Frequently Asked Questions
When are the acting classes held?
Normally the next six-week evening course starts on the next available Monday or Thursday. The course runs on Mondays and Thursdays each week from 8-10pm (in other words, you attend two evenings per week, for six weeks). The sessions sometimes run on a little after 10pm so please be ready for that, although it is not a problem if you have to leave promptly. Please arrive half an hour early for your first session so that paperwork can be sorted out. However there is no course planned at present so please do not apply at the moment. The next one-day masterclass/workshop is on [ Please contact the Studio for the next available courses on 020 8953 9001]. The workshop runs from 11am to 5pm. Please try not to be late for this as it starts promptly: there is a lot to get through in just one day. Voiceover courses are done by appointment only on a mutually agreed date.
Back to top of page
When is the course after that?
The dates for the courses after those advertised will not have been set if they are not shown on the website because this is a working film studio and we may need to delay the courses on occasion to allow us to work on a film or other major project. The website will show the dates as soon as we know. If you would like to be informed by e-mail as soon as we know, please contact us and we will add you to our e-mail list.
Back to top of page
How can I be sure these courses really are genuine and good?
Contact us if you are not sure. You can telephone and speak to our staff, or e-mail or skype us. Also, read all of this website carefully: you will clearly see that we've been here for a long time. Indeed we've been conducting film acting courses for ten years now. You might like to take a look at the trailers for the current production, Katherine of Alexandria and note that apart from three professional actors of long standing, they were made using students from our courses! Our courses are not run by out-of-work actors making a bit of extra money on the side: we need actors for our film productions and the best way we know of to find new faces is to train them and film them ourselves.
Back to top of pageHow do I Enrol?
To enrol in one of the courses, please contact PAULETTE or HELEN on +44 020 8 953 9001 or email info@koafilm.com. Note that places are limited and it may on occasion be necessary for us to move you to an alternative date. Also, pressures of filming may require us to alter the dates of the masterclasses but we will aim to give you adequate notice by e-mail. If you cannot make the new date your fee will be refunded but if you cancel for other reasons then a refund will not be given. Accommodation is not provided.
Back to top of page
-
PAyment?
To enrol in one of the courses, you will need to pay us directly by post, by sending a cheque payable to "KOA Ltd" to our address:
PLEASE CONTACT PAULETTE or HELEN on +44 020 8 953 9001KOA Ltd,
Studio 2000
5 Elstree Way
Borehamwood
Herts
or email info@koafilm.com
Back to top of page
I have no acting experience. Does that matter?
No, it doesn't matter. Many of our students have had no previous experience nor taken lessons before. A mature attitude counts for far more. Some of our students have had previous acting experience, especially in TV and theatre: this is OK as film acting is somewhat different and there is always plenty to learn. We find that a mixed experience group works very well.
Back to top of page
What about international students?
Is there an age limit?
Yes. The courses are limited to ages 18 and over. Occasionally a 16 or 17-year-old will be allowed on the one-day masterclasses provided they are accompanied by a parent or guardian. There is no upper age limit. Typically about two-thirds of our students are below 35 and the rest range up to 65+. There are roles out there for everybody!
Back to top of page
Is there a guarantee I will find work after the course?
No, of course not. However, many of our students go on to find plenty of work. There is also the possibility that you might be just what we are looking for for one of our own productions!
Back to top of page
What if I want to have more lessons after the course?
If there are spaces available, selected students may continue to attend lessons by paying a regular monthly subscription at a reduced rate. Speak to us at the time if you wish to do this.
Back to top of page
What qualification do I receive?
No film studio in the UK offers officially recognized qualifications, but we will supply you with a certificate to prove that you have done the course provided you have paid for and attended the course satisfactorily and have abided with the terms and conditions.
Back to top of page
How much is a showreel?
It depends on what is to be done. Usually you will be filmed performing one to three pieces and some post-production or voiceover work may be necessary too. £450 is a typical starting price, but it could go up to several thousand pounds if a full crew, cinema-quality CGI and sound effects are needed. A very short piece, 30 seconds or less, is quite sufficient for a casting director to see. Indeed, it is rare for them to watch more than a few seconds before deciding whether they are interested or not.
Back to top of page
What else does the studio do?
KOA is a working film studio which we use for our own film productions and which other companies can use for film, TV and video production and for theatre rehearsals.
Back to top of page
How do I contact the actors to offer them work?
You can contact them via our contact page. Just send us an e-mail.
Back to top of page
As long as you can speak and understand basic English, the course will be helpful. Also, there are parts in movies for people from all over the world, with all sorts of accents, so don't let the thought that your English might not be ‘perfect’ put you off. There is a shortage of such actors for filmmaking in the UK. You do not need any special visa or work permit to take our courses. You will need to arrange your own accommodation while you are staying in the UK.
Back to top of pageCourses
KOA Studio is the only working film studio in Europe that allows outsiders an inside view of the film acting business. We are always on the lookout for new talent as casting opportunities arise from time-to-time, although of course this cannot be guaranteed. Our teachers, past and present, have between them worked in various capacities on many major movies, including Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire, Sweeney Todd, Aliens, Romancing the Stone, The Mission (1986), The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, and many more.
"I would like to thank you and the whole team from Saturday's Acting Workshop once again! I had a great time, learned and gained a lot and simply enjoyed myself!!!"
Stefanie