From Hollywood to Hull
Posted by Ellee on Oct 5, 2007 in updates | 15 commentsI took an exciting call from my thespian son James’ agent 
today, he has been invited to audition for a film role, he must speak with an American accent and, wait for it, if successful, will be required for filming in Los Angeles for FOUR months.
I immediate thought of Hollywood, is that what she meant, I wondered? I’m not even thinking about the practicalities of this yet, about his lost schooling and whether he would he be expected to go without me. It is just an audition, along with loads of other hopefuls.
Do look out for James in ITV’s The Whistleblowers which is being shown at the moment, he was filmed in a youth club and wore his favourite green jacket. He also had a speaking part in BBC’s Love Soup.
Back to reality, tomorrow David and I are checking out Hull uni, it comes highly rated, but is so far away from civilisation. We want to find out about its business/economics courses. Then next weekend it is Bristol and the University of the West of England. I’ve really enjoyed these trips, I’ve enjoyed meeting so many young, aspirational people and the choices they have.
Q9, James thinks he might be on Whistleblower next week, Thurs 18th October. He was filmed in a youth club with other kids being given advice about the dangers of alcohol.
Martine, yes, we were impressed with Hull uni, it’s up to David now to work hard and get good grades. My friend who went to Manchester uni was not very impressed, she said it seemed run down. I didn’t get that impression with Hull.
Gosh what a fabulous opportunity for your son if he gets it! Would be just wonderful.
But Hull isn’t so bad. Everybody thinks it is, but if you find yourself living there, it’s strange but you soon ending up liking it. Most students even stay in the area in the end, so can’t be that bad.
Whatever happens, I wish him good luck and all the best!
Oops – I meant thespian son James
Ah, proud mum. Hope it all goes swimmingly.
Life is exciting in your household. Good luck to both of them.
Wow, which episode of Whitleblowers is DAvid in, do tell. Do let us know more.
Just made it back for Strictly Come Dancing, a highlight of my week. We both liked Hull uni’s business school, we thought it was excellent, especially the year’s work experience which can be arranged, either at home or abroad, and forms part of the degree course which helps students achieve better results. So Hull is a strong contender, just Bristol left to visit, then decision time. I just wish they were closer to home.
Hull, Hollywood.
No contest really. Hope your son gets the gig.
As someone who has made Hull my adopted home, I can assure you it gets an unfair reputation. The university is highly regarded and many of the graduates stay on in the area. All my student friends enjoy themselves in Hull.
It can’t be easy for a young actor just starting out. James is doing well.
Ellee ,
Even as a Yorkshire woman I have to advise stay away from Hull.
Its the pits and always has been .
Too far removed from anywhere and since the turn down as a fishing port ( the only reason for its existance )it has had a dreadful decline .
Plus its Prescott family territory , how scary is that.
Leeds on the other hand is wonderful and its Uni brilliant .
You could even do Harvey Nicks on visiting trips.
James has been practising his American accent. Yes, it does seem bizarre that an English boy has to play an America in America. It’s still early days.
Tina, good luck in Manchester, I’ve packed plenty of reading for the train, and then the uni is a five minute taxi ride away, so it should at least be relaxing.
Cityunslicker, I’ll ask the students how they feel about being in Hull, I know Martine Martin is there and really loves it.
Just leaving.
That seems to be the new trend in Hollywood– hiring British actors to either play displaced Brits or Americans. There are at least three shows featuring such actors in the fall lineup this year.
American women love men with British accents. Maybe it’s related.
Good luck to him.
Hope he makes the audition. Don’t condemn him to Hull; you are more right than you know when you say it is so far from civilisation…
Wow. fantastic. Good luck James! We are off to Manchester University tomorrow. Soon be time for them to make their minds up!