On Monday 4th March, to kick of Confetti’s Industry Week 2019, Cel Spellman visited Metronome, and spoke about his work in the industry, and how he’s managed to get to where he is now.
Cel got his break at the age o 7, where he played Chip the Teacup in Manchester’s Palace Theatre’s production of ‘Beauty and the Beast’. There were open auditions for this part, so Cel decided that he would give it a go, and this resulted in him getting the part. Cel believes that he has “always been at the driving seat” of his life, and hasn’t let what other people have thought dictate his life. He’s always reacted to the moment, and hasn’t let thigs that other people have said put him down. He says that his career has sprung from both natural talent, and good timing. Cel studied at the Sylvia Young Theatre School, during his time at secondary school. The Sylvia Young Theatre School is a boarding school, in London. Due to this reason, Cel moved away from home, at the age of 11, although his parents couldn’t afford the cost of sending Cel to this school. Further to this, Cel’s mum didn’t want him to go to the school, as she didn’t want him to be leaving home, and his mum and dad didn’t think that attending the school was the best thing for him, although they finally gave in, and let Cel attend the school, through a scholarship. Due to Cel’s attending the boarding school, he was able to work on the ITV drama series Blue Murder. In addition to his work on Blue Murder, Cel played the role of Harry Fisher, in Waterloo Road, from 2010 to 2011. This was Cel’s first main role, rather than being in single episodes, or having smaller roles. After being a big fan of Waterloo Road for so many years, Cel found being a part of the programme surreal. He also found that he was able to live at home again, with his family, during the filming, which he found enjoyable. Being on Waterloo Road was a “big chapter” in Cel’s life. He says that it was one of his best jobs, as it was like being at school, without actually being at school! Following his work on Blue Murder and Waterloo Road, Cel became a presenter on the CBBC programme, Friday Download. Friday Download is a magazine, topical, entertainment show, for young people, on children’s television. The production team had managed to recruit the majority of the presenting team, however there were still a number of positions left, which needed to be filled. Cel attended an audition, which, he says, is completely different to going to an acting audition, as with acting, you’re told to not look at the camera, although with presenting, you’re told to only look at the camera. In the first 6 months, Cel felt somewhat uncomfortable, a he wasn’t used to presenting, although after the first 6 months, the interviews, live recordings etc. helped with his presenting work on CBBC. Cel said that “you know [that] children’s television is going to be messy, crazy and have things that go wrong, which is something that primetime television doesn’t have”, which is something that Cel used to be a part of, with his role on Blue Murder. He said that he could relate to his role on Waterloo Road in part, however he couldn’t relate to all the character aspects. Cel’s agent sent him to some auditions, stating the fact that “they [agents] open the door for you, but it’s down to you to do it, and get the job”, touching on the fact that agents are useful, as they help to get you more recognition, but it’s up to you to actually attend auditions, and look for work. Your agent will help you, but only if you help yourself. According to Cel, he was perceived as a presenter, due to his work on Friday Download, and presenting links on CBBC, as well as due to the fact that his agent was more of a presenting agent, rather than an acting agent. As a result of this, Cel hadn’t had an audition for around a year to a year and a half, stating that there is “no rhyme or rhythm to this” as he could sometimes have frequent work, but it could then suddenly stop, and he could not have work for a longer period of time. This meant that getting an audition for Cold Feet, was difficult, due to the fact that the agent wasn’t seen as an acting agent. Cel credits Russel T Davies as one of the greatest writers, based on his work on the Channel 4 programme, Cucumber. Some advice that Cel gave is to “be a sponge. Keep your eyes and ears open, and take everything in” Cel also said that the absolute pros are the most hard-working, nicest people, and that they never have an ‘off’ day. Their work ethic, belief and talent is true to their beliefs. Further to this, Cel told the group that “the industry is so small. Everyone knows everyone, which means that reputation is massive” Following on from Cel’s television work, radio wasn’t something that he’d set out to do. He was asked whether he would cover for Dan and Phil’s show, on BBC Radio 1, while he was filming an episode of CBBC’s Official Chart Show, in the Radio 1 Live Lounge. Even though he didn’t know what to do, Cel still gave it a go, and then went back to his television work. After a number of weeks, the bosses at BBC Radio 1 called Cel into their offices, and he thought that they were going to tell him that he had done really badly. However, they told him that the BBC Radio 1 Chart Show was moving from a Sunday evening, to a Friday evening, meaning that there was a slot on the radio, on a Sunday, from 4pm until 7pm, which was offered to him. Cel said that this opportunity was “a dream”, although he only had 2.5 to 3 weeks prior to starting. He compares the studio to something out of Star Wars, and it took him around a year and a half to feel comfortable using the desk in the studio. He also told us that there are regular music meetings for the daytime radio shows, however for the later, evening and night shows, the presenters get to pick the music for themselves, as they are usually more professional, however for the daytime shows, there is a team that picks the music out for the presenters. Obviously, Cel said that he wants to be the best! Some further advice that Cel gave the group includes “be[ing] open to new opportunities”, and believe in yourself. Acting and presenting helped him with his radio work, although each have their individual aspects. The best starting advice for working in radio and making podcasts is that, if you have a microphone, then start recording, and you will find your own way and methods, which is similar with acting. Cel says to “get in front of the camera”, and make short films with your friends and family, in order to build up your showreel. As well as this, you can look at other things, to steal things that work for you. This will help you find your own thing, as well as helping you to find original content. One of the most important things that Cel said, is to not stop. “If you don’t think that it’s working, keep going, but have a look from a different angle.” Finally, Cel would love to work in a Quentin Tarantino film, or in a Harry Potter or Star Wars film, as he is a fan of them both. Overall, the session was fantastic, and it was amazing being able to get an insight into Cel’s life, as well as being able to get a photograph with him, and his autograph! Unfortunately, the photograph didn’t come out great, but I have the autograph to add to my collection, and I have been able to speak 1-on-1 with Cel Spellman! Thank you to Confetti Institute of Creative Technologies, for organising such a valuable session, that I have taken a lot from. I can’t wait to go to many more talks and sessions this week, to gain a deeper insight into a number of different professionals’ work! To see Cel’s social media channels, take a look at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CeallachSpellmanOfficial Twitter: https://twitter.com/celspellman Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celspellman
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