I'm a member of Equity but struggling to get onto Spotlight
Good Afternoon All,
Okay, so I am a creative person (always have been). I started dancing from the age of 2 years old and at the age of 18 started singing professionally. I found my passion for acting only last year and have been cast in a number of roles (unfortunately 6 of which have been postponed due to Coronavirus). I am represented by a lovely talent agency for Film and TV and my only struggle now is getting onto Spotlight. I am a member of Equity but the criteria for Spotlight is near impossible to fulfill.... it's like the chicken and the egg scenario. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks
Hayley
Hi. Well, if it was that "near impossible" there wouldn't be so many of us ON Spotlight, would there? I believe the criteria is four professional credits? Not sure now, as I've been a member for some time. The current situation obviously means that work is thin on the ground. After lock down eases, things will get better and there will be more jobs out there. Just hang on in there. Good Luck.
Hi Sue, thanks for coming back to me. The reason I was saying it was 'near impossible' was because it's very difficult to be cast in a feature film or in TV without being on Spotlight (which is the required criteria for 4 professional credits) and, like I said, it's like the chicken and the egg scenario. I'm extremely happy with the volume of productions in which I have been cast already in such as short space of time to be honest but, only a couple them will allow for a 'credit' (and that's if they even go ahead post Covid :/). Anyway, I obviously don't expect to go straight onto Spotlight within a year of being in the industry of course, which is the reason for my asking for advice from current professionals/anyone else who has experienced the same situation as myself. Many thanks, Hayley (hanging on in there, and thanks x)
Hi Hayley, sometimes phoning them can help. You are a potential future customer after all. They are a lot more helpful than you might think. Best wishes Julia
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Hi. I've just graduated from a non accredited University course and have zero professional acting credits and yet somehow I was accepted onto spotlight within 24 hours. So maybe just keep trying and you should get somewhere. Good luck
Dominic, I imagine that's because you are a graduate, they have graduate schemes. Hayley, the best way to get on to Spotlight is to go for theatre work when theatres start up again. Film work in the early stages of your career rarely pays enough to be classed as a credit. Try small touring theatre companies, that's how I got my acceptance.
Also, as Julia says - if you had work ready and waiting that qualified, and was stopped only due to Coronavirus, it's worth giving them a call. If you're happy to pay your fee they may be more willing to be lenient, as many Spotlight members have taken a payment holiday.
Dawn thank you so much for your reply (which I have only just viewed- apologies) .
I managed to get accepted onto Spotlight last month :) Happy days! Hx
Sorry I didn't realise I was on my daughters' account - This is Hayley Corney x
Hayley, can I ask which talent agency you are with? I'm doing mainly film and TV work. Do you find that most talent agencies require you to be a member of Equity?
I'm hoping to get an agent soon.
Well done for getting on Spotlight!
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