Amanda Van Annan

Born into a family of intellectuals, politicians and diplomats, this spirited independent thinker at age 16 chose a different path. With a passion for the arts she attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London, where within a year, Amanda was scouted by top makeup artist Susie Sollis. Susie persuaded Amanda to put her acting career on hold, personally introduced her to an agent at the world famous Unique Model Management and she was immediately signed. Within two weeks Amanda was shooting her first campaign for Vidal Sassoon. This campaign was distinctive because it was the introduction of Vidal Sassoon products to the ethnic populace. Even at the start of her career Amanda was breaking down barriers. Shoots and runway assignments in London, Paris, Milan and New York followed. Upon arrival in New York, she enrolled at the prestigious Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute to pursue her childhood passion for acting. Being on the Strasberg stage opened a whole new creative world full of exhilaration, allowing her to play roles from comedy to drama and gave her a sense of fulfillment, that she had never before experienced. With a combination of fear, trepidation and bravery Amanda began actively auditioning for acting roles. Returning to her native London, Amanda soon joined forces with top agent Emma Bloomfield, whose clients included many working celebrity actors. She quickly acquired work in television including, a recurring role on the legendary East Enders (BBC1). Her first foray into film was A-Z, a production by the London Shakespeare Company. Six films followed, including Belief in which she co- starred with Colette Redgrave of the famous Redgrave clan. Her director Michael Ferguson has directed many successful TV series, including East Enders and Casualty. Rag Tag, which premiered at both the Venice and Cannes film festivals followed. A sophisticated international traveller she is conversant in French and Greek as well as Italian. She is an athlete, a TV Host, Entrepreneur and a devotee of yoga. Amanda is actively involved with CAMFED, which raises money to educate underprivileged African girls. She also helped raise money for the AFC (the African Film Commission) - an organization that develops international understanding and unity among all people through African arts, by sponsoring inter-cultural exchanges and educational activities. In 2008 Amanda joined Richard Branson and Virgin Unite on a charity project to Kenya. The trip to the Masai Mara was a major catalyst to Amanda getting more involved in women's issues throughout the world. After presenting a show on Brit Celeb TV she decided to try her hand at producing and now is currently residing in Los Angeles. Amanda is a warm, caring and enlightened individual who is assertive and very motivated. She is a great believer in people maximising their full potential. She hopes that her sincere concern for others manifests itself in her work as well as her life.