Episode 13
#13: Abigail Coniah, Actress & Producer - Rising Above: A Journey in the Film Industry
Join us as Abigail Coniah shares her inspiring journey in the film industry, from her start as an extra in "Attack the Block" and starring in commercials, to creating her own films. We delve into the challenges of being typecast, transitioning from theatre to film, and the importance of patience in building a career. Abigail's resilience in the face of personal tragedy and discrimination is truly empowering. Tune in for a candid discussion on embracing challenges, personal growth, and finding strength in storytelling.
Key Lessons
• Transitioning from theatre to film/TV can bring unique challenges and require a different approach in finding agents and securing roles.
• Personal struggles, faith, and perseverance play a significant role in navigating the film industry and overcoming obstacles like age-related and diversity issues.
• Sharing personal stories, such as through filmmaking, can be a powerful way to connect with audiences and highlight important themes like growth, gratitude, and resilience.
Resources
Real Drama
A group that John Boyega told Abigail about, which she joined to do short films and actor training.
Generation Arts
An organization Abigail joined, which offered a training program and opportunities to apply for drama schools.
http://www.generationarts.org.uk
Casting Agencies:
Casting Collective
A casting agency through which Abigail got work.
https://www.castingcollective.co.uk
Uni-versal Extras
Another casting agency through which Abigail found work.
https://www.universalextras.co.uk
Talent Talks
An agency through which Abigail did a music video.
ALRA (Academy of Live and Recorded Arts)
The Drama School Abigail attended
NFTS (National Film and Television School)
Producing Your First Feature (Short Course)
https://nfts.co.uk/producing-your-first-feature
UK Resources and Support Services for Stillbirth, Infant Loss, and Grief
HTB Church Bereavement Course
A course offered by HTB (Holy Trinity Brompton) Church that helped Abigail cope with her grief.
Saying Goodbye Service
A service for parents who have lost children, where parents can light a candle and hear their child's name read out loud.
Sands (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity)
Supports anyone affected by the death of a baby and promotes research to reduce the loss of babies' lives. They offer bereavement support and resources for parents and families.
The Compassionate Friends (UK Chapter)
Supports bereaved parents, siblings, and grandparents who have suffered the death of a child. They provide local support groups, a helpline, and various resources.
Child Bereavement UK
Supports families and educates professionals when a baby or child of any age dies or is dying, or when a child is facing bereavement. Offers support services and resources for families.
https://www.childbereavementuk.org
Tommy's
Funds research into miscarriage, stillbirth, and premature birth, and provides information and support for families affected by these issues. Offers a pregnancy information service and support.
Cruse Bereavement Support
Provides support, advice, and information to children, young people, and adults when someone dies. Offers face-to-face, telephone, email, and website support.
Lullaby Trust
Provides specialist support for bereaved families and anyone affected by the sudden and unexpected death of a baby or young toddler. They also fund research and offer advice on safer sleep for babies.
https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk
Aching Arms
Offers comfort and support to bereaved parents by providing bears to hospitals for midwives to give to newly bereaved mothers and fathers. Provides a network of peer support.
Bereavement Advice Centre
Provides practical information, advice, and signposting on the many issues and procedures that face us after the death of someone close.
https://www.bereavementadvice.org
Petals
Provides specialized counselling for parents who have suffered pregnancy loss or the death of a baby.
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