Wednesday, October 21, 2009

CV

LAURA-BETH HILL

FILM
Brideshead Revisited - Ecosse Films - Julian Jerrold
Rachel Stevens Music Video - BBC Comic Relief - Richard Curtis
Big Brovaz Music Video - Genetic Records - Hamish Jenkinson
Tranzformerz Music Video - Big Yellow Feet Prod. Co. - Tom Jenkins

NHS Training Film - Avow Films - Tony O'Reilly



TELEVISION
Johnny Vegas:18 Stone of Idiot - Channel 4 - Chris Evans
Olympic Torch Ceremony - BBC - Stephen Mear



THEATRE
Twelfth Night - UK Tour - David Willoughby
Bitter and Twisted - Watson Theatre Company - Audrey Coldron
Mother's Day - Watson Theatre company - Audrey Coldron
Weaponised Art - Foolish People - John Harrigan



PRESENTING
Brazen - ITV Digital Channels -Richard Alexander
BBX - inDemand Channel - Richard Alexander

UK Uncovered 2009 - Blue August Creations - Richard Alexander
UK Uncovered 2008 - Blue August Creations - Richard Alexander
Corporate Training Film - Blue August Creations - Michael Michael


COMMERCIALS
Honda Civic - Partizan - Antoine Bardou-Jacquet


VOICE OVER
The Seamstress - Northern Film School - Tony O'Reilly


TRAINING
Italia Conti - London - 3 Year National Diploma in Musical Theatre.
Margie Haber - LA - International Studies Programme
Margie Haber & John Levey - LA - Audition Technique
Eden Bernardy & Margie Haber - LA - Acting Technique
Zak Barnett - LA - Audition Technique
Molli Benson - LA - Scene Study

ACCENTS
RP, Heightened RP, Yorkshire, Leeds, London, Cockney, American (General)

SPECIAL SKILLS
Improvisation; Voice overs; Presenting; Modelling; Singing - Mezzo Soprano; Dancing - Classical Ballet (Pointe Work, Pas de Deux), Jazz, Modern, Contemporary, Tap, Street and Commercial Jazz; Swimming; Stage Fighting; Fencing; Full Clean Driving Licence.

AWARD NOMINATIONS
Finalist for Miss Dance of Great Britain two years running.








Monday, October 19, 2009

Links of Interest... Little Miss Sunshine and Disney




Little Miss Sunshine

Think of all the films you have seen in the last year. Think of how you cried. Think of how you laughed. Think of how you were on the edge of your seat! Isn't it amazing just how much a film can move you? Of course, we have all seen films that we walked away from thinking that they were just awful, but if you can find that one...the one that truly changed your perspective on something, you'll never forget it!


As an artist, I am always on the look out for inspiration. Little Miss Sunshine is truly an inspiration (for many reasons, as I explain below), and comes highly recommended to anyone who hasn't yet seen it. You can view the trailer here!

The movie was originally shot on an eight million dollar budget in just thirty days. It was primarily recorded on the road following the happenings of a family throughout the Southwestern United States. When it was viewed at the
Sundance Film Festival, Fox Searchlight Pictures bought it out for one of the biggest deals in the history of the Sundance Film Festival!

The inspiration this film emanates isn't simply from the story, but of the story behind the movie. A success story like this really inspires me that there are things happening everyday where people who work hard enough eventually realise their dreams.

The movie went on to make over 100 million dollars box office, was nominated for four academy awards, and has won massive praise from many movie critics and industry people.
Little Miss Sunshine stands as a shining example of the belief in hard work, doing what you can with what you have, and becoming successful.

Another reason I put this as one of my choices for a link of interest is Little Miss Sunshine truly encapsulates the fairly new transition of larger, more expensive studio movies to smaller, leaner, independent projects. With the advent of the Internet, self-submissions, YouTube, hulu, and high definition portable cameras and video editing software, movie studios are having to adjust to a new wave of movie makers and working actors who don't need to necessarily play by the rules of the industry, but have begun to set their own, new rules, entirely. Success stories like Little Miss Sunshine are a testament to the tides of change.



Disney, Inc.



"It's kind of fun to do the impossible." - Walt Disney

As so it began. A boy who grew up with nothing handed to him, who went on to become the most successful animator in history.
His upbringing was humble enough, working for his own father, and then, working to help injured soldiers on the battlefield with the red cross during World War I. It was when he came back to the States after that where he decided to pursue his passion for animation.

The
Disney Brand is synonymous with quality.




Think of everything that Disney touches, be it franchises, new movie ideas, theme parks, partnerships with different corporations, Broadway shows. Disney is one of the largest powerhouses, not only in Hollywood, but in the world.



A constant driving force for entertainment, Disney has been able to raise the bar in so many ways its quite overwhelming, to say the least. From
The Lion King to Aladdin to my personal favorite, Beauty and the Beast, Disney has won the hearts and minds of millions of kids across the world and has caused many of them to go to bed just a little bit happier every single night.


Sunday, October 18, 2009

3) Person of interest and major inspiration...Woody Allen


Woody Allen is the modern day Renaissance Man. An internationally recognized screenwriter, director, actor, musician, and playwright, Woody Allen has always involved himself in the dramatic arts since a very young age.

Woody Allen
is the definitive American rags to riches success story. Growing up as a poor boy in New York City, he began writing his own material as a teenager just to get by! Never one to follow the path set before him, Woody Allen also dropped out of two different Universities and blazed his own path.

I can identify with his sense of humour and consider many of his works modern day classics. Annie Hall, a world renowned romantic comedy that defined the genre before it was even created, ended up winning four Academy Awards the year it was nominated.





More recently, movies such as Lost in Translation, Match Point, and Vicky Cristina Barcelona has captivated younger audiences worldwide and have won him praise and accolades from many of his peers.



As an actress is it my personal goal to one day star in a Woody Allen film. As an older gentleman, Woody Allen can be assured that he has left his mark in both Hollywood and the international cinema.



His unique ability to make you laugh while still providing subtler points that you only catch upon a second or third viewing is perhaps one of his most interesting and recognizable qualities.

He can connect with audiences of all ages, and has remarkably gained a younger following while not alienating his original fans from some forty years ago!
His films standing among the best that Hollywood has put out in their respective genres and will surely be watched for generations to come.

I hope one day I have the privilege of saying I have worked with such a master of the cinema.


To learn more about Woody Allen, you can watch the famous May 2008 TIME magazine interview,
10 Questions with Woody Allen.

2) Person of interest and major inspiration...Victoria Beckham

Victoria Beckham needs no introduction. Love her or hate her, her name invokes power, prestige, and success to anyone you mention it too. She is the epitome of a 21st century woman, gracefully balancing a family, a marriage, and a fashion empire.

As a young girl, I had been an avid fan of the Spice Girls. To watch what she has become from her humble roots as a child growing up in Essex is nothing short of an inspiration.




Her career is now 15 years in the making and she has expanded from a pop star to an actress, model, fashion designer, business woman, mother, and global style icon.

Internationally recognized as Posh Spice in the 90s, Victoria Beckham is always seen looking fabulous and is someone who sets many fashion trends around the globe.

After the skyrocketing success of the Spice Girls, Victoria has managed to release her own solo album, as well as launch her own fashion line, dVb style. Mimicking Victoria's personal style, dVb deals in the most classic and eye catching of looks, while also consistently staying ahead of the competition by setting the season's latest trends. I share Victoria's love of classic fashion sense and admire her unique ability to exude class in whatever she wears.

After marrying David Beckham in 1999, the couple has solidified their place in celebrity pop culture and have come together to create a brand that has captivated the attention of the entire world.



Cameras, reporters, and fans are seen wherever the Beckhams may be visiting for everyday errands, a-list events, Hollywood parties, and holidays alike.

Victoria is an inspiration to any aspiring young women who hope to make it big in the entertainment industry while still having the ability and energy to balance a happy and fulfilled personal life.

I think it is so impressive how the Beckhams were able to introduce themselves to the UK and become one of the most dominant and adored power couples in England. Then, astonishingly enough, they were able to duplicate that success to become one of the most recognized couples in Hollywood. For Posh and Becks, this is only the beginning!

My affinity for Victoria Beckham is also strengthened in large part, by our similar upbringings and mutual spheres of interests. We both attended stage schools in London, we both come from a dance background, and we both are very strong and determined women. I respect that she has been able to achieve so much at such a young age, while still looking after a family.

To learn more about Victoria Beckham and her fascinating accession into the world of fame, you can read her autobiography Learning to Fly.

Top 5 Resources... Number 5 - Casting Call Pro

Casting Call Pro is a website that allows for actors in the UK to electronically submit for projects and maintain an active online profile and resume that can be viewed by various industry people throughout all of England. Unlike many acting websites, Casting Call Pro allows you to customize your own hyperlink with many different audio visual materials. This enables working actors to upload reel footage, photos, and C.V.s, as well as chat on message boards about both industry related topics and life as an actor. You can also email frequent industry contacts. Casting Call Pro has become one place that I can use to access all these great tools. This makes it easier for the entire casting process all around. Time is not wasted by having actors have many different sets of hyperlinks for different mediums, and casting directors and other industry contacts have one place they can go if they want to find a significant amount of information about what type of opportunities and talents I can bring to their projects.

Another great benefit of Casting Call Pro is the ability to submit yourself for projects, even if you already have representation. Often times, submissions can only go via an agent or manager once an actor decides to be represented by them. With Casting Call Pro, you can always be rest assured that you are in full control of your submissions and your career.


Casting Call Pro is pioneering a new wave of web tools that actors will be using for many years to come. I defiantly think every industry professional should take a look at the Casting Call Pro website and see what types of services they offer.

Top 5 Resources...Number 4 - Margie Haber's book



How To Get The Part Without Falling Apart by Margie Haber, is one of the best acting books I have ever read! Don't just take my word for it. You can check out these online reviews too!

Having had the privilege of studying with Margie personally, I feel I can fully appreciate the gift of the Haber Phrase Technique that she created and teaches so well in her book and in her classes.
Margie Haber is an acting coach who specialises in audition technique and cold reading.

Studying and mastering the Haber Phrase Technique will ultimately enable you to stop worrying about the audition and the lines so you can begin to focus on what you are doing! It frees your mind and body from the nerves that so often limit the actor's abilities in the audition process. The Haber Phrase Technique teaches you how you can deliver your best performance and hopefully book the job!


I love to skim through the book to recap on the Haber Phrase Technique. I also like to read the personal testimonies that many well-known actors have shared in the book when they have used the Haber Technique for themselves!

Having used this technique in many auditions, I can assure anyone who wants to read this book or learn more about Margie and her philosophy that you will only become a stronger actor and a better person for it. Margie's emphasis on being well-rounded, and "living the part" is one of the best kept secrets in Hollywood!

Here is an interview with Margie Haber and Backstage West Magazine! This video will give you insight on Margie's technique and teaching philosophy straight from Margie herself!

Top 5 Resources... Number 2 - IMDb Pro


IMDb stands for Internet Movie Database. IMDb.com is a website which contains a data bank of actors, agents, producers, directors and other industry professionals. Most industry professionals are registered with IMDb and it remains the premier way to learn about new contacts and their past work upon meeting them for the first time. It also contains film reviews, industry news, discussion boards, and other interactive media elements for anybody to use at their own leisure.

IMDb Pro is the elite version of the Internet Movie Database website which is used by the majority of professionals in the film and TV industry. This upgraded version can be subscribed to for a monthly fee. A subscription gives you access to more detailed information on agents and professional actors (including extensive details on representation and resumes), company directories; casting calls; job opportunities; and the most up-to-date information on what is currently in production. I am a member of IMDb Pro. You can find me by searching under my name, "Laura-Beth Hill".

Success in this industry rests upon remaining educated and knowledgeable about all the latest movie and industry news, and IMDb Pro is one of the best ways to do that. When networking, industry news is a frequent topic of conversation and is often discussed at great length. To quote Sir Francis Bacon, "Knowledge is power". Personally, I feel people will extend you a greater respect and take you more seriously about your career if you are genuinely taking an interest in the industry as a whole - in addition to just your role as an actor. I find IMDb Pro to be the most excellent way of doing just that. I encourage all working industry professionals to visit the IMDb website and see what opportunities await them!

Top 5 Resources... Number 1 - Spotlight

For me, as an actress, singer, dancer and TV presenter, it is imperative that I try to get as many auditions as possible. One of the best resources for this is Spotlight. Spotlight is a data base of professional performers in the UK. You must have earned a certain amount of credits in order to become a member. Upon joining, you are featured in the Spotlight Directory which comes in the form of both a book and a website. Casting directors, directors, producers, etc. can subscribe to the Spotlight Directory to enable them to search through and find appropriate actors/dancers/presenters/etc. that they are looking for.

I find Spotlight very useful since they also deal with the submissions for projects. This means that my agent, can submit me for work via the Spotlight interactive website without having me in the office or having to be with her.

When I was between agents, Spotlight emailed the submission breakdowns to me directly so I was able to submit myself in lieu of an agent. This was an invaluable opportunity for me to learn about the submission process and to see exactly what sort of work was being cast at the time. Submitting myself for projects also allowed me to learn about which types of roles I am strongly suitable for in the casting processes, as well as the different proportions of jobs there are everyday for working actors. (musical theater vs. film vs. stage)
I would strongly advise any would-be actor in the UK to join Spotlight as it is the best way to get seen by casting directors, and it enables you the opportunity to submit for numerous projects which are often cast exclusively via the Spotlight link. Most agents insist on you being a member. Spotlight sells hard copies of the Directories and also a book called Contacts. This is the description of the book, Contacts, as displayed on the official Spotlight website:

"Contacts is the essential handbook for anyone working or looking to get started in the UK entertainment industry.

The new 2010 edition contains revised listings for over 5000 companies, services and individuals across all branches of Television, Stage, Film and Radio.

Whether you're looking for an agent or a casting director, a theatre or a rehearsal room, a photographer or a voice coach, wigs or props - Contacts can help.

Contacts also features pages of helpful advice for artists starting out in the industry, including valuable insights from leading industry professionals."

All in all, Spotlight is an excellent tool for any actor that is serious about wanting to expand their potential, learn how to market themselves, and who wants to take initiative and drive to move their career forward.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Top 5 Resources... Number 3 - Pineapple Studios

Pineapple Studios is a famous dance studio in Covent Garden, London, where numerous dance classes and professional, industry auditions are held. It is a great place to meet other dancers and performers; to network; and to make new friends in the industry.


I often attend ballet and jazz classes at Pineapple Studios. I find, in general, the classes are very well structured and well organised. I particularly love the Classical Ballet class taught by Ian Knowles. Ian is a wonderful teacher - so motivating and knowledgeable, and he makes each and every class a joy to be a part of. I have learnt so much from his classes.

I also love the Molly Molloy's Jazz class, which is currently taught by Linda. It is a full workout and is extremely technical. For the final 30 minutes of the class, you are taught a routine that is always so inspiring, challenging and enjoyable to learn and perform.

You can check out the timetable of classes at the Pineapple Studios website for the latest information on classes and teachers.

Pineapple Studios also offers therapies such as physiotherapy, reflexology, osteopathy and massage.



The Notice Board at Pineapple Studios is a great resource for auditions. It is often full of advertisements for auditions for musicals, music videos, TV shows, dance companies, short films, etc. It's a great way to discover new castings that are often not advertised on other sites.

Pineapple offers classes for beginners who are wanting to learn to dance; professional dancers who want a great class to keep them in peak physical condition; and training dancers who would like extra classes to give them more confidence and more strength to their work.

1) Person of interest and major inspiration... Margie Haber


Margie Haber is one of the most inspiring women I have ever had the honour to meet.

Margie is a very successful acting coach in West Hollywood who specialises in Audition Technique for TV and film. She was voted Winner of the 2009 Backstage Readers' Choice Award for Favourite Audition and Cold Reading Workshop. I have taken numerous classes and courses at her studios, and have learnt so much from training with her and her equally talented colleagues.

Here is a clip of Margie introducing herself and telling us a little bit about where she comes from and what she's about.
Margie teaches you to "Live the Life" instead of trying to "act". She talks about what makes a scene work - it's the chemistry between the people in the scene; it's all the little moments in between the lines where people are just "being" themselves and are not "pushing" or trying too hard.

We, as human beings, are intrigued by other human behaviour. We love to people-watch; we love to relate to other people's experiences. When you watch a film - the character you enjoy watching the most is the one who can communicate exactly what he/she is feeling and make you empathise with them - not just sympathise with them. Everyone has the ability to know when someone is being truthful and when the are "faking it". You could watch someone do nothing for hours if they do it truthfully and naturally, however you would struggle to watch a movie - no matter how interesting - if the actors were "acting" and not "living the lives". Margie summarises this perfectly when she says, "Actors impress. Human beings express."

Margie's energy is contagious, her enthusiasm is inspiring, and she creates an environment where everyone feels like they can contribute something. Her class allows for us (as students) to recognize our strengths, and to capitalize on our opportunities for improvement. Students who have taken her class, including me, always end up leaving her workshops with the feeling that Margie not only cares about how good of actors we are, but how good of people we are too. I consider Margie a great teacher, a "second mom", and an excellent mentor. She has become a big part of my industry life and I highly recommend anyone to seize any opportunity to take a class with her!

And if you can't make it to her actual class, Margie has also written a fantastic book explaining her work and techniques called How To Get The Part Without Falling Apart. This is a MUST read for any actor interested in improving their audition technique and wanting to make their work more truthful!

Visit Margie's website - she is amazing!