Job Profiles

Job role- screen actor

What Is a Screen Actor?

A person whose profession is acting in films, or on television. They are the people in front of the camera and are the ones that deliver the overall performance.

What are the responsibilities of the role?

Responsibilities include attending auditions consistently for new projects, memorising lines on time for rehearsals, attending costume fittings, applying feedback from directors, working with other performers and performing in front of an audience/film crew.

What skills are Required?

• Creativity
• Confidence
• Memorisation
• Flexibility
• Good communication
• Determination
• Punctual
• Teamwork
• Initiative
• Passion

What Qualifications/Experience is required?

While there is no set requirements to become a screen actor as the role depends on who is best suited to a role these qualification  do help you stand out from the crowd:

• Level 2 Certificate in Performing Arts.
• Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing Arts - Acting.
• A level in Drama and Theatre.
• Level 4 Diploma in Speech and Drama.
• Any degree in Screen Acting

How much can you expect to get paid?

The average actor (excluding celebrity status) salary in the United Kingdom is £27,300 per year or £14 per hour. Entry level positions start at £22,500 per year while most experienced workers make up to £47,793 per year.

What future Progression Can be made from the role?

Some actors eventually go into other, related occupations and become drama coaches, drama teachers, producers, stage directors, motion picture directors, television directors, radio directors, stage managers, casting directors, or artist and repertoire managers.

How am I already Qualified?

I already possess the key ability to memorise lines efficiently to meet a deadline and perform without restriction to a script. I'm also extremely confident in group situations and can work with a multitude of performers to produce an end result via my communicative skills. What I need to improve on is my punctuality and flexibility as I can sometimes struggle with these which will not be desirable when working in the career.

What are accepted routes into the role?

The most common route into screen acting in the UK is attending a film school such as the met or Lamda and then proceeding into as many auditions as possible. An aspect of luck also comes into play as most of the time while skill is needed casting comes down to whatever the director believes is best for the role auditioned for.

What competition is there for the role?

The competition for acting is fierce as many aspire to get the exact same career path as you with only a select few making it. This can mean that 100s of people can end up auditioning for a singular role.

Availability for you in the role?

 The biggest opportunities for acting in the UK are found in London and while it is commutable from where I live it would arguably be best to move there for the role to be taken seriously. Some of the most prestigious acting schools in the world can also be found there.

                             Examples of Screen Actors

1. Sam Claflin

Samuel George Claflin (born 27 June 1986 in Ipswich, Suffolk) is a British actor. After graduating from the LAMDA in 2009, he began his acting career on television and had his first film role as in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011). He is apart of the independent talent agency. He is currently nominated for a golden globe (Best performance as an actor) for his role in Daisy Jones and the six. Other notable performances from Claflin include: the hunger games: catching fire, Me before you, Enola Holmes and peaky blinders. His next role is in a new tv show titled the court of monte-cristo.

Contact Details

Independent Talent Group Ltd

40 Whitfield Street,

London, W1T 2RH

Telephone:

+44 (0)20 7636 6565

2. Ralph Fiennes

Ralph Nathaniel Fiennes is an English actor, film producer, and director. Born on 22nd December 1962 (age 60 years) in Ipswich, Suffolk. A Shakespeare interpreter, he excelled onstage at the Royal National Theatre before having further success at the Royal Shakespeare Company. His first Notable role was as Heathcliff in the 1992 Emily Bronte adaptation Wuthering Heights. Though he is most notable for his portrayal of Voldemort in the harry potter series. Awards include a Bafta award for best actor in a supporting role and a tony award for best performance in a play. His next role is in the film cottontail with a 2024 release. His current agent is called Simon Beresford.

3.Kit Harrington

Christopher Catesby Harington is an English actor. He was born on 26th of December 1986 (age 36 years), in Acton, London. Kit trained at the Royal Central School of speech and drama. His first major role was Albert Narracott in the west end play war horse. His first widely notable role and what he is most famous for is his portrayal of Jon Snow in the HBO series Game of Thrones. Harrington won the young Hollywood award for best actor in a leading role. He has also been nominated for golden globes and Emmys with the same title. Kit Harrington's next project is titled what remains of us. Harrington can be contacted through his agent Kirk Whelan-Foran.

kwfoffice@unitedagents.co.uk

4. Helena Bonham Carter

Helena Bonham Carter is an English actress. She was born on the 26th may 1966 (age 57 years) in Islington, London. Helena went to Westminster school for college but was rejected from kings college in Cambridge. Her first major role was a minor part in a tv film a pattern with roses. Her career later exploded and she has become a household name appearing in iconic films and shows such as the harry potter series the crown and Disney's Cinderella. She has a multitude of awards including a bafta for best supporting role in her portrayal of the queen mother in the kings speech. Helena will next be starring in the period drama ' The Offing'.Helena can be contacted through her agent Nicola Van gelder.

nicki@conwayvg.co.uk

5.Lily James 

Lily Chloe Ninette James is a British actress. She was born on the 5th April 1989 (age 34 years) in Esher. She studied acting at the Guildhall school of music and drama in London. Her first role was in the tv show Just william with her breakthrough being the titular Cinderella in Disney's 2015 remake of the animation. Other notable roles include young donna in mamma mia here we go again and pamela anderson in pam and tommy.She has received awards from the screen actors guild for outstanding ensemble in 2015 and 2016 and received nominations for emmys and golden globes for her role in pam and tommy. her next role is in the upcoming film the iron claw coming out this year.James can be contacted through her agency tavistock wood.For all further enquiries please contact the Tavistock Wood offices on +44 (0) 207 494 4767 or email info@tavistockwood.com

Job Role- Screen Director

What Is a Screen Director?

Directors play a central role in translating the screenplay into a visual narrative, making important decisions about the film's style, tone, pacing, and overall artistic vision. They work closely with the production team, including cinematographers, actors, editors, and production designers, to bring the script to life on screen.

What are the responsibilities of the role?

A director is the figurehead of any film and so they have the most responsibilities. These come in during the main production however the script is checked by the director and changed if needed. They are then for the majority in charge of giving feedback and correcting the screen actors to get their vision through into the camera. However the role also includes overseeing all subordinate teams/divisions on the film to make sure everything runs smoothly acting like a branch manager.

What skills are Required?

. The ability to interpret a script

. Leadership

. Problem Solving

. Creativity

. Confidence in correcting colleagues

. Knowledge of film and camera

. experience in photography

What Qualifications/Experience is required?

There are no compulsory film director qualifications all directors require to break into this career. Some of the most relevant qualifications for film directors include undergraduate or postgraduate degrees in film production and film editing, plus degrees in drama and theatre. This will help you set yourself apart from other aspiring directors which is a necessary part of the career path. 

How much can you expect to get paid?

The amount they earn greatly depends on the size and scale of the project. Major film directors can earn millions for blockbusters, while inexperienced filmmakers may work on a voluntary basis or create their own short films on a small budget. The national average salary for a film director is around £36,413 a year.

What future Progression Can be made from the role?

while being a director is viewed as the height of the film industry many can shift into other specialties too find their passions. This can be acting itself to working in creative teams on films such as cinematography, set costume and more as lead designers, working more in pre/post production as editors and writers respectively or even taking more administrative roles in a films production cycles such as working in marketing and being a producer. This should be relatively easy to branch into as if you are an experienced film director you will have a multitude of industry connections.

How am I already Qualified?

I am already qualified for the role of a screen director as I have a strong sense of leadership in group situations and can rally the people I'm working with to get work done. Through my acting experience I can also interpret scripts in creative ways and get an innovate approach put forward. I am also great at time management and being punctual which allows me too always get the work done which is required. I have also always had a passion of film and this has allowed me to gain an extensive knowledge on the history of film with references and the technical aspect of it.

What are accepted routes into the role?

There are many routes into directing which range from taking a university/college course or producing your own films to create a portfolio of your own creative design which allow people to see your skills in filmmaking itself firsthand. Gaining as many connections as possible is also likely to get you working a lot faster which means going to things like film festivals and meeting the creatives behind these films there.

What competition is there for the role?

The competition for directing is fierce as many aspire to get the exact same career path as you with only a select few making it. entering film festivals/competitions and winning is the most secure way of standing out from these competitors.

Availability for you in the role?

The biggest opportunities will always be found in London and its surrounding areas as it is the capital of British film. This is where most major film studios are located and largely take on higher budget productions. However a multitude of projects can be found throughout the country of a smaller scale typically in the form of short films. These can range from experienced professionals taking on a smaller work to university students doing an assignment. Good talent is always needed for these films and opportunities will arise if you go looking for them.

Examples of screen directors

1.David Yates

David Yates is a British director born 8th October 1963 (60 years old) in Merseyside. He studied at the university of Essex and formed the Film and Video Production Society as he had always had a passion for film since watching Steven Spielberg's Jaws(1975). David Yates first film was made in 1988 and called when I was a girl. It was entered into film festivals and won best short film at the San Francisco film festival which led to his acceptance into the National film and Television school in 1989. Yates is however most well known for directing the latter half of the Harry Potter anthology which received worldwide success and critical acclaim. He is also responsible for the direction of the fantastic beasts prequel trilogy. His accolades include winning the BAFTAs children award for best feature film ( Deathly Hallows part 2)  and a BAFTA for best Drama serial (state of play).Yates has not revealed a new project as of yet but his latest work Pain hustlers was a step away from the world of wizardy and he is going to continue in that direction. Yates can be contacted through his assistants email (amhara@casarotto.co.uk).

 

2. Asif Kapadia

Asif Kapadia born in 1972 (age 52) is British filmmaker/director. Raised in the London Borough of Hackney before attending Newport film school. He then proceeded to the university of  Westminster whereupon he received a degree (BA hons) In Film, Tv and the photographic arts and then an MA (RCA) in directing film and tv at the royal college of art. Kapadia's first film, The Warrior was done entirely in the Himalayas and its breath-taking scope and creative direction immediately established Kapadia as a Two-time Bafta winner and exceptional craftsman. His most notable film is the tragic biopic Amy which follows the titular Amy Winehouse's rise and fall in the music industry and the struggles she faced with relationships, substance abuse, family and fame. Kapadia is a highly accoladed director with each of his films at least being nominated for awards. Amy won the Academy Award for best documentary film in 2016 as well as a bafta and is highly regarded as one of the most affluential documentaries of the 21st century. Kapadia has two projects in the work titled 'Camden' and 'The captain and the enemy'. He is registered under independent talent and his contact information is below.

Contact Details

Independent Talent Group Ltd

40 Whitfield Street,

London, W1T 2RH

Telephone:

+44 (0)20 7636 6565

3. Edgar Wright

Edgar wright born 18th April 1974 (Aged 49) is a British Filmmaker/director. Born in Poole, Dorset Wright  attended the Bournemouth and Poole College of Art and Design (now Arts University Bournemouth) and received an ND in Audio-Visual Design. Before this however Wright had produced a variety of short films which allowed him to be accepted. His first feature film was a low budget spoof(an upcoming trend) western called fistful of fingers which was broadcast on sky movies. Wright was personally dissatisfied with his work however it caught the attention of Matt Lucas and David Walliams who helped pave his early career. Wright is now best known for the cornetto trilogy (Shaun of the dead, the Worlds End and Hot Fuzz) and baby driver. His distinct style is well known for being kinetic and fast paced with 10s of different shots and camera angles being shown in a matter of seconds. Wright has won a series of smaller awards such as the British independent film award for best film and has also been nominated for 4 Baftas and a Grammy due to the baby drivers Intrinsic usage of its soundtrack with its subversive storytelling. Wright has two Productions in the works titled 'the chain' and 'the running man'. Wrights agent is Hugo Young and he can be contacted through independent talent.

Contact Details

Independent Talent Group Ltd

40 Whitfield Street,

London, W1T 2RH

Telephone:

+44 (0)20 7636 6565

Indeed.com used for Acting and directing job role descriptions

National careers service used for Acting and Directing job role descriptions

BBC Bitesize used for Acting and Directing job role descriptions

IMDB used for actor/director examples

Wikipedia used for actor/director examples

Tavistock wood for lily james contact information

Independent talent for remainder of contacts

Peer Feedback

Well done for getting all points down on each part of the profile. Each one is filled with immense detail and you have showcased the skills you already have acquired ready for the job role itself. Your example profiles provide rigorous detail on their careers as well as the correct contact information for their agents.To improve I would add more detail to each of the skills required. What do they mean? Why are they good for the role? etc.