For Immediate Release
Contact: Mike Lawson
(323) 822-9108
Darren Darnborough interviewed by BBC Radio 1 : "Brit actors aim for stardom in LA"
January 19, 2009 (Los Angeles, CA) Los Angeles-based actor/producer Darren Darnborough was interviewed by BBC Radio 1 : "Brit actors aim for stardom in LA" by Frances Cronin,
Newsbeat entertainment reporter.
In addtion to Darren Darnborough, other British stars interviewed include: Kate Winslet, Robert Pattison, Ricky Gervais, Michael Sheen, Anna Friel, Kelly Brook, Ben Barnes, Michelle Ryan, Jason Statham, Russell Brand, Sean McGuire, Steve Coogan, David Williams, John Lee, Melissa Leigh, twins Nikita Ramsey and Jade Ramsey, Martine McCutcheon and Dev Patel .... with a special cameo by American Adam Sandler.
Below is a reprint from the interview cover story.
Source: BBC Radio 1
With British actors dominating this year's awards season and a good bet for Oscar success, Radio 1 has gone behind the headlines to see what it's really like to be a young Brit actor trying to make it in Hollywood.
So many Brits are heading to LA that Bafta's branch in Hollywood has set up a newcomers programme to help young actors with advice and mentoring.
Darren Darnborough had roles in 'EastEnders' and 'The Bill' before heading to the States: "I found the film and TV industry in England so enclosed and small.
"In the same way that I did 'The Bill' three times, I also wasn't seen for other jobs because someone else was doing them three times.
"Here there's just so many more opportunities, my auditions are tenfold."
Fellow Brit Melissa Leigh says it's actually easier to get auditions in Hollywood than in the UK: "Here they are always looking for the next big thing so they want to get everybody in but that means you're up against a hell of a lot of people.
"In England sometimes if you haven't been to the right drama school you won't even get seen for a job."
Darren told us auditions are very different in LA: "People are really excessive. If the casting is for a doctor they'll come with a lab coat and a stethoscope.
'Looks are important'
"I've been in a casting for a policeman's role and there was a guy in an entire cop uniform and I said where'd you get that and he said: 'I'm really a cop and I'm on beat right now'.
You get policeman actors, lawyer actors, you get everything actors out here."
Melissa says to make it a Hollywood look is essential: "All the English are paranoid about their teeth because the Americans think we have bad teeth.
"So you have to have very white teeth, you don't need to be tanned but you have to be really groomed. In England you turn up to auditions with no make up on and it's the realer the better but here you have to cake it on."
Dialect coach
Twins Jade and Nikita had roles in X Men and Vanity Fair while living in the UK. Since heading to Hollywood at 16 they have got a role in the Jonas Brothers 3D movie.
Their top advice is don't think about going without a proper work visa as no agents will take you on.
They also say make sure you perfect your American accent: "We worked on our accent with a dialect coach and now we just pretend we're American."
They are taking voiceover animation classes too to get work in the lucrative cartoon and computer games market.
But for some of our more well known British stars, heading to LA is actually a step backwards.
Little Britain's David Walliams admits it was tough: "It was nerve-racking.
"We had to prove ourselves again but that's probably a good thing. It was like starting again and it was exciting."
Jon Lee from S Club has headed over there too: "It's been really good to start from scratch, it's been a kick up the bum to get motivated."
His top tip is network like crazy at daytime meetings or at night at parties: "We're not used to networking back home, it sounds like a load of rubbish but it's really important to get out there and let people know you exist."
Producer Julia Verdin on how to make it in Hollywood:
- Sort out the paperwork and get a proper visa before you arrive
- Get training with the best people - you have to put the work in
- Professionalism is key - be on time, learn lines, run yourself like a business
- Network to find out the latest projects and keep a note of who you've met
- Get a good agent and manager - do your research so you've got the best representation possible
- Those that make it are dedicated - they live and breathe acting and believe in themselves
- Don't let your British reserve get in the way, Americans are all about confidence
About Darren Darnborough
Actor Darren Darnborough, born and raised in England, has appeared on several British television series, including "EastEnders," "Holby City," "The Bill," and "Pie in the Sky." Darren has also appeared in several in films, including "Gracie," "The Car," and "Lost in Cannes." Darren's acting career began on stage, taking lead roles in numerous new musicals at prestigious London venues, including Riverside Studios and Westminster Theatre. He graduated with a bachelor's degree with honors in media arts from the University of London. Darren has also appeared in several major commercial campaigns for well-known brands such as Nestlé's Golden Grahams, Dr. Pepper and Burger King. Darren now lives and works full-time as an actor in Los Angeles. In his spare time, Darren writes lifestyle articles for various publications, including Aircrew. For more information on Darren Darnborough, visit Darren's website, his profile on IMDB and on his client page at Crossover Entertainment Group LLC.
About Lawson Artist Management, LLC/Crossover Entertainment Group, LLC
Lawson Artist Management is a unique, diversified talent management firm founded and led by Mike Lawson, an investment banking executive with a strategic development, marketing, financial and management consulting business background who is also a classical pianist. Lawson Artist Management personally manages both established and emerging recording artists, actors/actresses, screenwriters, directors and executive producers. Lawson Artist Management is now an affiliate of Crossover Entertainment Group, LLC. For more information, visit Crossover’s website at www.CrossoverEntertainment.com.
