For filmmakersHow to Make an Award-Winning Film on a Low Budget: 10 Tips
How to make an award-winning film on a low budget: a big concept in a small space, writing what you have, location, sound, the right actors and planning.
Updated Read
The Actorly blog
Stories, tips andindustry talk.
Practical guides for actors, casting directors, agents and filmmakers in Ireland.
For filmmakers
IndustryHow to Grow Your Network in Film and Acting
How to grow your network in film: start with people you know, use social media well, follow industry events, connect on set and keep in touch once a year.
Updated Read
Industry20 Interesting Facts About the Oscars
Twenty facts about the Academy Awards: Walt Disney's 26 wins, the ten-dollar statue rule, Parasite, the Will Smith ban, Jessie Buckley and the Best Casting award.
Updated Read
For filmmakersFree Film Festivals Worth Entering Your Short Film Into
Short film festivals that are free to enter, or free for early or eligible entries, including Irish and UK options, with tips on getting a fee waiver.
Updated Read
For actorsHow to Create an Acting CV
How to write an acting CV: contact details, vitals and age range, film, TV and theatre credits, training and special skills, with an example of each section.
Updated Read
For filmmakers6 Essential Filmmaking Apps for Your Phone
Six filmmaking apps for scriptwriting, shot lists, camera blocking, light metering, manual video control and lens previews, several free. Refreshed for 2026.
Updated Read
For actorsHow to Build a Great Showreel
How to build an acting showreel: what to include, how long it should be, what to do when you have no footage yet, and how to film scenes at home.
Updated Read
For filmmakersHow to Make a Christmas Movie: Five Tips for Filmmakers
How to make a Christmas movie people return to every year: the festive setting, real heart, a dose of jeopardy, characters uniting and a family-friendly tone.
Updated Read
For actorsCasting Directors in Ireland: What They Do and How to Get on Their Radar
What casting directors in Ireland do, how to approach them with a headshot, CV and showreel, and a list of Irish casting directors with live websites.
Updated Read
For filmmakersMicro-Budget Filmmaking: 5 Tips for Producers
Micro-budget filmmaking tips for producers: draft the budget first, pick an achievable script, build a passionate team, borrow locations and schedule humanely.
Updated Read
For actorsActing Auditions in Ireland: What to Expect, from Casting Call to Callback
How acting auditions in Ireland work: the breakdown, preparing lines and dialects, self-tapes, the audition room, the callback and what being pencilled means.
Updated Read
For filmmakersThe Elevator Pitch: How to Sell Your Film Story in 30 Seconds
How to write an elevator pitch for your film: film comparisons, a clear logline, a short synopsis, your protagonist and antagonist, and why the theme matters.
Updated Read
For actors9 Audition Tapes from A-List Actors
Nine audition tapes from A-list actors, from Dacre Montgomery's Stranger Things self-tape to Aaron Paul, Rachel McAdams, Emma Stone and Steve Carell.
Updated Read
For filmmakersShort Films by Famous Directors, Before They Were Famous
Eight short films by famous directors made before they were famous: Chazelle's Whiplash, Anderson's Bottle Rocket, Lights Out, Doodlebug and more.
Updated Read
For actorsHow to Get an Acting Agent in Ireland: A Complete Guide
How to get an acting agent in Ireland: what agents do, the commission to expect, how to submit your headshot, CV and showreel, and what to ask before you sign.
Updated Read
For filmmakersHow to Make a Great Horror Film: Tips from the Genre's Top Directors
How to make a horror film that actually scares: lessons from Hitchcock, James Wan, Jordan Peele and David F. Sandberg on suspense, restraint and real fear.
Updated Read
For actorsActing Cover Letter: Template and Tips
How to write an acting cover letter to an agent or casting director: keep it short, address a named person, mention recent work, and a sample letter to adapt.
Updated Read
For filmmakersA Guide to Writing Believable, Captivating Characters
How to write believable characters: unique traits, strengths and weaknesses, good and evil, internal and external conflict, and a clear want or goal.
Updated Read
For actorsHow to Start an Acting Career in Ireland
How to start an acting career in Ireland: the honest questions to ask first, then training, student films, finding an agent and keeping your skills sharp.
Updated Read
For filmmakersA Beginner's Guide to Prepping Your Directorial Debut
Preparing your directorial debut: mood boards, shot lists and storyboards, a director's statement and rehearsals, so your first film shoot runs to plan.
Updated Read
For actorsThe Importance of the Actor Headshot: How to Get Yours Right
Actor headshots: why they are your most important marketing tool, what to wear, how to keep them natural, and the commercial, theatrical and sci-fi looks.
Updated Read
For filmmakersFilm Crowdfunding: Five Tips for an Enticing Campaign
Film crowdfunding campaign tips: lead with a personal video, offer creative rewards, use strong artwork, involve your cast and crew, and plan your updates.
Updated Read
For actorsAudition Etiquette: Making It Easy to Choose You
Audition etiquette for actors: what to do when you walk in, small talk and nerves, what to wear, how to work the sides, and how to leave the room well.
Updated Read
For filmmakersThe Art of Suspense: 4 Techniques for Crafting Tension in Film
Four proven techniques for crafting tension in film: the power of silence, character reactions, dramatic irony and knowing when not to cut.
Updated Read