Introducing Actor, and City Academy Screen Acting tutor Tom Colley - we caught up with Tom to find out all things Screen Acting...from what inspired him to appear on Film, to what it takes to become an on-screen actor, as well as his top piece of advice to all aspiring TV and Film stars...
How did you get into screen acting and what’s the appeal for you?
I first got into acting for the camera from watching films whilst studying at university. I was fascinated with the ability of great actors such as Marlon Brando, James Dean, Robert De Niro and Daniel Day Lewis, how they were able to create full characters on the screen, with great depth and nuance. The relationship between the lens and the inner life of a character is fragile, intriguing, and ever changing. Perfecting this relationship through my craft had great appeal to me, and it is something I have dedicated myself to in my work and teaching over the last decade.
What is the main difference between screen acting and acting for stage?
The main difference is that you have to forget an audience exists. The director, the crew, and everyone on set, is there for the same artistic reason, but for the screen actor, it is only the other person(s) that are your audience. You have to forget everything else. Theatre is different, there is an intrinsic relationship with the live audience at all times, and the actor must be aware of this.
Do you have any screen acting tips that makes people go “really, that’s how they do it!”?
I had a piece of advice once when I was on set. It was a tricky scene with a lot of action and speech all at once. After a couple of takes the director said, "do it like you would do a paint-by-numbers. First, you think this and then it makes you do that, then say that, then do that..." and so on. There was such a clarity of the character's journey when I acknowledged this, and it also helped for the camera to follow and document that journey. Sometimes, simple can be best.
What advice would you give to aspiring screen actors out there?
It doesn't happen overnight. Well, not for 99.9% of actors. It takes years of practice, trial and error, and dedication. Forget anything to do with profile, fame and notoriety; these are all the enemies of the actor. Instead, focus on stories and characters. Run with what intrigues you and makes you curious. In exploring that you will find that your craft will develop on a stronger level. Forget about success as being validated by a film, or a big TV series, instead focus on success as always developing and enhancing your craft. And make your own work, find friends with similar interests and work on creating your art. The more you practice, the better you become.
Tom Colley is a Screen and Method Acting tutor. City Academy run Acting for Screen classes across central London. Find your class below:
- All Screen Acting classes
- Screen Acting - Introduction course
- Screen Acting - Level 1 course
- Screen Acting - Level 2 course
- Screen Acting - Level 3 course
- Screen Acting Intensive courses
- Professional Showreel Package
