A few kind words
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Heini Ryynanen
Actor (Finland)
I was a student of Darren's during my time at Uni, and three years after graduating, I reached out to him, asking if he would be willing to coach me. His teaching style always resonated with me, and I needed a coach who truly understood each actor's unique requirements.
Our lessons are entirely tailored to my preferences and needs. We approach every scene with a profound understanding of the character, emotions, and circumstances involved. We meticulously analyze each scene, delving into the tiniest details before reconstructing it piece by piece. Darren challenges and motivates me to explore my limits and go beyond them. Thanks to his coaching, I've managed to free myself artistically, and I'm thrilled to work with him again after a couple of years!
Martyn Valentine
Actor (UK)
Darren has played a significantly positive role in my training as a film actor. He has an incredibly high understanding of this Industry and the components needed to be a diverse and well rounded actor. His exceptional teachings has a provided me the necessary knowledge, tools and skills to allow myself to excel in this chosen career path, with the ability to connect with character and human behaviour to a deeper and more complex level to portray unique and truthful performances which I continue to work on. His guidance and support over the years has truly helped me to open up as not only just an actor and performer but to also truly understand myself as an individual, he has always made me feel very comfortable in his presence and it is always such a pleasure working alongside with him not only as a Coach but as a Director too.
Claudia Gregory
Actor (UK)
Over the past few years, I have had the incredible opportunity to be coached and directed by Darren. His approach exudes humility and inspiration, creating an environment where I felt completely at ease. I placed my trust in him to bring out the best in me as an actor, and I've also seen him work wonders with other actors he directed. His guidance has been truly invaluable, and I feel fortunate to have crossed paths with such a talented and encouraging director.
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Joe Greenwood
Actor (UK)
Darren is entirely responsible for me really falling in love with screen acting. Prior to meeting, I’d only been musical theatre trained, and wasn’t aware just how stark the differences in these acting styles were. Even from our first session, I was amazed at how he was able to guide small changes in my performance, and reveal a whole new layer of truth that hadn’t yet been seen. More than that, he made _me_ believe in what I was doing.
Later in our time together, we explored the psychology around why we act the way we do as humans, and how we can allow this same depth of truth to be seen in performance of fictional circumstances. He taught me that to act on screen isn’t actually to ‘act’ at all. His love of our craft is truly infectious. I owe so much of my acting confidence, passion and ability to Darren - nobody has ever taught me quite as much as he has.
Jason Pitt
Director - 'Dad'
I've worked with Darren on numerous occasions over the last few years. Darren has an instinctive creativity coupled to a structurally artistic framework. His writing is tight, concise, his characters fully formed, their arcs in harmonious coalescence with story. He works extremely well in formulating and adapting a creative idea to the desired conclusion. He has always remained wholly collaborative, supportive, open and warm, possessing a wonderful emotional intelligence.
Matthew Bearcroft
Director of Photography at Hollowshock Productions
Working with Darren as a Director is very refreshing. He is Clear, Concise and efficient. He understands genre and story, and is very accommodating to what I want as a DOP. He's had experience as an Actor and as an AD so he's got a great balance on set.; knowing how to talk to people within the cast and crew. These qualities combined make Darren a pleasure to work with.
