OUR STORY
It all started as a drunken idea in a bar...
We met during Actor training in 2015 before graduating together and moving on to further develop our skills in Physical Theatre. During our three years together, we both experienced Headshot sessions in front of the camera which were utterly uncomfortable and often were made to feel like cattle; usually a quick snap from elderly men with grey beards and well-worn flannel shirts. We met up on a frosty December night, got pissed and dreamt about the ideal headshot experience where we felt relaxed but most importantly, had a fun time! The name was a no brainer... Ryan has a massive forehead and Hale, well, she's tiny. As quick as our wit, Forehead & Munchkin Media was born (F&M for short). We spent two years shooting outdoors in Natural light and were the U.K's original touring Headshot company - spending weeks, throughout the year, in pop-up locations like London, York, Manchester & Liverpool. As is our USP, we knew it was time to evolve and so renovated a garage space that is now our permanent home.
THE HEADSHOT SESH
YES - we direct you. We know it's important that a Headshot captures the exact likeness of the artist; that's why we work with a range of lighting, to accentuate your best features whilst communicating your range. Pre-company, we often felt uninspired by the images taken of us and others as well as feeling mislead by the copious amount of retouching that went on - for us, it's important that an image of you should look like you - as well as represent your unique personality. Instead of sticking to the outdated black t-shirt and white backdrop combination, we like to experiment with a variety of colours and backgrounds to add depth to your shots. We believe our experience as working Actors, will help to create a comfortable & professional Headshot experience in a relaxed environment that is ever-changing - just like the industry we are in. We pride ourselves on being a company run by two Actors with two very unique styles of photography who work, shoot & edit differently, yet share the same values. The best bit is - you get to choose which photographer and what style works best for you!
Our standard Headshot package is £150 (student or Spotlight member discount available)*- this will result in you receiving a personal online web gallery comprised of approximately 100-200 images. Session length is until we feel we're happy we've got what we need from the shoot. Included in the fee, we will hand-process your images SAME DAY and await for you to choose your 3 final shots before attending to any necessary retouching. We will then send you these finalised hi-resolution images in both PRINT & WEB form for Spotlight. Extra images are available to purchase for £20
We also offer our most popular Headshot & Portrait package for £250 (Spotlight member discount available)* - where we not only focus on headshots but also on character, commercial, nude & stylistic shots for social media/promotional purposes. This will result in you receiving a personal online web gallery comprised of approximately 200-300 images. Session length is approximately until we feel we're happy we've got what we need from the shoot. Included in the fee, we will hand-process your images SAME DAY and await for you to choose your 3 final headshots & 2 final portrait shots before attending to any necessary retouching. We will then send you these finalised hi-resolution images in both PRINT & WEB form for Spotlight. Extra images are available to purchase for £20.
*To qualify for a student discount you must be in further education at a College/University in the UK. Proof of Student ID is required when booking or on the day of the session. Photography sessions are non-refundable. Spotlight members receive a £10 discount on either package. A link to your spotlight is required.
RYAN RALPH GERRARD
Ryan (REP - IAP TALENT GROUP) is a professional Television and Film Actor from Glasgow. His extensive training includes; The Glasgow Academy of Musical Theatre and Arts, a Diploma in both Acting and Physical Theatre, along with being an active member and ambassador of the online drama school: IAMPRO - founded by Charlie Brooks (Janine - Eastenders). Most recently Ryan has been filming a WW2 Drama in Poland by renowned Director, Jaceck Blawut - this will be distributed in cinemas and on Netflix in 2023. He featured as Giles McMartin in OUTLANDER (Season 3) as-well-as featuring in Sam Rubinek's new writing 'The Roommate' at the Edinburgh Fringe. Ryan's wealth of experience on set and around camera equipment during shoots makes him the perfect choice as your next photographer!
HALE DENHOLM
Hâle (REP - IAP TALENT GROUP) has spent 4 years studying both Acting and Physical Theatre. Including training with the IDENTITY School Of Acting for Tv and Film. She has acting experience ranging from London Cabaret to the Edinburgh Fringe, voiceovers for major companies & most recently, video games. Hâle understands the importance of learning your craft and has spent much time studying under two professional Photographers and continuously keeping up to date with the latest popular headshot styles.
OTHER SERVICES WE OFFER:
CINEMATIC MONOLOGUES
Our cinematic monologues are great for those who aspire to act for screen. Professionally shot on 4K capable cameras, lit to fit the atmospheric style of your scene and edited by two relatable working Actors - Ryan Ralph Gerrard & Hâle Denholm - our cinematic monologues are a fantastic quick fix for your showreel to show your current technical ability in front of a camera.
By choosing your favourite stage or screen monologue (1 - 2 minutes is best) all you need to do is prepare & rehearse your performance. Both Ryan & Hâle, although not there to direct you, will be there to support and guide your technical performance including: eye line, hitting marks, continuity in movement & dialogue volume. Our sessions are relaxed, fun and stress-free. We are here to get the best performance from you on screen and make you look great!
Session price: £150 for a BASIC 3 shot (wide/mid/close) film & edit.
CINEMATIC MONOLOGUE: £200 - MULTI-SHOT, fully edited with sound design.*
Cinematic Edit below - note, there's more of a storyline feel - there can be props, a soundscape, dressed set, costume etc.
With a variation of shots - the key being your close up - you’ll be guaranteed to walk away with an industry standard monologue that’s ready to be uploaded onto Spotlight or be sent directly to Casting Directors for maximum exposure.
THE SESSION:
Your session will be 20-30 minutes long. We’ll get you in, have a rehearsal of the scene so we can block and prepare any significant movements with props etc & arrange your unique lighting set up. All we ask is that you come FULLY PREPARED.
From there, we will record and run the scene a few times - start to finish - and cover a range of wide, mid, close and super close shots to give your monologue creative range in edit.
Once your performance is complete we’ll send out your HD file within 7-14 days of your session.
SELF-TAPES
Do you have a short notice self-tape and don't have a reader? Do you need a professional set up to add quality to your work?
F&M MEDIA have been providing this successful service since JUNE 2019 with highly reviewed responses from both Agents & Casting Directors. As we are in the studio throughout the week doing Headshots, we are more than happy to include anti-social, out of office hours for those who need to work during the day.
You can focus all of your energy into creating your performance, whilst we take care of everything else; offering a SAME DAY turnaround to ensure you meet the deadline.
1 HOUR SESSION - £30
1) The first 5-10 minutes are dedicated to chatting about the
script/character and having a live rehearsal with your chosen reader
2) Please come fully prepared: lines, character development & motive. We
are, of course, on hand to help you tweak tho performance if need be and
suggest suitable eye lines. We suggest! shooting the scene for no longer than 30 minutes
3) THE 5 TAKE RULE - it's rare you would get more than 5 takes on a
professional set so why do it for your audition? After this, let's review.
Rest assured we can extend your session beyond an hour if need be*
4 We review your takes for the last 10 minutes and let you pick the bost
We then immediately take this into the edit suite and prepare it for you
5) We then send it out SAME DAY to you, your agent or direct to the Casting Director.
