Leo Long whom was born in Tokyo (2001) and grew up in the UK has always been a passionate folk musician who enjoys composing and playing pieces on his bodhran, banjo and bouzouki. He has performed with London Youth Folk Ensemble, National Open Youth Orchestra, National Orchestra For All and Up Orchestra across the UK at The Royal Conservatoires, prestigious concert halls, arenas and outdoor festivals too.In 2020 Long was commissioned by Barbican Guildhall Creative Learning as a "Barbican Young Creative" to contribute to a digital project called "Subject to Change - New Horizons" which reflects on the uncertain times brought about by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. He has also worked part-time with Youth Music as a Co-Researcher on their "Reshape Music" report.In 2021 Leo got his big break. Forty Foot Pictures invited Long to audition for a leading role in the Netflix feature film "I Used To Be Famous" exploring themes surrounding the power of music directed by the award-winning "Eddie Sternberg". It's about a troubled former pop star "Vince" whom forms an unlikely bond with a gifted young autistic drummer "Stevie". Leo was selected for the part of "Stevie" the gifted young autistic drummer after a nationwide search and immediately began rehearsals with support from Access All Areas Tricia Hitchcock. Also drawing on his strong musical background Leo mastered and performed 4 tracks on the drums that feature as part of the movie's soundtrack. "I Used To Be Famous" has been streaming on Netflix since 16th September 2022.Besides these mega life changing experiences, during 2022 Leo has also completed a role in an ITV4 Crime Drama "Professor T" shot in Belgium starring Ben Miller, accepted a part in Shakespeare's much-loved comedy "Much Ado About Nothing" directed by Robert Hastie and completed performances all over the UK with friends in the National Open Youth Orchestra.Being neurodiverse, Leo's objective is to break down barriers in the entertainment industry by demonstrating that disabled people including neurodiverse actors such as himself can take on leading roles delivering excellent performances adding different dimensions in their own right. Leo believes nobody needs be excluded with the right support from great organisations like Access All Areas. Leo's pioneering spirit has led the way helping make the entertainment industry more disabled-people friendly for actors and musicians alike.
