Diane - now coming to you from film school in Paris!

I am now on my scholarship course (that I was given at AMTC in 2007) in Paris with the New York Film Academy!

I don't have loads of time between class to write this month as I am in the original Pathe Studios doing a brilliant film acting course with the new York Film Academy! I was given a $5000 scholarship for the New York based course when I went to AMTC in 2007, but I decided to do the shorter Paris version as it was closer to home. I'll post pictures here as soon as i have them! Hopefully some of you going to AMTC UK will get school scholarships too!
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Raneisha from Berkshire books three Hollywood jobs in a row!

AMTC success Raniesha Legah (11) from Windsor in Berkshire is doing a brilliant job in Hollywood! After just 6 weeks she has booked three jobs in a row! See what her agent said...

Raneisha signed with Ted Brunson and Marcia Weissman at AMTC in January 2007 (same convention I first went to). See pics of me an Raniesha here.

This is Marcia's update on Raneisha last week:.

Well, she booked all three auditions….two of them were “non-union” – a video for the Los Angeles Educational System as a “newsbroadcaster”…and the other for a music video (to be presented as a Pilot - she will be singing and dancing – it is called “Pop Rock Science” also “educational”..:) she is part of the group called “Pop Rockers”

The third project is a “SAG union project”…it is called “My Homework Ate the Dog”…her character is “Tracey-Stacey”…She will be shooting approximately ten days. There is pay and she becomes “eligible for SAG”.

Not bad, three for three auditions booked and only here a month and a half…

She and her mother will be living here for a year….since it took that long to get the Visa…Both of them enjoy living here and learning so much about our industry. She takes acting, singing and dance lessons…as well as keeping up on her homework!

She is signed with the Bobby Ball Agency with Darci Price.

Thanks to you, and bringing her to the AMTC…she is on her way!!!

Later marcia


Pretty cool stuff! Keep up the great work Raneisha - we miss you in class but we are so proud of you!
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Zoe Tyler from BBC's 'Joseph' confirmed as VIP!

Hi Guys, just had a note from the UK Director Lynne Millar who can confirm ZOE TYLER from BBC1's popular 'Joseph' judging panel for AMTC UK! Not just that, she's doing our one on one vocal critique with all vocal contestants at convention! Read Zoe's confirmation...


Zoe said:
"I am looking forward to coming over to help work and advise the young people in Paris. Just confirming that I'd hope to stay there for the week. We are very much looking forward to it. Z"

This is what the BBC said about Zoe:
"Zoe Tyler is the expert vocal coach who knows what the role of Joseph truly requires - a voice that will hit every note and stand out from the crowd. She knows that singing the lead in a West End production takes talent, guts and hard work, and that is before the real job even begins.

Zoe's own career on the West End began at the age of 20 when she appeared in Les Miserables. She then went on to join Jesus Christ Superstar on tour, which was followed by the award-winning City of Angels in which she was part of the jazz singing quartet. She then took a break from West End musicals to travel to South Africa and Taiwan, singing songs from the shows. After a couple of years touring the world, Zoe then returned to the West End in the long-running musical Fame as the dance teacher.

As a recording artist, Zoe has sung on numerous artists' albums such as Michael Ball and Cliff Richard, as well as numerous West End albums. As a pop backing singer, Zoe has had the privilege of singing live with Sir Elton John, Barry Manilow and Donna Summer, as well as Rod Stewart, Will Young, KD Lang and Bonnie Tyler.

Zoe now spends most of her time as a vocal coach coaching young pop singers, she also has pupils in many West End shows and is a seasoned soloist with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra".

Read the full article on the BBC web site.

So all you musical theatre types better get practicing! D x

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Introducing Niki, Berkshire Scout for AMTC UK

Niki Robinson is my friend and also my scout. Read about why she does AMTC in the UK and USA :-)

Hi Everyone,
I am Niki Robinson, exclusive Berkshire scout for AMTC.

About me! I have been working in performing arts since I was 8 (my first job was for Children's ITV).I went to the B.R.I.T school in London when I was 15 (I was in the Foundation Year - one of the first 100 students, and one of only 5 selected form outside London), and have trained with many practitioners since- I believe strongly in life long learning! I still work as a professional actress occasionally, although my workload keeps me away from major projects. I'm 33 (people keep asking!)

I have begun and built from scratch two schools, and my studio, which was built for me and also has an agency. My agency has children and adults on the books, but always less than 60 people- I really believe in personal service and knowing your clients well, a belief which pays off time and time again, as I am able to accurately submit clients for roles. Artemis have clients working in regional and national theatre, film and television.

For 4 years I acted a an education consultant to The Children's International Arts Organization (CIAO!) organising festivals and outreach which bought theatre and music to 1000's of children and teenagers every year, and also various arts centers. I also consult/produce up to 10 professional theatrical shows a year many of which tour and have been widely acclaimed. I am CRB Enhanced checked and a licensed chaperone for children. I co-ran a resident theatre company when I first moved to Bracknell in 2002, we produced shows for the UK's third largest Arts Centre.

I have been taking students to the US AMTC event for several years (since 2005) with UK Director Lynne Millar, and students are now pursuing their dreams in Hollywood, New York and the West End. I was super keen when Lynne started talking about the UK event at our last convention in July 2007, we both could see the benefits and she had my full support and commitment that if she started AMTC UK, my clients would be there! Getting the event off the ground has been a super human undertaking for Lynne - one I truly hope everyone will appreciate fully when they attend convention.

I am proud to have won a 'Role Model' award twice at AMTC convention!

Euro AMTC will be judged by more than 50 top UK casting directors and agents including childrens casting director Pippa Hall, as well as larger US casting professionals such as Paul Weber (MGM). Paul visited Artemis last summer and students really enjoyed the workshop they took with him. Check out the pictures! It doesn;t stop when convention finishes, we are privilliged to have such a great relationship with VIP's, AMTC US and UK has allowed me to bring Hollywood to Bracknell!

This is an amazing oportunity for any UK or european (English speaking) performer to be seen by all the top people in one go. The event lasts one week (with months of training and preparation beforehand) and includes more than 20 industry seminars as well as competitve auditions and the chance to meet and perform for top international agents and casting people. We have a great team in place in Berkshire who offer support and fundraising activites to help make sure everyone who has a talent can attend and enjoy this opportunity.

We are scouts for the BERKSHIRE region. If you live outside Berkshire or would like more information about AMTC or to find your own regional scout, please contact UK AMTC director Lynne Millar at: Lmillar@amtcworld.com or visit the exciting AMTC site www.amtcworld.com.
For FAQ before auditioning about any aspect of AMTC, visit the following page on the AMTC website: www.amtcworld.com/faqs. All candidates must read the FAQ's before auditioning.
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Pippa Hall - AMTC UK VIP!

Pippa Hall (super children's casting director) first went to AMTC in 2006. She is a big part of the AMTC UK convention..here's what she said about the US one..


“The convention atmosphere was great, and I loved the fact that AMTC focused on the children. It’s so GOOD for their confidence to be given a chance to shine in such a relaxed and nurturing environment.” .
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Sandra Gillis - my new agent in Canada!

Thought you might like to see what my new agent in Canada thinks of AMTC.

Sandra signed me at the January convention in 2007. Here's what she says about AMTC:

“AMTC is the most professional convention available today for Serious Actors and Models of all ages. I will be calling back 11 kids to my Toronto office for consideration! I also made great connections with LA and NY Agents, Managers and Casting Agents, which will be an asset to my clients.”

Sandra Gillis
Premiere Artists
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Caitlin and Britney Spears!

Check out Caitlin M! Caitlin moved out to L.A after getting signed at AMTC in Florida, she has been living there with her mum for a couple of years now and is doing really well! One of her first jobs was doing a Coke TV ad, she got to travel, act and get paid for it - lucky girl! here she is after a dance class in L.A with Britney Spears! (Caitlin is on the right next to Brit)

English AMTC'ers - send me your pictures!!
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Sam Angell - some more pics for you!

Sam as we all know is now playing Billy Elliot in the west end. here are a few of his press cuttings. He originally was to play Tarzan in New York when he was spotted at AMTC! Check him out with ELTON JOHN!


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Introducing Erika, Surrey Scout for AMTC UK

Erika replied to one of my earlier posts and I thought it might be helpful to give each scout who writes to me their own post!

Here is what Erica said:
ERIKA VINCENT -THE BIZ THEATRE SCHOOL AND OFFICIAL AMTC SCOUT FOR THE SURREY AREA UK

Just wanted to say a big Hi to everyone involved with AMTC. We are just so excited that we are finally going get the same chances as the US have had for years. There is so much talent here in the UK and especially in Surrey where we are based and we can’t wait to show you what we can do.

I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce myself to you and tell you a little more about us and why we are so delighted and honoured to have been appointed the official scout for the lovely leafy County of Surrey, near London in the UK.

My name is Erika Vincent and I run The Biz Theatre School and our agency Biz Management based in Surrey. I have been in show business for over thirty years since making my stage debut at the age of four in a Royal Gala in The West End. Since then my career has taken me to the English National Opera Company at the London Coliseum where my performances included La Traviata and Simon Boccanegra, to The Royal National Theatre where I performed in the European premiere and Olivier award winning production of Stephen Sondheim's Sunday in the Park With George, and into The West End where my credits include Maria Moriarty in Sherlock Holmes with Ron Moody at the Cambridge Theatre as well as numerous productions such as West Side Story, Mr Cinders, The Merchant of Venice, The Wizard of Oz and The Beggars Opera .TV appearances include my television debut at the age of nine in Junior Showtime, several Royal Variety Performance (Where I was honoured to perform in front of HM The Queen, HRH Prince Philip and other members of the Royal Family) and feature films such as Heaven's Gate with John Hurt and Kris Krisstoferson, (directed by Michael Cimino).

Having gained all this experience, I am so keen to pass it on to the next generation and for them to really have the opportunity to live their dream. For me it was a hard slog all the way, countless auditions , countless rejections -being told I was too small, too tall, too fair, too dark but I never gave up and kept trying. At least in my day they had proper open auditions, which is how I got my first big break in the West End Production of West Side Story. Now because of shows like Pop Idol etc, most companies do not have the time to waste with open calls seeing ‘no-hopers’ who just want to be famous but are not prepared to put in the graft. This is why it is so hard now to be seen by casting directors and agents when you are just starting out in the business. This is why I believe in AMTC and the fantastic opportunity and training it provides and why I am so keen to get involved. How wonderful to have access to all these top people in the business in one go and to get the chance to meet the sort of people it would be impossible to get to see in the normal way. We are really looking forward to learning so much from the whole experience. My one regret- I wish they had AMTC -Europe in my day!!

For further details about us please look at www.thebizgroup.co.uk
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More success stories to share!

Stories have been flooding in! Here are a few to start you off, I'll add more as soon as I can!

From a press article a few years ago - I'll add pictures and follow up. Love Diane x

THE SCOTS KIDS FROM FAME

Nov 5 2005 By Brian Mciver

LIKE A lot of other Scots this year, these seven children went to Florida during their summer break - but it wasn't for a holiday.
They spent a week singing, dancing, acting and rehearsing in a bid to break into the big time at one of the highest-profile talent-spotting contests in the world.
Every minute of their experience was captured on film for a new TV documentary which follows the kids as they perform in front of the most powerful casting agents, managers and studio bosses in Hollywood and Broadway.
A camera crew trailed the seven through a two-week 'boot camp' in a Glasgow studio to the contest itself then several important auditions in New York.
The documentary - Get That Kid A Contract - was made by Who Wants to Be A Millionaire production company Celador, and will be screened later this year.
But their Channel Four TV bow could be just the start of a bright future for the group - Caitlin Mulvey, Nicola Duffy, Sam and Molly Angell, Mhairi Houston, Zara Weir and Jane Louise Jackson.
After starring at the Acting, Models and Talent Contest (AMTC) - and breaking records for talent show wins - some of the kids have auditioned for Hollywood blockbusters, Disney films, Broadway shows and US TV.And one lucky girl won a place at a major performing arts school in New York.
Lynne Millar, the British regional director for the AMTC event, said every one of the children from her Glasgow-based Academy of Performing Arts made an amazing impact on the talent experts in Florida.
Lynne went with them to the AMTC convention - where American Beauty actress Mena Suvari was first spotted - after Caitlin shone at a similar showcase in January and was courted by agents.
She said: "AMTC is the biggest event of its kind in America, and all the big agents, managers and casting directors are there looking for talent.
"The seven children from our drama school who took part did better than anyone could have expected.
"I was so proud of them all because it is really hard work.There are competitions for dance, acting, modelling and singing. And there is a lot of performing and rehearsing. But they all did so well, and made a huge impression."
Lynne revealed she is currently in talks with TV producers about further programmes following the exploits of other British kids trying their luck in America.
She added: "Next year we're going to be holding auditions across the country. So if anyone thinks they have what it takes, then they should get in touch."
Lynne hand-picked the seven from her Academy of Performing Arts to go to the talent show.
And before they flew out, the kids had to go through a tough two-week programme of training and practice in Glasgow.
For the kids, aged between 10 and 17, it was a busy start to their summer holidays - but it could be the star of glittering stage and screen careers.
One of the most successful of the competitors was little Sam Angell, 11, from Cambuslang near Glasgow.
He has been attending drama and dance classes since hewas five and made a big impact at the talent show.
Sam said: "I didn't really know what it would be like, but it was amazing to go out there and meet so many people. And we all had a great time. It was really hard work but also great fun.
"I would love to bean actor and perform, so it was really nice to get all these people coming up and saying that I had done well."
After shining at the AMTC show, Sam found a New York-based manager and an LA agent to find him work,and was whisked off to the Big Apple to take part in a series of auditions.
He was up for a part in a new Nicole Kidman film, and also won a role in the live Disney stage show of Tarzan on Broadway.
However, he couldn't accept either part as he is not a member of the American Equity union.
Their rules mean that only established names who are not American citizens can take major parts in Broadway shows.
But he has also auditioned for a Disney animated film and recently made an audition CD for Sony BMG Records in London.
Sam's sister Molly, 10, also went to the US and won plaudits and for her singing and acting work. She also attracted the attention of several agents and showbiz executives.
Their mum Sharon said: "I was so proud of both of them.They did really well and Sam has been amazed at how much interest there has been in him.
"It was a real shame the Tarzan thing didn't work out but it was just down to the union rules they have over there.
"But he has been for a lot of auditions since then and his agent is hoping to take him back out to New York soon to meet some more casting people.
"They are both very talented kids and worked very hard at the AMTC.Hopefully it will help them in future."
Sam added: "It was really exciting doing the audition for Tarzan, I kept getting called back and meeting more people.
"It was really disappointing to miss out but it was a great experience and I'm just hoping to get more opportunities like that."
Fellow contestant Nicola Duffy also had an amazing trip - and became the first-ever British performer to win a scholarship to the New York Film Academy.
TheAcademy - which counts the children of Steven Spielberg and Pierce Brosnan on its current roll - offered a number of supported places to the top performers at the AMTC event.
And Nicola won through following a successful series of auditions.
The 17-year-old, from Carntyne, Glasgow, said she is delighted to get the chance and is now working to raise enough money to pay for her trip. She said: "I've been dancing since I was three and doing lessons in drama since I was 12. I just love all kinds of acting and performing, and really enjoyed the trip to Florida.
"To get the scholarship is amazing. I'm now working to save up as much money as possible so I can go, because it would be an incredible opportunity."
Another of the Scots wannabe girls - Jane Louise Jackson, 17, from Rutherglen - was also offered a scholarship to the New York school, as well as representation by an agent. However, she turned it down to finish her sixth year in school.
Mhairi Houston, 15, from East Kilbride, was also offered deals with LA-based agents. She plans to concentrate on dancing and hopes to return to the US in the Spring.
Zara Weir, 13, from Coatbridge, Lanarkshire. won a vocal audition for a new Disney animated film,Tinkerbell. Since returning she has also won a part in the new panto at Glasgow Pavilion, Aladdin.
Caitlin Mulvey, 12, was the hit of the AMTC show in January on her first trip to the States. After meeting up with agents and managers, she was even more successful on her second trip - winning an audition for a new Disney film, and signing up to an American talent agency.
She also auditioned for executives from 20th Century Fox and is planning a trip to Hollywood next Spring to audition for television roles. #Anyone interested in auditioning for the Actors, Models and Talent Contest can get in touch with Lynne
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Scholarships

As an alternative to fundraising some people apply for scholarships. There has been a myth recently that people are being offered scholarships on the spot by scouts or Lynne, this won't be true! EVERYONE new must apply in writing, to keep things fair.  In every welcome pack there are now forms to apply. Last your AMTC announced 'Project Dream Repair', a program to help those with a real need to attend convention - if you are struggling check it out on the website. They are putting 10% of everyones fee's into scholarships to help people in real need!

So how did I get my scholarship? 

Because I have attended convention before, and did well, I asked the UK director if I could try the UK version on AMTC to see if I could have similar success in my own continent. I have known several students who have been before, and they also applied. After they wrote to AMTC, those who could demonstrate that they had worked hard but had just had bad luck or couldn't take up offers because of personal circumstances, were given a second chance. We pay our own hotel and travel fares, and if we want extra bits like banquet tickets we pay for those, but the main fee is waived. Don't pay any attention to anyone who says they were simply handed a scholarship. If you have a real need be sure to ask!

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Fundraising - hard but worth it!

One of the first things most people face when they are offered a place at convention, is how will I pay for it?! Answer: Fundraising!

Why does AMTC UK charge? Well, because you are paying for hours upon hours of training and support to start with.  The competitions at convention are of a very high standard, and if you don't work hard to prepare, you will feel like you wished you put more in. You are absolutely NOT paying to audition for anything (any role, casting etc). Sometimes people get confused. YOu are also NOT paying to join an agency, AMTC UK is not an agency, it is a convention and training.

What else? Well when you get to convention, your time is spent either in a competition, trying to impress judges and get call backs to speak with them, or you are in seminars, which are fab. They are sometimes practical (like dance), sometimes advice (like a model scout talking about what they look for) and loads of other subjects - I went to 20! You will have a really, really busy week!!

So how do you pay? If you are lucky, you don't have to worry. Most folks though, me included, fundraised. 

I raised several hundred pounds by doing a sponsored swim. As a group I worked with others from Berkshire to collect raffle prizes (we went into shops, bars, restaurants etc and asked -people are usually nice and want to help!). We each gave donations, had tickets printed and then sold them. One mum sold £350 worth! We had a curry and quiz night (£900 shared between us), a disco, and also sent a lot of letters to companies local and national to ask for help. 

Recently: Bag Packs! Ask your local supermarkets - be persistent, some say no, some say yes. We raised £700 in four hours at the last one (thank you Morrisons!). We have just made new raffle tickets, have done a sponsored walk, and have loads of things planned. it is important you fundraise for yourself, and if you can add to it with a group. You MUST do something at least twice a month though - remember why you are going, how much fun it will be and work hard. 

Had success fundraising? Send me your ideas to share!

The photos on this post is me winning another award :-)

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UK success stories from AMTC - your stories!

Thank you so much to everyone who has written to me already! 

I am dedicating this post to all of you who have enjoyed AMTC in the US, and those who are going back to try the UK AMTC in November. Send me your stories, photos and thoughts and I'll share them here with everyone. 

Click the 'comments' link below to see what your fellow AMTC'ers have been up to! Hopefully we will keep this as an ongoing topic and add to it everyday :-)

I'll start things:

The photo on this post is of Raneisha Legah, form Windsor, who came with me to AMTC in January 2007. Raneisha was spotted by Niki Robinson the Berkshire scout at her classes at Artemis Studios. As a result of going to AMTC Raneisha signed with top manager Ted Brunson, and then got an agent, Darci. Raneisha and her mum are living in L.A until September at least, and she loves it! R and her mum will post here themselves later, but to bring you up to speed, since leaving AMTC with her offer of a contract, she has got a working visa for the USA, moved out into a lovely apartment, made loads of new friends, is going to school, taking music lessons, dance lessons and new photos for her portfolio. She will start auditioning shortly (they needed a few weeks to settle!) and we hope she will soon be as big a star as her heroine Hilary Duff. Go Raneisha!

Just in: This has been around for a while, but Sam Angell has asked me to put his youtube on the blog! This is a little clip of some of Sam's competitions at AMTC. He went a few years ago and booked Tarzan on Broadway as a direct result. Sadly the visa became an issue, but he then went on to play billy elliot in the West End (still there actually)..go Sam!

Here is the link -  Sam on Youtube

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AMTC and me

Hello everyone!

I am Diane, and I love AMTC! Recently I was told about some negative comments being made, and it really upset me. The content of these comments were ignorant, untrue and insulting to everyone who takes part in AMTC. I want to set the record straight!

When I first auditioned for AMTC, in 2006, I was not accepted. They felt that for the American market I needed some work in a few areas (which hopefully dispels the myth that everyone is accepted!). At first I was upset - I had a good degree and have been working as an actress for several years now (I went back to school as an adult and re-trained in performing arts which are my first love). 

I took the notes given to me by the UK director Lynne Millar, and set about preparing myself for a re-audition six months later. The second audition saw a more streamlined, confident me and I was offered a conditional place (I had to keep up the good work). 

After months of training and preparation for the convention, selecting work to showcase, researching visas (it was the US event - I won't need to worry about that for the UK one), fund-raising to pay my way I was finally off to Florida!

The event itself was exhillerrating, and by the end of the week after 6 very long days (I make the most of everything on offer!) I had had interview call-backs with some amazing agents, offers of representation, a scholarship to a film school and a screen test with Fox!  I know I am very lucky, but I worked hard, listened to the training and really went for it. Most of my group also had good luck, and everyone had had a wonderful time.

I returned to AMTC in July 2007 as an observer to assist my friends Niki Robinson (Berkshire Scout) and Lynne Millar (the UK Director). I wanted to be there for the UK group that included several good friends and one child from January who had been invited back on a scholarship by AMTC to try again. It was also a chance to keep up the contacts I made the first time. I saw the event from another point of view (not a contestants), and was again in awe of the enormity of it all, and the organisation that gets everyone where they need to be on time and in such a calm way!

I plan to go to Canada in early 2009 to accept an offer of representation made to me while at AMTC. My Canadian agent is lovely and Lynne has acted for me to help me plan my future in another country. I am also going to Paris in June this year to take up my scholarship to NYFA, who run a European version of their acting course. I had planned to go to New York, but I have decided to take a shorter course so I can take up a kind offer of a scholarship to the new UK AMTC in November. I hope by attending the UK version of AMTC, I will have the same number of offers I had in the USA, but with London or UK based agencies and contacts which would mean I don't have to choose between my family and my career - I can stay in the UK and still take my ambitions to the next level.

The picture on this post is of some of our group (with Carey and Bob Arban) on stage after the award ceremony at my first AMTC banquet - It was a fun time for all our group which was followed by a trip to the pool after the convention officially finished!

If you are going to AMTC, or are a UK scout who wants to tell everyone why you want to be part of this big event, please email me your comments and photos, and I will put them up here for everyone to read. Stay positive, and remember you can always learn something new!

Love

Diane Jessie Miller

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