FACTSHEET PRODUCED BY SKILLSET AND EQUITY
Actor - Television
Actors interpret others' words in order to bring a script to life, and to put flesh and blood on the characters they portray. Most Actors are expected to be able to work across all the disciplines of Theatre, Film, Television and Radio, and may also work as models, or provide Voice-overs for commercials, documentaries, talking books, dubbed foreign language films, etc. Although the basic abilities required are similar, each of these disciplines demands some specific skills.
Television work is geared to a wide variety of audiences, from productions for very young audiences, to academic productions of great linguistic complexity, and Actors must be able to adapt to the differing requirements. They may also be involved in drama-documentaries, which may involve some ad-libbing, or in reality television. Actors are selected, or cast, by the Producer, Director, Casting Director or, in some cases, they may be recommended by the Scriptwriter, or by the Broadcaster.
What is the job?
Actors are the embodiment of any production - theirs is the public face, which represents many others' work and efforts. It is rare for the public to see the Scriptwriter, the Producer, or the Director - their perception is based on what is portrayed by the Actors on screen: they present a visual interpretation of the script. For some roles, they must carry out extensive research, for others their character is moulded and developed during rehearsals. They work with the Director to create believable, natural characters expressing the appropriate emotions, based on the Scriptwriter's words, but built upon in order to convince the audience of their veracity. On television productions, they must be able to learn their lines quickly, and to retain their meaning and inflection, while sometimes repeating the same scene many times over, for re-takes, and while scenes are shot from different angles. They should also know their fellow actors' lines, so that they can respond to them accurately and appropriately. They must be able to contribute ideas and suggestions to improve their own performance, in a creative and collaborative way, whilst also being able to take direction, notes and constructive criticism from members of the Directing team. They need to remember their exact positions and movements at any given time during the performance, to assist with continuity. They must also be able to continually hit their marks on set, without looking down to locate them.
Actors must be infinitely adaptable, as they may find themselves portraying many different characters over a short period of time. They must be aware that others contribute to their characterisation, e.g., those working in the Make Up, Costume, and Design teams, and that they may be serviced by a host of others in terms of transport, catering, etc., but that the ultimate responsibility lies with the Actors themselves. As casting a well known Actor may provide the main marketing point of a television production, he or she bears a great deal of the responsibility for its success, or failure. Actors also have a responsibility to their audience, to ensure that they deliver consistent performances, to the best of their abilities, irrespective of their personal circumstances.
Typical career routes
Actors come from a variety of backgrounds, and it is difficult to pinpoint any specific career route. Some start their careers in theatre, often working initially in Stage Management, and progressing to Acting roles on stage. Others may successfully audition for TV commercials, Radio or TV drama series, or Film roles, and gain a reputation by exposure on these media. However, there are no guarantees of work, or work progression, for Actors.
Essential knowledge and skills
Actors should know how to prepare for and perform at auditions, and casting sessions. For television acting, a good short-term memory, and the ability to "learn and forget" is required, especially when working on popular drama series, with little time for rehearsals, or repeat takes, where the pressures of shooting schedules can be punishing. They should be able to learn new lines at very short notice, to accommodate script changes and cuts. They must be uninhibited, in order to temporarily assume other identities, and also to be made up, dressed, positioned and directed by others. Specific physical skills are sometimes required, ranging from the ability to assume a different body shape or language, depending on the age and fitness of their character, to the ability to drive, or ride a horse, or take part in staged fight scenes. For some productions, singing or dancing skills may be required.
Actors must have clear and concise diction, and be able to assume different regional and national accents. They should be able to deliver lines at a specific pace and to precise timings, particularly when dubbing lines onto live action or animation. They need strong powers of observation, in order to learn from others' body language, so that they can create believable characters. If they are working in continuing drama, or soaps, they must be able to adapt to fast changing storylines, and to maintain their relationships with the other characters involved. For commercials, or narration, they may not be required to work in character; they use their own voices and accents.
Actors in television also need to be aware of how their performance may be affected by: the types and positions of microphones, cameras and cables; different lighting techniques; the requirements of different sets and locations; and whether there is a live audience for a studio recording. They must be aware of the professional etiquette and traditions of working on television sets and locations. They should also be able to deal effectively with the press, as they may be asked for their views, or to discuss their latest production, during interviews with journalists from a variety of different media. Actors should be aware of Health and Safety issues, and ensure that their actions do not constitute a risk to themselves or to others.
Training and qualifications
Nearly all professional actors have trained. Weekend and part time classes for children are available throughout the UK, and there are some full time acting academies where students follow the national curriculum from Year 6, as well as training in drama, dance and singing e.g., Sylvia Young Theatre School. State Specialist Schools, including 484 designated arts colleges and schools, offer customised courses in the media, performing or visual arts, or combine the arts with another specialism. Many HE and FE colleges offer Drama or Theatre Studies courses. There are also specialist drama schools, which usually only accept students over 18 years of age, and conduct auditions for places. These schools are all fee-paying but offer tailored, vocational courses which are recognised by the industry, and which have strong links with agents, casting directors, production companies and broadcasters.
Where to go for more information
Skillset is the Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries. The first sources of information for all jobs in the industry are the National Occupational Standards. For information about training, links to the Skillset network of training partners, and access to the comprehensive Skillset/BFI course database, visit the website www.skillset.org. Skillset Careers is the UK's only specialist media careers advice service; for detailed media careers information and advice, visit the website www.skillset.org/careers.
Equity is the trade union representing artists across the whole spectrum of arts and entertainment, and offers representation, specialist knowledge and advice for its members and student members on work in Film, Television, Radio, and other Live Performance. T: 020 7379 6000. www.equity.org.uk.
National Council for Drama Training, NCDT. www.ncdt.co.uk
The Conference of Drama Schools www.drama.ac.uk
BBC www.bbc.co.uk offers a wealth of information about careers and training in the media. BBC Talent runs talent spotting schemes www.bbc.co.uk/talent
The Stage newspaper is the entertainment trade weekly. Recruitment advertisements, useful links, and 'how to guides', such as finding an agent or drama school, are on its website www.thestage.co.uk
Contacts is published annually by The Spotlight, and provides details of all aspects of the entertainment industry. www.spotlight.com