How I Helped an Actor Nail Their Accent in 48 Hours
How I Helped an Actor Nail Their Accent in 48 Hours A few months ago, I got a message from a producer: “Can you help our actor? She needs to sound like she’s from Birmingham… and we’re shooting in two days.” No pressure, right? Luckily, this kind of last-minute...
What Casting Directors Are REALLY Listening For When You Use an Accent
What Casting Directors Are REALLY Listening For When You Use an Accent You’ve memorised your lines, prepped your self-tape, and nailed your outfit. But if your accent isn’t quite right — a casting director will spot it in seconds. Here’s what they’re actually paying...
What Does an On-Set Dialect Coach Actually Do?
What Does an On-Set Dialect Coach Actually Do? Lights. Camera. Wait… was that line meant to be Mancunian or Scottish?That’s where I come in. I’m Sarah Valentine, and I work as an on-set dialect coach — a role that most people outside the industry have never...
Rooted in Character: Coaching Sara Wiseman on Under the Vines and Harrow
Voices in the Vines (and Beyond): Coaching Sara Wiseman I’ve had the absolute joy of working with Sara Wiseman on not one, but two very special projects—Under the Vines and Harrow. Sara isn’t just a supremely talented actress—she’s also a dear friend. We played best...