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Archives for October 2018

Acquire your American Accent just in time for Pilot Season

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We’re fast approaching pilot season for 2019! The time has come for when studios are hard at work casting, producing and testing a slate of new pilots across networks in the United States. Auditions are often held as early as November the year prior. It is now more important than ever to be confident in delivering an authentic American Accent which is a standard in US productions. Widely acclaimed vocal coach Natasha McNamara dubbed by Hugh Jackman as “the one of the best in the business” returns to Screenwise for final American Accent workshop in 2018.

The Screenwise American Accent Course is a six-week intensive designed to teach the essential skills required to obtain an authentic American accent. This class works exclusively on Standard American accent which is the most popular in overseas productions.

Did you know that Chris Hemsworth acquired his American Accent skills with Screenwise? This class offers second-to-none training for those seeking to develop their American Accent with some of the most reliable vocal training available in Australia.

Natasha McNamara is a vocal expert with over ten years experience as a voice coach. As a voice coach, Natasha has a versatile teaching style. She has been both a professional actor and voice teacher and thus has a unique understanding of the student experience and industry expectations. Her teachings cater to discovering the individual student’s unique voice and empowering them to use that voice. Her style incorporates elements of the teachings of vocal gurus Cicely Berry and Barbara Hausmann and includes yoga and the principles of Arthur Lesic.

Recent vocal coach work includes accent modification with the lead actresses Caitlin Stasey and Rachel Hurt Wood for acclaimed Australian feature Tomorrow When the War Began (director Stuart Bettie); Vocal Coach for the Bell Shakespeare Company production of Julius Caesar, (Sydney Opera House) and Accent Coach on The Brothers Size, a powerful play by Tarrell Alvin, directed by Imara Savage at Griffin – where she worked on a urban black accent which received brilliant reviews.

Natasha McNamara’s final class in 2018 will commence on the 22nd October 2018 at Screenwise Studios, Sydney. For more information or to register contact Screenwise – Australia’s Leading Film and TV School for Actors on 9281 4484 or email info@screenwise.com.au today.

Meet 1st Year Diploma of Screen Acting Student Natalie Parpaiola

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Thinking of applying for the Diploma of Screen Acting in 2019? Our 1st Year student Natalie Parpaiola provides a snapshot of what to expect from this highly acclaimed program. You’ll gain great insight through this series of interviews with our Diploma of Screen Acting 1st Year & 2nd Year students as they reflect on their time in our studios and the many experiences that they will carry with them throughout their careers in the Film and Television Industry.

Audition places are filling fast for November and December. Apply Now to ensure you don’t miss out as 2nd round auditions cannot be guaranteed due to popular demand for this program.

Q: What attracted you to study at Screenwise?

After three years earning a BA Performance Degree, I still felt as though I wasn’t confident in my screen technique. I came across the Screenwise short courses during my last semester of Uni and decided to give it a go – I had seen the tutors that were taking the classes on my TV screen at home. At what institution are you able to be taught by some of Australia’s best film actors? Screenwise. These classes were a taste test of Screenwise for me, and I decided that the best way to develop my screen technique was to apply for the Diploma of Screen Acting. I could tell from these short courses the standard of training I would receive in the Diploma of Screen Acting would be very high.

Q: How has it been working with the tutors and staff at Screenwise?

The nature of classes and the professional working environment at Screenwise is infectious. Everybody wants to learn, support each other and have fun. The tutors are some of the best in the industry – learning from them is something I never take for granted. We are so lucky here that we have access to such a high calibre of teachers. I find that not only am I learning and growing, but I am craving the challenges our tutors give us…they push us to work harder and go to places beyond our comfort zone, in a safe environment. The staff members at Screenwise are more than accommodating and are always there if you need a helping hand with absolutely anything.

Q: Highlight of studying at Screenwise so far?

The highlight of studying so far into the Diploma is that we collaborate with AFTRS students. We are exposed to being on set with cameras and crew that are the next generation in filmmaking.  The exposure to being on a real set meant that I had to trust in the training I’ve been getting.  To my surprise, I found I was comfortable on set and I felt prepared. Everything I had learnt fell into place and it was such a great feeling. The experience I’ve gained from this and the people I’ve met are invaluable. Opportunities have already arisen out of the connections I’ve made, which is so exciting.

Q: If you can sum up the Diploma of Screen Acting in one word what would it be?

Remarkable!

Q: What advice would you offer to HSC drama students thinking of studying screen acting next year?

I would say that Screenwise is the place to jump right into screen acting.  You start right from the beginning with people of all ages, backgrounds and experience. It is the place to begin your training, with some of our finest actors, voice and movement coaches you will receive a holistic and in-depth approach to what it takes to become a working actor.  If you are willing to work hard for what sets your soul on fire, come study with Screenwise. That’s what I did!

The Diploma of Screen Acting 2019 is Australia’s leading creative and technical screen acting program. The Screenwise Diploma of Screen Acting is a two-year, full-time, Government accredited course, which offers students the most advanced acting courses and professional industry training today.

If you’d like to find out more about this acting course, or if you need just that bit of extra encouragement, contact us today at info@screenwise.com.au or +61 2 9281 4484.

 

 

6 Reasons To Acquire Your American Accent with us

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As an actor who wants to make it in Hollywood, you must have an authentic American Accent. If your resume lacks this skill, you will most likely find it difficult to secure an audition for a Hollywood production. An American Accent isn’t something you should ever lie about in your resume, as every casting director will easily pick up on the extent of your skills during your audition. You should invest a considerable amount of time in developing your American Accent if you want to optimise your chances in the audition room. Obtaining your American Accent with Screenwise can offer you a unique learning experience over other acting schools, some of which we have outlined below.

1. Chris Hemsworth obtained his American Accent with Screenwise

Celebrated by audiences all around the world for his portrayal of Thor in The Avengers, Chris Hemsworth acquired his American Accent at Screenwise before moving on to star in major Hollywood blockbusters.

Chris is just one of the many successful actors that have studied at Screenwise over the years. Other critically-acclaimed Screenwise alumni include the likes of Todd Lasance (Spartacus), Nathaniel Buzolic (The Vampire Diaries), Yvonne Strahovski (The Handmaid’s Tale), Ashleigh Cummings (Puberty Blues), Stef Dawson (The Hunger Games) and Isabel Lucas (Transformers). Check out our Alumni section on our website.

2. Work with world-renowned voice coach Natasha McNamara

Natasha McNamara has over ten years of experience as a vocal coach and has been dubbed by Hugh Jackman as “one of the best voice coaches in the business”. Her teaching style is versatile and incorporates elements based on the teachings of vocal gurus Cicely Berry and Barbara Houseman. Natasha’s training also incorporates yoga and the principles of Arthur Lesic. She has collaborated with esteemed theatre companies including the Bell Shakespeare Production (for Julius Caesar) and has provided vocal coaching for a long list of films including Tomorrow When the War Began and The Water Diviner.

3. Study in the heart of Sydney’s vibrate CBD

Located just a stone’s throw away from Sydney’s Central Station, Screenwise provides state-of-the-art studio and teaching facilities and cutting-edge technical equipment that will let you make the most of your studies. Breaks can be enjoyed in Screenwise’s Green Room or the surrounding streets of Surry Hills which offer trendy cafes, shops, boutiques and restaurants.

4. Benefit from intense but manageable class times

An accent takes considerable time, commitment and muscle memory to learn. Many working actors that work in part-time or full-time jobs may have their time limited for training. Screenwise’s American Accent workshop takes place each week for two hours over a period of six consecutive weeks. This allows actors with plenty of time and flexibility to balance their personal, work and training time.

5. Unique course structure that inspires and delivers results

We will teach you how to make your American accent stand up to audition nerves and in stressful environments. We will even teach you how to deliver those highly charged emotional scenes, while making sure your American accent is authentic. We give you these tools and more. Our curriculum includes:

  • Phonetics
  • Acting and reacting
  • Scene work
  • Monologues

6. Boutique learning environment

American Accent at Screenwise offers a personalised and boutique learning experience for students. Classes are strictly limited so that each student can receive specialised attention and guidance so they get the most out of their training from Natasha McNamara.

The final American Accent class will commence on Monday Evenings for six weeks commencing on the 22nd October 2018. Places are limited and will fill quickly. For more information or to register today click here.

Meet 2nd Year Diploma of Screen Acting Student Talia Rowley

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Thinking of applying for the Diploma of Screen Acting in 2019? Our 2nd Year student Talia Rowley provides a snapshot of what to expect from this highly acclaimed program. This series of interviews presents our Diploma of Screen Acting 1st Year & 2nd Year students as they reflect on their time in our studios and the many experiences that they will carry with them throughout their careers in the Film and Television Industry.

Audition places are filling fast. Initial Applications Close 30th November 2019.

Apply Now to ensure you don’t miss out as 2nd round auditions cannot be guaranteed due to popular demand for this program.

Q: What were the most exciting things you learnt about being an actor throughout your second year?

The most exciting thing I learnt about being an actor throughout my second year was to simply trust myself. As most artists would know, it is not as easy as it may sound. Though once I learnt to quieten the noise and disregard destructive self-talk, I was able to get out of my own way. My most memorable and rewarding performances were the ones where I had done the work to prepare, I made bold choices and I trusted that I could do it… and I could. Learning to trust myself wasn’t necessarily a ‘technique’ or a ‘mind-blowing revelation’, it was more about finally understanding how powerful something so seemingly simple was, and how much freedom it gave me as an actor. I was really only able to discover that through my fantastic tutors and my incredibly supportive peers.

Q: How was the experience being on set and shooting your showreel scenes?

The experience on-set shooting our showreels was an exciting one. There was this incredible ‘buzz’ and it came from being surrounded by other like-minded creatives, people from different fields within the industry, all working together to create something special. You learn on-set that no job is more important than another. I’m so grateful to have experienced these things first-hand working on our showreels.

Q: What values did you gain from the Screenwise business unit and how will this benefit you throughout your career?

The business unit at Screenwise was invaluable. As actors we are our own small business and it was through this unit we learnt how to create, manage and run a successful business! I learnt that this aspect of the industry requires specific skills and knowledge most student actors unfortunately don’t have access to during their studies. I can now appreciate that being business savvy is an absolute necessity to the longevity of a career in acting. I will undoubtedly take with me into my career, what I learnt in this unit.

Q: One word to describe your journey through the Diploma of Screen Acting

Invaluable.

Q: What advice would you offer to HSC drama students thinking of studying screen acting next year?

To all the HSC drama students thinking about studying screen acting, there are two decisions you need to make: The first is about acting. It can seem like a difficult decision, though if you love it and it makes you happy, you should do it. Life is way too short to be spending time on the things that don’t excite you. Back yourself. The second is about where to study screen acting. This decision shouldn’t be a difficult one. Having now completed the two-year, full-time Diploma of Screen Acting, I can say without hesitation, studying at Screenwise will be one of the best career moves you can make. Believe me. From someone who was in your shoes not too long ago.

The Diploma of Screen Acting 2019 is Australia’s leading creative and technical screen acting program. The Screenwise Diploma of Screen Acting is a two-year, full-time, Government accredited course, which offers students the most advanced acting courses and professional industry training today.

If you’d like to find out more about this acting course, or if you need just that bit of extra encouragement, contact us today at info@screenwise.com.au or +61 2 9281 4484.

Meet 2nd Year Diploma of Screen Acting Student Maree Papadopoulos

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Thinking of applying for the Diploma of Screen Acting in 2019? Our 2nd Year student Maree Papadopoulos provides a snapshot of what to expect from this highly acclaimed program. This series of interviews presents our Diploma of Screen Acting 1st Year & 2nd Year students as they reflect on their time in our studios and the many experiences that they will carry with them throughout their careers in the Film and Television Industry.

Audition places are filling fast. Initial Applications Close 30th November 2019.

Apply Now to ensure you don’t miss out as 2nd round auditions cannot be guaranteed due to popular demand for this program.

Q: What were the most exciting things you learnt about being an actor throughout your second year?

Being a student at Screenwise has been an exhilarating experience that has been a lens for my career in the future. In our second year we were able to apply a lot of the techniques we had learnt into more practical scenarios. Being able to delve further into this aspect of learning at Screenwise was extremely rewarding as it allowed me to see not only myself but also my peers develop, mature and succeed in something that we are all so passionate about.

Q: How was the experience being on set and shooting your showreel scenes?

Whilst it can be daunting in the initial stages of shooting, the lengths that have been gone to by Screenwise to ensure that the sets and shooting are properly done gives an overwhelming feeling of professionalism. Having people who are so experienced around, really enabled me to feel comfortable and prepared. Being in an environment which is so organised really excites me as an actor to work amongst other industry professionals that are just as keen and motivated to produce great work.

Q: What values did you gain from the Screenwise business unit and how will this benefit you throughout your career?

The most important value that the business unit taught me was independence. Having to develop our business portfolios gives us a tool which we can use to not only grow as actors but reflect on past experience. We learnt that we are our own biggest responsibility and it is ultimately our own actions that will define our progress. The unit informed us on how we can best make these decisions to flourish in the industry.

Q: One word to describe your journey through the Diploma of Screen Acting

Inspiring!

Q: What advice would you offer to HSC drama students thinking of studying screen acting next year?

The most important thing when taking any steps to developing your future is to be brave and take a chance. Before you succeed you must first try. If you truly enjoy something it will come easier, but this does not mean it will be easy. Screenwise really helped to develop my confidence and the key for me was being exposed to good influences and a professional environment.

The Diploma of Screen Acting 2019 is Australia’s leading creative and technical screen acting program. The Screenwise Diploma of Screen Acting is a two-year, full-time, Government accredited course, which offers students the most advanced acting courses and professional industry training today.

If you’d like to find out more about this acting course, or if you need just that bit of extra encouragement, contact us today at info@screenwise.com.au or +61 2 9281 4484.

Meet 1st Year Diploma of Screen Acting Student TJ Lawson

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Thinking of applying for the Diploma of Screen Acting in 2019? Our 1st Year student TJ Lawson provides a snapshot of what to expect from this highly acclaimed program. This series of interviews presents our Diploma of Screen Acting 1st Year & 2nd Year students as they reflect on their time in our studios and the many experiences that they will carry with them throughout their careers in the Film and Television Industry.

Audition places are filling fast. Initial Applications Close 30th November 2019.

Apply Now to ensure you don’t miss out as 2nd round auditions cannot be guaranteed due to popular demand for this program.

Q: What attracted you to study at Screenwise?

After studying and performing in theatre for four years I wanted to move into film and not many schools offered in-depth training for film and television actors. Even less had the wide range of experience and incite to handle the acting world in a way that Screenwise is proven to have.

Q: How has it been working with the tutors and staff at Screenwise?

Studying at Screenwise has been an amazing adventure. I have met some of the greatest people and the tutors are amazing and really know their trade. You feel incredibly comfortable and focused on the training because it feels like you’re at home and learning with the family.

Q: Highlight of studying at Screenwise so far?

My highlight at Screenwise for my first year has definitely been combat, that experience for me has been amazing and I can’t wait to continue classes with them. What makes this program great is the diversity in what we get to learn and take away with us as actors.

Q: If you can sum up the Diploma of Screen Acting in one word what would it be?

Phenomenal!

Q: What advice would you offer to HSC drama students thinking of studying screen acting next year?

There is no need to think about it! It’s simple – you come and audition and take the next step to becoming the best actor you always dreamt of being!

The Diploma of Screen Acting 2019 is Australia’s leading creative and technical screen acting program. The Screenwise Diploma of Screen Acting is a two-year, full-time, Government accredited course, which offers students the most advanced acting courses and professional industry training today.

If you’d like to find out more about this acting course, or if you need just that bit of extra encouragement, contact us today at info@screenwise.com.au or +61 2 9281 4484.