Spotlight/Equity

I wasn't picking you up (Pole) on the typo, it was so late last night that I hadn't noticed. I do a few typo's myself, and as long as the reader can get the gist, it doesn't really matter that much or at least it shouldn't; we're posting ideas and opinions to and for our peers on a forum.

I just wanted to highlight that some students or film makers in general will try to exploit you if let them.

So I used a quote from you to ground what I had to add.

• 12 years ago
• 41

That's exactly what I'm going through now, even within my modelling career it's crazy! But I have more paid credits now so hopefully I'll be able to get on Spotlight.

• 11 years ago
• 42

I seem to have been very lucky. I started working professionally as an actor in July and was accepted to both Spotlight and Actors Guild this month. The key for both of these is four paid jobs.
My first paid job was a profit share play, with a full pro contract and that seems to be a great way to start getting credits.
I agree with the advise to stick with it. I have done lots of free jobs and student films for showreel footage but CCPro has been a great way to increase credits in a stress free way.

• 11 years ago
• 43

Hi Jenni

I got onto Spotlight fine with a BA Hons Drama degree like you :)

• 11 years ago
• 44

Like Shauna ^^ I also got onto Spotlight with a drama degree at an ordinary University.

• 11 years ago
• 45

I find myself in the same position and it's difficult not to panic about the wasted time or my lack of accreditation. I think understanding the realities of the business is crucial but sometimes I have to force myself to step back and dream a little. Having lived in LA for too many years I allowed myself to be cowed by the competition amount of people that don't make it without expensive training. I now have the luxury of being (really old) and I've decided to just keep doing it. There is always a story of someone that went against the odds and succeeded. Someone said in a recent post they'll finally realise that you're not going away. Someday I figure I'll be going for 90 year old women's part and most of my competition will have died so problem solved.

• 11 years ago
• 46

If I lied about my credits to be on spotlight and said I was in really low level indpendent movies that I found on IMDB, could I get caught out or do they ask you to prove each credit?

• 5 years ago
• 47

Never ever lie on your CV, you will get found out. Years ago I did a workshop at The Actor's Centre with a TV director, he had looked through our CVs and turned to one guy and mentioned one of his TV credits. 'Interesting', he said, 'I directed this and I don't remember this character'. The actor had to admit that he had been an extra. Having worked for an agent, I can also tell you that agents will check credits, it is so easy now with the internet, if one credit turns out to have been bigged up or is a lie, nothing else on your CV will be believed.

• 5 years ago
• 48

I can totally relate to this, though I'm coming from a different angle - I studied on a collaborative acting/ theatre practice MA at Central (currently #1 in the UK) and I'm now having to take time out after graduation to build up my professional credits.

Spotlight stipulate that they only accept students from courses with industry showcases organised by the school (mine was a public showcase that you have to organise as a company at a venue outside the school).

I had no issue joining Equity graduates though which was strange - the course is accepted by them!

• 5 years ago
• 49

You can have a certain look which overrides drama school training and acting ability.
There are some who have both ( training and a certain look!)
The top drama schools have their showcases at the end of the 3 year or even 1 year PG or degree course
which are attended by the main agents looking to sign new talent.
That's the main thing the top drama schools are good for... getting a connected agent after you've spent a load of dosh going through the motions of training !
You can learn certain techniques of acting at drama school but the century's old adage,'you've either got it or you haven't ' applies overall.
Getting paid work is also a lot to do with your industry network .

• 5 years ago
• 50

Guys, when I applied to Spotlight the first time, this is what was sent back to me. Hope it clarifies things:

Dear Jason Medani

Thank you for applying to join Spotlight.

Unfortunately, based on the information included in your application, we're not able to offer you membership at this time.

The requirements we look for in a Spotlight application are as follows:

You have four or more professional credits in featured, named speaking roles, in full-length film, television or theatre productions.

Commercials, idents, short films, corporate films, student productions and any work as an extra or supporting artist is not included within this.

or...

You have graduated with a minimum of a year's professional training from a full-time accredited drama school or university course.

• 5 years ago
• 51