Author: Natasha Raymond
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Meet the Casting Director: Aisha Bywaters on ‘Queenie’
How casting director Aisha Bywaters cast Channel 4’s ‘Queenie’ and what she looks for in self-tapes and auditions. From the moment it was published, Candice Carty-Williams’ novel Queenie was one to watch. It spawned a four-way bidding war between publishing houses, and now it’s a much-anticipated television series on Channel 4, cast by the award-winning…
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What Aspirations Drive an Actor?
A look at the acting goals and aspirations of our Spotlight Prize 2023 winners and finalists. The aspirations of actors can be as varied as their talents. Some performers dream of stardom and their name on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, others want to be the representation they didn’t see on screens as children, or…
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Inspiration for Becoming an Actor
Previous Spotlight Prize nominees share their motivation for becoming an actor and what first inspired them. Being an actor is one of the most challenging professions to pursue. You have to deal with countless rejections, never knowing when you’ll get your next role and usually work a side job to keep your finances healthy. However,…
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My Casting Story: Noah Matthews Matofsky in Disney’s ‘Peter Pan and Wendy’
Young performer Noah Matthews Matofsky on playing ‘Slightly’ in Disney’s ‘Peter Pan & Wendy’ and how his mum and agent have supported him on his journey. Spotlight member Noah Matthews Matofsky accomplished every young performer’s dream when he was cast in a Disney film. Disney’s Peter Pan & Wendy, a live-action adaptation of the classic…
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BAFTA TV Awards 2024 – Winners Announced
‘Happy Valley’, ‘Top Boy’ and ‘The Sixth Commandment’ among the winners at the BAFTA TV Awards 2024. The winners of the BAFTA TV Awards 2024 with P&O Cruises have now been announced. The awards, which recognise television stars and shows for their achievements over the past year, took place at the Royal Festival Hall. Comedy…
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How Do Casting Directors Find Performers?
How the casting directors of ‘Starlight Express’ and ‘Sister Boniface Mysteries’ use Spotlight to find performers and their other methods. As a performer, you only see one side of the casting process. You or your agent submits you for a role and if you’re right for the part, you’ll send a self-tape or attend an…
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Top Tips for Approaching Your Voice Reel
Advice from ‘Star Wars Jedi: Survivor’ voice over artist Tracy Ifeachor on how to make your voice reel stand out and why vocal training is necessary. In the world of voice acting, voice reels are your way of catching the attention of casting professionals. Your voice reel is your chance to showcase your range of…
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Finding Acting Work in the UK as an International Actor
Advice from casting director James Pearson on how international performers can apply for acting work in the UK. For any foreign actor looking to pursue a career in the UK, there are many factors to consider. The UK – especially London – is a hub for the performing arts, with stage and film productions constantly…
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Casting Young Performers in ‘Matilda the Musical’
Tips from casting directors Lucy Bevan and Emily Brockmann on self-taping and their experience casting young performers in the ‘Matilda the Musical’ film. In the fantastical world of film, it’s the casting director’s job to find the right actors to bring stories to life on the big screen. This task is especially important when the…
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Olivier Awards 2024: Full Winners List
‘Sunset Boulevard’ equals the record for most awards at the musical ceremony. The Olivier Awards 2024 with Mastercard were held at the Royal Albert Hall on Sunday 14 April, celebrating the best in London Theatre. In what was a hugely successful night for Jamie Lloyd’s Sunset Boulevard, which landed seven awards, including ‘Best Director’, Nicole…