It has been three years since Hull’s first acting agency launched. “A lot has happened in three years,” says Tilly Miller, who founded the agency. “I always knew we had the talent here and the success of the agency really solidifies this.”
The agency, NLD Management, is based in Hessle and represents children, young people, and is now adding a select number of adults to its books. Since opening in 2021, the agency has helped launch the careers of many budding young actors across the region.
“We currently have clients working on some really exciting projects filming main cast roles for Netflix, BBC, ITV and Paramount to name a few,” shares Tilly.
Over the years the agency has built strong industry connections meaning clients are invited to audition for the roles in theatre, television and film productions by the UK’s top casting directors.
“Often the first stage is for our clients to film a self-tape which they can do at home. If the casting team think they are a good fit for the role this will be followed by recalls and potential chemistry reads. It can be quite a long and painstaking process’ explains Tilly. ‘I’ve had many sleepless nights when clients get down to the final few for a role/”
Recent success stories to come out of the agency include:
Will (17) who says “I’ve had so many opportunities with NLD Management. In the past year, I’ve filmed a television commercial in South Africa; spent a month performing a professional theatre run; and filmed as a guest lead role in BBC’s Casualty.”
Billie (11) plays series regular Ruby Dobbs in Coronation Street on ITV which was her first audition after joining the agency. “NLD Management have helped make my dream of becoming an actress come true,” says Billie.
Savannah (12), also spent time on the cobbles as regular Eliza Woodrow before landing her latest role in a BBC series which has involved her filming some very challenging storylines the past few months.
Liberty (6) already has some major TV credits under her belt including Malpractice (ITV) and Three Little Birds (ITV) and has spent the summer over in the Middle East filming as a series lead for a new TV Drama with an all star cast.
Siblings Blake (7) and Bobbie (5) often audition for roles together. “The best thing I’ve done this year is a TV advert with my brother, we had so much fun!” said Bobbie. “My highlight so far this year is being cast in a huge film and being on set alongside really famous actors,” added Blake.
Finley (11) joined the agency recently and has already landed a recurring role in a CBBC series. His mum Kathryn said “I can’t believe some of the wonderful opportunities NLD Management has given our son and some of the amazing roles he has auditioned for. He’s about to start filming for his first tv role and is loving every second.”
“Without a doubt the best part of my job is calling a client to let them know they’ve booked the job – it is pure magic,” says Tilly. “Especially those jobs that are life changing. We’ve had a few recently and I feel very fortunate to be a part of the process.”
The agency also holds regular casting workshops locally with some of the UK’s leading casting teams. “We have Michelle Smith Casting (Waterloo Road BBC, Dani’s Castle CBBC) coming over to run a TV workshop later this month. Everyone is welcome and it’s a great opportunity to be seen and experience a mock casting.”
In addition to the agency, Tilly runs Northern Lights Drama School, which offers weekly acting classes here in East Yorkshire. “The agency and drama school work closely together and our classes are a great place for budding actors to start,” explains Tilly.
Reflecting on the success of the agency Tilly says: “I love that the agency is making a name for itself, not just locally but across the UK. We now have actors applying to us from all over the country and casting directors contacting us from the US. It’s all very exciting.”
“We are always looking for fresh talent,” shares Tilly. “And we will always champion local talent which is the reason I opened the agency. I am really looking forward to seeing what the future holds for the actors on our books. From Hull to Hollywood. Watch this space!”
For more information on the agency visit www.nldmanagement.co.uk and follow @nldmanagment
For weekly acting classes and upcoming workshops, follow @nldrama or visit www.heynld.co.uk