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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+
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? Want to be onscreen ready? Join IPM Acting Academy today with GROUP & PRIVATE Sessions available online!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 SeriesEddie 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? Want to broaden your range for the screen?
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| 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
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. |
Writing in Covid-19 Storylines
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.
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!
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! |
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!
| Hi my name is Emily and I am a casting assistant at IPM. My time as a Casting Assistant at IPM started in November 2019. Within the first couple of weeks of interning, I spent my time getting to know IPM’s talent. Through studying CVs and watching each actor's showreel, I was able to understand: the way in which each individual performed, their strengths alongside which roles might be best suited to their skillset. |
is from the very beginning of a production.
Attending IPM Acting Academy Sessions
| Another part of the training involved attending a series of the acting academy classes. This allowed me to get involved in helping my mentor plan classes, activities and have a hand at directing/interacting with some of the talent. I found it interesting watching each individual develop a character over the course of a number of weeks and react to given scenarios accordingly. Observing the switch between each artist's actual personality and their given character was intriguing to say the least. As I grew as an assistant director, I was able to watch the essentials group grow and progress as performers; something I found quite fulfilling. One thing I will take from attending the acting classes is that improvisation looks unbelievably difficult! |
Social Media
| For IPM’s casting team, I also had a hand in assisting with marketing and social media. Not only have I written blog posts for their website, but I have also frequently managed the Instagram page; gaining followers, taking pictures, editing and writing content for online purposes. This has given me a broader knowledge of how marketing works in regard to reaching large audiences and targeting specific clientele. I also had a hand at creating some promotional material for IPM and Rossi Pictures, improving and perfecting my Premier Pro skills by editing together video footage and adding relevant graphics where necessary |
There are many things to learn for the Television & Film Industry. Get Career Advice and Knowledge for your Acting Career with IPM Acting Academy today!
| Our team at IPM have seen many actors ask what it is they can do to keep themselves ready for the first audition call during these unprecedented times. Our training actors have taken our advice and have kept their creativity flowing by doing monologues, keep their training going and even writing for our blog! Take a look at Academy Member, Harrison's journey as an actor! |
| I would like to say that my acting journey began where I was cast in a major movie, but that kind of stuff doesn’t even happen in fairy tales. I started acting about 9 years ago, it was mainly based around the theatrical side of acting (which I personally don’t prefer to screen acting) but I instantly knew that this is what I want to focus on and pursue as a career. After my first performance at my stage school I felt incredible, when I had finished I knew that I had given it my absolute best and with this being topped off by the applause of the audience, there really is no better feeling than that. |
| The more I worked for and performed under the stage schools the more I realised that theatrical acting wasn’t for me and I was not liking it as much as I used to. Thankfully, my mum had found a local place that did screen acting and I’m so happy that she did because this place re-sparked the passion I have for the art of acting. It is called IPM (Imperial Personal Management) Acting Academy in Leeds and it has really improved me as an actor over the 7 years I have been there, and I can honestly say it is the highlight of my week. I have learnt so many skills and techniques when it comes to performing and I enjoy going to every lesson and socialising with everyone and learning together as a collective. IPM's agency put me forward for lots and lots of opportunities and I have gained a vast amount of experience with them. I feel at home when I am on set like it is where I am meant to be. I enjoy focusing on the character’s life, story and meaning in the scene as I feel like I can forget who I am, become this different person and see the world through their eyes. I still hope to one day get that one shot at a major roll and prove to myself and everyone else that I can make it. |
| | Obviously in the current lockdown with Covid-19 it may seem difficult to be an actor, however I am still pushing through and working on myself as much as possible. The weekly classes are now online so we don’t miss out on our teaching during this tough quarantine time. Also, all the free time has given me the chance to record myself act a scene or monologue at home and criticise myself to improve my performance. |
Auditions are Still Happening Now! Be ready for your next Self-Tape or Online Audition with Group or Private ONLINE Sessions with IPM Acting Academy!
| Thinking of ways you can work at home as an actor? With the recent government guidelines posted with advised social distancing and in some cases quarantining oneself, the profession of acting feels like it may be at a bit of a standstill at the moment. But here at IPM we’re not letting these uncertain times catch up with us just yet! With more productions being postponed and castings turning to online and self tape auditions, this just leaves actors with chance to hone their skills and emerge better than ever. |
Here are some practical things you can be doing in making the most of staying at home to be ready when the fast paced industry we love is back in full swing.
Get things done!
| Tackle that to-do list! Start ticking off the jobs that have been slowly growing since New Year and feel the pride of accomplishing even the smallest of jobs. Remember, a tidy house means a tidy mind and now is the time to get cleaned up. Alongside organising your personal space, organise your CV. Make sure all your new experience is listed and that the next casting director to see your CV knows all what you have accomplished. Make sure you outline everything you want accomplished during this time and set yourself a schedule. This will keep you on track and make the most of the down time. |
Practice!
Get CreativeWhat a better time than to let the imagination go! To be a better actor, is to be more creative. Whatever you chose to pursue, pursue it with curiosity and enjoyment. During this pause, there is no pressure to perfect the art, just have a go. Try your hand at writing and get into the head of your next director. Or pick up a pen and paper and get drawing – be it a still life of your desk or a dreamscape. This can not only help with your acting, but give your hands something to accomplish. |
DANCE IT OUT!Take some advice straight from Christina Yang and dance it out! This can be a frustrating time, but that doesn’t mean we have to let it get to us. Blast out your favourite music and let it go! Weather you’re practising a routine or just throwing your arms in the air – get to know your body with some moves! Remember, self isolating can be the most responsible thing to do but it will pass. Look after those you can and most importantly, look after yourself. |
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| 2. Elf (2003) Buddy, a young man raised in the North Pole by elves, travels to New York to discover his biological parents upon discovering he's human. From discovering his real family to finding love and having fun along the way, Elf is a cheer-you-up film that makes you count down the days till Christmas arrives. |
Set with a great and diverse cast, Love Actually follows eight London couples over the Christmas period as they try to deal with their relationships and friendships. They soon realise that relationships can be harder and more complicated than they thought, but the holidays will see them through it all!
With the pressures of work and strained past relationships, two women from England and LA swap homes over the festive period only to find unexpected romance when it was least expected. This Christmas classic is a holiday romance gone right.
| 5. Miracle on 34th Street (1947) When a Macy's store in New York needs a new department store Santa, a little girls courage and belief is brought to life when he exceeds his Christmas spirit, bring fun to the store and claims he's the real Kris Kringle. This family fun film is one for a cosy, sweet-treat night in! |
Set in Whoville, Dr. Seuss's Grinch lives in isolation away from the townsfolk who go over the top with Christmas celebrations and festivities. Played by Jim Carrey, the Grinch sets out to ruin everyones Christmas with his pet dog until a young girl Cindy-Lou reforms his Christmas spirit and creates the best celebration of his life.
| 7. The Santa Clause (1994) Scott thinking there is an intruder on his roof on Christmas Eve, steps outside whereby he scares Santa into falling off the roof. Scott along with his son Charlie must deliver the rest of the presents in time for Christmas. Things are not as they seem over the next year for Scott as he is to be the new permenant Santa Clause, convincing his loved ones round him that he is the real deal. |
This fascinating Christmas watch by Tim Burton follows Jack Skellington, a being from Halloween town who soon discovers Christmas town and becomes obsessed with the festivities and decorations. His obsession leads to him abducting Santa Clause.
This holiday can be the start of your own film career! Join IPM Acting Academy today and get in front of the camera. Click the link below today!
At number five is What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962)The psychological horror thriller directed by Robert Aldrich stares Bette Davis and Joan Crawford and tells the story of an ageing former actress who holds her ex-movie star sister captive in an old mansion. Although Jane is middle aged she dresses as “Baby Jane” and wears ribbons in her childlike curls, she becomes obsessed with recapturing her childhood stardom and desperately tries to hide her imprisoned sister all the while devising a way to get rid of her. Gross $4.05M |
At number four is The Thing (1982)This chilling science fiction, directed by John Carpenter, follows a group of American research scientists who get disturbed by a helicopter shooting at a sled dog at their base camp. An otherworldly discovery brings blood, body horror and a twisted storyline. A build of suspension will leave you on the edge of your seat. Gross $13.78M |
At number three is Alien (1979)A film that ranks amongst the best films in both the horror and science fiction genre. Filmed on a relatively small budget, the film is set in a deep space and follows a crew awakened from their cryo-sleep on a journey home to investigate a distress call from an alien vessel. The dark, cold creation is sure to get a scream. Gross $78.90M |
At number two is The Shining (1980)A highly criticised film amongst critics but has since gained stature and stands as one of the highest grossing horror films. Based on the Stephen King bestselling ghost story, it was among the first productions to utilise a Steadicam to track the famous shots of Danny riding his tricycle along the hotel’s corridors and also features the spooky twins and “Redrum” dialogue. A classic horror film that won’t leave you disappointed. Gross $44.02M |
And the number one rated horror film goes to Psycho (1960)Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, this classic noir film features a brutal knife scene which is accompanied by Bernard Hermann’s jarring score that creates a tense and uncomfortable watch. The edgy aesthetic and taboo-breaking ‘toilet flush’ shot creates even more suspense than the shower scene and has forged a template for many slasher franchises. After half a century, Psycho has ensured that no one is to feel safe taking a shower. Gross $32M |
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| Bradley Copper is known for his stellar work in writing, directing and starring in works like 'A Star is Born'. On many films over the years, Cooper found inspiration and assistance in his acting coach. This includes a specialised technique for his performance in 'American Sniper'. Cooper preferred having new techniques and help for every film he has approached. Having had the same acting coach since 2000, he said that he was “never able to relax in my life before [her help]' |
| Another star who had acting classes and an acting coach throughout his lengthy career is Robert De Niro. Through different workshops, private sessions and pre-production rituals, he was taught to commit to the preparation and research each role. The more you know about the role and the background of the character, the better chance you will have at portraying that character in an authentic way. Even later in his career, in 2004, he found the need to return to training to remaster art of subtlety for the screen |
| Starting her leading role career at an early, Keira Knightley's debut in 'Pirates of the Caribbean' started a dedicated range of roles that are praised by critics across the globe. In an interview with Empire Magazine, Keira Knightley told interviewers that she continues to attend various acting classes and workshops between roles. Wanting to keep up-to-date with the industry and expanding her range, she finds new routes and methods to help keep her on her toes for both theatre and the screen. |
Want to further your acting career? IPM Acting Academy offers Private Sessions & Group Classes with industry professionals and an award winning team! Visit the link below to find out more!
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