At Spotlight, we value our members and the stipulations an acting career can present. Financially, it can be a struggle trying to navigate your way to success in the industry, and it’s always been a core value of ours to support you in any way we can. 

Thanks to our partnership with Parliament Hill, you have access to a huge range of discounts as part of your membership package. Members’ average annual savings equate to £321, so if you take advantage of these benefits, you can literally get your membership for free. 

Here’s some of the discounts available:

Cinema/Theatre Tickets

Our most popular and well-loved discount, Keep an eye on what’s going on in the industry with The Cinema Society near you by going to see the latest films! 

Another way you can save money is through seeing a range of shows at participating theatres. 

Gym Memberships

Through My Gym Discounts, you can access huge savings on the cost of your monthly gym membership. Participating chains include Pure Gym, Fitness First and Virgin Active and you can save up to 25%.

TOTUM Professionals (£14.99 per year)

As a TOTUM Professionals member, you can access discounts on over 400 brands online and on the high street. From eating out, to fashion, fitness, travel and technology, the TOTUM Professionals card will make your money go further. Just some of the discounts include ASOS, National Express and Gousto.

You also get a free Tastecard (worth up to £39.99 per year) as part of your TOTUM Professionals membership. Tastecard gives you access to 2-for-1 dining at thousands of restaurants, plus 50% off pizza deliveries.

Computers & Tech 

Save up to 10% on Apple products. Ideal for when you need a new laptop or you’ve left an airpod on the night tube…(just us?)

Save up to 20% on Dell laptops, accessories and notebooks

Appliances

Washing machine on the blink? Looking for some more sustainable appliances? Save up to 50% on energy-efficient appliances with Whirlpool! Spotlight members are making huge savings across fridges, dishwashers, washing machines and much more.

Family Days Out

Save up to 57% on days out including Alton Towers, Madame Tussauds, Dungeons, LegoLand and Sea Life Centres across the UK.

You can access up to 20% off on Virgin Experience Days which includes spas, afternoon tea and more.

There’s also 10% on all attractions through the online ticket store.

Enter your monthly or yearly spend in the Savings Calculator below to see just how much you can save!

To explore the full range of your entitled discounts, simply log in to your Spotlight account, and click on ‘Discounts’ in the navigation bar at the top of the page.

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Here at Spotlight, we always aim to provide the best possible support for our performers. We do our utmost to support you with advice across various subjects on our blog while constantly evolving our service. 

This is why we have launched the Workshop Rental Library. The Video On Demand rental service will offer performers a chance to catch up on sessions and classes they have missed by being provided the functionality to watch them universally – from the comfort of your own home, the bus, tube, or waiting room…

What is the VOD library?

The VOD library is the video media database of historic and newly recorded skills-based workshops available to members and non-members alike. 

The Video Content 

Some of the currently available videos include:

• Introduction to Meisner Technique with Skye Hallam (Actor in The Crown and Tutor at Kingston Upon Thames Drama School)

• Accent Toolkit with Josh Mathieson (Voice Coach)

• Confidence in Auditions with Des Fleming (Actor/Teacher)

• Building Emotional Resilience with Charlotte Thornton (Actor/Author/Acting Coach)

Some of the videos currently in production and designed to support you whenever you need them are:

• On Set Preparation
• Quick Access Accents
• Pre-audition Warm-ups

How Do You Access the Videos?

You can learn more about the on-demand videos via the Spotlight homepage and Vimeo. You will need a free Vimeo account to purchase and access your own library. Each video is priced according to the length and the skill level and agreed upon by the facilitator – with Spotlight ensuring that we look at other videos available in the market while continuing to offer the best value.

Take a look at the other services Spotlight have recently launched here.

The post Spotlight Launches Video On Demand Library appeared first on Spotlight.

After a challenging year of strikes, the Screen Actors Guild gathered in Hollywood on Saturday, 24th February, to celebrate the outstanding performances from the last 12 months. For the first time ever this year, the SAG Awards were streamed live via Netflix worldwide, giving the Guild and their awards a brand new platform and a chance for everyone to witness the excitement and fashions of the night. 

One of the many elements of the SAG awards that make it stand out in the awards calendar is its entire dedication to the craft of performance. But, as well as the exciting awards and the recognition of performances from the past year, the SAG awards bring groups of actors back together in reunions to present the awards. 

This year saw a number of iconic reunions, including Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt and Anne Hathaway from The Devil Wears Prada, Sean Astin and Elijah Wood from The Lord of the Rings and the whole cast of Breaking Bad. 

This year’s SAG Lifetime Achievement award went to the one and only Barbra Streisand, who was presented her award by colleagues and close friends Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Anniston. At the helm of the night was Spotlight member Idris Elba, who opened and closed the show in an exceedingly cool manner – while keeping the show moving at an entertaining pace. It was a fun, exciting ceremony with the winners thanking their peers and the support of their fellow SAG members over the past year. Leading the winners with three wins were The Bear for television and Oppenheimer for film, both winning in their respective fields for Best Ensemble Cast.

The full list of winners for the 2024 SAG Awards are…

Television:

Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Television Series

• Ahsoka
• Barry
• Beef
• The Last of Us (WINNER)
• The Mandalorian

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series

• Uzo Aduba – Painkiller
• Kathryn Hahn – Tiny Beautiful Things
• Brie Larson – Lessons in Chemistry
• Bel Powley – A Small Light
• Ali Wong – Beef (WINNER)

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series

• Matt Bomer – Fellow Travelers
• Jon Hamm – Fargo
• David Oyelowo – Lawmen: Bass Reeves
• Tony Shalhoub – Mr. Monk’s Last Case: A Monk Movie
• Steven Yeun – Beef (WINNER)

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series

• Alex Borstein – The Marvellous Mrs. Maisel
• Rachel Brosnahan – The Marvellous Mrs. Maisel
• Quinta Brunson – Abbott Elementary
• Ayo Edebiri – The Bear (WINNER)
• Hannah Waddingham – Ted Lasso

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series

• Brett Goldstein – Ted Lasso
• Bill Hader – Barry
• Ebon Moss-Bachrach – The Bear
• Jason Sudeikis – Ted Lasso
• Jeremy Allen White – The Bear (WINNER)

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series

• Abbott Elementary
• Barry
• The Bear (WINNER)
• Only Murders in the Building
• Ted Lasso

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series

• Brian Cox – Succession
• Billy Crudup – The Morning Show
• Kieran Culkin – Succession
• Matthew MacFadyen – Succession
• Pedro Pascal – The Last of Us (WINNER)

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series

• Jennifer Aniston – The Morning Show
• Elizabeth Debicki – The Crown (WINNER)
• Bella Ramsey – The Last of Us
• Keri Russell – The Diplomat
• Sarah Snook – Succession

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series

• The Crown
• The Gilded Age
• The Last of Us
• The Morning Show
• Succession (WINNER)

Film:

Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture

• Barbie
• Guardians of the Galaxy volume 3
• Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
• John Wick: Chapter 4
• Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One (WINNER)

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role

• Emily Blunt – Oppenheimer
• Danielle Brooks – The Color Purple
• Penélope Cruz – Ferrari
• Jodie Foster – NYAD
• Da’vine Joy Randolph – The Holdovers (WINNER)

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role

• Sterling K. Brown – American Fiction
• Willem Dafoe – Poor Things
• Robert De Niro – Killers of the Flower Moon
• Robert Downey Jr. – Oppenheimer (WINNER)
• Ryan Gosling – Barbie

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture

• Annette Bening – NYAD
• Lily Gladstone – Killers of the Flower Moon (WINNER)
• Carey Mulligan – Maestro
• Margot Robbie – Barbie
• Emma Stone – Poor Things

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role

• Bradley Cooper – Maestro
• Colman Domingo – Rustin
• Paul Giamatti – The Holdovers
• Cillian Murphy – Oppenheimer (WINNER)
• Jeffrey Wright – American Fiction

Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture

• American Fiction
• Barbie
• The Color Purple
• Killers of the Flower Moon
• Oppenheimer (WINNER)

From all of us at Spotlight, congratulations to all the winners! You can watch the full ceremony now on Netflix. Take a look at our website for more awards news and industry advice.

The post 2024 Screen Actors Guild Awards – Winners Announced appeared first on Spotlight.

Louise Kiely for the Banshees of Inisherin and Kharmel Cochrane for Rye Lane were among the prizes at the ceremony

The Casting Directors’ Guild is delighted to announce the 2024 CDG Casting Awards winners. Now in its sixth year, the CDG Casting Awards celebrate the incredible work achieved by casting teams across Film, Television, Theatre, Commercials and Games. 

Headline sponsored by EON Productions, the Casting Director’s Guild Awards were hosted by Sir Simon Russell Beale, CBE, alongside presenters Jamie Dornan, Emma D’Arcy, George MacKay, Liz Carr, Tanya Moodie, Layton Williams, Erin Doherty, Fabien Frankel, Tom Francis, Anjana Vasan, Sindhu Vee, Adjani Salmon and Luke Millington-Drake.

The CDG Awards have led the way in recognising this vital craft, and the belated addition of the Academy Award for Casting Direction as a competitive category is a moment in cinematic history. At Spotlight we will always champion the work of brilliant casting directors and we’re delighted to be able to celebrate those winners who have excelled in their field”. Matt Hood, Spotlight’s Managing Director

The winners are:

 Best Child Casting (All Media)

• • WINNER: Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical (Film) – Lucy Bevan and Emily Brockmann, Katie Brydon (Associate), Amy Beadel (Ensemble Casting Associate), Melody Gerard (Assistant)
  • Children With Cancer UK ‘Milestone Campaign’ (Commercial) – Nicholas Hockaday
  • Mrs Doubtfire, Shaftesbury Theatre (London Casting, Musical Theatre) – Verity Naughton (Children’s Casting Director)
  • The Sound of Music, Chichester Festival Theatre (Regional Theatre) – Verity Naughton (Children’s Casting Director), Nicholas Hockaday (Children’s Casting Assistant)

• The Witches, Olivier Theatre, National Theatre (Theatre) –  Bryony Jarvis-Taylor

Best Casting in a Commercial

• WINNER: Alzheimer’s Society ‘Nobody Asks’ – Aisha Bywaters
• Age UK ‘Know What To Do’ – Leanne Flinn
• Stonewall ‘Ban Conversion Therapy’ – Sue Odell
• Children With Cancer ‘Milestone Campaign’ – Nicholas Hockaday
• Vanish ‘Me, My Autism & I’ – Kharmel Cochrane

Best Casting in a Film, sponsored by Apple TV+

• • WINNER: The Banshees of Inisherin – Louise Kiely
  • All of Us Strangers – Kahleen Crawford, Carla Morris & Eliza Heslop (Associates)

• Barbie – Lucy Bevan, Olivia Grant (Associate), Lucy Downes (Assistant) 

• Saltburn – Kharmel Cochrane
• Triangle of Sadness – Jessie Frost (UK Casting)

Best Casting in an Independent Film, sponsored by Independent Talent

• • WINNER: Rye Lane – Kharmel Cochrane
  • Blue Jean – Shaheen Baig

• Dance First – Olivia Scott-Webb, Ruth O’Dowd (Associate)

• Scrapper – Shaheen Baig

• The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse – Rachel Freck, Jessica Mescall & Nicholas Hockaday (Associates)

Best Casting in a Limited or Single Series, sponsored by Apple TV+

• WINNER: Time (Season 2) – Amy Hubbard, Shannon Dowling-McNulty (Associate)
• A Small Light – Nanw Rowlands
• Black Mirror (Season 6) – Jina Jay
• Somewhere Boy – Catherine Willis, Beatrice Ray (Associate)
• The Long Shadow – Victor Jenkins and Sonia Allam, Seth Mason (Associate), Paushali Banik (Assistant)

Best Casting in Musical Theatre (Inside M25), sponsored by JAG (Jonathan Arun Group)

• WINNER: Guys and Dolls, Bridge Theatre – Charlotte Sutton
• Sunset Boulevard, Savoy Theatre – Stuart Burt
• Tammy Faye, Almeida Theatre – Natalie Gallacher and Pippa Ailion, Richard Johnston (Associate)
• The Band’s Visit, Donmar Warehouse – Anna Cooper
• The Witches, Olivier Theatre, National Theatre – Bryony Jarvis-Taylor

Best Casting in Regional Theatre, sponsored by Conway Van Gelder Grant

• WINNER: Standing at The Sky’s Edge, The Crucible Theatre, Sheffield – Stuart Burt
• A Christmas Carol, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, RSC – Matthew Dewsbury
• A View From The Bridge, Bolton Octagon and Chichester Festival Theatre – Becky Paris
• Choir Boy, Bristol Old Vic – Julia Horan
• Cowbois, The Swan Theatre, RSC – Martin Poile

Best Casting in Theatre (Inside M25), sponsored by The Partnership Group

• WINNER: Dear England, Olivier Theatre, National Theatre and The Prince Edward Theatre – Bryony Jarvis-Taylor
• A Little Life, Richmond Theatre and Harold Pinter Theatre – Julia Horan, Lilly Mackie (Assistant) 
• A Streetcar Named Desire, Almeida Theatre and The Phoenix Theatre – Julia Horan, Lilly Mackie (Assistant)
• My Neighbor Totoro, Barbican Theatre – Hannah Miller, Martin Poile (Associate)
• The Motive and The Cue, Lyttelton Theatre, National Theatre and the Noel Coward Theatre – Alastair Coomer

Best Casting in a TV Comedy Series, sponsored by Hamilton Hodell

• WINNER: Dreaming Whilst Black – Heather Basten, Peter Noden and Fran Cattaneo (Assistants)
• Extraordinary – Suzanne Crowley and Gilly Poole, Katie Mozumder (Associate)
• Motherland Christmas Special – Sarah Crowe, Ben Marks (Associate)
• Sex Education (Season 4) – Lauren Evans
• Ted Lasso (Season 3) – Theo Park, Laura MacFadden (Associate)

Best Casting in a TV Drama Series, sponsored by United Agents

• WINNER: Boiling Point – Shaheen Baig and Jonny Boutwood, Carolyn McLeod (Original Film Casting)
• Andor – Nina Gold and Martin Ware
• Slow Horses (Season 2) – Nina Gold, Melissa Gethin Clarke (Associate)
• Slow Horses (Season 3) – Nina Gold, Melissa Gethin Clarke (Associate)
• The Crown (Season 5) – Robert Sterne, Kate Bone (Associate)

The nominated productions premiered between the 1st September 2022 and 31st December 2023 and have been selected by members of the Casting Directors’ Guild.

The CDG would like to thank the sponsors listed above, as well as further sponsors, including Warner Bros. Discovery and The Curtis Brown Group and the generous support of Accelerate, AKT, Gower Cottage Brownies, Joe&Seph’s, Netflix, Noble Isle, Scott Free Productions, Sylvia Young Agency and Whitebox Cocktails.

Read all the other latest awards news here

The post The CDG Awards 2024 Winners appeared first on Spotlight.

What to consider when looking for a part-time acting course and how to choose one that’s right for you

Whether you’d like to get a taste for acting, train to be a professional, or upskill while working as a professional actor, part-time acting courses have much to offer. They can help you secure a place on a competitive BA (Hons) Acting course or give you an alternative to the full-time training model.

The US tends to have more of a studio training style, where actors work full-time alongside their classes. This is also becoming more commonplace in the UK, with many drama schools adapting to make their training more flexible for those who need to earn money while learning their craft.

Which Part-Time Acting Course is Right for You?

Before you start your search, it might be helpful to ask yourself a few questions:

• Are you taking a part-time course, hoping to be offered a full-time place at drama school later on? 

If the answer is yes, taking a part-time course at one of your potential drama schools might be helpful to better understand how they’re run and if it suits you. Top drama schools such as The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (RCSSD), Guildford School of Acting (GSA), Drama Studio London, and The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS) are just some of the drama schools who offer part-time courses.

• Are you looking to take a part-time course as an alternative to a full-time traditional drama school? 

If yes, consider taking a longer part-time course, such as a diploma. Take a look at drama schools like the Identity School of Acting, which offers excellent part-time comprehensive training and has excellent alums, including Spotlight member Letitia Wright (Black Mirror).

• Have you already trained, and/or are you hoping to work as an actor while taking a part-time course? 

If yes, design your own American studio-style training by taking a variety of classes that focus on particular skills. 

Foundation Courses

Many of the well-known drama schools offer a one-year foundation course. This includes The Oxford School of Drama, Rose Bruford College, RADA, Guildford School of Acting, LAMDA, LIPA, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and Drama Centre. These tend to be easier to get into than the competitive BA and MA programmes and help many students gain the skills needed to secure a place on a BA course at drama school. 

Lesser-known schools and other independent providers also offer foundation courses that are particularly helpful if you need to remain in your local area. Foundation courses are often full-time, but some are part-time. 

RADA has a part-time Blended Acting Foundation. This six-month program is taught online and in-person and is designed to engage a cohort of more mature participants. The accelerated nature of the course prepares students to pursue a career in acting by immersing them in practical, vocational training and enabling them to develop a solid personal practice. At the same time, the part-time schedule facilitates work and care commitments.

Michelle Chadwick, the course director, said, “Participants learn skills that will take them very far, from communication and teamwork to finding and trusting their own voices.” 

The Lir National Academy of Dramatic Art in Dublin offer a one-year Foundation Diploma in Acting and Theatre. This is aimed primarily at school leavers preparing for three-year acting training at the conservatoire level.

Part-time Short Courses

There are many flexible part-time acting classes available. With so much on offer, you can design your own training programme and even draw on several different schools to widen your experience. Many drama schools, both known and not-so-known, offer exciting opportunities. 

City Academy offers a variety of weekend and evening courses at its new multi-studio building in Farringdon. This includes classes in acting, comedy improvisation, improvisation, Stanislavski, Method Acting, Shakespeare and more.

The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS) has short course programmes that are a vibrant mix of weekly and weekend courses and summer schools. This includes Acting for Beginners, Introduction to Actor Training, Auditioning for Drama School, Acting for Camera, Creating and Performing Verbatim Theatre, Self-Tapes and Online Auditions, Introduction to Theatre Directing and courses exploring Shakespeare, Chekhov and Stanislavski.

The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (RCSSD) also runs a variety of short courses, in-person and online, from introductory courses to artist development courses for professionals. All are run by industry professionals.

The Kingdom School of Arts, founded by Ashley Walters, is a part-time drama school in London. The schools run a 24-week Performing Arts Acting course, which is taught on Sundays. Plus, they offer a free eight-week, part-time acting training course for 16-19 year olds!

Online Short Courses

Some schools, like The Identity School of Acting and the RCSSD, deliver online courses. Or you might like to try an online course in the USA, perhaps with The Michelle Danner Acting Studio or The Stella Adler Studio of Acting. 

An Audition Techniques online student at RCSSD said, “Throughout the course, we built an incredible cohort of creators who, with the help of our teacher, were allowed to tackle the work with joy and speak for ourselves. This experience has given me a new confidence going into drama school auditions. I would highly recommend!” 

How to Quality Check a Course

You’ll need to do some of your own detective work to check the part-time course is worth the fees, but here are a few tips to get you started: 

• Check teacher credentials: If the teacher is also teaching on a BA (Hons) or master’s at a prestigious drama school, this is a very good sign that the part-time course will be of a high standard. 
• Check the alum: A strong list of people who have attended the course or school is a good sign. For example, the Identity School of Acting has many graduates landing leading roles in major productions in the UK and USA, such as John Boyega (Star Wars: The Force Awakens) and Letitia Wright (Black Mirror).
• Check the curriculum: Some courses will offer a varying degree of components in the way they are structured, and it’s important to check this out before making your decision. They might offer more screen training, theatre, improv, voice training, or movement-based activities. Read the curriculums and make sure they’re packed with content that excites you. If the curriculum isn’t available, ask to see it.
• Visit on an open day: Many part-time courses might put on a show, have an open day, or allow you to take a taster class for free. Grab these opportunities so that you can find the best part-time course for you. 

Take a look at our website for more tips about actor training, including training routes for emerging performers and how to finance your training and acting career.

Sam teaches drama and writes drama teaching resources. Author of 100 Acting Exercises for 8-18 Year Olds, and the Pocketful of Drama book series, which includes Acting Games for Improv, and Drama Games for Early Years. She also writes for The Stage newspaper and Teach Primary. Instagram @pocketfulofdrama. Twitter @SamMarsdenDrama

Headshot credit: Rosalind Hobley

The post Choosing a Part-Time Acting Class appeared first on Spotlight.

In a landmark initiative to connect the performing arts across Europe, Spotlight and Filmmakers Europe, the pre-eminent casting platform in the EU, have announced an official partnership.

A new cross-platform integration will enable actors to gain a wider visibility amongst the leading casting professionals across Europe, breaking down the barriers to casting opportunities across the continent, while promoting regional autonomy and diversity. 

Spotlight and Filmmakers will share details of a trial profile-sharing period for members of both platforms shortly, whilst working together on new, exciting initiatives such as sharing of breakdowns and integrative access for agents and casting directors. 

“This integration with Filmmakers represents a huge leap forward in our mission to create a more inclusive and extensive casting environment. We are proud to offer our members the chance to be seen by a larger audience, and we eagerly anticipate the creative connections that will result from this partnership.” Matt Hood, Spotlight’s Managing Director 

“Spotlight is the benchmark in casting-systems. Being able to provide our actors access to Spotlight and thus visibility in the vibrant UK and Irish markets, the bridgehead to the US, this is a thrilling development. Together we will empower actors, agents and casting directors alike. In current times, we are proud to be involved in such a ‘European’ development.” Dr. David Zitzlsperger, Filmmakers Europe’s Managing Director 

“As an American casting director based in Italy and Germany and active all across Europe, I use Filmmakers and Spotlight every single day. This cooperation will drastically simplify things for actors, agents and casting directors, especially in international productions. I expect the platforms to put users at the heart of this development and continue to be reliable partners in these vastly changing times ahead.” Cassandra Han, casting director, CSA, ICDA, BVC 

“The German Actors Union (BFFS) feels confident that the cooperation of Spotlight and Filmmakers will facilitate the way professional actors and actresses present themselves. The partnership of the two leading European casting systems is a huge step towards a more inclusive and more European industry.” Beka Bediana, Actor, Member of the Board of BFFS 

“The VDA (Association of German Agencies) welcomes this promising co-operation. As the internationalisation of film and television projects continues to advance, we expect and look forward to being able to present our acting clients professionally at home and abroad. As a long-standing partner of Filmmakers, it is also in our interest to support this development.” Ulrich Meinhard, Agent, Chairman of the VDA

If you want to keep up with the latest Spotlight announcements industry news, take a look at the news and advice on our website.

The post Spotlight and Filmmakers Announce New Partnership appeared first on Spotlight.

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The biggest event in the British film calendar took place at London’s Royal Festival Hall on Sunday night, celebrating the best in international and British cinema. Stars from all over the globe, including Ryan Gosling, Emily Blunt, Idris Elba, Sandra Hüller and many more, flocked to the red carpet in all their finery to support and celebrate this year’s nominees. 

Spotlight member, and national treasure, David Tennant took on the role of this year’s BAFTA host and opened the show with a comedic skit in the style of his popular television series Staged. Tennant was joined by fellow actor, Michael Sheen as they approached some familiar faces to dog sit Sheen’s Maltese puppy Bark Ruffalo, including the likes of Dame Judi Dench, Tom Hiddlestone and Stanley Tucci among others.

As well as Tennant’s comedic presenting style, which carried the show in a relaxed manner, performances from Sophie Ellis-Bexter, singing Murder on the Dancefloor from nominated British film Saltburn and Hannah Waddingham’s beautiful rendition of Time After Time for the In Memoriam section of the show provided entertainment and pause for thought. 

A selection of star studded presenters graced the stage for each award, including on screen legend, and BAFTA nominee, Michael J Fox, who presented the highly anticipated Best Film category.

Spotlight members filled the audience, including Rising Star nominees Phoebe Dynevor, Mia McKenna-Bruce and Sophie Wilde and leading performers Cillian Murphy, Carey Mulligan, Emily Blunt and Vivian Oparah. As well as performers, Spotlight Casting Directors Kahleen Crawford, Susan Shopmaker, Isabella Odoffin, Ellen Lewis and Rene Hayes were all nominated in the Best Casting category. 

Three award categories remain unique to the British Academy Film Awards; “Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema” and “BAFTA Fellowship”, both of which this year went to two remarkable women celebrated for their unique contributions. As well as “EE Rising Star”, which recognises the works of up and coming, new talents within the performance sector. 

The winners for these three categories are:

Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema:

• June Givanni

Founder and curator of the June Givanni Pan African Cinema Archive.

BAFTA Fellowship: 

• Samantha Morton

Actor, writer, director and social activist.

EE Rising Star Award:

• Phoebe Dynevor 
• Ayo Adebiri 
• Jacob Elordi 
• Mia McKenna-Bruce (WINNER)
• Sophie Wilde 

Alongside these three unique awards, BAFTA celebrates four categories which recognise achievements in British filmmaking: 

British Short Animation:

• Crab Day (WINNER)
• Visible Mending
• Wild Summon

British Short Film:

• Festival of Slaps
• Gorka
• Jellyfish and Lobster (WINNER)
• Such a Lovely Day
• Yellow

Outstanding British Film:

• All of Us Strangers
• How to Have Sex
• Napoleon
• The Old Oak
• Poor Things
• Rye Lane
• Saltburn
• Scrapper
• Wonka
• The Zone of Interest (WINNER)

Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer:

• Blue Bag Life
• Bobi Wine: The People’s President
• Earth Mama (WINNER)
• How to Have Sex
• Is There Anybody Out There?

And now, for the rest!

Supporting Actor:

• Robert De Niro – Killers of the Flower Moon
• Robert Downey Jr – Oppenheimer (WINNER)
• Jacob Elordi – Saltburn
• Ryan Gosling – Barbie
• Paul Mescal – All of Us Strangers
• Dominic Sessa – The Holdovers

Supporting Actress:

• Emily Blunt – Oppenheimer
• Danielle Brooks – The Color Purple
• Claire Foy – All of Us Strangers
• Sandra Hüller – The Zone of Interest
• Rosamund Pike – Saltburn
• Da’Vine Joy Randolph – The Holdovers (WINNER)

Casting:

• Kahleen Crawford – All of Us Strangers
• Cynthia Arra – Anatomy of a Fall
• Susan Shopmaker – The Holdovers (WINNER)
• Isabella Odoffin – How to Have Sex
• Ellen Lewis – Killers of the Flower Moon

Adapted Screenplay:

• All of Us Strangers
• Cord Jefferson – American Fiction (WINNER)
• Oppenheimer
• Poor Things
• The Zone of Interest

Original Screenplay:

• Justine Triet – Anatomy of a Fall (WINNER)
• Barbie
• The Holdovers
• Maestro
• Past Lives

Film Not in the English Language:

• 20 Days in Mariupol
• Anatomy of a Fall
• Past Lives
• Society of the Snow
• The Zone of Interest (WINNER)

Animated Film:

• The Boy and the Heron (WINNER)
• Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget
• Elemental
• Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

Make-up and Hair:

• Killers of the Flower Moon
• Maestro
• Napoleon
• Oppenheimer
• Nadia Stacey, Mark Coulier, Josh Weston – Poor Things (WINNER)

Original Score:

• Killers of the Flower Moon
• Ludwig Göransson – Oppenheimer (WINNER)
• Poor Things
• Saltburn
• Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

Cinematography:

• Killers of the Flower Moon
• Maestro
• Hoyte Van Hoytema – Oppenheimer (WINNER)
• Poor Things
• The Zone of Interest

Costume Design:

• Barbie
• Killers of the Flower Moon
• Napoleon
• Oppenheimer
• Holly Waddington – Poor Things (WINNER)

Documentary:

• 20 Days in Mariupol (WINNER)
• American Symphony
• Beyond Utopia
• Still: A Michael J Fox Movie
• Wham!

Production Design:

• Barbie
• Killers of the Flower Moon
• Oppenheimer
• Shona Heath, James Price, Zsuzsa Mihalek – Poor Things (WINNER)
• The Zone of Interest

Sound:

• Ferrari
• Maestro
• Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One
• Oppenheimer
• The Zone of Interest (WINNER)

Editing:

• Anatomy of a Fall
• Killers of the Flower Moon
• Jennifer Lame – Oppenheimer (WINNER)
• Poor Things
• The Zone of Interest

Special Visual Effects:

• The Creator
• Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3
• Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One
• Napoleon
• Simon Hughes – Poor Things (WINNER)

Leading Actor:

• Bradley Cooper – Maestro
• Colman Domingo – Rustin
• Paul Giamatti – The Holdovers
• Barry Keoghan – Saltburn
• Cillian Murphy – Oppenheimer (WINNER)
• Teo Yoo – Past Lives

Leading Actress:

• Fantasia Barrino – The Color Purple
• Sandra Hüller – Anatomy of a Fall
• Carey Mulligan – Maestro
• Vivian Oparah – Rye Lane
• Margot Robbie – Barbie
• Emma Stone – Poor Things (WINNER)

Director:

• Andrew Haigh – All of Us Strangers
• Justine Triet – Anatomy of a Fall
• Alexander Payne – The Holdovers
• Bradley Cooper – Maestro
• Christopher Nolan – Oppenheimer (WINNER)
• Jonathan Glazer – The Zone of Interest

Best Film:

• Anatomy of a Fall
• The Holdovers
• Killers of the Flower Moon
• Christopher Nolan, Charles Roven, Emma Thomas – Oppenheimer (WINNER)
• Poor Things

Congratulations to all the winners! You can watch the ceremony now on BBC iPlayer.

From all of us at Spotlight, a massive congratulations to all the winners! Take a look at our website for more awards news and industry advice.

The post EE BAFTA Film Awards 2024 – Winners Announced appeared first on Spotlight.

Those of us trying to make a living as performers often find that there’s a tension between the ‘business’ and the ‘art’. These two ideas seem so much at odds – juggling both is like building a snowman on a bonfire. We dislike compromising our work or deviating from our ideal goals, but we also don’t want to live in poverty. 

Now, I’m not an official expert of anything (*disclaimer*), but in my 10-ish years of regular-ish work, I’ve learned a little bit about managing both the business and the art of acting.

‘Work’ vs ‘Employment’

‘Business’ is the commercial exchange of products or services for financial profit. ‘Art’ is the expression of human imagination and skill in creating something, or the thing that is created from that expression.

In an ideal world, art and business would go together like this:

Person A: “Hello, here’s an art I made.”

Person B: “How much?”

Person A: “10 squillion moneys.”

Person B: “Sold!”

Sadly, it’s rarely this simple.

‘Art’ is subjective and fluid, with no ultimate answers on what makes it ‘good’ or ‘bad’. ‘Business’ is objective. It likes sharp edges with definite facts and figures. ‘Good business’ is determined by who has the most squillions of moneys. This leads to an uneven appreciation for ‘employment’ over ‘work’. ‘Work’ is physical or mental activity undertaken to achieve a goal. ‘Employment’ is the state of being compensated (financially) for your work. Actors ‘work’ constantly, learning material, rehearsing, attending workshops, yet we only feel validated if we are in ‘employment’. This is where the conflict between art and business truly lies.

Artists might ‘work’ passionately, creating something unique and exciting that unfortunately might not sell, whereas certain ‘employment’ might pay buckets for us to be breathing props: “Stand here, walk there, say this,” etc. Although, if you’ve done your own work and understand your role, then you’ll know that great actors can, “Stand there, walk here, say this,” and still produce astounding performances.

I can’t advise on whether it’s better to ‘suffer for your art’ or to ‘sellout’ your skills for cash – that’s up to you. However, if anyone ever judges or debases your choices remind, them that Hollywood icon George Clooney advertises coffee, and that Iggy Pop, who gave pre-punk rockers a lust for life, is now selling them car insurance. They’re artists. But between jobs, they must have needed the money. We all do.

Organise Yourself Like a Small Business

Being between acting jobs is a good time to get our business heads in gear. We should consider ourselves CEOs organising a small company. Outsourcing certain ‘business’ aspects of our company is almost essential for artists.

Agents (if you have one) are like your sales department. Even if you oversee your own finances, an accountant might be needed to sort tax returns, etc. PR and Marketing can be handled through social media. Your phone, laptop and printer are your IT department. If you don’t have a computer then you should seriously consider getting one – ideally with video and audio editing software for self-tapes, showreels, etc.

Equity membership gives access to a contracts and legal department, ensuring you get a fair deal. Your Spotlight subscription is like a season ticket to a bustling marketplace where buyers and sellers keep the wheels of our industry turning.

All of the above is a lot to set up and manage, but doing it right will pay off in the long run. There are other decisions we need to make, particularly when sorting out our taxes and declaring as self-employed. I can’t advise on how to arrange this as I’m not an expert, but I suggest you seek advice from your agent, other more experienced actors, Equity UK and check out gov.uk on working for yourself.

Being Both Creative and Productive

Jobbing actors are like creative producers, or productive creators, or people who have ideas and make something of those ideas. ‘Creativity’ is the process of exploring an idea or problem to uncover possibilities and solutions. ‘Productivity’ is when that process creates defined ‘products’.

For performers, our ‘products’ are our performances. We may need to adjust them to suit our audience or audition panel, and also take any notes received from directors, etc, so always maintain a little creative flexibility in all finished ‘products’.

Performers face the unique dilemma of being both producer and product together. Our height, weight, attitude, ethnicity or heritage, and accent play a part in our employability for a project. Often, the marketplace is ruthless and just doesn’t want what we’re selling. We must deal with this like a business would – impersonally. Take the hit, revise strategies. If we get feedback, take it on board. 

If the decision was made for reasons beyond our control, we need to accept it, be disappointed for a while, and then forget about it and move on. While we may feel like square pegs in the round hole business, another project may hire us for the exact reason we were rejected before.

Taking Back Some Control in Your Acting Career

Remember: we decide the kind of performers we aspire to be. We can find a niche and exploit it, selling ourselves as specialists in one specific area, or we can gain experience in different things and sell ourselves as an all-rounder. Making these kinds of decisions can give us a sense of purpose and direction within the industry. If one route seems unsatisfactory, we can change our minds and try something different.

The narrow mindedness of ‘business’, often leads to ludicrous ideas like, ‘Regular actors can’t do musicals’, ‘Musical theatre actors can’t do regular plays’, and ‘Actor-musos should be sunk to the ocean floor in a yellow submarine’. Honestly, these are the kinds of nonsense barriers we face sometimes (except the actor-musos bit, obviously – they should be rocketed straight into the sun).

We can also look to invest our energies towards creating our own work and blaze a trail through the industry on our own terms. This is a difficult road to take, but it can be done.

Owning and Accepting Yourself as an Actor

Finally, we must accept that sometimes life is simply unfair. We may never get the ‘employments’ we want or sing on the stages we imagined. However, we must also combat certain toxic thoughts that fester in actors’ minds – that we’re bad, unworthy, not ‘real’ actors, and that we’ll never be good enough for ‘The Industry’.

The business side of me knows that I have to bow down to the power of the industry sometimes to earn a living, but often the artist in me wants to tell The Industry to, “Shove its square pegs right into its round holes.” I hope The Industry doesn’t read this… but if The Industry is going to be up and down with me, then what’s the harm if I’m up and down with it? I can love it and hate it, and still somehow hope to strike some kind of balance, to continue building my bonfire snowman.

We shouldn’t hand over our self-esteem and spiritual wellbeing to the business, because unless it’s going to make somebody a squillion moneys, business probably doesn’t care. Our creative souls and imaginations are too valuable to be contained in narrow sharp-edged boxes, judged only on the price tags someone else has stuck onto it. 

So focus on working to be the artist you want to be, and make as much money as often as you can. That’s what we’re all trying to do.

PS: Anyone got any jobs going? I will act for food.

John is an Irish actor living in London. He started his career in Clondalkin Youth Theatre and trained in the Samuel Beckett Centre, Trinity College, Dublin. He has worked and toured with productions internationally, and starred in The Commitments, in the Palace theatre and on The UK and Ireland Tour. He has written scripts for radio, stage and also for comic books.

The post Between Acting Jobs: Juggling the Business and Art of Acting appeared first on Spotlight.

2024 is shaping up to be an exciting year for film and television. With blockbusters like Dune: Part Two and Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire getting ready to fill cinemas and Masters of the Air and the second season of House of the Dragon gracing our TV screens, it’s sure to be a fantastic year for all things entertainment.

Here’s a look at a few of the brand-new shows and films taking place in studios and on location up and down the country and across the Irish Sea:

‘How To Train Your Dragon’

Spotlight member Lucy Bevan is casting the live-action remake of the popular animated film series, which is currently in production at Titanic Studios in Belfast. Recently confirming the return of Gerard Butler to the role of ‘Stoick’ – the same character he voiced in the 2010 Dreamworks film – this brand new adaptation of the Viking and dragon-filled adventure is sure to be a favourite for the whole family. How to Train Your Dragon is being directed by Dean DeBois – who wrote the original trilogy – for Universal Pictures.

‘The Diplomat’

Kerri Russell stars in the Emmy-nominated Netflix series that follows the life of ‘Kate Wyler’, as she starts a high-profile job during an international crisis. The Diplomat is returning for its second season and is currently filming in and around London. Russell is joined by Spotlight members Rufus Sewell and Rory Kinnear, and if season one is anything to go by, season two will be an exciting ride as we watch thrilling events unfold. Spotlight members Lucinda Syson, Natasha Vincent and Julie Schubert provided the casting for The Diplomat.

‘Black Doves’

Keira Knightley and Spotlight members Ben Whishaw and Sarah Lancashire lead the cast of this thrilling new series for Netflix, directed by Joe Barton. Black Doves tells the story of ‘Helen’ (Knightley) as she embarks on a passionate affair – while keeping her real identity a secret from her lover. Directed by Joe Barton and cast by Spotlight member Robert Sterne, Black Doves is currently filming in various locations around the UK until March 2024.

‘Tornado’

In this exciting new survival thriller, Academy Award-nominee and Spotlight member Tim Roth is joined by Takehiro Hira and Spotlight member Jack Lowden. Set in 1790s Britain, Tornado tells the story of a Japanese girl and her father’s travelling puppet show, who soon find themselves entangled with a dangerous underground gang. Produced for Lionsgate and directed by BAFTA-winner John Maclean, Tornado is currently filming in various locations around Scotland throughout January and February. Casting was carried out by Spotlight member Colin Jones.

‘Department Q’

Although plot details are being kept under wraps for this new Netflix series, we know that Spotlight member Paul Candelent is leading the cast as an unnamed detective who becomes consumed by a case involving a devastation to his police force. Department Q is currently filming in Edinburgh and various other Scotland locations throughout the next couple of months.

‘Outlander: Blood of my Blood’

After eight successful seasons, Outlander will have its season finale later this year – but don’t fear: the popular Scottish period drama is getting a 10-episode prequel series. Outlander: Blood of my Blood is expected to be set 20 years before the first season of the original series – and may feature some familiar faces. No release date has been announced yet, but filming will take place around Glasgow and other locations in Scotland over the next couple of months. 

‘Too Much’

Megan Stalter and Spotlight member Will Sharpe star in this upcoming romantic comedy mini-series for Netflix, written and directed by Lena Dunham. Currently filming in and around London, Too Much follows a woman who moves to London from New York City in an attempt to get over a break-up. Famous model and actress Emily Ratajkowski is also in talks to play the ex-girlfriend of Sharpe’s character ‘Felix’. 

‘Heavyweight’

Christopher Anthony’s directorial debut, Heavyweight stars Spotlight members Jason Isaacs, Jamie Bamber, Nicholas Pinnock and Sienna Guillory and tells the story of an underdog boxer and his coach preparing for a championship match – while battling with the pressures of life. 

Cast by Spotlight members Julie Harkin and Nathan Toth, Heavyweight is currently filming in London for Blackwater Pictures. 

Other productions that are coming to the end of their shooting dates and are scheduled to be released later in 2024 are: 

• Andor (Season 2): the highly anticipated sequel to the Star Wars spin-off series.
• Wicked: Part 1: the on-screen adaptation of the Broadway musical.
• Amateur: an action thriller starring Rami Malek.
• Hedda: an adaptation of the classic play, Hedda Gabler.

These are just some of the productions cast on Spotlight. Find out more about our membership options and start looking for auditions today!

The post What’s Filming in the UK and Ireland – Winter 2024 appeared first on Spotlight.