In the business

Getting a foot in the door is difficult but not impossible. We spoke to young British actors who are getting along nicely without posing a threat Winona Ryder or Keanu Reeves - yet.

Colin Firth

'It's difficult to give advice to aspiring actors because you can't systematically build a
career. What you need is a strong desire to achieve things, a spontaneous streak or side which has to win - something that hauls you out of laziness.

'This drive has to be balanced by an ability to keep things in proportion. And it definitely helps to take on an attitude that it doesn't really matter that much. Casting directors can distrust that intense, eager took that Noel Coward called, "The look of the inefficient". They wonder why you have to push. I'm not suggesting you should express disdain, just maintain a cheerful sense of being self-possessed.'

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