Video games, voice overs and writing

MoCap suit and headcam

It is apparently spring but London weather is just laughing at us all. I have comforted myself with a leather jacket. And two summer holidays to sunnier lands.

But for those of you who aren't daunted by the rainiest April/May in a century, let's talk London acting. It's been a good year for work so far. Since January I've done three video games (two with motion capture, one just voice) and regularly get voice overs through my excellent agent, Hobson's. I auditioned for another game last week (top secret for now) and I've got a TV movie casting tomorrow. ALL of this with my natural American accent - there is indeed work for us Yanks here! In fact I've written an article about just that called Adventures in Lycra in the May issue of The American magazine.

On the screenwriting front I wrote a 10 minute short film called Gelert for It's My Shout Script Call 2012. Out of 150 scripts submitted, six will be professionally produced and aired on BBC Wales. This year they allowed entries from non-Welsh writers too and although my script didn't make the final six it was shortlisted.

I'm in the midst of rewriting my entry for the 50 Kisses Competition for London Screenwriter's Festival 2012. The rules: write a two page screenplay set on Valentine's Night and contain at least one kiss. It's been a fun challenge to fit a complete story into two pages.

Right. Enough about me. I've promised you tips. Here's one:

If you are a North American in London and interested in voice work, get yourself a VO reel and send it out to agents NOW. There is a surprising amount of work to be had but only if you get your voice heard. I let YEARS go by before I got my sh*t together, made a reel and actually got it in front of people. I highly recommend JP at The Showreel. I got the Agent Pack from him and have been hugely pleased. Partly because of that reel, voiceovers have been my main source of income in 2012.

Acting: DC to London

Hey everyone, thanks for your patience - I know it's been nearly 7 months since I've posted.  Baby has been keeping me busy.

Thought I'd start with answering some questions a reader sent me many months ago. She's an actress from my home state of Maryland, got her BFA two years ago and is currently acting and writing in NYC:

1) How did your networking transfer from the US to the UK? Did you have to start over or could people in DC refer you?
When I first moved to London I had only two UK connections that I got from colleagues in DC: a British director who I worked with at The Folger Theatre and the uncle of an actor I knew from the Studio Theatre. Fortunately both were very helpful. The director, also an actor, recommended me to the first agency that took me on. My friend's uncle is an well-known American actor here. He not only showed me the ropes and became a dear friend, but was also a major reason I got cast opposite him in Oleanna at the Bolton Octagon (which turned out to be one of the most rewarding theatre experiences I've ever had).

So, yes I had some help which was invaluable, but I did essentially have to start all over again. Even my training and credits that were currency in DC didn't really translate in London. Networking is everything - so mine your contacts for anyone with a UK connection. You never know how it could help.

2) How many years had you worked in DC before moving to the UK?
Five years.

3) How did you find representation in the UK?
As I mentioned before, my director friend recommended me to an agency then I invited them to see me in Twelfth Night the Musical in Edinburgh. After that I had an interview and they took me on.

4) Are there many American roles available in the UK?
There are, but unfortunately quite a lot of British people get them. Or American celebs who fancy working in London. Yet, I have worked so there are roles and the pool of good American actors here is fairly small. Once you make yourself known as a strong American actor it becomes a little easier. But that takes time, persistence and hard work. And networking, strategy and intelligence. And youth and beauty don't hurt.

5) Are there many American actors in the UK?
There are a fair amount of North Americans over here, but only a small percentage work regularly. It can be done but it is a challenge. If you're young and able to go to drama school here in London that will be a big advantage. Also, American men seem to work more often than women but that's true whether you're American or not.

But let's end on a positive note. Yes it's hard but I know several North American actors in London who have inspiring careers here.  Some have worked at the RSC, the Royal Court, the West End, have thriving VO and video game careers, and a few regularly work in film and television. It can be done! Be bold, be brave, be positive and go for it.