Stop asking actors to work for free when their industry has been in tatters for nearly a year! (Also we are in lockdown it’s not essential work if it’s not paid). Respect performers, actors respect yourselves! ❤️🥰❤️
In these times of crisis I can’t believe we have actors worried they are going to miss out on work because
@SpotlightUK
are promoting a near £300 premiere membership.
How can this be fair? Are actors only paying £183 not going to be taken seriously? Genuinely upset by this.
We’ve had someone audition over 100 times before they secured a tv job, we’ve also had someone get two auditions and bag them both in their first week.
If your tapes are fab, the rest is not up to you.
Stop comparing yourself to other people. You are the only you!
We don’t like turning down actors, 9 times out of 10 it’s nothing to do with you.
To find out at least 4 actors have been bitching about us for giving a polite ‘No’, and it being too generic, is harsh.
We had over 200 responses, and we can only take on a handful of people.
Our books are now open again 😊 If you are looking for representation please email us: acactors
@outlook
.com
We are a very small agency, so please check our website to see if there is a ‘you’ shaped hole. Good self tape skills are a necessity in the current climate. 🎬🎤
Actors if you are a member of Mandy you really need to take a close look at their new terms. I am horrified
@EquityUK
I hope you can look into this.
🙄🙄
If you are
#seekingrepresentation
please make sure you actually want an agent, lots of people we interview like the idea of an agent, but don't really want the work! Currently looking for Actors of the Global Majority, and Actor-musos who are happy to tour :)
Ok non-represented
#Actors
, please reply here with your showreel link for a single tweet of feedback 😊
(Please don’t tag every CD and their aunt in this tweet 😘)
#mondaymotivation
#actorslife
@sydneyamee
While many of our actors much prefer being in the room, zoom gives chances to some actors who would miss out because of finances, location, child care, disability etc. I think zoom castings are a step in the right direction, if we truly want to make casting accessible to all.
Also if anyone is
#seekingrepresentation
after the fall out from that article, I can't guarantee we have any spots, but if you reply to us with your details, we will RT for you.
There's lots of a genuine agents out there, at all levels 🥰
Reading a lot of tweets about actors getting dropped, which is such a shame.
Top tip, get your links in your Twitter bio, a short sentence about who you are and where you are, even if it’s something silly. Make it easy.
If I’m seeing the tweets, imagine who else is ☺️☺️
The industry has been quiet since lockdown plus the strikes.
We are a fairly medium level agency, yet I have people with huge agents writing to us because it’s quiet. Don’t jump the gun, things are improving. If you have a good agent who is easy to talk to keep the faith! ❤️
Monday morning, already seen one industry professional slagging off another, in a tweet, and lots of actors joining in.
Can we not keep it a bit more positive, there’s a LOT going on in the world.
Who has some good news?! ❤️
Our books are open for 2020. If you are seeking representation, and see a ‘you-shaped’ hole in our books please send your Spotlight link to acactors
@outlook
.com
We've been lying a bit low on social media, but time to announce some newbies!
Welcoming REECE CONNOLLY to the agency.
Reece, now an East Londoner, is originally from the North East and is a super talented stage performer.
Looking forward to working with you 🩷
Thanks so much for sending reels on
#showreelshareday
we watched loads and have a few helpful tips.
1. Don’t use someone in the same casting bracket in your first scene, make it clear who you are.
2. No montages.
3. No guns, unless you are trained in firearms
4. 3 mins max!
My husband is casting a small production, it's been one day and he's already super frustrated at the amount of people who don't read the brief, don't have any of the basic skills, or even provide CVs.
I may have giggled, welcome to our world 😅😅
A few months ago we took on an actor who had, had a dip in confidence because someone told them they would be ‘limited’ because they weren’t British.
They are now on their 2nd top TV audition!!
You are who you are! Embrace it! 😘😘
#SeekingRepresentation
One final push for the following before we close our books.
We are seeking;
- Actor/singers who are happy to tour
- Irish/Scottish actors who are based in London
- Male Actors over 50, particularly Northerners
Thank you ❤️
We are beyond THRILLED to announce that Chloe Anais Hunt
@ChloeAHunt_
will be joining the cast of BRASSIC series 5!
So incredibly proud, and chuffed. ❤️❤️❤️
Actors/Creative/Self Employed people who have a business on the side, that sells gifts or experiences that could be good
#Christmas
gifts. Drop a link below 👇🏻
Only independent businesses, not businesses that actually make mega bucks for the big corps.
#support
#selfemployed
Casting Directors taking the time to tell actors either way about jobs, and even giving feedback, is so appreciated.
I know it’s not always possible, but it’s so nice to know their work is being seen and appreciated, especially when they aren’t meeting in person. ❤️❤️❤️
Just read a beautiful post on Facebook, where someone referred to smaller agencies as 'Mickey Mouse agencies', so from now on we will be working solely on Disney projects...
#blessed
*** Representation *** we are keen to meet actors over 40, and people of the global majority, being close to or in London is a plus.
However we will consider all applicants.
Please email your Spotlight link over, no attachments needed.
Email in bio/website ❤️
I’ve watched as many reels as I can for now, well done everyone who was brave enough to put themselves out there. Just a few pointers before
#showreelshareday
on Friday
1. Keep it short, 2 mins is plenty.
2. Don’t open with a scene where you look similar to the other actor. Cont.
Imagine being a small agent, working your bottom off for your clients to get their first TV role, only to discover another agent is claiming they got them the role.
Brutal this industry, isn't it?! 😅🙃
Starting zoom meetings this week for
#representation
.
If you are looking for representation please drop us an email. We are not currently looking for anymore actors with a playing of 20-30.
Thanks x
Seems most people are asking about emails to agents.
Key Points
1. Keep it short.
2. No attachments, your Spotlight link contains everything we need to see.
3. No extra work on your CV
4. No hands in your headshots.
5. Spell our names correctly 😉😉
When you know an actor has had a tough week, and you get to ring them on a Friday afternoon and tell them they have an audition for their favourite show.
BEST FEELING ❤️
If an agency mentions any kind of upfront fee, run Forest run!
Representing yourself is so much better than being with an agency that is exploiting you.
We also have a few gaps in our books, so if you are looking for a new agent for 2020 and see a you-shaped hole in our agency (check the website) drop us an email with your stuff acactors
@outlook
@com
We have decided, as we see September as a new year/new start that our books will be open until the end of August.
Please apply via the website, read our details carefully, and only apply if you don't immediately clash with our currently clients 🥰
#seekingrepresentation
Am I being dramatic thinking 13 weeks is too long for an actor to wait to get paid. Imagine not receiving your salary for 3 months?!
I wake up every morning to more overdue invoices on tagmin. 😢🫠
Are you looking for representation? Do you fit the following criteria?
London based
Playing age 30+
Good last minute availability
Excellent at self tapes
Something in your casting bracket that is different to our current clients?!
Drop us an email with your Spotlight CV 💕
Actors, you don’t need to be doing a million ‘productive’ things right now. If you just need to breathe and rest, that’s fine!
It’s a worrying time. One of our actors is actually working to help the
#NHS
😍😍 is everyone ok?
Where are the older actors? Most people who have applied are under 30. Would love to see some older applicants (not that 30 is old, don't come for me I'm way over 30).
And some regional accents, based in London.
Thanks 🩷
As the nights draw in, we are making plans for the new year, if you are
#seekingrepresentation
for 2024, please apply via the website:
Interviews will take place over the coming months. 😊
#Seekingrepresentation
?
Our books are still expanding and we are looking for some specific casting types, please see details/ apply here:
(Sadly we are at max capacity for female, white actors in their 20s/30s, sorry 😞) ❤️❤️
Instead of a Spotlight link I’ve just nearly copied and pasted what I’m selling on Vinted and sent it to a casting director.
Time to clock off I think 😂😂
Having a browse through the Spotlight Talent Scout, 10,000 odd actors without rep, 2,000 of them with no showreels at all.
Get something recorded on your phone, keep it simple, or you’ll never stand out of 10,000 people! ❤️
In the past day or so, we’ve had next to no Spotlight breakdowns, mostly just messaged about cancellations. It’s a very difficult time for self-employed performers,
@SpotlightUK
please consider freezing DD payments whilst we get through this.
PAY FREELANCERS ON TIME!
I have an actor working abroad who was due payment yesterday and the entire cast haven’t been paid.
Commercial recall fees overdue since July.
Every Monday I log into Tagmin, and the number of overdue invoices goes up.
Tired of it.
It may be Saturday but I’ve just watched 4 self-tapes from our actors, 3 for big TV opportunities, and I’m in awe at the talent and hard work! ❤️❤️
We are little fish ready to make big waves 🥰
Are we in agreement that working class roles should be played by working class actors? Especially in this economy.
Just finding out the only middle class actor in a group of candidates was cast, even though they mocked working class people, and called them ‘thick’
Acting tip.
Don’t send sarcastic emails to agents when they don’t respond to your question after 6 whole minutes!
We are all doing our best, in busy times often with significantly less staff. 🙄🙄
I think a good addition to the
#seekingrepresentation
function would be a little like button, then actors could approach agents that a genuinely interested in them..
@SpotlightUK
Our books are still open, we are keen to hear from more diverse actors, particularly 45+, all details on our website, please do not email directly (unless you have specific access needs).
Thanks so much, we do endeavour to get back to everyone <3
#seekingrepresentation
Looking for
#Representation
we are actively looking for
#actors
over the playing age of 35. Particularly from ethnically diverse backgrounds. Please send a short intro email, with your Spotlight link. If you've applied in the last 6 months please don't reapply at this time. ❤️
I don’t blame any actor, or even agents for not outing this behaviour.
But big platforms like Spotlight & others that had him on Podcasts etc, have a duty of care to actors and they should have done something. At the very least they shouldn’t have been working with him!!
‼️ WHY has this rogue agent been allowed to trade for as long as he has?
@SpotlightUK
?
Charges actors ££ for ‘Workshops’??
Owes his actors money!!
Opened a kids agency??
Horrified 😱
#ArchiePurnell
#BodhiTalent
If you are going to a bar or restaurant today please be respectful to the staff. You are choosing to go out, the staff are there to keep a roof over their heads.
I know staff who are terrified of going back today. Be respectful, keep your distance. ❤️
ACTORS your
#headshots
should be just that, a shot of your head and shoulders, with you looking like you, but on a really good day. Please avoid weird trends, crazy backgrounds, intense photoshop, hands, arms and chairs in weird places.
Keep it simple, keep it of your head!
We’ve had a lot of applicants to the agency recently. We are currently focusing on Male identifying applicants with a playing age of 35 plus, based in London. Thanks 😊
Thanks for all of the recent applications to the agency. We will endeavour to reply either way.
Tips for applying, double check the advert, we’ve mostly had applications from people we are not currently looking for. Don’t write too much, and research. There are no ‘Sirs’ here 😉
It's
#showreelshareday
tomorrow! Please don't tag us directly in posts, unless you are repped by us. We will be checking out the
#seekingrepresentation
hashtag, and will like tweets, of reels we like. Feel free to get in touch in the near future if we like your reel. Have fun!🙂
Books open to ethnically diverse actors with a base in or close to London, regional accents encouraged. We accept non-Spotlight applicants as long as you have professional experience, but Spotlight preferred.
Our northern books are currently closed. Thanks
#seekingrepresentation
Things we’ve had in emails this week that have made us happy.
‘Your client can do a self tape if they aren’t able to make it in person at short notice’
‘Can you let us know your clients preferred pronouns, so we can invite them to audition’.
❤️
#inclusive
We’ve added a self tape element to our recruitment process in the last month or so. It’s so nice watching lovely tapes from potential clients.
We learn so much about you, if we aren’t able to see you perform in person. ❤️
#representation
Monday Morning, tapes sent! ✅
Two a/v checks received ✅
Someone taping for the lead in a new show! ✅
Another actor still on set with Hollywood royalty! ✅
Annoyingly braggy twitter post! ✅
Finally got that Beyonce song out of my head...❌
Self-Represented? This one's for you 🎉 Talent Scout has officially launched at Spotlight! Simply sign into your account, click Representation and you can indicate you are
#seekingrepresentation
. You'll now appear to agents looking for new clients!
There’s no such thing as a Netflix talent scout.
Netflix shows are cast through the usual platforms (Spotlight in the U.K.) using established casting directors for each individual project.
Be careful out there!
Audition request, recall, and someone on their way to set, all before 11am on a Monday! What a great way to start the week!
Hope you all have a fabulous one. 💜
Our Wonderful
CLEMENTINA ALLENDE IRIARTE plays Sami in the new series of Princess Mirror Belle on CBBC from Monday 29th November.
Her first episode is on 30th November, or will be available on iPlayer from Monday. ❤️❤️
In the post-covid future, I hope we keep some things..
Flexibility with self-tapes, for those that have day jobs, not based in the M25 or childcare issues.
More respect for each other when someone gets ill, pre-covid, actors were expected to work through illness, no matter what!
A post for actors on Facebook for a corporate client. Barely £10 ph for adults, barely £5 an hour if you are 16-18.
Over 70 comments, most people throwing themselves at the job, some from 100s of miles away.
No one sees the problem?!
I've been called Classist, for saying actors should be paid to do their job, when in fact it's probably only the more well off actor who can afford to regularly give up their time for free. Reverse classism?! 🤷♀️
In more positive news!
PAUL COOPER has been on fire this week.
Filming a feature, offered two short films and booked for a table read for another feature.
Leave some work for the rest of us 😉😉
Thanks so much for all of your support over yesterday’s tweet. We want to support actors as much as we can, especially in these difficult times.
#professionallymadeprofessionallypaid
❤️❤️