Before I tell you all about Spotlight. I just want to confirm a couple of things. The main work I am
asked to submit for via Spotlight are LEAD roles, and featured main roles. Spotlight is where 90% of
my jobs come from. I hardly EVER have small or extra roles. For example I got the main characters
for "Harry Potter" not the 1000 of children that were extras. Therefore the standard of the students I submit must be well prepared and excellent. The younger
students get away with being cute, well behaved; listen to what they are asked to do. But it is FAR
more complicated from age 7 upwards, when scripts are involved etc.
The training at my school long term is the most important aspect of what I offer. With my students
the auditioning, and getting an exciting part is the icing on the cake. Which often happens -I am proud
to say. One of my students who at 11 had been with me for 3 years with only one small commercial as a
professional job, then nothing. Until a couple of years ago she played the lead in Primeval. A major
series for TV -Just goes to show eh?? The main priority is the students come and learn, work hard,
enjoy themselves and possibly work??
The 'Spotlight' deadline is almost here for next year's book and Interactive Website. ALL the major Companies use Spotlight like the BBC, ITV etc and Casting Directors in the UK and abroad to find suitable talent. Spotlight includes two things for the fee you pay. The first is a huge directory/book, which you would be included in along with thousands of artistes, which is published in May 2012.
The second, and MOST important side is the 'Interactive Website'. The website is the most important entry for you. On a daily basis I receive hundreds of jobs through to my desk, and I can submit you for a role in seconds. I might read a breakdown, and you can be winging your way to the desk of the BBC in a click of my mouse.
Not every agent gets the same casting breakdowns. I am very fortunate that I have had clients play lead roles in Film, Commercials, TV and Stage. Therefore I am in the main agents in the UK, and am sent the best castings. featured roles.
If you have been on Spotlight this year check with me if I want you to have a new picture or I am happy with what we have. No pictures over two years old allowed on the site or my own website.
The photograph which the photographer and I select will be the best photograph for casting, It will be sent on disc to Spotlight direct and I will have a copy electronically for my website. The session you pay for with Lawrence (photos) will be for 15 mins per person at stage school. You will not be allowed to have copies for personal use (sorry!) as the fee is subsidised by me. Copyright is strictly for my company use only. Should you leave the school and agency the picture cannot be transferred to any other agent or company. It is also not to be used on social networking sites etc. You do not have the copyright to use it? It costs usually approx £200 for Spotlight pictures if you were going direct to a Spotlight photographer for a session.
The deadline for Spotlight is very early November So we have lots to do. Lawrence and I go through
all the photos, pick the ones to use. Then they need finishing, forms filled, money checked, etc before
we post them on in a huge box to The Spotlight. This means that all the forms must be filled in
correctly. Jeanette will be in charge of all forms and money paid. When you come to have your
photographs taken she will complete with you the forms at the same time.
very early November So we have lots to do. Lawrence and I go through
all the photos, pick the ones to use. Then they need finishing, forms filled, money checked, etc before
we post them on in a huge box to The Spotlight. This means that all the forms must be filled in
correctly. Jeanette will be in charge of all forms and money paid. When you come to have your
photographs taken she will complete with you the forms at the same time.
Hair must be freshly washed, not lots of hair in eyes, clips, hairbands etc. We need to see the style you are thinking of before the day of the shoot. NO make up can be worn by under 15 year olds and under. We need to discuss make up for over 16's. Please bring: Hairbrushes, comb, hairspray, hair bands, grips. Nothing must shine on the face! Remember these pictures must last 15 months from 2012.
YOU HAVE TO PAY THE PHOTOGRAPHER DIRECT the £40, on the day. Before you start your session. I am so sorry but no money, no photos. Last year I had to write personal cheques for people who forgot the money, which I am not prepared to do this time, please note!!!! Also one the appointment is booked if you are ill on the day you still need to pay!
When you come for the photos, you will also have to bring a credit card/cheque for £90 made payable to THE SPOTLIGHT, this cheque is stapled to the application forms, and without that, the form will not be processed. Remember there is NO fee payable for me to act as your agent. The only fee you pay is £10 to get your picture on my own website, (or £10 to update the one on there now).
Just to warn you Spotlight usually cash your cheque between end of November and January so be prepared!!!! So save the money in your account after your Christmas spending eh? Please note NONE of the cheques are paid to Singer Stage School or myself. If you prefer you can give your credit card number – which I suggest you do? Rather than chance the cheque.
Our photographer this year works as a senior photographer for Net-A-Porter in the West End. So we are very lucky to have him for three days (ONLY) they are October 15, 22 & Nov 5th . The 15th is for NEW Spotlight applications and pictures Renewal pics are the following two weeks. The 29th October is half term.
So if you want to go on spotlight this next year. Or you wish to stay on Spotlight for a further year please email Jeanette to let her know. We will get back to you with an appointment time and day for your photographs.
I have just moved to a new office. To reach me generally I prefer that you contact me in the day by telephone up to 3.30pm -4pm week days, (in case I go to Stage School) . I try not to check my emails and my answer phone evenings and weekends now. I am doing unbelievably long hours in a week. So if it is urgent and it can't wait -text me or if very urgent and you are working on a job, and you might have a problem, please call me. Thank you.
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
The Spotlight book comes out in May 2012, although once they put your info on computer
(your CV) they will load it up on the Spotlight website mid January for me to start submitting
you. Unfortunately, being on Spotlight will not guarantee you a job or audition. But
remember I don't make any money unless you work!!!!! (your CV) they will load it up on the Spotlight website mid January for me to start submitting
you. Unfortunately, being on Spotlight will not guarantee you a job or audition. But
remember I don't make any money unless you work!!!!!
Lots of the castings are very specific, and on look a lot of the time. Then when you get there you have to be prepared, and ready to wow them with your skills. Lots of the time a script will arrive for you to learn the night before you go?
When we put you forward for a job -we expect the following:
1.
You will be able to go (they are usually short notice). Normally there are no expenses
paid for travel etc.
2.
You are not going to be on Holiday, or out of the country. Need holiday dates e-
mailed, and mini breaks; otherwise we always think you can go? -(By e-mail). I work
flat out all day. Spotlight is 24 hours a day!!! Jeanette and I both need an
e-mail with the dates you are away.
Casting Directors get really cross if they select you to come in -and you can't go.
3. When you go to an audition you need to take with you my company details, Name of Agent. When you fill the forms in remember to put you are 40 mins (or less if you are) from London.
4.
You will also usually need to know your height, and some body measurements, so it is
worth taking a tape measure if you do not know them. You need to also buy yourself
a GOOD A-Z map of London. If you haven't got GOOGLE MAPS.
5. Once you go on Spotlight, you will be on there until May 2013. No child would be
allowed to leave to join another agent during that time, as you would be contracted
to me.
6. YOU CAN'T be taken off Spotlight (as you will be in the book too) until it is time for
renewal next year then we can remove you. I only represent children that train with
me. As otherwise I would have 1000's of people on there. No students at stage
school are allowed to audition for outside Drama/Stage School productions whilst
training at Singer Stage School. Only your own academic school productions
When you are invited to go for an audition we never hear back from the casting directors unless
you have a recall or the job? Remember that so you know!