 Atonement, Universal Pictures 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!  Taxi Driver, Columbia Pictures 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!  Signs, Touchstone Pictures 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.  Empire of the Sun, Amblin Entertainment 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.  Beasts of the Southern Wild, Cinereach 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.  Room, Filmnation Entertainment 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. Do your kids want to explore the world of Screen Acting? Join IPM Acting Academy today for Professional, Industry Training for Television, Film & Commercial roles!The magic of cinema. It’s a hard thing to explain. The ripple of anticipation as the lights dim, the muffled opening of sweet packets, the collective gasps as the action unfolds. It would seem that nothing could replace this. But like most things, things are having to change. During the height of the pandemic a number of films chose to release straight to digital such as Trolls 2, Irresistible, and Scooby. In an unexpected move Disney also decided to side step the slowly opening but struggling cinemas. On September the 4th, the giant will be streaming the highly anticipated live action saga of Mulan on its own new streaming service Disney+, with an additional charge of £22.95 to members. The move has brought praise and criticism but one things for sure, cinema is changing.
Since social distancing measures lend themselves to the format of drive-in movies and provide one of the few safe experiences outside the house, the industry is now booming. But why has it taken a pandemic for this cultural experience to see such a raise in popularity?
The US and Australia also share a car-based culture where it is the norm for 17 and 18 year olds to have their own car – essentially for drive-in movies. For these countries, drive-in movies were a fun, sociable past time. Now however, it is one of only a few extracurricular activates that Britons can do safely.
The very popular Lune Cinema is hosting several location drive-in cinemas across the UK including guest locations, having visited Harewood House and upcoming venues can be found here. Whilst times are definitely different, We hope we can all continue to find comfort and solace in the stories and adventures we experience in film. Be it in our living rooms, cinemas or cars, the magic of film will continue to unite and inspire us for a long time to come. Want to know how to BE ON THE SCREEN? Join IPM Acting Academy for Professional, Industry Advice & Training today!In the beginning of lockdown, one of the biggest questions from the industry and viewers was 'how will new productions go forward' Beloved dramas like Emmerdale and Coronation Street started this June as they adapted their story lines. But people asked what about Netflix, Amazon Prime and even Disney? Well, good news! Our beloved industry is coming back full swing with more and more productions casting for their new promotions, series and films. Methods have already been devised within the film and television industry to navigate the new social distancing measures and safety for cast & crew. Keep reading to find out the methods the industry has been adopting to make sure that we have new content ready for our viewing.
'Bubble' Casting CallsAs for in-person filming, there has been some creative thinking on how to film while balancing the costs of safety and practicality. One common solution that we’ve been seeing in many casting suggestions is utilising groups of people who already live together. If a film or commercial is in need of a family, then why not just hire a family?
As you can see, the approach the film industry has taken in facing these challenges is by changing its practices not giving up their creativity. What this ultimately shows is both the strong nature of the industry and the impressive adaptability with which it goes forward in its truly fascinating form. Want to be Camera Ready with Industry Knowledge? Join IPM Acting Academy today with NEW Online Class options!
Improvisation is used in many scenarios through out the film and television industry. Your skills in improvisation may be what gets you your next role or may help create something cohesive on screen that wasn't written for the character. Our team has put together the top reasons why Improvisation can help your acting career.
Keeps You in the MomentYour skills in improvisation will allow you to stay in the present with your character. Every scene must be performed as if it is happening for the first time with reaction, emotion and movement. The more you practice your improvisational skills, the easier it becomes for you to keep these moments fresh on set, especially when you end up on your 50th take!
Builds Confidence in Your PerformanceWhen you can think on your toes and know that you are using your instincts, you become more confident in your performance skills whether it is on the job or in the audition process. As you practice more and more improv, you will begin to find the scripted work comes more naturally to you as a performer. Improvisational skills are not just for the sake of comedy, it helps you with your acting career on a day to day basis. Keeping these skills in a peak state will help you grow professionally and personally in all your performances. Want to learn and practice your Improvisation Skills? IPM Acting Academy will give you the key techniques to get your career started in the film industry with scripted and improvisation work. Join today!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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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
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