Rising Starts project.

The Rising Stars project may sound like something out of the "MY Fair Lady", it involved an attempt to take people who wanted to become actors and give them the opportunity and support to allow them to become a top star, at no cost to them.

So did it work?

Well, that depends on your view, one of the boys obtained a lead roll in a children's film, and the director asked him to come back for a second film. One of the girls was invited to an audition for a lead role in a major film.

These and all the other dropped out before we reached the point where we felt we should even be marketing them.

The first girl stayed only a few days, and another decided she wanted to leave within a few minutes of arriving. Although we did not ask any to work anything like as hard as we had told them in the selection process, non were prepared to put in the time, and commitment to succeed. All but one left, one boy who was staying on, but complaining and not really involved, we did ask to leave.

One of the problems was expectations, we were as we originally said looking at creating a star. However when people improved considerably they felt they did not need to do more and wanted their life back to party, go out etc. We said we would ask people to sign an exclusive contract when they reached the point we felt they were ready to market as a potential star. None reached the point where we ask them to sign an exclusive contract. We did not know how many, but we estimated 9 months to a year. None of those who started this project gave it half that time.

The project has now stopped. Our view is that without doubt, from what we saw, with considerable improvement achieved in every case, but, as we have reported none had the staying power, the commitment, prepared to make the investment in time and effort.

Going back the comparison with the "My Fair Lady", you could say we got as far as the scene at the race course, but never got to taking anyone to the ball.

Basic facts on the project.

People did not have to have any previous experience

They needed total commitment and prepared to invest at least a year.

They had to undertake exercises, practice, role play learn skills, and repeat, study and improve each etc.

We put them through a lot of course for example falconry, horse riding, sword fighting.

They did not have to pay anything, we put them up, fed them, covered cots and even gave them some pocket money.

The work schedule included two sessions a week with  the project manager and the rest of the time as a group working on projects and assignments set.

They in theory also were to help out in the agency, club events or admin, although little was ever asked of them.

Could it ever work

Yes, but we would need to find a way of gaining a greater level of commitment. The project as we ran it was a fantastic opportunity, but those involved had taken no investment, they could drop out, having gained by it, and feeling that the effort to go on was greater than they were prepared to put in and having nothing to lose. 

Information you can read from here.

For information we include the to document that explained the project, and  the handout given to those who were going to take part prior to them starting.

Latest news

Keith has said he is considering producing the Rising Stars project as an on line course. Keep an eye on www.value-plus.com  for announcements on this.