Screen Acting Advice from HOLLYOAKS Director Adrian Bean

TV credits include: CASUALTY, HOLBY CITY, HOLLYOAKS, DOCTORS, EASTENDERS, CORONATION STREET. Ade is currently the Director of award-winning series Hollyoaks.

Adrian's Top Tips:

Screen Acting

Everything needs to be really naturalistic.
Be subtle with your facials movements and gestures.
Be aware of your eye line, make sure you are looking at the other actor.
When conveying emotions, work on fighting that emotion to make it come out more realistically.

In the Audition

You will usually audition sitting down and the session will be filmed.
In the initial chat, the director is looking to see if you are someone they want to work with. So be confident, friendly and most of all be yourself.
They also want to know that you understand the character, so be prepared to talk about how you've understood the character and the scene.
You don't have to be off book, but you do need to bring it off the page.
If you are auditioning for a scene opposite one of the soap's regulars, the director will be looking to see that you will be able to hold your own in a scene with an established character, so be confident and make the part your own.
Find the right pace for the scene. Be wary of labouring a scene by talking too slowly and adding unnecessary pauses.

On Set

TV moves very quickly, so you have to be prepared and know your scene and character inside out.
Be able to access a scene within a second's notice.
Be prepared for last minute changes. Lines are often added, removed or changed minutes before filming.

Furthering your career

Be proactive and contact casting directors with a short 2 line email and a direct link to your showreel and keep this up.
Do have regular contact with your agent to ensure they're furthering your career effectively.
When you are in a show, invite casting directors and directors to come and see you.

Feedback from lucky CCP members"A very valuable experience. I received lots of useful information and encouragement from Adrian which has further boosted my confidence and motivation. Thank you!" Joanne Wong

"Thanks for the opportunity CCP! It's amazing to be directed by a great director and have an open conversation about your career." Lorna Tinsley

"Great! I found it really useful to see Adrian's vision of the script and consider other ways of playing the character." Phil Perez

"Brilliant! Extremely helpful. Adrian was extremely warm and encouraging and gave honest advice." Ian Mannly

"Really helpful and relaxed. I got some great advice for what casting directors are looking for in an audition." Rebekah Bowman

"It was a relaxed, friendly atmosphere and it's given me a real boost. This is a great resource for actors and a really helpful way to get advice from industry professionals." James Oates

"I really enjoyed meeting Adrian and Abigail. It was a helpful and rewarding experience and gave me a metaphorical 'kick up the arse' to pursue my passion with more commitment and determination." Lesley Kaufman

"Brilliant! Very informative and helpful." Ben Sherlock

"Very informative. Invaluable to have a candid conversation with a industry expert. I am very grateful." James Ford