Actor
"When I first met Paul I had been a professional working actor for 8 years with several big films and credits to my name. But the constant grind of audition failure had made me bitter, frustrated and tired. I was angry at not getting the opportunities I felt I deserved and was completely disillusioned about my future in this career. Paul's advice can be a bitter pill to swallow at first. He basically pointed out to me how backwards my approach to my career had been up until this point and that it was my fault I was not succeeding the way I would have liked, or even able to see the success I have already achieved. His candid approach helped to dig me out of the hole I had put myself in and, as a result, I instantly booked my first jobs in ten months... two of them, back to back. I now know I can get rid of all the crap I had been telling myself I needed to succeed and concentrate simply on being the most charming person I can possibly be... and it's working."
Director
"Paul did a remarkable job in helping me realise that it is very small things that can make a huge difference in my success, and was brilliantly straightforward about what I needed to do to get noticed and taken seriously. He made me take myself seriously, and it's had an immediate impact on how I present myself and my projects. It's not bullshit - when I get the opportunities I have created it's up to me to do a great job. But I wouldn't be there without his help"
Actor
"Working with Paul Duddridge changed my life.. Literally! I was an actress/singer with 'tons of potential' but for some reason, couldn't quite seal the deal. I was constantly getting excruciatingly close.. Almost booking the job.. But in this business almost most certainly doesn't count! I couldn't work out what I was doing wrong... Paul helped me change that. After a few sessions.. And after I learned to stop resisting ( sometimes hearing the truth about your faults is hard to take) things started to change. He taught me to change a few key problems with my attitude and my approach to certain situations/people and literally within a couple of weeks I booked a movie (the lead female too!) I now have 3 movies coming out this summer and I'm actually turning down work! I totally credit my turnaround to Paul Duddridge. He's my guru!"
Actor
"Paul's no nonsense, no b.s. approach to this business (and, frankly, to life) has been eye opening. I went from a desperate and needy (2 years unemployed), actor to an actor with a series of auditions and call backs and an offer to guest on a prime time network show! Now the challenge is how to keep the good times rollin!"
Actress
"This rejection and lack of success that is out of one’s control, eats away at any 'shine' that the actor may have left - bills need to be paid, network tests costs more and money to prepare for, one starts to doubt their talent and chances of ever making this dream a reality. Its catch 22 at every turn. Its almost impossible to stay positive?
About a month after Paul and I first started discussing my 'experiences in frustration' agents at CAA decided to take me on and I was testing for the lead on a new ABC pilot and one of LAs best Managers has signed me. And thats just the beginning.
With pilot season starting soon and a poor economy in every field, we actors need every tool we possess as sharp and shiny as possible in order to succeed.
I guarantee Paul gets you thinking in healthier ways, changing your mental thoughts patterns to I AM A STAR. Who doesnt want to feel that confident? only good things can come from that state of mind."
Comedian
"The difference since working with Paul?
It's hard to quantify what Paul did, the most obvious result is that at age 51, from taking just a few coaching sessions I went from having some romantic dream about being a performer to actually writing my own show, booking the Kings Head Theatre in London, filling it and making money from the ticket sales. Paul had helped me to dismantle the obstacles that were preventing me from just getting on with it. I went from the mentality of ex-nun, ex-schoolteacher, ex missionary to believing that having fun being performer has value and at the same time isn't that special or that difficult - you just have to want to do it. There was not much reason for him to believe in me but he did and the bizarre outcome is that I have also become a more truthful and authentic human being - not sure how he did that - I cried alot and he was tough on me, calling me on the games I play to try to stay small. Being around Paul is definitely a 'no bullshit' zone...like a Simon Cowell with more heart and skill. And another thing, I am no longer allowing other people's 'dramas' to dictate my life. He made me realise that speaking my own truth, living my own life (whatever the outcome) was all that mattered."
Journalist
"Paul Duddridge changed my life: not just once, but twice.
Six years ago, I was unhappy, unfulfilled and searching for goodness knows what. Paul set me on a path that, personally, transformed my life, and instilled in me a new confidence and sense of direction that I had somehow lost.
More recently, he has changed my life professionally. I have recently completed a scriptwriting course in Hollywood and, with Paul's encouragement, support and considered advice, am spending a great deal of time in LA and am well on the way to completing my first screenplay.
The brilliance of Paul both as a friend and mentor is twofold:-
1. He makes you believe that all things are possible.
2. He helps you find those parts of yourself to bring those things to fruition.
It's not always easy - change never is; and the battle to stay the way you are, irrespective of the unhappiness it might be bringing you, is always strangely compelling.
But when I talk with Paul, I am always reminded of a story I heard many years ago, of someone standing at the edge of a precipice, being encouraged to jump and not wanting to do so. Finally, they jump and discover they can fly - and they soar.
I haven't always wanted to jump, and I haven't always wanted to be pushed - but the view from up here is great! Paul Duddridge can change your life!"
TV Host / Actress
"Paul and I worked on my 'act' after meeting on a BBC show. Very quickly after that big gigs started coming in for me culminating in me getting my own show."
Actress
"Paul Duddridge helped me regain the confidence I'd lost. Confidence in myself, in the business and most importantly confidence to make the choices I'd been afraid to make. Having allowed myself to become a victim of my own fame, he showed me how to embrace it instead of running from it. I feel I've been reborn! I haven't felt this inspired and ready to tackle anything that comes my way since I first started out in this business 15 years ago. Mr Duddridge has become my hero!!"
Actor
"Being guided by paul has been (and still is) one of the most significant and essential developments i've experienced in my acting career thus far. i found the experience a tremendously positive one, from which i've only just begun to reap the benefits.
his simple & sturdy philosophy combined with his direct approach was essential in poking through all my blanket layers of bad habits and lazy tendencies. i liken it to the scene in that 70's movie where the mustached detective shakes the inconsolable, hysterical woman: some people might consider it a bit harsh, but it's for her own good, he cares about her, and it was quite possibly the only way to get her to listen."
Agent
I am a talent manager in Los Angeles. I represent many successful 'big name' clients in the entertainment industry. I was introduced to Paul's work in 2008 when a client of mine he had coached credited him with landing her a network TV job. I have referred many of my clients to him since then and I have been very impressed with the results. After working with Paul they come back to me optimistic, confident and ready to succeed. He's like a sport coach.
Writer
Well , life happened and i woke up thinking if this is it , than either i'm completely lost or i need to turn it around. And turn it around fast !
Wrote a short script... got bfi money to make it and now working on a few other ideas ....
You will laugh ... I'd never heard of you, read something in the Independant and thought 'who is this chap ?' . I've always stayed clear of self help traps but what you were saying was common sense . I felt i'd been kicked in the but and i certainly needed it.
And i have to add - i've never randomly contacted anyone in my life. Its just that i feel like i got in touch with myself and life.
I had to thank you for that.
Actress
I wanna give Paul THANK YOU!!! shout outs.
He absolutely supercharged me!
Actor
Paul is the Man!
He's so real and a "magic word" master...
a must.