THE STUDENT
EXPERIENCE
GEORGE PULLER
Jim is one of the most influential acting coaches and mentors I've ever had the privilege of working with. Drawing on his expetise as of of Australia's top film producers, he offers real wisdom from an involved industry perspective. He has a deep understanding of the casting process and is a compassionate, enthusiastic mentor to actors. Jim approaches the work in a way that makes it fun, playful and genuinely impactful. What sets Jim apart is that he doesn't impose a rigid teaching method on the actor. He works with you, recognising that a variety of approaches can be effective - even from the day to day. For Jim, its always about what will help the individual the most in the moment. If I'm updating my showreel, filming a self - tape, or seeking industry advice, Jim is absolutely one of the first people I would give a call."
MATT WILSON
I landed a gig on the TV show Neighbours that has lasted almost ten years of 1905 episodes and still counting thanks to Jim! I had only just started dabbling in weekly acting classes with mates, learning the basics of the art form but didn't quite have the skill set to nail a self tape. I was lucky enough to have a Neighbours audition land in my inbox to which I panicked. I called up Jim who was kind enough to have me a few afternoons to prep for my auditions with him. He showed me how to drop my guard, stop 'acting' and start being I was then flown interstate for the second round of auditions and took that same approach into the room which got me the job! I still had a lot of work to do, but without Jim, it could have been a very different outcome!
If you're looking for somewhere to start, or want to better yourself more and'more - Jim is your guy. He not only understands the performance side of things, he has experience in multiple areas of industry.
GEMMA YATES- ROUND
I was fortunate to have attended Jim's workshops in Sydney in 2014 at Sydney Actors Foundation which had a profound impact on my career. After completing my Acting degree at QUT and working as an actor in Sydney, I realised that my career needed a boost. A couple of years post-graduation, I felt something was missing; and those workshops provided exactly what I needed. Whilst also working on audition scenes with a great group of actors who were eager to grow. Jim created a supportive and safe environment for us to dive deep into our craft, refining our skills, particularly in screen presence and technique - an area I felt I was lacking in my own toolkit after years of stage performance.
I highly recommend Jim and his teaching to any actors looking to grow and take he next step in their training.
His experience in the industry is a wealth knowledge that he shares with his students. Completing Jim's course was pivotal in my decision to move to London and pursue my acting career there. I was accepted into a Master's program at London's premier acting school and have since worked in theatre across the UK and the West End, as well as in film and television for the BBC. I also became a filmmaker with several films recognised at Oscar and BAFTA qualifying festivals internationally. The experience completing Jim's course set off a chain of events that truly kickstarted my career and I owe a great deal of gratitude to Jim for that.
LAUREN GRIMSON
I recently had the privilege of doing a virtual coaching session with Jim at The Actors Foundation. We reviewed my current materials, as well as some recent self tapes, and Jim provided feedback on how they could be tightened and improved. Jim's guidance and expertise is second to none - he's clear and firm and incredibly kind and warm at the same time. He strikes a perfect balance between recognising his students' unique strengths and highlighting areas for growth. Jim's extensive industry knowledge also offers invaluable insight into the other side of casting, which actors aren't normally able to access. I would highly recommend Byron Bay Acting to actors at all stages of their career who are looking to hone their craft in a warm, encouraging and productive
environment.
RUPERT RAINERI
As a graduate from NIDA (National Insitute of Dramatic Art), Jim's Acting school was the exact actos gym I needed after completing drama school. I was able to still develop my craft and build on the foundations I had learnt, whilst also working on audition scenes with a great group of actors who were eager to grow. I highly recommend Jim and his teaching to any actors looking to grow and take he next step in their training. His experience in the industry is a wealth knowledge that he shares with his students"