One of a kind and most certainly an innovative spin on traditional acting academies, First Take Media Group have added depth, passion and encouragement to what could be described as a frightening yet prosperous industry.

Having gained recognition for their multiple roles within British television, founders Jamie Lomas and Myles Keogh have the experience and motivation to deliver this bespoke six-day, intensive training course, which not only includes the skills and technique to become successful, but also inspires through positivity, empowerment and mindset. ‘Being an actor is 100% about mindset. Most schools are not about empowering you, and there’s the danger of losing your confidence.’ Jamie and Myles will be there for students to help build up and develop their confidence. In their own words, ‘so they feel great when going to auditions, because as an actor, if you don’t have confidence, you’re knackered’.

After meeting on the set of Heartbeat and forming a friendship of fifteen years, the guys have ensured FTMG offers something beyond the ordinary. Following time spent in LA, Myles became a qualified performance coach. ‘I held seminars in LA for actors, groups of 15, and I called it ‘Empowering the Actor’ and they were a huge success.’ On the back of returning to the UK, First Take Media Group has put Manchester back on the map with a unique offering in the world of performance.

Throughout their six-day experience in the Northern Quarter studios, students will be exposed to exclusive access to top UK casting directors, including Emmerdale’s Faye Styring and British award winning author and motivational coach, Adam Lewis Walker, flying in from LA, leaving them inspired to succeed. This course is very much an investment in the career of aspiring and active actors. Myles highlighted that ‘drama school is fantastic, it teaches you to be a better actor, it teaches you to hone your craft. But what I’ve observed over the last 15 years of being an actor is that there’s not anything that really gives you the tools to empower yourself as an actor.’ FTMG will teach students how to be endearing, interesting and ambitious, with catch-up sessions and follow up support included.

Both Jamie and Myles are beyond excited for this new venture, whilst they continue to pursue their own acting careers. ‘There is nothing else like this out there, it’s exciting to help people in their lives as well as acting.’

On Friday 8^th January 2016, Jamie and Myles will be hosting and open day in their fantastic venue in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. From 2pm-6:30pm the guys will show you around and have a chat about the intensive course. Strictly by appointment only. Email: hello@firsttakemediagroup.com

Find on Facebook or follow on Twitter @firsttakemg and Instagram

Interview by Louise Adkin and Christie Hutchinson

Photography by Shani Birkin Hodson

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