This autumn the IdeasTap Spa has been getting steamy. Experts from across the arts have transformed our HQ into a careers salon for the arts with a catalogue of free treatments including music marketing, theatre workshops and filmmaking advice. So what’s it like? We asked some IdeasTap members to give us their thoughts…
Q&A with Development Executives from See-Saw Films
Surfraz Aslam: “The script executives simplified the process of sending in unsolicited scripts and outlined what production companies want to see – here were two industry professionals who still made valuable time for people trying to break into revered film circles.”
Ryan Sullivan: “I learnt what the execs are looking for. They want a synopsis that shows you know what your script is and why it would make a good film. More importantly, I learned that the people who make the decisions are human.”
Free headshots
Elizabeth Guterbock: “I'll be putting the headshots to use in my promotional material. Out of the session I got a disc of headshots to choose from – for free. That's completely unbeatable.”
Advice session with Ben Townley, Marketing Manager at Sony Music
Tamanda Walker: “An amazing opportunity to speak to someone who really understands the business and works with major artists with major label backing. I honestly couldn't have bought this kind of feedback and the attention of a one-to-one session allowed me to think more objectively about ideas.”
Writing for Theatre Workshop with writer and director Philip Osment
Lauren Cooney: “The playwriting workshop was great – a very informative, supportive, professional leader, and a varied and intelligent group, who really bonded during the day, and covered a lot of ground. It was fun, I leant a lot and I hope to stay in touch with other writers.”
Guleraana Mir: “An intense but enjoyable day which not only forced me to start writing again, but also introduced me to some great IdeasTap members.”
David Baillie: “The improvisation techniques that Phil introduced us to were really eye-opening. The variety of games we played led to some genuinely interesting short pieces of work from everyone, which was inspiring. I think we all left with a spring in our step! The Spa is a really interesting creative hub, with a really impressive variety of opportunities in many different media and disciplines. It also has a fabulous canteen.”
How to Make a Short Film Q&A with producer Sophie Vickers and writer/director Lynsey Miller
Elizabeth Guterbock: “They were adamant that one shouldn't let not knowing how to do something stop one from doing it. They encouraged us to learn by doing. Experts are often more keen to show you how to do stuff than you'd think they are.”
Acting Techniques with Shaka Bunsie from Old Vic New Voices
Dyonne Josiah: “I learnt new techniques and it gave me the confidence not to give up on my career. I’ll be putting the new warm up and relaxing exercise into practice before auditions. Since joining IdeasTap I have had the opportunity to apply for jobs, enter competitions, get free headshots and also to attend free courses.”
Samantha Daniels: “I've experienced teachers I definitely would not have encountered at such an early stage in my career, if it wasn't for The Spa. It's given me confidence in networking and shown that there is always something to be gained from doing."
To book tickets for future Spa events, join the Spa group and keep an eye on the events page.
Green Bath by Justin Z available by CC BY-NC 2.0