Dean Weir , Screen Performance and Communication Techniques (MA)

Meet Dean Weir, a Screen Performance graduate from the University of Bedfordshire who is set to appear in a cast role in the new series of ITV drama ‘Grantchester’. 

Dean graduated from the MA Screen Performance & Communication Techniques course in 2019 and has over a decade of experience in the film and television industry with notable background roles in blockbuster hits such as the Queen biopic 'Bohemian Rhapsody' and the thrilling 'Mission Impossible: Fallout.'

He shares his insights and advice for aspiring actors eager to enter the industry. Join us as we unravel Dean's journey and glean valuable lessons from his extensive experience in the captivating world of screen performance.

What was the audition process like, and how did you find out about it?

It was an in-person audition at Grantchester's production office audition. I got a phone call from my agent, who asked me to attend the following day. They explained that the role was for the character John Mitchell, who would be involved in a motorcycle accident. I immediately responded that I was free, and to my delight, I got a response back. Shortly after that, I was invited to audition. Other than the information about the role, I only knew about it. And I never overthought it either, to be honest.

When I arrived, I met the director and assistant director of the show, improvised the scene a few times and filmed some on camera. I didn't know how well it went but left in good spirits. Only a short time after I got the and was cast the role! My journey has been a long time. 11 years in the industry! I honestly can't believe I finally found the treasure I sought after all these years.

Did you have any experience in TV/film before this, and how did you find it?

When I had finished my studies, we went into the first lockdown, so I used this time to find as many TV and film background agencies as I could and apply to them because I have been in the TV and film industry for (10 years at that point) I needed to revamp my profiles for a lot of the agencies - adding new photos and updating my experience.

For a long time, I loved the idea of working on TV and film sets as a stand-in, but I have yet to learn how to go about it. Until now I always worked as a supporting artist/extra one way or another. I eventually found a company called ‘The Calltime Company’ and applied to it. They have a good reputation for getting new people into the TV and film industry in crew-related jobs.

Slowly but surely, the world started reopening, and I got my first TV job. (thank heavens!). It was as a supporting artist in the new Star Wars TV series - Andor. What a first job to get back into! I did this for about a couple of weeks, and then I got my next job as a supporting artist in the new Game of Thrones TV series, ‘House of the Dragon’!

Did you do any other work outside of this?

 During the times when I wasn’t on set, I was able to support myself by doing delivery work in town with the companies Eat, Uber, and Deliveroo. The beauty is that you can start and stop work whenever you want. All you have to do is turn on the apps on your phone, and away you go. Or turn them off if you want to stop. Also, they are great because you can instantly transfer the earnings to your bank account instantly.

Do you still have a CV and keep this updated?

I constantly updated my CVs across the various agencies I was with. Things like any new training, and I now had stand-in experience, doubling experience, stunts, etc. I also ensured I had up-to-date headshots, new showreel footage, etc.

I also got back onto 'Spotlight' (I originally got onto it in 2013 or something like that. It costs!) Spotlight is the absolute one and the only platform that ALL actors who are seeking actual CAST roles NEED to be with to be taken seriously and also to be able to apply to a real 'acting agent'. (Different from supporting artist agencies) Spotlight is an actor's professional CV. It enables agents to put clients forward for TV and film cast roles. Every casting director under the sun uses Spotlight to send cast roles out.

Even though I predominantly supported artist agencies then, I still let them know that I was with Spotlight, which made a massive difference.

Are there other jobs other work aspiring actors could do to gain experience on set?

Yes! You can get lots of different jobs, and most agencies do recruit for roles, including:

• Runners
• Assistant directors
• Stand-in
• Walk on
• Extras
• Film crew
• Talent scouting
• Plus, loads more!

There are also various social media groups to join that call for jobs at the last minute.

I also joined up with the British Action Academy and am currently halfway through my training. I have wanted to do this for a long time but could never do it due to finances. This is where you train if you want to get into Stunts or more SPACT work (which stands for Special Action). So far, I have trained with a massive range of weapons systems from different eras.

Any advice you could give to students who will graduate this year in your position?

Honestly, I am still learning (after 12 years!) And will always be learning, trying to figure everything out. My journey is very complex. I have discovered there isn’t one set way - if everyone followed it, they’d get there! (If there were, then everyone would do it!) Everyone will embark on their unique journey and will have many stories to tell down the line. Just like me!

If you are trying to juggle this with other commitments like work and family life, focus on the end goal. A degree helps; you should show it off when applying for different roles.

After you finish your degree, knowing what to do next can be daunting. You can feel lost after spending time in the comfort of your university bubble. Get yourself out there, try to be seen by as many people as possible, and make connections.