Brian Timoney’s World of Acting

Performing at your best is all in the mind. On this podcast, we discuss the subtle art of performance psychology.

Here are some more unwritten rules if you want to become the Ultimate Actor.

You need to know what you are selling to casting directors and agents. That’s why knowing your acting type is so important and the subject of this podcast.

This is the biggest revolution in the acting industry since the invention of the TV. I discuss how it will impact the industry and you the actor.

Producing your own theatre show can be a daunting prospect. On this podcast, I discuss the in’s and out’s of it all.

Here are four movie quotes that if taken to heart will improve your acting.

Transitioning from your 9 to 5 job to a professional actor can be tricky. On this podcast, I discuss how to create a “Grand Strategy” to make it happen.

There are good and bad acting teachers. On this podcast we discuss how to spot them.

As an actor you go through two main transformations. One on a personal level and one into character. On this podcast, we discuss both.

When it comes to character creation many go down the same route. They read the play/screenplay, research the character background, come up with an idea on how they will play them and then deliver that idea. So, I would like to give you another option to think differently about this which will make your characters more authentic and organic. I describe this alternative character creation process on my next World of Acting Podcast. It could be the most important podcast I’ve done.

There are two reasons why actors fail to act well. On this podcast we discuss them and how to overcome them.

Many Hollywood actors have gone to rehab. On this podcast we discuss why and does it affect an actors career?

The Godfather Of Method Acting has hung up his acting boots. We look at his work and what we can learn from him.

Can we learn from the great artists of the past and use it in acting? That’s the subject of this podcast

The ability to take an impulse is an essential skill that an actor has to develop. On this podcast we discuss how it happens and how to follow your impulses.

On this podcast, we discuss the ever-increasing importance of creating your own acting work and how to do it.

We all have those moments when we look in the mirror in the morning and ask ourselves a few frank questions. Well, on this new World of Acting podcast I discuss a question that every actor should ask themselves every morning in the mirror.

What if I told you that method actors use not one but two brains. Sounds crazy, right? Well, actor dual consciousness and why it’s crucial is the subject of my next World of Acting Podcast.

A film set is a challenging environment for an actor. On this podcast we discuss the best way to deal with those challenges.

The ego can ruin a performance and indeed an entire career if unchecked. On this podcast we discuss how to handle the actors ego.

Is it true that people act in real life? In this podcast we look at how people act in everyday life and how the actor can use this.

The thing about any great actor or artists is that they speak their own truth. They are not copying anyone else and they are completely authentic. On this podcast we discuss how the actor can access this.

Some actors idea of preparation varies. On this podcast we discuss what it is to be prepared properly for auditions and performances.

On this podcast we discuss how much actors are paid and if, in some cases, is it too much?

On this podcast we discuss addiction to getting acting work and if this is similar to being a Crack Ho?

There are four different kind of personalities that come to acting. On this podcast we discuss them. Which one are you?

Chatting about the all-important topic of learning lines, with tips and advice based on Brian’s and Rob’s own experiences – from why it’s not as easy as it looks, to the different techniques and approaches used, through to the importance of understanding the hidden script. 9 things you will learn about: • Learning lines: Not as easy as it looks • Why you shouldn’t learn lines when you’re learning lines • Making it real – Tapping into your unconscious mind • Tips from the greats – What’s Anthony Hopkins’ trick? • Why it’s important to let the script breathe • Getting down to the basics: Doing it line by line • When and how to use associative memory • The role of subtext: Getting to grips with the hidden script • Graft: The importance of putting in the hours

Taking a look at some of the positive and negative aspects of fame, with tips and insights based on Rob’s and Brian’s own personal experiences and anecdotes from some of the acting greats. Discussing issues such as, coping with the loss of privacy, relishing in fame versus becoming a recluse, and the pitfalls to avoid to ensure you enjoy your moment of fame. 9 things you will learn about: • Fame: A dazzling adventure – or a life destroyer? • The “clamping jaws of fame” – and how to escape them • Facing up to loss of self & loss of privacy • Coping techniques: Adapt, embrace – or become a recluse? • Tips from the Greats: How Marilyn Monroe could “turn it off”. • The pitfalls: Working to maintain your fame versus producing good work • Anonymity versus Promotion – Which way should you go? • The right balance: A look at De Niro’s approach • The “hangers-on” – How to sort the authentic from the fame-seekers

People sometimes think that vulnerability is a weakness but nothing could be further from the truth in acting. For actors this can be a very powerful emotional connection. In this podcast Brian discusses the strength of vulnerability with a look at why being vulnerable is not a weakness when it comes to acting – but the exact opposite. With tips and guidance based on Brian’s own experience, and a real-life example of a show of vulnerability that touched the world, Brian explains how being your true self can seriously hone your acting. 7 things you will learn about: • Vulnerability – Strength or Weakness? • The importance of vulnerability in acting • Emotional connection: The Andy Murray example • Bringing vulnerability into your acting: Touching the audience • How background, culture and family can hold back your acting • Breaking out of your conditioning: The Method • Your authentic self: Why you need to take off the social mask

Marketing yourself: Insights and advice on getting it right Brian takes you on a step-by-step journey through the marketing process for actors, with tips and guidance based on his own experience on the Whens, Whys and Hows of getting yourself out there, seen, heard – and cast! 8 things you will learn about: • Understanding your type – Get out your clipboard! • Making sure you “give good at…” – Honing your strengths • Why training is vital – And how to go about it • Producing a showreel: Quality, authenticity, and no overacting • The headshot – Why you need a professional • Your CV – Training first, acting credits after • The letter: Make it easy for them – bullet points & relevance • When and how to contact the casting agents: Using a rota

If you really want to “live truthfully” on stage/set then you have to forget about pre-planning. To live in the moment means being present in the moment and not getting caught up with thoughts that take you to the past or the future. This is easier said than done and in many acting schools they only give this a nod and a wink. So, on this podcast we delve deep into what it is to genuinely “live truthfully” on stage or on set.

Places have an impact on us. Walking on the Right Bank of Paris feels different from a ghetto. This podcast is all about how places can be used (and should be) to affect your acting.

A prominent Hollywood casting director once told me that when he auditions an actor, he wants the tenth date version instead of the first date version, metaphorically speaking. On this podcast we discuss this in detail and how it can help you audition even better.

When an actor finds themselves in a “long run” it presents some very unique challenges. On this podcast we discuss them and how to deal with them.

Idris has been incredibly successful as an actor. Find out his secret to acting success on this podcast.

The current trend for self-taped auditions, giving tips and guidance on shooting your audition tape – what to include, where to get it done and achieving the right balance between quality versus over-perfected acting. 7 things you will learn about: • Self-taped auditions: advantages and disadvantages • How to shoot your self-taped audition • Self-made versus professionally shot • What to include in your tape • The right balance: quality acting versus over-perfected acting • The importance of having the right reader • The ‘ident’ – getting it right

The issue of the relevance of youth, image and looks in the acting industry, with insights based on Brian’s and Rob’s own personal experiences: just how important are youth and beauty in clinching that role? 8 things you will learn about: The role of youth & beauty in the acting industry What the acting industry is looking for beyond looks The importance of developing personality & charisma Relying on looks to get you through – does it work? Real-life actors: the ordinary & the oddballs The importance of training & experience Authenticity: your “natural strangeness” Playing up your unique features: ticks & twitches

Today’s culture of “fast-track” delusion – the idea of people being plucked from obscurity and handed fame and fortune on a plate. Tips and guidance on reality shows, the importance of training, and what it really takes to make it in the acting industry 8 things you will learn about: The “fast-track” delusion: being picked from obscurity Fame and fortune: a by-product, not the reason Why it’s all about the process, not the end result The right intention: Why do you want to act? The importance of loving what you do – and doing it well The role of hard work: skill and ongoing training Confidence issues: Facing the fear and doing it anyway The protocols of acting – the “unwritten rules”

Tips and guidance on how to make it in this unique area of the acting industry – from the challenges they offer, to the special skills required, through to why soaps are such a valuable source of work and a serious seal of approval on your CV 7 things you will learn about: • Why working on a soap is great for your CV • Coping with the pace: High-pressure environment • Getting it right – in just one take • Honing your short-term memory: Lines, lines, lines • The importance of timekeeping: The unwritten rules • Getting the job done: Why there’s no room for divas • The role of “serious fun”

Delving into the unique approach and methods of one of the world’s greatest actors, with anecdotes and insights about Marlon Brando’s inimitable specialness and aura – and how you can learn from this acting genius. 7 things you will learn about: • Learning from the best: Brando’s unique approach • Standing out: Unusual choices, doing things differently • Pros and cons of conditioning: ‘Getting out of your way’ • Developing your unique specialness: Aura and magic • The importance of keeping true to you • The role of courage: Not caving in to peer pressure • The psychology behind acting

Delving into some of those moments when you wish the ground would open up and swallow you – with tips, guidance (and lots of laughs!) based on Brian’s and Rob’s personal mishaps – from coping with fluffing your lines, to helping out fellow actors, through to turning a bad situation into a positive one 8 things you will learn about: • How to cope with fluffing those lines: Sending up an “acting flare” • Being professional: Helping fellow actors in trouble • Getting back on track: ‘Where am I right now?’ • Turning a negative into a positive: Redirecting your energy • Watch those props: Some dos and don’ts • Mishaps and mayhem – All part and parcel of acting • What not to put on your CV • Why your “worst acting moments” are not such a bad thing

The importance of training in the acting industry – from identifying what type of actor you want to be, to making sure you get the right training, and avoiding the pitfalls and con artists. 8 things you will learn about: • The importance of developing your craft • Why it doesn’t stop after acting school: ongoing training • The right school – avoid the con artists • Identifying the type of actor you want to be • Finding the right training for you • Method Acting versus other approaches • Avoiding ego issues • CV credits: appealing to casting directors

The all-important issue of getting an agent, with tips and guidance based on their own experiences – from the best ways to contact agents, to which ones to target, and how to be creative to make sure you stand out from the crowd 8 things you will learn about: • First things first: The importance of training • Targeting the right agents • Tactics: How many letters, how often? • Putting yourself in the agent’s shoes • Standing out from the crowd – marketing and creativity • Showcasing your work – delivering what the agent wants • Handling the interview – being yourself • So, you’ve got an agent – what now?

The subject of typecasting, with tips and advice based on Brian’s and Rob’s personal experiences, and anecdotes about some well-known actors that may well have you changing your views about getting typecast 8 things you will learn about: • Typecasting – good or bad? • How typecasting can be a foot in the door • “Categorising” at auditions – those first 5 seconds • The importance of establishing your “type” • A sure-fire method to discover your “type” • Why you shouldn’t turn your nose up at typecasting • Headshots: projecting the real you • The importance of CV credits

Tips and guidance on starting that first acting role based on Brian’s and Rob’s personal experiences – from getting the job, to that first rehearsal, through to the final performance. 7 things you will learn about: Developing your character The importance of an open mind Taking risks & trying stuff out The role of geography & circumstances Being creative: different ways of doing a character/scene Bringing your uniqueness to the role Spontaneity, keeping it fresh

The dos and don’ts of auditioning based on Brian’s and Rob’s personal experiences – from preparing beforehand, to audition techniques, through to coping afterwards 8 things you will learn about: Preparing for the audition The importance of arriving on time Avoiding stress Attitude and respect Focus: avoiding distractions What to wear What to do in the audition room Coping after the audition

Taking a look at the topic of reinventing yourself as an actor, with a candid look at the whys and hows of transforming yourself – both physically and mentally – to clinch new roles and steer your career down a brand-new path. 8 things you will learn about: • Reinventing yourself: When, why and how • The tricky transition from musical theatre to TV and Film • The role of a clear vision: ‘This is where I want to go.’ • The physical side: Hitting the gym and lifestyle • Why you should learn a new discipline every year • The importance of having a good agent • Finding your niche – Versus waiting for the phone to ring • “Spoon-feeding” the casting director to clinch that role

Risk-taking in the acting industry, with tips and guidance based on Brian’s and Rob’s own personal experiences – from how taking risks can make you stand out, to the importance of not taking it too far, and why it is not always the best actor who gets the role. 8 things you will learn about: • The importance of doing things differently • Acting greats and risk-taking: The role of subtlety • The fine line between taking a risk and going too far • Your inner essence: Showing them you’re right for the role • How to use Carl Jung’s archetypes in acting • The difference between the best and the right actor • The importance honing your risk-taking radar • Nailing the audition: Bravery and self-assurance

What is it that creates the Ultimate Actor? Six golden rules to create acting excellence- from getting an insight into yourself and being vulnerable to not letting others’ opinions determine who you are as a person and actor. 7 things you’ll learn about: – Knowing thyself: understanding who you truly are – Getting rid of preconceived ideas and starting from scratch – Expressing vs. supressing yourself – Being vulnerable equals being strong – Being a risk taker in order to be a great actor – Willing to fail and be ridiculed in order to be the best – Not letting others’ opinions affect you; being a lion!

Listen to this special podcast with Brian and cast member Victoria Wiseman on the Miss Julie rehearsal process.

On this podcast, we look at how to research a character like a method acting pro.