shining example that passion knows no age limit. Receiving her first Academy Award nomination at the age of 84, June's journey teaches us that it’s never too late to follow our dreams.
Born on November 6, 1929, in Vandalia, Illinois, June's love for acting began early. She studied at the University of Illinois and later honed her craft on stage. However, her career didn’t skyrocket until later in life, and she spent decades working in theatre and smaller television roles. It was her role in the 2013 film Nebraska that brought her widespread acclaim and recognition, showcasing her remarkable talent and unique presence, earning her first Oscar Nomination.

June’s story serves as a powerful reminder that talent and passion can blossom at any age. In an industry that often focuses on youth, her achievements inspire aspiring actors of all ages to pursue their dreams without hesitation and now at 94, June is in demand more than ever! 

​                “My career certainly has been rewarding, I’m not naïve: I know it’s unusual to be 94 and still working; to still be
                         doing  anything, let alone this job! And I’m pleased that I can do what I do physically, and that my health is good.”

June Squibb's rise to fame later in life serves as a powerful reminder that the journey to success in acting is rarely a straight path. In an interview reflecting on her newfound recognition, Squibb noted, "I didn't get my first real break until I was in my 80s. It just goes to show that you have to keep doing the work, keep believing in yourself, because you never know when the opportunity will come."
Her story is a beacon of hope for actors everywhere who might feel like time is running out to make their mark. It challenges the misconception that Hollywood only celebrates youth and reminds us that talent, dedication, and passion are timeless qualities.

So, why wait? June Squibb’s remarkable journey shows that the path to success in acting is not bound by age but guided by persistence and love for the craft. As we celebrate her incredible career, let’s be inspired to follow our own dreams, no matter where we are in life. After all, as June has taught us, it’s never too late to shine.

​​Listening to podcasts has fast become a popular pastime. They’re engaging, informative, and there are plenty to choose from. It’s estimated that there are now around 5 million podcasts worldwide, with 70 million episodes between them.
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1) Crossing the Line 
This podcast takes you behind the scenes of popular productions by interviewing key people who worked on them – actors, directors, writers, casting directors, make-up and SFX artists, agents, and more. It’s a great way to gain insight into other roles in the performing arts industry and develop an understanding of what goes into making your favourite films and TV shows. 
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2) The Empire Film Podcast
Anyone who claims to love film will know Empire. What you may not know is that they also have a weekly podcast – and it’s just as fun and informative as their web and magazine content. With highly desirable A-list guests, this is an excellent podcast for your regular fix of movie news and nonsense.
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3) ​In the Room 
For any actor who’s ever wondered, “How do I get in the room?”, this podcast helps you find the answer. Hosts Matthew Philip Harris and Christian Lee Smith are both actors themselves, and eager to discover their own answers alongside their listeners. With discussions and advice about industry essentials like self-tapes and showreels, and interviews with casting directors, agents, producers and more, there’s plenty to learn from the hosts.
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4) Little Gold Men
We all wonder how the other half live. This is the acting equivalent of that – a look into the award shows, red carpet premieres, whisper campaigns, and more that go on in glamorous Hollywood. A podcast from Vanity Fair, it features conversations about the best of television and films, special guest appearances, and a deep dive into the Oscar’s history.
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5) The Proper Class Podcast
Actor Laura Checkley and theatre director, Hannah Chissick, host this podcast, in which they discuss all things acting with each other and their guests. All of this is centred around being from a working-class background – providing an interesting perspective when hearing about Laura and Hannah’s journey and rise to where they are now. We all know performing arts hasn’t always been the most inclusive of industries, so it’s uplifting to hear the experiences of those who succeeded despite this. 
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6) Two Actors Walk into a Bar
There are plenty of jokes in this podcast, as the title would imply. Actors Scarlett Briant and David McCulloch discuss and laugh about their frustrating, noteworthy and ridiculous experiences in the performing arts industry and their daily lives. A great opportunity to hear a fellow actor vent and realise it isn’t just you who feels that way about certain things.

It’s easy to let your mind go into overdrive and become swamped in anxiousness as to when that next audition or acting job will come! Have a look below on how to keep working (and sane!) whilst staying in the industry.​

So, you have the basic requirements down - a great headshot, a short but punchy showreel, and showing to be active on social media - now what to do? It’s important to remember to not go and work on jobs because you ‘have nothing better to do’ – there is always something you can be doing to expand your craft.
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If the job looks unprofessional and something you do not really believe in, then use that time instead to take a class; read a new play; write and expand your network connections. One of the best ways to get involved is with students. Student films are happening ALL THE TIME.  They’re one of the industry’s best-kept secrets, constantly casting, as well as being very open in the audition and typically allowing you a great deal of time to show off what you can do. Not many pay but usually cover travel expenses, as well as providing food on set. There's a lot of patience required at times with crew and director; but they’re developing – you were once starting out and are always learning! So go on the journey together. Most typically you will be able to get some great material for your showreel and if not, just remember that that filmmaker is just as hungry for success in the same line of work as you; they may well remember you for the next time they are casting. You never know where anyone will end up or how much he or she would be willing to pay next time.

Once upon a time Hollywood was the name and place known for its stellar and consistent delivery of high quality, emotionally moving cinema to the silver screens. The art of storytelling and high-level production behind the ‘Hollywood’ name has made the rest of the world looked stateside for the gold standard of filmmaking. However, on the other side of the pond, us Brits have been carving our own creative path. Although not as explosive as our US counterparts, the UK has spawned several generations of organic tales, all representing a different facet of our diverse British culture. Here are a handful of our favourite filmmakers, all hailing from this little island.

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.

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!

​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.

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.

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!  

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.

Film and TV has developed so much in the production department over the last couple of decades, that it astounds audiences how they managed to achieve what we thought was the impossible. Crazy stuntmen flinging themselves from buildings, explosive gunfights between characters and car chases that have you biting your nails and hanging off the edge of your seat. After the credits have rolled, and you and your viewing party trade your favourite lines and scenes of the film, the moments that stand out to you begs the question: “But wait… how’d they do that?”. Well, we cannot reveal all the tricks of the trade can we (got to leave some things a mystery)? But to find out the top 5 industry “secret” props, keep on scrolling…

Sugar glass (also known as breakaway glass and candy glass) is a prop used in many different forms- and is simply made from mixing dissolved sugar, water then heating to an extremely high temperature (about 150˚C!) until it can be formed into its desired shape (e.g. a bottle or thin sheet). To ensure it does not (re)crystallise, corn syrup is often used to aid the consistency. Because it resembles glass both in look- and when broken in a scene shatter similarly- and is unlikely to cause any harm, it is considered an effective and inexpensive prop to manufacture. The downside? Due to the chemical structure of its main ingredient sugar, it must be used quickly after it is made as the brittle quality that is achieved only last so long.

Considering the strict laws surrounding money, its distribution and usage, even the material (cotton instead of paper), lack of watermarks and security numbers all serve to make sure the illusion stays intact. If you notice, we never tend to see money in an up close shot whenever it is shown, sometimes even just being printed on the side the audience is viewing- all these add to the “authenticity” of the fake money. Ironic right? The faker the better as any attempt that may be viewed as duplicating real currency is seen as counterfeiting and is met by strict government investigation- ouch.

I know I am not alone in the thought of watching a scene of characters in a car travelling through the streets of a metropolitan area, casually engaging in conversation…but their eyes leave the road a touch longer than is deemed safe or their hand movements on the steering wheel don’t quite sync up? Come on I know we have all wondered: “Are they really driving and delivering their lines that perfectly?”. To answer your burning question, sadly no. Ahh but do not despair as it is really the safest option when filming a simple driving scene compared to a stunt driver commandeering a high-octane car chase.

Add to this that the actor must mime the driving process, it saves time and money compared the traditional (and slowly disappearing) use of green screen with a stationary car. With today’s technological advances, it sure is nice to see that we have moved away from the days of repeating background and bad “driving”- I am looking at you Knight Rider.

Times gone by a trick like this was semi-difficult to pull off, making the use of quick cuts of the camera or miming the shot with the intended actor. Nowadays, like the prop mentioned below, it can be a combination of visual effects mixed with postproduction touch-up and image editing. It all is dependant on the budgeting, tone of the scene and action that is being performed, for example if it just a simple extra being killed by our hero without any consequences, it most likely will be shot in one quick wide shot with a blood pack being added to bolster the legitimacy of the gory death. However, if the scene is to depict a vengeful, violent killing meant to be shown in close up detail, there is a combination of a retractable blade (practical effects), with the squib (small, explosive device filled with fake blood- again practical effect) setting off, then if required adding those extra details in CGI to add to the illusion. This one remains somewhat of mystery to most, as there is a method called impalement illusion, wherein the actor wears a corset (or frame) around their body with “entrance” and “exit” slot for the blade to fit through. Again, this is something that screen productions have utilised over the years and even stage magicians as a popular act but there is still some secrecy shrouded around this technique. Hmm, I guess a magician cannot reveal all his tricks.  

Either using practical effects such as elaborate prosthetics being produced by special effects props specialist to fit the scene, design and body of the actor it will be fitted on or the detail given in post-production VFX; the desired look can be achieved easily with todays options. In Marvel’s Iron Man, the iconic chest arc reactor worn by lead Robert Downey Jr was achieved without the need for CGI; accomplished by constructing a replica of the actor’s chest spray painted with makeup to match his skin tone, whilst holding the main design piece in the middle. In other more meticulous scenes, CGI may be needed to add an additional layer of legitimacy to the screen. This can be seen in 2014’s RoboCop, featuring a scene of detailed operation that looks so real you can see pieces of brain matter on the surgeon’s tools- but you will be potentially shocked to know that that was all CGI. I know blew our minds too.

So there you have it, our Top 5 industry tricks for the special effects and technically derived moments in filmmaking. There are many more industry tricks that create the wonders of film and television. From make-up to props, film has created these techniques way before CGI. It has always been one of the greatest parts of the industry is bringing together the tricks. What are some of your favourite film moments using these techniques?

​Perhaps one of voice overs best kept secrets, Baker has voice acting credits to rival the greats despite being only 44 (arguably one of the youngest prolific voice actors in the industry); and he is steadily adding to his résumé. Typically working within the field of video gaming, Baker has shown a confident approach to the leading action man role in combat, fighting based games. However the role that brough critical acclaim and international attention was his role as Joel, the protagonist of zombie horror survival game The Last of Us, which incorporated the use of motion capturing in its development process, in order to fully capture the psychological core of the main characters. With this role, Baker epitomises the lone wolf persona, simultaneously offering emotional depth unseen in games before then. Baker’s Joel became a standout character and a landmark in the storytelling aspect of modern gaming.

Armed with a powerfully intimidating voice fit for kings and gods, Cummings is another staple in the voice acting community having played countless roles over the years. Alongside the legendary Mel Blanc, Cummings is the only other actor to portray the iconic Tasmanian Devil; a character known to communicate in growls and snarls instead of actual speech tells us that sometimes being a voice actor is being able to access those primal, animalistic sounds. Although another anthropomorphic cartoon character, Jim Cummings has portrayed the lovable Winnie the Pooh (and his energetic friend Tigger), demonstrating his skill at harnessing the cadence of his voice to suit the softly spoken Pooh (The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh-1988).
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​Long-time fans of the iconic animated series The Simpsons will know the man responsible for breathing into life our lovable, drunken patriarch Homer Simpson is none other than Dan Castellaneta. I would confidently say that Castellaneta’s Homer is one of the hardest voices to perform, as he achieved a voice quality into the Duff loving family man that few can replicate. Other fan favourites Castellaneta voices include Homer’s elderly father Abe “Grampa” Simpson, Krusty the Clown, Groundskeeper Willie, Homer’s perpetually inebriated cohort Barney Gumble, and hundreds of others spanning over his 690-episode credited appearances in this show.

With some of our young performers recently attaining professional work with premium broadcasters and companies, it is no surprise that here at IPM we have a passion for fostering juvenile talent. Not only do we nurture our child and teen performers through in-depth industry training and on-set experience, we also think it is important for them to be inspired through the performances of fellow young actors. Here we will explore some of the most impressive juvenile performances seen in films, examine what makes them stand out and evaluate what our IPM performers can be inspired by:

 
1. Saoirse Ronan as Bryony Tallis (age 13) in Atonement (2007)
There is no wonder that Saoirse Ronan became one of the youngest actors to ever be nominated for an Academy Award for her performance in Atonement. Furthermore, it is not surprising that Ronan has gone on to become one of the most successful actresses in Hollywood, and this can nearly be foreseen through this early performance. In the role of Bryony, Ronan is subtle and seems to be acting almost entirely through her piercing blue eyes. Her natural, childlike innocence makes her a thoroughly engaging onscreen presence and her ‘outside-in’ acting approach is no doubt something for fellow young performers to be inspired by! 
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​2. Jodie Foster as Iris in Taxi Driver (1976)
Performing the role of a 12-year-old sex worker in one of the most iconic films ever made certainly must have been a memorable experience for Jodie Foster, who has now become one of the most reputable actresses and now directors of her generation. In the part of Iris, Foster is completely electric: she exudes charisma, charm and total wit. Acting against Robert De Niro as a kid certainly must have been intimidating, but Foster plays it off with total self-assured coolness. This is certainly a performance to look up to when looking for inspiration for onscreen confidence! 

3. Abigail Breslin as Bo Hess in Signs (2002)
Breslin is perhaps best-known as a child actor for her role in Little Miss Sunshine (2007), although she could  be seen as even more impressive earlier in her career with her role as Bo in M. Night Shamalyan’s Signs. She gives a staggering performance as the youngest daughter in a family who undergo the strange experience of extra-terrestrials invading their home. Breslin performs in of the most convincing crying scenes: in this dinner scene, we see the totality of her character’s vulnerability and desperation. This is a performance to be inspired by when considering how to compellingly and naturally convey a diverse range of emotions.

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4. Christian Bale as Jamie ‘Jim’ Graham in Empire of the Sun (1987) 
​It is not at all surprising that the National Board of Review of Motion Pictures invented the ‘Best Performance by a Juvenile Actor’ in the wake of Bale’s tremendous early performance in this film. Bale conveys an outstanding versatility in this role, varying between a spoilt child living with his ex-pat family in Shanghai to an orphan left wandering the streets following the Japanese invasion. We may primarily associate Christian Bale with his strongly masculine, belligerent roles in the later Dark Knight Trilogyand The Fighter,although Empire of the Sunconveys the subtler, understated nature that Bale has about himself. This performance can inspire us through its naturalness and variability. 

5. Quvenzhané Wallis as Hushpuppy in Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012)
Despite being a younger age than what the original casting call had requested, Quvenzhané Wallis impressed with her head-strong personality to such an extent that she was cast immediately, and the brief was even changed to adapt to her as a performer. She is truly remarkable in this film: obstinate, assertive and thoroughly mesmerising while playing a young girl living in Louisiana with her father. In spite of her lack of previous acting experience, Wallis commands the screen and demonstrates that sometimes, it is simply a matter of drawing from one’s natural emotions and instincts for a performance. 
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​5.Jacob Tremblay as Jack Newsome in Room(2015)
Brie Larson may have been the performer to win an Oscar for Room, although it seems shocking that the young Jacob Tremblay was not in with a nomination as his role as the protagonist’s son born in captivity. In this film, Tremblay conveys an overwhelming combination of innocence, fear, vulnerability and naivety which would completely overshadow some trained adult actors. The onscreen charisma he shares with Larson is extremely touching, and the intensity that Tremblay manages to generate in his performance as Jack is truly electrifying.