I've noticed that a lot of people come on to this site and ask me for advice about how to get into acting, where to send scripts when writing and just generally how to break into the industry.
It's hard for me to comment individually and I don't think I should give advice as it were, because advice isn't always right. So I thought I would just sum up how I did it. The bottom line is hard work.
I've never been afraid of hard work and never been afraid to fail. Because every time I've failed (or hit an obstacle, because if you keep working hard you can never really fail.) I just pick myself up again. For every film or TV show that I'm in or have written, I've probably had 15 NO'S.
But you have to just keep going, because that's just what happens in the industry and you just have to have a thick skin and get over it. Actors face a lot of rejection. Writers can get their scripts re-written and sometimes it can be disheartening.
You have to want it and you have to love it more than anything else and you have to be driven to succeed know matter what.An example of this is: I'm usually up and at the gym and then back home writing before most of my friends get out of bed.
If I have a script to learn as an actor, I know my lines backwards forwards and sideways. I usually know the other peoples lines as well. It takes focus and discipline but if going for an audition you have to make sure you prepare. I'd rather not get a part because I "wasn't right" or they just wanted someone else other than me messing it up myself. I can't deal with that.
People come up to me and email me a lot asking, "How can I get to the industry?" I started by joining an extras agency, learning about the audition process. Then I found a way where I could meet people who were in the industry by working in a gym in an area where people from the industry went. Then when I got my opportunity, I grabbed it.
With writing. I always thought I could write but I know loads of people that say that, so the main thing was to 'Learn'. I found out what software people wrote scripts with and I went out and bought it. I went out and bought screenplays and learned how they were formatted then started writing my own stories. And I always tried to finish what I wrote.
A lot of my friends have the best ideas and start writing them, then a few weeks later I ask them how its going and they're like "Oh I had another idea I'm doing that". Then they end up with nine unfinished scripts. If you got one done, at least it's done and you can make it better, if you never finish them then you've got nothing. And just like what happened to me, maybe if someone likes what you have written and believes in you then they will let you direct as well. Hope some of this was helpful. Nx
Advice
I came on this site a couple of weeks ago after watching 'Kidulthood' congratulating you + asked you for some tips for my aspiring scriptwriter son; I can see since then a lot of people are rushing you for advice in a similar vien! Yes, this blog has been helpful + I will surely pass him your expertise. Great to see you in Dr Who on Saturday - loved it; did you have any hand in writing any of it this time + will you do anymore 'Torchwood' writing? Haven't seen 'Adulthood' yet - gonna see it with my other son in the next couple of weeks. Good luck in your forthcoming projects + look forward to seeing them whatever they may be!
Inspiration
Noel,
Do you ever have tim ein your busy schedule to talk to young people? I run the Media department of a specalist Media and Music comprehensive in Lambeth and teach lots of aspiring film makers and actors. We've had journalists, newsreaders, advertising creatives etc in in the past to do workshops or talks to students and I was wondering if you would perhaps be interested in this?
GUARDIAN ARTICLE 3 JULY
Noel I've been a fan of yours for a few years now and admire the range and depth of your acting and the humour you also bring to some of your roles. Many thanks for your articulate and level-headed article in today's Guardian. I agree that the best role models ought to be those who make the right choices for themselves, even if those choices buck the general trend. It's especially inspiring to see excellent black actors like yourself and the equally talented Lennie James not only find success but give back to the community by giving wise advice. I wish you luck and hope your voice will be heeded by those who need to hear it.
sik movie
hello i saw adulthood sik up movie bruv i hope theres another and if there is i bet its gonna be better than the first 2 hopefully could you tell me if there is going to be another one. noel were u from because in the movie they talk like brummys sfe den bro
AdULTHOOD
heyy,
my names michaell, im only 15 years old and when i seen the trailer for adulthood i thought it looked amazing. The night i seen the trailer i went out and bought KiDULTHOOD and loved it! it was the best film ive seen this year so far. im saying so far because im going to see AdULTHOOD tomorrow =]
Noel Clarke Is A Genious. Im also glad that danny dyer is gonna be in the new film cause hes one of my favourite english actors =]
ive got a feelin this film is gonna be brilliant, cant wait to see what happens to sam peel when he gets outta jail.
thanks
thank you
Firstly im so glad someone made this site because i remember back in 2006 i looked for information regarding Mr Clarke and couldnt find much besides interviews and dr who stuff. This is awesome.
I'm an aspiring writer and it was good to see how you did it for yourself. Everyone has their own journey and I suppose mine will be very different from yours but the basis is hard work and the love of it. I appreciate that you took the time to write this for us.
Many thanks Noel! Cant wait to see u on Dr Who this sat!
that was indeed helpful,
that was indeed helpful, thank you mr clarke (Y)
I guess its a tough industry to break in to, perhaps one day I shall!
Thanks again,