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John Pirkis

SAG-AFTRA/AEA/EQUITY/BAFTA Member

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DIARY OF A 'failed' ACTOR - By John PIRKIS- Ep#8 - Moving To Los Angeles.

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DIARY OF A 'failed' ACTOR - By John PIRKIS- Ep#8 - Moving To Los Angeles.

This episode is the one I have received the most requests for. I won't deny, that it has been incredibly difficult for me to find the balance in its content. The advice offered by the A-List industry professionals is harsh and uncompromising, but frank and honest.

At first, their words may be perceived as being extremely negative and dispiriting. They are not! Their purpose is to bring perspective and reality to those seeking to raise the stakes of their ambitions by transplanting themselves into the heart of Hollywood. These individuals' insights are well intended, to ensure that actors taking this massive risk and commitment, do so with the full understanding of what the lay of the land is in LA. It is very different from anywhere else in the world. The demands and expectations placed upon actors entering Hollywood are immense. Forewarned is forearmed.

So, if you are being honest with yourself, and remain undaunted by their sentiments, and it is Hollywood or nothing for you, then it really is important that you pay heed to the tips and advice I offer up on the essential practicalities you must employ to guarantee that you are not caught unawares in the process of setting yourself up in Los Angeles, and making it your home.

As a result, this is the longest episode to date; almost double the earlier episodes, weighing in at nearly 17mins in length. I did not wish for this one to be split into two episodes, even with so much information to impart. For if you saw one episode and missed the other, you would only receive half the picture, and that could be misleading and detrimental to its cause.

What this episode proffers up is tough love. You may not wish to hear it, but it is essential that you do. This profession is not for the faint hearted. It requires, stamina, determination and dedication, commitment, hard graft, bloody mindedness, and limitless patience.

The professional actor's course is similar to running twenty-five consecutive marathons, and just as you have completed the twenty-fifth, you discover there are another twenty five to be run immediately after. But, if you are in the race because you love it with all your heart and it's all you've ever wanted or can imagine doing, then you can push through the wall of pain, dig into your reserves, confront the challenges before you, and with renewed vigour surge forward. You have to be in it to win it! But you must believe to receive, regardless of the obstacles placed before you.

John PIRKIS.
DIARY OF A 'failed' ACTOR


Directed by Cécile Delepière

DOLLKILLERFILMS©2015


BRITS IN LA

http://www.britsin.la/

http://www.britsin.la/

https://www.facebook.com/britsinla?fref=ts&ref=br_tf

EQUITY

https://www.facebook.com/EquityUKwestcoast

TIPS FROM RACHEL RATH to help you with your move to LA:

http://www.rachelrath.com/

http://www.rachelrath.com/ebook/index.htm

tags: Dollkillerfilms, diaryofafailedactor, JohnPirkis
Thursday 04.09.15
Posted by John Pirkis
 

DIARY OF A 'failed' ACTOR-Ep #7-Part II-ABOUT UNIONS: SAG-AFTRA & AEA

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DIARY OF A 'failed' ACTOR-Ep #7-Part II-ABOUT UNIONS: SAG-AFTRA & AEA

As you may be aware, the U.S. is heavily unionized, and though there is plenty of non-union work available, it is naturally nowhere near as well paid as the SAG-AFTRA or full AEA roles, and as a performing artist you are not protected as you are when a union member.

So, in this Blog we will be looking at why it is important to be a member of these two unions in the States, how that can be achieved, and what are the added benefits of being a fully paid up union member.


John Pirkis.
DIARY OF A 'failed ACTOR.

Directed by Cécile DELEPIÈRE

DOLLKILLERFILMS© April 2015

SAG-AFTRA: http://www.sagaftra.org/

AEA: http://www.actorsequity.org/

 

tags: JohnPirkis, Dollkillerfilms
Thursday 04.02.15
Posted by John Pirkis
 

DIARY OF A 'failed'ACTOR Ep#7- Part 1- ABOUT UNIONS: BRITISH EQUITY.

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Ep#7. Part 1. ABOUT UNIONS: BRITISH EQUITY.

For BATTERSEA ARTS CENTER Donations:

https://www.nationalfundingscheme.org/BAC012#.VRN8-IVeM4A

There is yet again too much information to contain in this episode on joining the Union, as I cover both Equity, the British actors' Union, and,  SAG-AFTRA and AEA, the two U.S. Unions serving Screen & Radio actors, and Stage actors respectively across the United States.

When I graduated from the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School in 1982, you had to join British Equity, as it was then known, in order to take any professional acting job; be it theatre, film, tv or radio.The only way to do that was to be engaged by a theatre company on an Equity contract for a set number of consecutive weeks. Each repertory/regional theatre had two Equity cards at each season to issue to newcomers. Competition was fierce; your Equity card therefore, hard won.

Then during Maggie Thatcher's second term in office as Prime Minister, she outlawed all Unions, and from then on there were no longer requirements for actors to be Equity card carriers to work in any of the mediums in the UK.

I remain immensely proud of my Equity Union card, and hugely grateful for everything that Equity do to support and protect myself and my fellow members during both the times when we are engaged in work, and those times when we are seeking work.

Equity continues to do so much more for actors and entertainers in their membership across the UK and internationally, than you could ever imagine. I encourage every British professional actor to join Equity, wherever in the world they live and work. The union is only as strong as its membership, and by supporting your Union, you enable your Union to support you, your fellow actors, and those actors in our community not as fortunate as us or who are no longer able to support themselves.

In this episode, we look at how Equity achieves this, to what lengths they go to provide that support, and also how they ensure that all 'lost' revenues owed you are collected and issued to you or your representation. Equity remains as vital now as it did when I first stepped out onto the stage as a professional actor over 30 years ago.

Joining is incredibly simple and incredibly inexpensive. To do so or to rejoin, click on the link below.

Also, at the start of this episode, I make an appeal for donations to help the Battersea Arts Centre (BAC), in London to rebuild after a devastating blaze tore through the building two weeks ago. Recently named by The Guardian newspaper as 'The Nation's Theatre, it is without a doubt London's most committed, innovative and exciting Arts Centre. When we first set up Theatre 503, the then Artistic Director, Tom Morris was hugely supportive of us with his team, and that relationship continues with David Jubb at the helm, and Theatre 503's current Artistic Director, Paul Robinson.

There is a BAC donation link below. If your are able to give something, your support is hugely appreciated, so as the BAC can resume their incredible work.

Thank you!


John PIRKIS
DIARY OF A 'failed' ACTOR.

Directed by Cécile DELEPIÈRE

DOLLKILLERFILMS©

Equity:

http://www.equity.org.uk/home/

 

--


tags: JohnPirkis, Dollkillerfilms, diaryofafailedactor
Thursday 03.26.15
Posted by John Pirkis
 

DIARY OF A 'failed' ACTOR-Ep#6-Part II- Branding&Marketing.

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We continue our segment on Branding & Marketing, by taking a look at the demand being put on actors to have an active presence on social media, and the necessity to keep adapting to and adopting the many different mediums on the internet to maintain one's marketability, and satisfy your followers.

The pressures put upon actors to maintain a high profile by their representation and fan-base can be daunting, but it is hugely important not to become a slave to these demands nor to lose the essential essence of who you are.

There are so many outlets requiring your input and attention. Not just the standard casting services and directories, nor simply IMDB, Facebook and Twitter, but Instagram, LinkedIn, Vine, and more recently, Spin My Planet. Nearly every month there is a new platform hustling for your attention.

Keep it simple to begin with and focus on the platforms you are most familiar with, then venture out from there.

As this episode depicts, you must be ready for the expectations and rigours that come with the public exposure that keeps mounting once success has come a knocking at your door. You must learn to keep it at arms length and embrace it at the same time without losing sight of who you are.


John PIRKIS
Diary Of A 'failed' Actor.


Directed By Cécile DELEPIÈRE

DOLLKILLERFILMS

 

tags: JohnPirkis, diaryofafailedactor, Dollkillerfilms
Thursday 03.19.15
Posted by John Pirkis
 

DIARY OF A 'failed' ACTOR- By John Pirkis- EP #6-PART 1- BRANDING&MARKETING

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 EP #6-PART 1- BRANDING& MARKETING

For me personally, Branding & Marketing is the side of my chosen career as an actor that I have always had great difficulty accepting. But, love it or hate it, you HAVE to embrace it! The marketplace is overwhelmed with a population explosion of actors stepping out to gain recognition and acknowledgement from the industry and the world, and if you want to step out from the crowd and be noticed, you have to exploit everything that is available to you to do so.

I have, throughout my 30+ years in the profession, regularly re-invented myself and refreshed my image, to keep up with the changing times. Not always successfully, and not always for the right reasons. Whether this has been changing my name (6 times now!), or my representation. At times I was led in my actions by uncertainty, self doubt, lack of momentum in my career, lack of experience, and by that most destructive and unnecessary of emotions, fear. I had no one to guide me and advise me, so often I was searching blindly in the dark for 'solutions and remedies', and my choices were not always the best.

This all changed for me, firstly when I met the fabulous, Rachel Moss of, Rachel Moss Style Coach in London, and the brilliantly inspirational Entertainment Coach, Paul Duddridge in Hollywood. Both of them re-imagined me in their own ways, and my career took a sharp turn upwards, which sees me now establishing myself in New York. Both Rachel Moss, Style Coach (Now living in Munich), and Paul Duddridge, Entertainment Coach,(Still based in Hollywood), work internationally,  and their links to reach them are included below.

In Part II of Branding & Marketing, I will be looking at the all important exploitation of the Social Network and the Internet.


John PIRKIS
Diary Of A 'failed' Actor


Directed by Cecile DELEPIERE

DOLLKILLERFILMS©

http://www.rachel-moss.com/

Paul DUDDRIDGE, ENTERTAINMENT COACH

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1548930/

 

 

 

tags: JohnPirkis, Dollkillerfilms, diaryofafailedactor
Thursday 03.12.15
Posted by John Pirkis
Comments: 4
 

DIARY OF A 'failed' ACTOR- By John Pirkis- EP #5- CASTINGS & CASTING DIRECTORS- Part 2

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CASTINGS & CASTING DIRECTORS- Part 2.

So often we hear the term, the 'It' Factor applied in industry magazines to an actor or actress who is sweeping up armfuls of awards or in the latest hit movie or Tv series, and it is brought to our attention again when a casting director is interviewed as to what makes a Star stand out from the crowd in the casting room. It is this I will touch on in this second Part of Castings & Casting Directors, as well as how to get yourself noticed by a casting director who is yet to see you, and how to keep up with where they are and what is the latest project they are working on. And, how to build up a working relationship with them.

One must always bear in mind that casting directors are on your side. They are not the enemy! They want YOU to book this job, and will go out of their way to make sure that you give of your best, and are noticed.

John PIRKIS
Diary Of A 'failed' Actor.

Directed by Cécile DELEPIÈRE
DOLLKILLERFILMS©

US:
https://www.castingabout.com
http://www.actorsaccess.com/
http://www.castingfrontier.com/
http://home.castingnetworks.com/

UK:
http://www.spotlight.com/

 

tags: JohnPirkis, Dollkillerfilms, diaryofafailedactor
Thursday 03.05.15
Posted by John Pirkis
Comments: 4
 

DIARY OF A 'failed' ACTOR- By John Pirkis- EP #5- CASTINGS & CASTING DIRECTORS- Part 1

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CASTINGS & CASTING DIRECTORS. PART I.

There is a lot to cover on this subject, so I am separating it into two parts. Throughout the series I will revisit this topic as there are always new revelations, and you will have questions around casting I am certain.

Each casting director operates differently, and has different likes and dislikes on how they expect you to present yourself, but there are some very basic rules and requirements that you need to be aware of, which I will explore in this two part episode.

How should you prepare the text before the audition? How should you conduct yourself in the waiting room, and how should you present yourself when you enter the casting suite? This is what we shall explore in the first part.

One essential tool in preparing for an audition when studying the text, and I believe every actor should posses it, is what I refer to as the actors' bible: ACTIONS: The Actors' Thesaurus. It is compiled by Marina Calderone & Maggie Lloyd-Williams with a Foreword by Terry Johnson, and published by QSM| DRAMA. You can purchase it on Amazon.

It is a 'dictionary of actions', which enables you to underscore your character's objectives and motives, and provide you with a subtext, by giving you a different action for each of your line sentences. Instructions on its use are contained within the introduction. You will find it invaluable in helping you not only book the job, but in executing the role when it comes to performance on stage or in front of the camera.

John Pirkis
DIARY OF A 'failed' ACTOR

Directed by Cécile DELEPIÈRE
DOLLKILLERFILMS©

Actions: The Actors’ Thesaurus
http://www.actionsforactors.com/


tags: Dollkillerfilms, JohnPirkis, diaryofafailedactor
Thursday 02.26.15
Posted by John Pirkis
Comments: 1
 

DIARY OF A 'failed' ACTOR- By John Pirkis- EP #4- AGENTS & MANAGERS.

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AGENTS & MANAGERS.

When I graduated from Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, I was not alone in not immediately being signed onto the books of an agent. But, when I graduated it was also a lot easier to be seen by casting directors, and theatre directors without representation.

So, how do you go about seeking representation if they don't immediately come seeking you? What do you look for first, an agent or a manager? Do you need both? What are their roles, and how do those roles differ from London to New York to Los Angeles?

What do they expect from you, but more importantly, what should you expect from them, and how can you best help each other in creating the career path that you want?

There is so much ground to cover here, that it deserves and warrents an episode all on its own, so that we can more fully explore the world of the casting director in Episode 5.


John Pirkis
DIARY OF A 'failed' ACTOR.

Directed by Cécile Delepière
DOLLKILLERFILMS©

 

tags: JohnPirkis, Dollkillerfilms, diaryofafailedactor
Thursday 02.19.15
Posted by John Pirkis
 

DIARY OF A 'failed' ACTOR-John Pirkis-Episode #3- YOUR NEXT MOVE

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YOUR NEXT MOVE.

If you have chosen training or not, what is your next move to take in getting your foot on the ladder to start building your career as a professional actor?

As I have stated previously, nobody said this was an easy profession to undertake, and if they did, then they were telling porky-pies. This is a tough, tough, tough, over-subscribed business requiring resolve, extreme patience, endurance, and imagination. You are pursuing your dream, you are following your heart, and if you remain true to your cause, then nothing will deter you.

In this edition, I will be looking at what challenges await the aspiring actor/actress, and how to confront them head on. Firstly look at everything before you that may appear to be an obstacle to your goals, as puzzles to be solved. And, every puzzle has a solution.

You have to be resourceful and dedicated in your approach. These days, getting yourself noticed is far easier than when I graduated from drama school. You have the internet at your fingertips, and much more besides to create opportunities, and you are not alone. In Ep.5, I will be taking a closer look at branding, marketing, and use of the social media, but here we will explore the practicalities of getting the show on the road.

In the next edition we will discuss the conundrum of agents and managers.

By John Pirkis
Diary Of A 'failed' Actor.

Directed By Cécile Delepière
DOLLKILLERFILMS©

 

 

 

Dr Jessica Beck/ ALBA EMOTING
http://www.albaemotingdalvera.com/teachers

MEISNER
http://www.thetaylorschoolofacting.com/

THE ACTORS CENTER

http://actorscentre.co.uk/

FELDENKREIS

http://www.feldenkrais.com/

tags: JohnPirkis, Dollkillerfilms
Thursday 02.12.15
Posted by John Pirkis
 

DIARY OF A 'failed' ACTOR- By John Pirkis- Ep#2- TRAINING & DRAMA SCHOOLS

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TRAINING & DRAMA SCHOOLS.

It took three years of auditions before I was eventually offered a place in the drama school of my choice, The Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. That year I received a callback to RADA, and was offered a place at LAMDA, but had already accepted Bristol's offer. I was ecstatic! I was 20yrs  of age when I started my two years' training. But, was I really ready?

I was a very young 20 year old, emotionally and mentally, and didn't explore or exploit my abilities or capabilities as I would have liked, and as I have eventually done later in my career.

So, do you train? Do you go to drama school or do you attempt to enter the world of acting without any training? And, if you decide that training is the path for you, where do you choose to go? Which direction is the right one for you, and will it serve your interests best?

In this episode I will endeavour to answer all these questions based on my own personal experience on my journey to becoming an actor.


DIARY OF A 'failed' ACTOR
by John Pirkis

Directed by Cécile Delepière

DOLLKILLERFILMS©

UK:

Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.

http://www.oldvic.ac.uk/

RADA.

https://www.rada.ac.uk/

LAMDA.

http://www.lamda.org.uk/

Royal Central School of Speech & Drama.

https://www.cssd.ac.uk/

US:

AMDA.

http://www.amda.edu/

AADA.

http://www.aada.edu/home/home.html

Julliard.

http://www.juilliard.edu/

Caryn West.

http://www.theauditioncoach.com/

The Taylor School of Acting.

http://www.thetaylorschoolofacting.com/

Ruskin Group Theatre.

http://www.ruskingrouptheatre.com/

BGB Studios.

http://bramongarciabraun.com/

 

 

 

 

tags: Drama Schools, Acting training, JohnPirkis, Dollkillerfilms, diaryofafailedactor
Thursday 02.05.15
Posted by John Pirkis
Comments: 3
 
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