Persistence Pays Off!

Private User
Actor

Hi all,

I just wanted to share a little story of success that will hopefully inspire some of you, both those trying to make your own work and those looking for opportunities to get noticed acting.

In 2012 I did a short film. It was expenses only, but the script was strong and a great lead character for me. From that I was offered a role in a fringe theatre play, again expenses only. A lead role, but with a twist - the play was to be extended beyond the stage to the internet as a web series. The script for that was exciting and very well written.

Fast forward to now, and this week I won Best Lead Actor in a Drama at the Indie Series Awards in Hollywood. The series also won the Best Writing award there, with other ceremonies awarding us Best Actress, Best Score and another Best Actor award for myself. The producers are now getting approached from all angles and the team's hard graft is starting to really pay off.

My point? If you're making your own work, stick at it, believe in it and market it! These guys worked their socks off, ensured the team was all totally on board and was of the highest quality. As a cast and crew we were encouraged to all muck in with PR, Facebooking, Tweeting, etc. And it's worked!

And, from the actor's perspective, just get involved! I don't support underpaid work at all when it's from a corporate or commercial perspective when you know they're trying to fleece and exploit us, but independent companies, starting out - if you believe in their project, their ethos and their aim, go for it, get involved and help create a close, strong team.

I know there are a lot of people on here doing all this already, so just keep at it! Belief, persistence and teamwork will bring results. :-)

www.watch3some.co.uk - if you're interested in seeing more about the web series.

Happy Friday and have a great weekend everyone! x

Editorial Comment This thread is now locked; a note to everyone: please remember the forum is a place to exchange experiences and constructive criticism. When individual posts step beyond that we do have to stop the public discussion.

  • 9 years ago
  • 1,923
  • 22
Melissa Hartzel
Actor, Talent

Well done Peter! I agree, hardwork will always pay off in the end!


  • 9 years ago
  • 1

Still working - still waiting!
Well done, Peter.
Sue


  • 9 years ago
  • 2

Amazing! well done and couldn't agree more, it's all about what you put in :)


  • 9 years ago
  • 3
Private User
This profile is private

Thank you ladies. It can be a long road, and it's the producers, writer, etc that have put in the crux of the hard work, but it's been the fact that all the cast have supported it as well that's helped make it a success.

I've started writing my own stuff recently and am putting a few bits on at a new writing night at the end of the month, so it's a valuable lesson to have learnt to build on for that.

It's a mistake I've made myself before, that we feel we just need to get something made now! But from first draft of script to now on that web series I think was about 4 years; and it's still got progress to be made.

It's a mantra I see on here a lot and it is absolutely true - keep going, keep believing!! :-)


  • 9 years ago
  • 4

Congratulations Peter


  • 9 years ago
  • 5
Private User
This profile is private

Totally agree.Thats how i work:)


  • 9 years ago
  • 6
User Deleted
This profile has been archived

Thanks for the story!
Belief, enthusiasm and hard work are a powerful mix!


  • 9 years ago
  • 7
Forbes KB
Actor

Nice! Well done Peter!


  • 9 years ago
  • 8

Amazing! well done and couldn't agree more, it's all about what you put in :)


  • 9 years ago
  • 9
Private User
This profile is private

Well done Peter. This is what has to be done in this industry, keep pounding on doors till one bursts open.


  • 9 years ago
  • 10

Thanks for the inspiration, Peter and congratulations! :) x


  • 9 years ago
  • 11
Private User
This profile is private

Thanks everyone for the congratulations!

I've just started making my own work recently as well (stage & screen), so I need to make sure I remind myself of this every so often!

It's a mantra I see on here quite often that I think is well worth keeping in mind: keep going, keep believing, keep learning.
As The Hollies once said (sang), "the road is long, with many a winding turn, that leads us to who knows where..... so on we go". :-)


  • 9 years ago
  • 12
Private User
This profile is private

What a wonderful post Pete. That is awesome and huge congrats to you and the team. Onwards and upwards and may Hollywood come calling amigo.


  • 9 years ago
  • 13
charles delaney
Actor, Singer

..Are you suggesting actors should work without pay for expenses only on the basis they're get exposure? Generally the acting industry is being undermined by people working for nothing and as a result devaluing their individual brand value.
(btw, I'm a also producer that finds investment for independent features & have access to major film funds in the UK & USA. Be glad to try & help out if you get your team to send me the feature treatment in the first instance.


  • 9 years ago
  • 14

Well done Peter - I love to hear success stories like yours. Gives inspiration to us all and reminds us NEVER to give up!


  • 9 years ago
  • 15
Private User
This profile is private

Sorry for the slight repetition in my posts! The first one hadn't appeared so I wrote another.


  • 9 years ago
  • 16
Private User
This profile is private

Charles. Not what I meant exactly, no. As I said, I don't like or agree with underpaid work that exploits, but supporting a project and a team you believe in to make things happen is no bad thing. I did also say it was a short film and fringe theatre show.
The feature version of that short is getting a huge amount of support and lots of funding options are being considered to move forward in the best way possible. They know what they're doing, don't worry! (Hence the success story!) :-)
Thanks for the offer though and all the best with your projects and ventures.


  • 9 years ago
  • 17
charles delaney
Actor, Singer

Hi Peter,
I think it's great you've got a result & recognition from working for no pay. As I said in my previous post, generally people working for nothing in the UK undermine the acting industry overall.
It's also fantastic you've got all the funding in place for the feature.
Has it secured a sales agent and theatrical release date yet?


  • 9 years ago
  • 18
Private User
This profile is private

I'm not on the production team so I don't know the fine details, I'm afraid. I know they've had lots of meetings and approaches.


  • 9 years ago
  • 19
User Deleted
This profile has been archived

Finally, a bit of positivity! Nice one.


  • 9 years ago
  • 20
This topic has been locked.
Please note: Messages written in the forum do not represent the views of The Mandy Network, nor have they been vetted by The Mandy Network staff. If you read something which you believe to be offensive or defamatory, please contact us and we will take the appropriate action.