The industry likes to make us feel unworthy until we have reached what is known as 'making it'.

But what exactly is this elusive point? Is it when you have 10 million followers on Instagram? When you get #1 StarMeter on IMDBpro? Is it getting a lead role in a Film or TV production? Is it playing Lear on stage?

Let's reframe our idea of what 'making it' is…

You've already made it. 

In acting, you are often called on to do outrageous things. You will be faced with a situation in a scene that requires you to express some side of humanity that is often kept locked behind closed doors, barred with a pipe and barricaded with a wardrobe, desk, filing cabinet, and standing lamp.

DON’T DO IT RIGHT

Do it. Right now.

As artists and humans, our chemistry is complicated and temperamental. We are full of great ideas, and passion, and energy, but also crippling anxiety, intrusive thoughts, self doubt and that nasty little inner voice judging our every move.

As actors and artists, we are tasked with accurately portraying humanity, and the world around us. While reading ‘An Actor Prepares’ over and over again may help us understand the process of being an actor, don’t think that is the whole piece of the puzzle.

As children, we failed all the time. You failed using a spoon, talking, walking, all the things. Things you probably take for granted right now. But through these failures you learnt the skills you needed to live.

As adults, we have the ability to structure our own environment in a way that we can literally avoid failure (and ultimately, stop growing). But, as an actor you are lucky… 

You get to fail all the time! 

We don't need another Chris Hemsworth, Margot Robbie, Cate Blanchett, Rebel Wilson or Guy Pearce.⁠⁠

We already have them - we love them - but we already have them.⁠⁠

You know what we don't have?

You.⁠

We LOVE “Everything All At Once”.

From Michelle Yeoh’s incredibly versatile, physical and emotional performance, to the sheer loveable character that is Waymond Wong, to the hilarious and awe-inspiring martial arts, the Hot Dog Finger Universe, the list goes on and on and on.

But this was all done with the helping hand of the editor; special effects, sound effects and score to evoke an audiences reaction, capture our attention and engage us with the story.

During the May/June 2021 lockdown in Melbourne we sat down with the brilliant and insightful Kate Ellis to talk about about acting, how we can learn more about humanity through acting, celebrating your successes in times of uncertainty and finding your creativity in your voice, your body and the text.

Click here to view the full Q&A recording!

"Dear Australia, nothing brings out the Killer in you like the arrival of an Apex Predator.

Are you afraid of clowns?

Well, now you’re not.

Acting for an audition sucks.

It is completely different to working on set. On set you have props, costume, set dressing, other actors to work off, a director, extras - all opportunities to create a real life environment for you to do your best work. 

When you get a script, this is what you see.

You see little black marks adorning a page of otherwise uninspiring whiteness. Your eyes are drawn to the letters and as you commit them to memory you endow them with importance.

You make those words the most crucial aspect of your performance, because we are taught that is where the performance is. 

Honour the writers words.

No one wants to work with a nervous actor.It's harsh, but it's true. Stepping into an audition room, or onto a set and thinking that you don't deserve to be there is a feeling we are all comfortable with. 

In our Free Q&A with Will Centurion he asked us what were the most common things said to us that affected how we thought about ourselves as actors.

Someone mentioned that they were told once "You need a three year degree in acting to be an actor". A thought like that can cripple you as a creative, as a person, and in your career.

People new to acting often mistakenly believe character is a fun voice, or a facial tick, or a way of walking.

All Ben wants is to watch Netflix and chill with Daniela, however his nosy neighbour Bock, has other plans...

This short film features our very own General Manager - Jarita Winslow!

Written, directed & edited by Alex Thomson

Starring Harrison Lane, Jarita Winslow & Alex Thomson

Sunny Walia has been keeping busy creating two entirely self-made videos during lockdown.

In this heartbreaking tale he laments on what might have been…

Created by Sunny Walia

It’s not American Psycho.

It’s not.

I was speaking to a director friend of mine the other day, and we were discussing what makes an unforgettable performance.

Our conversation steered towards the incredible John Cassavetes. Starting his career as an actor, he was likened to Marlon Brando in style and screen presence, but he transitioned into directing, essentially becoming the founder of independent cinema in America...