Author: Natasha Raymond

  • Self-Motivating Through Difficult Times with Ricardo P. Lloyd

    Self-Motivating Through Difficult Times with Ricardo P. Lloyd

    Actor and one of The Voice 2020’s ‘ones to watch’ Ricardo P. Lloyd speaks to us about his acting journey, tips for self-motivation, and overcoming setbacks. ‘If you have a camera, and you have people around you, it shouldn’t stop you from creating. Some of the best art was done in crisis.’ Ricardo P. Lloyd…

  • Casting Around the World

    Casting Around the World

    International casting directors share their processes and tips for getting cast in different countries around the world. We hosted a webinar which gave attendees the chance to understand how the casting process varies in the UK, US and Europe. Whether you’re a British actor with your sights set overseas or an international actor looking to…

  • How to Take an Amateur Headshot

    How to Take an Amateur Headshot

    Our guide to taking a suitable headshot when it’s not possible to get to a professional photographer. Casting professionals want a clear representation of what you look like, presented as a well-framed, good quality headshot. A good quality headshot is fundamental for any actor and a necessity for a Spotlight profile. First impressions really do…

  • The Journey of a Young Performer and His Mum

    The Journey of a Young Performer and His Mum

    We chat with Regan Garcia and his mum, Sharon, about balancing acting with school and playing Nigel in ‘The Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾’ in the West End. Before the show starts… I do this thing where I put my arms up, I tense a lot, pull my trousers up and put my shirt down, and…

  • 10 Performers Made Famous at the Fringe

    10 Performers Made Famous at the Fringe

    Spotlight’s pick of 10 performers who first found fame thanks to the Edinburgh Fringe Everything can change after the Edinburgh Fringe. Perform the right show in the right way with the right people in the room, and you could follow in the footsteps of countless others who have gone on to illustrious careers. Your show…

  • BFI Flare: The Complexities of LGBTQ+ Casting

    BFI Flare: The Complexities of LGBTQ+ Casting

    Spotlight recently partnered on Casting Case Studies, an event in BFI Flare: London LGBTQ+ Film Festival’s Industry Programme that explored individual experiences of LGBTQ+ casting, the challenges faced by transgender performers, and the ethics of street casting to reflect real life experiences. The panel on 29th March, hosted by Spotlight’s Emma Dyson, was formed by…

  • How Casting Directors Cast in Voice, Stage and Screen

    How Casting Directors Cast in Voice, Stage and Screen

    Spotlight’s Industry Forum provided an insight into the casting process and answered those burning questions about street casting, Spotlight searches, and how to help ‘unknown’ actors stand out. You’re finding the piece of the jigsaw to fit into somebody else’s picture. Dave Peacock The panel, formed of casting directors Dave Peacock (voice), Aisha Bywaters (screen) and Ellie Collyer-Bristow (stage),…

  • A Parent’s Guide to Photographing Your Child

    A Parent’s Guide to Photographing Your Child

    Spotlight’s guide to taking the perfect photograph of your child performer! Casting professionals want a clear representation of what your child looks like… [displaying] your child’s unique personality. Spotlight Photos are one of the most important features on your child’s Spotlight profile. A photo is worth a thousand words, and in this case, it’s telling…

  • How Do I Set Up A Voice Over Studio At Home?

    How Do I Set Up A Voice Over Studio At Home?

    Spotlight and the VoiceOver Network’s Rachael Naylor on setting up your first home studio There is no ‘right’ time in your voice over career to set up your home studio. You could be a newcomer to the industry: inexperienced, agent-less, and getting more ‘No’s than a nasal spray. Or perhaps you’re a seasoned professional, with regular…