


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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