Hi all, I'm seeking some advice for how to position myself as a dialect coach or langauge consultant. In addition to being a filmmaker, I'm also getting my Ph.D. in Linguistics, and have experience teaching accent modification. I'd like to help people improve language in their films, whether it's a dialect the actor is unfamiliar with or a foreign language. I know people need these services from time to time, but where do they look for them? Any comments greatly appreciated!
Filmmaking / Directing : Dialect Coach/ Language Consultant by Samantha Mauney Aiken
Other topics in Filmmaking / Directing:
Check out Trending Discussions
Register / Log In
I know almost nothing about what you're asking but I will offer a thought anyway. [ How's that for what the Brits call 'cheeky'? :) ] You might start by adding specificity to your looking. That is, are there accents and/or languages with which you are particularly familiar? For example, I had a brief exchange with an actor who wanted to come to the US and find work. He needed help dealing with his Australian accent. Just a suggestion.
Thanks for responding. I am a sociolinguist by training. I'm familiar with most varieties of American English. I have taught college classes to foreigners trying to mitigate their accent. My question is about how to break into the market, or how to find people searching for these services.
1 person likes this
If you have not tried them, you might get information from SAG or Backstage.
2 people like this
One way would be to offer conservatory classes at SAG-AFTRA events for a minimum price to show people what you can do to help them. I go to such events and pay 10-15 dollars...20 or 30 people show up, and maybe from there you get a few clients and they talk about you to others. I've worked with a dialect coach and it's very personal. You have to get a good fit so you feel free to do the work. Sell your personality at these events, too. Good-luck.