And.. here we go!

Since my last post, a lot of things have happened and have changed, mainly, my attitude towards my acting career. 

I left my job at the gym, I have enlisted the help of a personal trainer and have plans to move to London at the end of February! 

Yup, a lot has changed! This year, I plan on living life to the fullest, only exuding positive energy and hopefully attracting the same! I already have an audition lined up for a theatre show here in Ireland and after that, I just need to finish my training with my trainer and then head out to London to really immerse myself in the industry over there! 

So yes, this poses a good bit of obstacles, but nothing I cannot overcome! Firstly, personal training does cost money, and since I just left my job, I have to rely on savings to cover it. But I figure, in this industry, a good, fit and toned body is essential, because I don't want my body to be just another reason casting directors will say 'next!'... mmm.. So I think of it, as an investment for my career, just as a good headshot is! 

Now, moving to London poses more obstacles, but I have family to stay with for a little while, and from there I will try and get myself accustomed to the theatre and film industry in the UK. Becoming a member of British Equity and Spotlight is a must! And then of course I will be heading in and out to as many workshops as possible and to as many theatre shows as possible, and just network!! Woo!  

Just positive energy for this year folks! That's all I'm focussing on! Getting my body and mind in check so that I can be 'available for life to happen to me' (Bill Murray)

So that's really it folks! I'm doing it! Throwing caution to the wind and just going for it! Anyone else having the same feelings for this year? Or even any advice for London? 

Much appreciated! 

Thanks for reading! 

Peach Out! 

xx

Advice and Inspiration

I feel a lot of the time, being an actor is extremely difficult. Often we end up in jobs we don't love doing and in time, our performance skills go unpracticed and forgotten. So, here's the advice: stay true to yourself. If performing is something you want to do professionally and it truly is your passion, then stay true to yourself and do what you love to do. Practice all the time! Practice in the mirror, practice to a camera, read plays and watch movies and learn from other actors! Stay faithful and disciplined to your passion and one day you will succeed. Also, don't ever take on a job you're not passionate about, and I'm not talking about the receptionist job, or the waitressing job, because, even though we're actors, we do need to eat, and sometimes there just isn't enough work to guarantee food on the table. No, what I'm talking about is, is the small performance jobs like Halloween gigs, or christmas gigs that you think 'oh well, it's performance and at least I'm acting'. My advice is, if you're not passionate about performing in the show, then don't do it, because you'll start to dread it, and it'll start feeling negative, and really when it comes to performing, nothing should be a negative!

So, in keeping with the upbeat mood of the post and the advice, I find the easiest way to stay passionate is to be inspired! I love going to the cinema and I'll go whenever I have the money to go, and while I'm sitting in the theatre, I honestly do think to myself 'one day, you will be on the screen'. And it's just a little positive thought to myself. I know it's a long way off but it helps me believe it really is achievable.

Also, watch movies starring your favourite actors, this is another great way I become inspired. I love to watch Angelina Jolie, Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Hardy, Jennifer Lawrence and Idris Elba. These are the actors I'm seriously addicted to watching in films, and on TV. I just feel so inspired by their styles and feel I can learn a lot from just watching them!

I also recommend visual aids when it comes to trying to stay positive and disciplined in your field, so for example, putting up film posters of your favourite movies, or cut out pictures of your favourite actors. These visual aids help me feel positive and stay focused on what it is I am trying to achieve.

Well, I hope you all have a wonderful evening! Thank you for your support and thank you for reading!
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask!

Best

Pagan

England!!!

Hi all, so I know I haven't posted in such a long long time, but here is a brand new update!

Other than some extra work, I haven't been on the acting scene very much! I have been involved with a few performances over Halloween and now during the Christmas period with the National Leprechaun Museum here in Dublin. The shows are interactive and just general good craic so it's been a lovely little creative outlet, rather than just standing at the reception desk! 

But in other news, I have decided to move to London for quite a short period of about 3-6 months in January! And let me tell you, I'm terribly excited!! I cannot wait to get over there and to meet the amazing acting community that I've heard such great things about! 

So essentially I'll be spending time with my grandmother and my family in Crawley and then heading in and out of the city to explore audition workshops, meeting at spotlight and what nots! And hopefully I'll land a few auditions and get seen by some great Casting Directors and all that jazz! Now I know it's not gonna be all rainbows and sunshine, and it'll be super hard, because lets face it the pond is bigger, and there's a whole lot more fish! Yikes! The competition is fierce in London but I've heard great things about the support from the acting community over there and I have high hopes (although cautious, I'm thinking positive!)

Also, in case anyone was looking for me, I have a youtube channel that I will be uploading weekly videos to, hopefully all monologues but I'm sure I'll ramble off at one stage and start to talk a bit more about Acting life. 

you can find me here: https://www.youtube.com/user/appeleyes

and I currently have a beauty based blog and vlog too:
Blog: whimsyofme.wordpress.com
Vlog: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxoQkIb_lm4HNjNbFSDO0Ew

Thanks so much for checking it all out guys! if you like what I do, please like and subscribe!

Also what are your thoughts about London? I am also very interested in the acting scene in Brighton, does anyone know anything about that?

Thanks for your support!

Peach Out!
xxxx

This is tough

So recently, I've been in contact with other actors from the same agency and it seems like they're getting more opportunities than I am? Is that really true? Does my agent have something against me? Do I have some kind of really unique look that rules me out of a lot of things?

The answers are complicated! Everyone has their own look and will suit certain types of projects. And every agent works for as many as they can, while not forgetting the littler people who are just starting out! And everyone gets different opportunities, and maybe it's important to not focus on what others are achieving or what auditions they're going to, because chances are, you were probably put up for it, and the casting director chose not to see you! Sigh...

This business is so friggen tough! I think it's important to not get bogged down on the negative, even when there is very little positives right now! A friend of mine once said, 'you will definitely make it in this industry if you stick with it, because many will give up along the way and you'll be the only one standing'.

I've thought a lot about that statement, and I really think that could be true! And so I want to stick it! I want to be in it for the long haul, but again, that's kinda difficult if you have nothing going for you right now.

So, here's what I plan to do. I'm going to be positive! I'm going to follow Nick Dunnings advice on peak-performance for actors ( http://www.peak-performance-for-actors.com ) and focus on the positive and remove all of the negative 'can'ts' and 'won'ts' and 'it will nevers' from my vocabulary and just keep moving on. I am going to practice. To volunteer for any and every work that I possibly can! I am going to hound directors and casting directors and hopefully find someone somewhere will be willing to give me a chance!

So let's do this guys! Let's all take a moment to promise ourselves to stick it to the end! And to do it for the love of it! And hopefully one day soon, maybe we will even get paid for it!

Keep the faith!

Peach out! xxxx

What happens at Open Auditions?

So I thought I'd do this post as I've been to a few open auditions and thought I'd share my thoughts and insights with you on what happens and what to expect.
( I apologise for the poor state in which this blog is written by the way, since I'm extremely tired but thought this is probably a necessary topic for you all to read!)

I have attended 4 open casting auditions in my life time, 2 in London and 2 in Ireland. In London I attended the open casting for Luna Lovegood in Harry Potter and the Order of the Pheonix. And also for Lavender Brown for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. So lets discuss these two first.

So, Harry Potter certainly attracts attention, and both auditions went very similarly. Firstly, there is a lot of waiting involved. Approximately I waited for about 4-5 hours to be seen in each audition. And they were both the same, you end up in a room, where you are asked to fill in a form, they take a polaroid photo and attach it. Once that is completed they call you into a different room in groups. In this room, you stand in a semi-circle and essentially get crossed of their list by appearance. They say to certain people 'please step forward' and then those who have not been asked to do so, can leave and thank you for your time.

So that was a waste really... but not entirely. In the Lavender Brown audition I was sent straight home. In the Luna Lovegood audition, I was asked to step forward... so this is what happens should this happen to you!

I was taken to a room with a few other girls inside, and was given a page of the script to read over, and then once I was ready I could go and read it to a person with a camera. If you've seen the film, the scene you were asked to read is the one in which Luna is petting and feeding the Thestral and talking about how her mother died. So that was an interesting experience!

After all that I learned from the newspapers that I was one in 500 that were asked to read from the script so I guess that was a little achievement in itself.. but really these auditions are all based on looks.

Ok so lets move on to the next two auditions I attended here in Ireland...

Star Wars.. if you lived in Ireland and you are in any way interested in acting, you most likely attended these auditions or sent in a tape! So this was a great experience! Again, a lot of waiting, about 6 hours maybe.. in total.. I think I was there at 6am and got seen at around 12 or 1...

This audition was very different from the Harry Potter ones I had attended before. They asked you to bring a headshot, on which I wrote my agent's contact and my own contact on the back. I also included my height, hair and eye colour. And this is essentially how they judged you. Yet again people, these auditions are primarily Superficial auditions!!

I was asked had I any acting experience, and she recognised that I had a good quality, professional photo and she recognised my agent... and this is how I got through to the next round. If you didn't have either the looks, the experience or the correct kind of photo, they were more likely to dismiss you straight away, and your photo was put into a large storage container on your way out.

In the next round I was introduced to a casting director and had a small discussion about myself, my experience, and what I had attended for... And I must have impressed them, as I got a 'side' (that is a small section of script to read) and an arm band, and was told to come back at 5pm... WOOHOO! I got through! I was over the moon!

Anyway, round 3, you attended an audition, in a room where another audition was already going ahead at the same time. The room was quite large though and so their audition didn't affect yours at all.. except mentally... Anyway, you were asked to introduce yourself on camera and then read opposite the casting assistant. Also, you were standing, not sitting...
Anyway, what can you do but wait, and sadly, nothing came of it! But at least I had auditioned. I had met a new casting director and had the opportunity to perform, so all in all, I thought my day was pretty successful!

The most recent open audition I have attended was for 'Red Rock', a new soap opera currently under pre-production here in Ireland. So, the waiting was much less for this, as I arrived at 7am and expected a group of over 100 people to be there already, since the auditions started at 10am... there were 50 people ahead of me. Over all between the time I arrived, and the time I left (11am), I think there were about 200 people who were there, most of which had already been seen. But I believe more people came out after 11am.

In this audition, you were asked to prepare a monologue of no longer than 1 minute long, of which the character needed to be the same age and 'type' as yourself. And this, is incredibly difficult if you're in your twenties and a female... It also needed to be from a film or tv series. I chose a scene by Lexi Grey in Grey's Anatomy in which she discusses how her father is an alcoholic.
At the top of the queue, you were asked to fill in a form, and they filled a piece of paper for you to hold up for the camera. The information on this form was your name, mobile number, age and contact email.

There were 5 rooms in which were one casting director each and a camera. You entered, Said your name to camera and answered a small question about your monologue, and held your information sheet up in front of camera.

Once it was over, that was it. Done and dusted. So overall, my experience with these open auditions is that the wait is incredibly long, for little less than 5 minutes in a room to prove yourself...

These auditions are mostly superficial and everything about you can factor or alter your fate.. you're too small, you're too blonde, etc..

But these auditions are fun! I thoroughly enjoyed meeting new people, and the people in the queue are amazing! And we're all there for the same reason, there isn't much of a 'competition' atmosphere because it is mostly superficial.

So if you go, have fun! You could bring a book or headphones but you'll find that talking to people in the queue is a way more effective way to pass time! Bring food, and also always bring your headshot just in case, some productions take them, some do not. But better safe than sorry.

Don't be put off by the amount of people there, if you're going... Have fun! Just go with it and enjoy the experience!

Again, I'm so sorry about the poorly written state of this blog, I'm pretty exhausted! But I thought I might just take the time to express my thoughts on open auditions, so I hope this helps! And now there is nothing you can do, except to play the waiting game...

So in reference to 'Red Rock', it was so recent that I'm still currently playing that waiting game.... so... I'll let you know :P

Thanks for reading...

Peach Out!!!

Jealousy

So this business is tough...
Ha.. NEWS FLASH!

I know, you already knew that. I'm wondering if anyone reads this blog any more? Hmm. Oh well, It's probably more for myself that I write it now, but you never know!

Anyway, So this business, as previously stated, is tough. You get nowhere, and you get there very feckin quickly. The thing is, when you're in this business you're bound to know someone who is more successful than you, no matter how little the success, you still feel as though a sharp little knife is driven into your heart.

Actually, more accurately, you feel as though you've been marked across the face. Because the ever tormented voice in your head won't let the idea that there is something wrong with you go.

For example, recently there have been actors who have come into my work place and their production has paid for their gym membership. And my little heart breaks each time I get a phone call from production to sign a new member because honestly, I feel I should be the one having my membership paid for.. not the one writing the receipt.

So I've decided again on LA or London. I think there are definitely highs and lows of being an actor, and in the low times I always think 'I need to get out of here'. But many have 'made it' and are successful here too! Such as Domnhall Gleeson, Brendan Gleeson, Cilian Murphy, Liam Neeson and so on...

The pond is smaller here, and there is a lot less competition, and maybe one day when I knock on the same doors too many times maybe they will eventually cast me in something!!

But that's not a guarantee is it? I mean I know the pond is massive (more like an ocean) in LA and in London or New York, but at least there are enough people that could potentially hire you, rather than say, the top 3 casting directors here in ireland would. There are more auditions in these places, more acting classes, more of an acting community (i'm assuming)...

So now I wait..  Come the end of this month, I will have decided if the move to California is realistic and doable.

Sorry, I got a bit side-tracked there... anyway, jealousy.. the title of this blog. I can't help but feel bogged down by other people's success, no matter how little, it's still more successful than anything I got going right now...

Bottom line is, I have to grow up.. and if anyone else is in the same boat then GROW UP! We cannot measure ourselves against someone else because everyone is different. And bottom line is, someone will always be more talented or skinner than you and you will always be forever envious of what they have, instead of trying to move on and enjoy your own life.

So get a grip people! Hakuna Matata and all that!

Peach out.

Cutting Room Floor.....

Yikes....

So.. as you have all probably recently discovered (or not), I've been cut from vikings. Now, I kinda knew this would happen as it was a one line character, and it was basically just repeating what someone else had said a moment before.. Still, it's not the greatest feeling in the world to end up on the chopping block.

Naturally all sorts of negativity scrolled through my head, insecurities and what not. But at the end of the day I think it's important for me to remember, that it's probably not personal. In the meantime I just need to keep trucking on with whatever I'm doing..

So. Here's an update. I think other than auditions from my agent, I'm putting acting on the back-burner for now till I can save some money. I have acquired a job as a part time receptionist in a gym and have decided to work hard, save earn some money and work on my body image. I think this is a healthy way to channel all the acting stress, negativity and paranoia. So I'm eating healthy (which costs a tonne by the way!!) and I'm working to get myself in shape.

Once I've all that completed I'm going to start working on a two-actor piece of theatre and hopefully do it well and travel with it. But as I've said, for now.. it's on the back burner for a while. Perhaps a few short films here and there but lets focus on getting healthy, learning accents, reading plays and screenplays, watching movies and just generally being happy.

So stay happy folks.

Peach out! xx

Oscars 2020?

What do you think? Realistic Goal? Well I'd like to put it up there, that this is my goal for the next 6 years! Get to the oscars or any hollywood award ceremony by 2020!

So in other news, I was recently nominated for Best Actress in a Web Drama in the Las Vegas Ceremony of The International Academy of Web Television Awards in Jan! So that was amazing and such an honour! The nomination was for my performance in Cuckoo, the RTE Storyland series I did back in 2011-2012.  Sadly, I didn't win, the award went to Julia Stiles for her role in Blue, but just to be nominated in the same category as her was such a privilege!

And other than that.. haven't had many jobs since Vikings sadly! Although I got a call from my agent today, so things could be interesting.. watch this space??

What are you all going to do for 2014? Any goals that may seem unachievable?

Vikings!

So as you know I got cast as a minor role, and it was on the history channel television series called Vikings!

And as you will obviously know, I can't say anything about what we shot or the characters or any plot give aways! However, I will tell you that is was possibly the greatest day and a half of my career!

On tuesday, I got picked up for my costume fitting and then I got brought down to the set to see the hair and make up teams to assess what they were going to do for Wednesday's shoot! x

And it was amazing! I was just visiting the set, but it was soooo beautiful! It was really gorgeous and so surreal after watching the first season and now to be on the set! It was just crazy!

I got to meet all the lovely mains and I got on extremely well I think. Everyone on set was so so nice, and when we were shooting on Wednesday everyone was superb! The cast and crew were so lovely to work with! I can tell you honestly, that I think Nathan, who plays Bjorn, is going to have an amazing career ahead of him! And that Jessalyn, who plays Siggy, is possibly one the nicest and most talented people I have ever met! Katheryn, Clive, Jefferson and Travis were all really lovely too! And I am so grateful that I had the pleasure of meeting them and working with them.





It was an amazing day, and so funny really, as we were all in heavy clothing on the hottest days of the year! (as we were supposed to be in Scandinavia in winter).

It was truly remarkable and I loved every single second of it! I didn't want it to end!!!  A long day, as I was collected at 6am and we finished at 6pm approx... but I was dreading the call of 'thats a wrap'...

Hopefully somewhere along the line I could get called back!

Thank you for reading!

Peach out!
xx

I got Cast!!... as Another One liner!!

Woohoo!! Lets hear it for ME! ok no seriously though, since my one line ("Message for you sir") on Titanic Blood and Steel, I have not had a day to top that experience on a professional set. There is something so amazing about being on set and being a minor cast member! (sooo looking forward to the day where I'll become a primary cast member but hey-ho! one step at a time!)

So today I got news from my agent that an offer of a one-line part has been made to me for a tv series that will air on the history channel!! So friggin excited! and I'll take some pics (if i can) and then put them up here once the series has aired and everything is no longer a big copy-right issue.

So excited! How did I get this you ask? Through my agent! A while ago, I was asked to submit an online audition for two minor roles in the series and I hadn't heard back from them in a while! Ah! So naturally I was sad and doubted myself, but overall got over it and realised it wasn't for me!

This is exactly the same as what happened for Titanic Blood and Steel, I auditioned for a role, didn't get it and then some time later got called on for a one-line part!

So now I know that I can at least be trusted to deliver a line! woohoo!! so excited!

Believe in yourself, and always do your best! Because the casting directors will remember you! xxx

Peach out! x

'Godbod'... insanity!

So I decided, in order to get to where I want to get to in this industry i would have to start earning the 'Godbod'....

So what do I mean by "godbod", well, this industry is incredibly shallow. It's all about how you look, and I have definitely learned this! That is why it is soooo hard to be positive in this business, because when you're not cast in something, it is more often than not down to your look and not your acting ability.

I read somewhere that 80% of your audition is simply walking into the room. So I know I want to look my very best, and currently, I don't. I need a few things done before I can ever venture into a room, confident that my body is in tip-top condition! So.. I need to achieve the 'Godbod', so that I know that whenever I am not cast, that it won't be because I wasn't skinny enough..

Now 'skinny' is a term that i very rarely use, and actually what I mean to say is 'healthy' enough. I really don't think this industry should be promoting those very skinny actresses, that look like dolls that would just shatter and break if you touched them.


I would much rather achieve the 'godbod's of Jessica Biel, Candice Swanepoel and Beyonce! Healthy, slim and attractive!

I think more and more of the people out there trying to break into this industry is falling into the trap of trying to be extremely skinny, and taking drastic measures to get there, like surgery or extreme dieting.


Well, thats not me! I absolutely love me food and although I know I should put down the carbs and pick up some veg, I just can't! I'm not a veggie eater, and much prefer fruit and carbs way more. I'm extremely picky when it comes to food, so eating a very healthy strict diet, is definitely something that doesn't really appeal to me (even though one day I know I will have to force feed myself a salad!)

So how to achieve the 'Godbod'?...

well I started looking at some fitness programmes online, and a friend had recommended Insanity Workout Series. He's in the army and gave me a lend of his copy and told me this would be intense!!! Ah!! And he was very very very correct!

Even though I love Casey @ Blogilates, and I definitely saw results working her calendar, i wanted more. And I got it through Insanity! I am now on day 23, and I am definitely seeing results! So if anyone is in doubt, don't be! the results will surely start coming!!

My biggest result has been around my stomach and love-handle area! I'm much slimmer now and can wear a bikini without thinking about any unattractive folds or love-handle muffin-top disasters! I have noticed a little bit of a difference in my arms and backside too, however I do feel that with Casey's blogilates calendar i noticed far better results in my booty than i do with insanity! But hey, my 60 day series is not over just yet!!

I have not lost weight on Insanity, I've stayed roughly the same at 54kg (which is correct for my 5'4" height), but I don't judge by the scale anymore! It really is just a number, because even though 23 days ago I was still 54kg, I can definitely see how then and now differ completely by just looking at my stomach!

I'm so proud to be on this workout series! And no, I don't stick to their diet plan, which is probably something I should be doing, and I'd probably see more extreme results. But I just can't force myself to eat leaves, and tomatoes or anything just yet. So I try to stick to 1200 calories most days, but try never exceed 1800 cals. I eat cereal every morning, I also try eat at least two pieces of fruit a day, I eat peanut butter on wholegrain toast and bananas, and my dinner is usually harder to control as I live with my parents. So basically, whatever they have made or prepared is what I eat, but just less of it. I try to make lunch my biggest meal of the day and just have something small for dinner. And I always try and have a dessert of a low fat, low cal mouse or yogurt! Because life is just no fun without dessert!

Anyway, I hope this helps any of you who are thinking about doing this workout series! I do also recommend Blogilates workout Calendar which you can find through her website here!

http://www.blogilates.com

Also I am not taking any kind of protein supplement with my training... should I be? I've heard different answers everywhere but if anyone here wants to offer some advice I'd really appreciate it!

Thanks again for reading!


Peach out!
xx

Movie set extra! Not fair city... thank goodness!

So this week I had two days as a movie extra, one on a film called "Love, Rosie" and then on tuesday was another day on Fair City.

Now you know the deal by now on Fair City so I won't bore you with that! But on monday I got to spend the day in beautiful Enniskerry in Wicklow on the set of Lily Collins' new movie "Love, Rosie", based on a book by Cecelia Ahern.

Turns out, I've actually read that book! I hadn't known that until a friend I met on set started talking about the plot, and then it all slowly started coming back to me! So anyway, even though I did not sign any NDA form, I'm not really supposed to tell you what happened or what we shot on Monday... so sadly, I won't!

But I can tell you I had to wear all black for one seen and very summery formal outfit for another scene! It was a lovely day with a bit of wind and as the evening drew on it just got colder and colder. Sadly for the actors, the scenes were set during spring and so that's not good news when you're in a dress and freezing cold on the side of a hill in Wicklow! Luckily the wonderful crew provided blankets and I know the mains had some water bottles and heavy jackets available too.

Although I never met any of the mains personally, they were all extremely wonderful on set. Christian Cooke was very chatty with some extras, and Sam Clafin was quite humorous, practically falling around the place. Lily looks beautiful in real life, petit, pale, perfect, like a doll! and Jaime Winestone looked fantastic in her character hair and make up!

Overall this looks to be a very cute little film and it was such a pleasure working with everyone on set. I recognised a few people in costume and hair from Titanic Blood and Steel, as well as the Jimi Hendrix film too! It's always nice to see familiar faces and of course I'm very happy to see them all working hard!

I think I definitely want to do some work experience behind the scenes too! I would love to be an AD or an assistant producer! I'll definitely have to look into that one! any advice!? or do any of your readers have similar desires?!

Thanks for reading!

Peach out!
x

Positivity

As much of a positive person as I am, it's extremely hard to be positive in this business... because of the pure and simple fact that it is hard not to take rejection personally... but the truth is, it isn't. 

Rejection isn't personal! And I know that, and yet even as I know that, I do often find myself wondering if I am not suited for this business? Perhaps I'm just one of those sad, sad acts on XFactor who think that they could have the potential to do well in the industry, but really they can't, because they are utterly talentless..

Hopefully that isn't the case... 

It's also quite hard to see your friends do well, even if you're happy for them, because you can't just stop yourself from feeling a bit 'left out'.... 

All I want is to be on a professional set again, to feel the atmosphere, to take it all in... and I know that it's not going to just magically happen but I'm sincerely hoping that with all my hard work, that it would happen soon. 

Thing is, Simon Pegg is right. 'Don't give up'. And I won't. Yes it's true that I would have occasional moments of doubt, but I think that's all part of being an actor. I just have to pull through, go to auditions and workshops and work very hard to be successful in this career. 

So if you have any moments of doubt, then buck up.. it's a long road of rejection and we all have to go through it, but we must continue on! GRIT! 

 

You heard him!

Don't give up y'all!!!

Acting Obsession!

So I always tend to obsess over specific actors who I think are phenomenal! And the list is soooo long, including Judi Dench, James McAvoy, Emma Stone, Jennifer Lawrence, Ryan Gosling, Tom Hardy....

And what happens in these little obsessions of mine is, that i tend to try and find all of their films and watch them. Now I actually haven't watched all of their work but I watch as much as I can because I enjoy watching them on screen and being inspired by their talent... do you ever feel this way??

Anyway, my point is: My recent obsession is Benedict Cumberbatch! Now I loved Benedict ever since I watched him in Atonement.. and then with Sherlock he stole my heart away! I'm just soooo in awe of his talent! He and Martin Freeman make an amazing combination! (Please, if you have yet to see BBC Sherlock, then I suggest you do it now... you may thank me later!)





     So, recently I saw Benedict in the new Star Trek film, which by the way, is a vast improvement on the first film and quite a good entertaining movie. There were definitely a lot of 'gasp' moments for me, and I was constantly on the edge of my seat! So basically after seeing this film, and Benedict on the Big Screen, I felt so much energy! He's phenomenal in it, so stern and cold at times, but yet so changeable! He's wonderful in it anyway, and I found myself coming home and trying to watch everything he's ever been in... which would probably take a while.

I had already seen Atonement and Starter for 10 (this occurred during my James McAvoy addiction) and decided to look up some interviews of Benedict online to see how he felt about making Star Trek and other films... and this lead to an interview with him and Tom Hardy.. now in my Tom Hardy obsession I had yet to find this film which starred the two, so next thing you know I find the film and watch it...

And it is possibly one of the most touching, funny and intelligent movies I have ever seen! It's spectacular! So, after you've watched Sherlock, please please please watch this movie! It's wonderful!

So I thought I might just put that little bit of thought out there for you all to read. Are there any films that you think are phenomenal? Do you ever get into these obsessions?! Let me know!!

Thanks for reading!!

Peach out!
x

59 views today! new record! and a new promo...

Hey guys I just want to shout out and say thanks for checking out my page! It means a lot!

I hope to write a new post soon on headshots and working out and more to come!! but first here's a little something!

So 'Romantic Hideaway' is a short film I did a while ago and I just wanted to share with you that while we are still awaiting full confirmation that we are in the feature film, there has been a promo released for 50 kisses! As part of the London Screenwriter's Festival and we are in the trailer so I hope sincerely that we are in the feature!

here is a link to the promo and the website where you can find out more information!!

http://player.vimeo.com/video/65914231

http://www.50kissesfilm.com/#/



Thanks for all your support!

Peach out! x

The Hubbard workshop and another day as an extra!

Hey everyone!


So I said that I would get back to you on how the Hubbard workshop went, and here I am, writing to tell you! Basically it is a full day, 10-5 and it costs 30euro, and is part of the Cinemagic 'festival' (if thats what you call a week of workshops and Q&A's....). Cinemagic.co.uk are a Northern Irish company I believe and set up a week full of workshops, Q&A's with directors, writers and actors, for the benefit of those who are looking to gain a little more insight into the industry.

The workshop for the Hubbards, was basically a group of probably 30 people, who would perform a monologue for Ros and John Hubbard, who would then give critical feedback! It was extremely insightful to listen to everything they had to say about some pieces and their feedback was extremely helpful. At the end of the day, there was a question and answer session and then we all packed up and went home!

I know it doesn't sound like much, but just to hear what they had to say about auditions and how they audition young actors and what their take on their industry is, was really so helpful, and I would really recommend that anyone interested should definitely take part next year! The do this workshop in Dublin, in the Burlington Hotel every year in collaboration with cinemagic, so please google Cinemagic and keep up to date with their workshops! Of course, with the Hubbards workshop, you can only do this workshop once, as they don't need to see you perform twice. They are hugely influential and just to get them to see you perform a piece, that ideally shows the best of your capabilities is a huge opportunity not to be missed!

And yes, some people will get auditions from the workshop, specifically the young females of 15-17, just purely because they are casting for someone of that age  right now, I believe. And who knows, next year they might be casting a character that may suit you! So go!! And also their memory is incredible! I met Ros Hubbard in London for a quick hello, literally two minutes and she remembered me! That was two years ago! So this is definitely an opportunity not to miss out on!

The following day, Fair City called again and asked if I'd be an extra for the day. So I did!! Up at 6.30 to be at the studios for 8am!! I was there until 3 and was used in one scene for approximately 5 minutes! Now I know thats an awful long time to sit around, but I can do whatever work or watch whatever movies or read whatever book I want, in the green room until I'm called! And as far as I'm concerned, that is way better than doing a minimum wage job for 6 or 7 hours to get the same amount of money! So it's all good for me!!

I don't think I'll be writing again about the Fair City extra work, as it is usually always the same. You sit with someone on set and you mime a conversation, or you drink/eat the food given, or you sit and read or search on your phone. Basically, you will be in the background, keeping occupied! And thats the life of an extra! Ha!

Any experiences you have had? Anyone else been to a great workshop recently? any feedback on this blog what-so-ever? Don't be afraid to contact me or tweet me @appeleyes2 with any comments or questions!!

Thanks so much for reading!

Peach Out!! xx

Oh Canada!! and tidbits...

Hi there!

So I know I haven't posted in a while, and the reason is, well, a lot of things. Basically I had to write an essay, then go to Canada!

I went to Canada for 3 days to represent my university in a Student forum for Universitas 21! It was amazing fun and I had such a great time! Canada is sooo beautiful, specifically Vancouver which was were the Student Summit was held.

I, along with 42 other delegates from 13 different countries, sat together in workshops and discussed how we could better the education and college experience. It was an extremely productive three days, but unfortunately on my lsat day, as I was flying back to London I felt extremely ill. And am now sick in bed over the weekend!! Boohoo!!

But on the up-side, I'm participating in a Hubbard Casting Workshop tomorrow so I hope to let you all know about that soon!!! So Keep checking back!! :)

For those of you who aren't aware, The Hubbards are possibly the largest Casting Company in the UK and have cast some of the most amazing films I have ever seen! Such as The Lord of The Rings, Tomb Raider, The Hobbit, The Bourne Ultimatum.. basically, A LOT! And if you google them I'm sure they'd have info about them and what they have cast! They're a family business, Ros and John are the Parents and creators, then followed by Dan and Amy their children. All are still casting today and I'm so excited to meet them again!

(I met them all once before very briefly in London, and I've also auditioned for John twice.) I'm so excited to participate but I'm also very nervous! I hope that I can really pull off my monologue and just sincerely act with confidence because I feel that is possibly my weakest point!!

Oh well! Perhaps I'll get some feedback tomorrow so I'll let you all know!

Stay Tuned!

Peach Out!


(oh and while you wait, here are some lovely shots of the Stunning Vancouver and UBC campus!)

Nominations!

So recently two of the projects I have been involved in have been nominated for two different awards!

"Cuckoo", originally created for RTE storyland competition is nominated for a Webby award! Squeeeeeeee! How Exciting!! Isn't that great!  and we were nominated in the Best Online Drama category. The Judges (including David Bowie, and internet inventor Vint Cerf!!) will choose a winner and the public also had the opportunity to vote for who they felt deserved the award.

Voting has closed but the winners will be announced on Tuesday! Woohoo! So fingers crossed as the ceremony takes place in New York. I can't attend sadly because I'm broke! But thats exciting! We are in the same category as an online web series starring Tom Hanks, and also The Walking Dead's web series.

Also a short I'm in called Romantic Hideaway is currently up for 'film of the month' and you can still vote! You can vote easily through facebook so please please, if you have a second I'd really appreciate if you could help me out! x
here is the link!

http://www.facebook.com/MyFirstJobInFilm?sk=app_162850930432266

Please vote from a computer as the site doesn't recognize a mobile device just yet!!

I hope you guys are doing well and of course I'd love to hear some of your stories so feel free to comment and let me know what you're up to!

Please vote if you have a chance! x

Thanks as always for reading!

Peach Out!
x

Extra work again

Hey guys, 

So I was offered extra work again yesterday for Fair City and of course as you know with any filming, I can't tell you what it was about. My I can share my experience all the same. 

Firstly, everyone I met was lovely on set, including the 'stars' of the show. The crew were all really nice, which is great when you're an extra but they don't make you feel like you're just furniture. It's always nice when they remember that you're actually human! 

We even got thanked by the director at the end of the scene, which was the first time I think I've been thanked as an extra. Could be wrong... possibly the first time thanked as an extra by a director.. yeah maybe that's more accurate. 

anyway, how did I get this? Easy! Just sign up to movieextras.ie and upload a few photos and they will send you for work! This is also how I go work on the Jimi Hendrix film. So It's always worth a try, and every time I've signed up to movie extras I've always made my money back, from filming. 

However, it is VERY BORING! I was brought in at 12 and wasn't used until 3.30, so I, along with many others, had to wait in the green room to be called, so my best advice is to bring a book or bring some work that you can do in that time. They do have a tv on normally which is nice, and of course people get chatting anyway which is also lovely. But there is a lot of waiting so do always bring a book or ipod or something to keep you occupied. 

Also, after every scene you've done, if they change scene, that means you must change clothes if you're going to be in the next scene. (They usually tell you to change anyway so don't worry about if you're uncertain whether you have to change or not)

What I normally do is bring several different tops that make up a totally new look. Or two pairs of pants and two tops and a jacket so that I can look different in very many ways! Also the whole, hair up and hair down thing is a great way to 'switch it up' too! Ha! 

Make-up, I've always gone with a more natural look but there is no specification on the make up as far as I'm aware. You can always bring make up with you and judge by looking at the others in the room. 

Anyway thanks for reading this quick lil post!

I'm on twitter, for any of those who want to follow me or ask me any questions, I'll definitely do my best to answer them or find the answers for you, by contacting casting directors or my agent!  @appeleyes2 

Have you guys done any extra work? What has been your worst/best experience? Feel free to tweet me the answers or comment below!! Thanks pals! 

Peach out! 

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