Store for Americans in the UK

Introducing my new online store, created specifically for you, my blog readers. I've spent the last few weeks choosing the bestselling, most relevant and highly rated items from Amazon for American Anglophiles, expats, actors and writers.

There's a USA store for readers contemplating a move across the pond, and a UK store for those of you who've recently arrived.

When I first moved to London, it was hard to adjust - new place, new culture, new English, new climate, new everything. So for the store I chose a whole range of stuff - books, DVDs, software, gadgets, games, clothes and things for the home - that will make your transition to living in the UK a littler easier. I own most of the items and can vouch for their quality/usefulness, and what I don't own I'd like to.

Start shopping now. Click on any item and get all the details including customer reviews and suggestions of similar items.

Headshots in the UK

I just got this email from James, an American actor who's about to move to London from Seattle:

Q: 'I saw on your blog that the standard over there is 10 x 8 instead of the American 8 x 10. Does this mean that it's landscape view for is it still portrait? Also, what's the type of paper that is standard? Is it glossy or just thick stock?'

A: First - my original post on British headshots is here: www.yankeeinlondon.net/archives/2006_07_01_archive.html
No 10x8 doesn't mean it's landscape (in fact they seem to scorn that style over here), Brits just call it 10x8 instead of 8x10. I have no idea why. As for paper - I'd go with premium photo paper. Whether it's glossy or matte is up to you, but my agents prefer matte as it doesn't show fingerprints or glare as much. A few other points:

Your Name
My agents advise against putting my name on the front. They say it's an American thing and generally isn't done here. I personally think you'd want it on there so casting directors know who you are, but hey ho.

'Head' shot
The three-quarter shot doesn't seem to fly over here unless you're a model. So choose a shot that is just head and shoulders.

Black & White v Color
Black and white is still very much the norm here for your main shots. My actor friends in DC, NYC and LA tell me color has taken over these days but it is only just starting here. My agents chose two contrasting black and white shots for my main photos and told me to put a few color shots in my Spotlight portfolio in case casting directors want to see my eye/hair/skin color. I also use color shots on my website.

Americans: Your UK Acting Career Step 1

I said I'd give shortcuts to American actors wanting a career in the UK, so here goes. This entry alone won't be complete, so check back for further details! NOTE: My advice will be somewhat London-centric since I'm basing it on my own experience. (But then London is where the action is!)

OK, so you've visited the UK, or maybe you've never been but always dreamed of coming here, and now you want to explore the acting scene. Here's how to begin...

STEP 1: STAY IN THE UK FOR A WHILE
For official rules, visit the Home Office website.

1. Easiest: you have dual citizenship or perhaps one of your parents has British nationality or some other country in the EU. Come and go and you please.
2. Come as a student or intern i.e. in a drama school or through a university study abroad program (how I first came for 4 months). This option may also allow you to work part-time so you can fund your trip! If you're a full-time student BUNAC is a great way to find work or volunteer opportunities in Britain and around the world.
3. Come as a visitor - as an American you can stay for up to 6 months, but you're not allowed to work or have "access to the public purse". So save up some cash, maybe stay with friends or relatives in the UK and scope out the scene. (This is how I came the second time and got my first serious glimpse of the acting community here.)
4. Come and work. If you want to earn a living, you'll need a work permit. There are lots of ways to do this. Click here for visas and immigration info.

STEP 2: FIND ACCOMMODATION
Coming soon...