starsearchcasting’s blog

Catering to its nearly 266,000 members located on six continents, Star Search Casting uses Google gadgets to help its growing number of international users translate web pages instantly.

Since its launch in 1998, Star Search Casting has quickly become the leading casting website in the United States. Moreover, as it’s popularity increased among U.S. users, the website soon welcomed a growing number of international users, and now caters to Star Search Casting members based on six continents. In an effort to maintain its commitment to actors, dancers, singers and models in all areas of the world, Star Search Casting has now added the Google Gadget’s Translate feature to help Star Search Casting member access casting calls and other resources in 25 languages.

“The number of singers, actors, dancers and models from other countries who use our website is constantly growing,” says Jonathan Parker, founder of Star Search Casting. “We hope that the translation tool will make it easier for users whose first language isn’t English to access the information, tools and resources on our website.”

Both Google and Star Search Casting are known for providing cutting-edge, innovative web applications and tools for its web visitors. Google’s Translate tool helps webmasters cater to multilingual web visitors, without having to maintain multiple multilingual websites. Actors, models, singers and dancers who access the Star Search Casting website can use the tool to translate text in a number of languages including French, German, Japanese, Korean, Italian and Spanish.

By catering to a global base of singers, dancers, actors and models, Star Search Casting helps casting directors and other entertainment industry professionals scout talent all over the world. Additionally, Star Search Casting is opening the doors for performers in the U.S. to seize opportunities in other countries.

“There are exciting opportunities to dance, sing, act and model all across the globe and our website is helping aspiring entertainers open their eyes to a world of possibilities,” says Parker. “We’ve gotten emails from American performers who have landed jobs in Asia, and Asian performers who’ve landed jobs in the U.S. so there’s definitely a global exchange of talent and it’s exciting to be apart of it.”

To view Star Search Casting’s database of talent from all over the world or to use the Google translation tool to view the website’s pages in one of 25 different languages, visit http://StarSearchCasting.com.

If you’re a fan of reality television, then you’ve probably noticed that quite a few actors, singers, dancers and models are jumping on the bandwagon and taking jobs as on-air personalities and television show hosts. These jobs offer great opportunities for visibility and exposure, and can help make actors household names.

To land a job as a television host or on-air personality, you have to be charismatic, engaging and be able to get people excited about the information you’re presenting or the show you’re hosting. If you consider yourself to be well spoken, articulate and confident then you would probably make a great host or on-air personality. Some well-known on-air personalities and television hosts include Ryan Seacrest (American Idol) and Sugar Ray lead singer, Mark McGrath (Extra). Another great example is Kelly Ripa. She started in the business as a soap opera actress, and now she’s the host of one of the most successful television morning shows, Live with Regis and Kelly.

Carmen Cecilia Limardo, known more fondly as “CC” is a Star Search Casting member and an experienced television host. She’s worked in the industry since 1993 and has been an on-air correspondent on shows appearing on Univision and Telemundo as well as the host of the sports, music and comedy show, Thunderbox. CC has a dynamic voice, and this attribute has largely contributed to her success. In addition to helping her land great jobs as a television host, she’s also done voiceovers for commercials for Marshall’s, Burger King, US Airways, Disney, Dunkin Donuts, McDonald’s and tons of other popular U.S. brands.

We’ve had lots of casting calls on our websites for on-air personalities and hosts. When casting directors post these auditions, they often use words like charming, dashing and confident to describe the type of talent they are looking for. Does that sound like you? If so, you could be well on your way to launching a career as a successful television host!

So what are you waiting for? Visit www.StarSearchCasting.com today to search for casting calls for television hosts and on-air personalities. And in the meantime, if you want to get experience as a television host, public access channels are a great way to get your feet wet. Contact your local cable company to learn more about hosting opportunities on existing shows or starting your own show. Good luck!

As the number of entertainment scams targeting aspiring actors, singers, dancers and models escalate, and scammers become more sophisticated in their methods, it can be tricky to identify the difference between a scam and a legitimate opportunity. In response to the growing number of modeling scam victims, Elite Casting Network ( www.EliteCastingNetwork.com ), in addition to becoming the number one casting website, has also become the leading provider of up-to-date information on the latest entertainment industry scams. Elite Casting Network educates users on how to spot a scam; actively monitors all site activity to prevent members from becoming the victim of popular internet scams; and encourages members to report suspicious activities and warn others if they’ve uncovered a scam.

“Our members use our site not only because they know they’ll get access to valuable casting opportunities, but also because they know our website is a safe environment that’s actively monitored to prevent scammers from taking advantage of them,” says Jonathan Parker, CEO of Elite Casting Network, Inc. “In addition to making sure that the site is safe, we also try to educate our members on how to spot a scam. Many Internet users think that if a site or service charges money that it’s automatically a scam, but this is one of the most misleading pieces of advice circulating the web. More accurately, if the site or service asks for money but only accepts cash or money orders, that’s an immediate red flag.”

The staff at Elite Casting Network is very knowledgeable of scamming trends and it’s this knowledge that helps to keep the site and its members safe. Elite Casting Network staff members regularly and routinely updates its members on the latest industry scams. When members log in to their website, the Entertainment Scam Alert section provides instant updates on the most recent scammer activity targeting aspiring actors, dancers, models and actors. Additionally Elite Casting Network staff members post information about these scams in the site's forums to make sure members are informed and aware of potential scams. Many of these posts occur within 24-48 hours of the scam’s first appearance on the internet.

In response to escalating Internet scams, the staff at Elite Casting Network monitors all of the messages on the site regularly to ensure the safety of its members. Additionally when members access their messages, Elite Casting Network provides their members with an option at the top of each message to flag the message if they encounter spam or abuse.

Elite Casting Network members also work to keep the site safe, and to keep fellow members from falling victim to Internet scams. Elite Casting Network members are encouraged to post information about acting scams in the site’s forums if they encounter a scam or have become the victim of a scam. The forums are also a great way for members to learn more information about how to spot and avoid popular scams & frauds.

All of these measures combined help to combat over 90% of scam attempts on the Elite Casting Network website. For more information on the latest entertainment industry related scams, log on to http://www.EliteCastingNetwork.com visit the online community for up-to-date, comprehensive information, tools and tips on how to avoid and spot modeling scams today.

I didn't write this but I found it so I thought people would be interested:

I contacted http://www.fabulousflashcast.com after I saw their casting call posted on another site. Then I started doing some digging and found a lot of bad information about them. They used to have a website called http://www.flashcastkids.com but scammed a lot of people so they changed their site to http://www.fabulousflashcast.com. Flashcast still post fake Auditions all over the web on places like craigslist. The Better Business Bureau gives them an 'F' rating which is the lowest possible score. This is what the BBB said about Flashcast:

“On December 18, 2001, we were advised by the company that they would no longer respond to the complaints presented by the Bureau.

On July 24, 2001, the Los Angeles City Attorney filed a 14 count misdemeanor action against the company and its principal, Carl Carranza. The complaint alleged in part, that the defendants made misleading statements in print ads, verbally, and on their website.

On May 17, 2002, Flashcast, and its principal, Carl Carranza, were convicted of 10 counts of using false and misleading advertising in violation of the California Business & Professions code. The company and Mr. Carranza were placed on probation for 36 months and ordered to pay a fine of $4,050.00. They were also ordered to include a statement listing any fees charged, including monthly fees, in all of their advertisements. Anyone seeing an ad that does not contain the fee information is asked to contact Mark Lambert, Deputy Los Angeles City Attorney at (213) 978-8070.”

This is their address:

Fabulous Flashcast

3575 Cahuenga Blvd West, Suite 120
Universal City, CA 90068

(323) 969-9006

Has anyone else dealt with this company?

Here are some things I found in google:

1. Business Owner Carl Ken Carranza and his Universal City-based company Flashcast were convicted last week on 10 counts of false advertising and could face a total of $60,000 in fees and up to five years of jail time. Sentencing will take place on June 19. To read more go here: http://www.allbusiness.com/services/amusement-recreation-services/4380114-1.html

2. I worked for Flashcast almost ten years ago and I'm shocked by the fact that they are still in business. We were told to lie to potential clients and when they were called back because their child was 'cute' (ALL WERE CALLED BACK!), the head 'Casting Director' would tell the parents that they were auditioning for Huggies, Pampers, and other well-known companies even though they were not. To read more go here: http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/093/RipOff0093945.htm#126469

3. Carl Carranza, Flashcast Kids and Flashcast Companies, Inc. has stooped to fraud and deception again. One would have thought Carranza learned his lesson after being convicted on May 17, 2002 of 10 counts of fraud and false and misleading advertising, and was forced to pay thousands in fines (he was also sentenced to three years probation). to read more go to: http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/105/RipOff0105343.htm

4. They advertise what looks like an audition in the industry and then they sell what they call their 'computerized casting service.' So you go there, you audition, they don't tell you about a fee. Then if you're called back (everyone gets called back if Carl Carranza thinks he can get money out of them), they tell you at that point that you have to make your decision right then. There's an initial fee of around $495, and you're obligated for the next two years to send them 20 photos, plus a $50-a-month fee. That's $1,200 over two years, plus the initial $500 registration, plus the cost of 20 photos per month. to read more go here: http://www.allbusiness.com/services/amusement-recreation-services/4380693-1.html

5. The case against Flashcast Entertainment is based on a 14-count complaint against owner Carl Ken Carranza and Deborah Elton Haugen charging them of being an unlawful job-listing service as well as falsely advertising in the LA Weekly and on the company's own website, www.flashcastkids.com & www.FabulousFlashcast.com. To read more go here: http://www.easybackgroundcheck.com/news/10.html

6. I recently signed with Flashcast and parted with $1500 in order to do so. These fraudsters need to be stopped! To read more go here: http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/232/RipOff0232900.htm

7. They kept her mighty busy with more compliments and questions and fake interest, to keep her from reading all of their safety net legal stuff and small print. After signing away her life, she was asked for her identification and credit card for "verification purposes". These people will tell you anything to get your money. To read more go here: http://www.pissedconsumer.com/consumer-reviews/professional/flashcast-%11-carl-caranzaaddress%3a3575-cahuenga-blvd-(also%2c--review-%11-service%11professional-2007040897697.html

8. On top of paying $1500 and still no modeling jobs not even one, my daughter has worked with other companies and clothing lines where they have never asked for a dime. Carl Carranza and Fabolous Flashcast are total scammers. To read more go here: http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/260/RipOff0260231.htm

9. Company works from a very official looking office in LA in not a bad area and goes to every length to convince clients that everything is legit. Suspicion is raised by the mountain of very similar looking referral letters printed in the same font almost and the robotic but convincing sales pitch of two employees. Carl Carranza posts fake success stories all over the web trying to build credibility for himself. To read more go here: http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/032/RipOff0032559.htm

10. Hard to believe that Carl Carranza and Fabolous Flashcast / Flashcast Kids are still in business, despite the numerous warnings on the Internet and the convictions for FRAUD. Carl Carranza has mastered the art of lying to your face to get your money. To read more go here: http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/090/RipOff0090062.htm

11. When Brad was about 6 months old, we got suckered into a uniquely Los Angeles scam by 'Fabolous Flashcast', where we paid $500 for nothing. To read more go here: http://parentingfrontline.blogspot.com/2008/03/march-madness.html

12. We are recent victims of his fraudulent practice and are filing a case against him. Mr. Carranza's scams include illegal advance fee requests, pretense for being a legitimate practice, and use of hardball sales and emotional tactics to acquire money from intelligent and innocent parents. Carl Carranza and needs to be shut down for good. To read more go here: http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/132/RipOff0132815.htm

13. Then, we were asked to meet with the CEO and he was very positive about the kids. He then goes through what the company does and talks quickly about a fee of $1500. To read more go here: http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/132/RipOff0132815.htm#156769

14. Flashcast kids company is a total rip off... they will fool you to pay money and then they never respond to you ever again... it happened to me and my family. To read more go here: http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/093/RipOff0093344.htm#58066

15. Can you believe this company still going on and on? Ripping off parents like us and using our child as a way of getting their money. Flashcast will steal your money and you get nothing for it. To read more go here: http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/093/RipOff0093344.htm

16. Don't pay Fabulous Flashcast - http://www.fabulousflashcast.com anything! They are a complete scam company who posts fake modeling jobs for kids in order to get your money! Just do a check on craigs list and you will find they post the same fake auditions over and over. The owner of Flashcast is Carl Ken Carranza who is a convicted criminal. To read more go here: http://www.complaintsboard.com/complaints/fabulous-flashcast-c76710.html

17. One look at their terrible website and you can tell they are a scam: http://www.fabulousflashcast.com/welcome.html

18. My complaint is against flashcast which is a fraud and scam, this company when you first arrive have you sit in a playroom, where there are pictures of kids that so called modeled for carl caranza. To read more go here: http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/260/RipOff0260231.htm

19. Because of the nature of their business, they can say anything they want, and blame their lack of performance and unfulfilled promises on the industry, your child, etc., and hide behind their small print. To read more go here: http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/242/RipOff0242913.htm

20. The Fabulous Flashcast scam continues even after CEO Carl Carranza is convicted of fraud. To read more go here: http://www.starsearchcasting.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=137820

21. Flashcast cunningly fools eager parents into believing that their kids might be future stars and commands a large fee upfront. Company is allegedly trying to find modeling work for clients babies and commands a large fee up front. To read more go here: http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/032/RipOff0032559.htm

22. I was also scammed. I paid $1500.00 almost a year ago and have only had one casting call that wasn't even for babies! To read more go here: http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/001/RipOff0001927.htm#208336

23. This company is a total rip-off. Yes, something has to be done, to keep other parents from being deceived. They pretend to be a legitimate company but they are far from being a true casting company. 24. I too have been riped off. To read more go here: http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/093/RipOff0093945.htm

25. I have been working for Carl Carranza for many years. It is very difficult when we were ordered to give the customer misleading information just to get them to sign the contract. Of course to keep our job we had to do what we had to do. To read more go here: http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/093/RipOff0093945.htm#58065

26. I hope you can contact me regarding the jerk Carl Carranza. I will be taking him to small claims court and was wondering if you could be of any assistance to me. Carl has ripped off one too many parents. To read more go here: http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/093/RipOff0093945.htm#59860

27. Convicted criminal and CEO of Fabulous Flashcast ( http://www.FabulousFlashcast.com ) Carl Carranza is still scamming hopeful parents who want to get their kids into modeling. To read more go here: http://www.elitecastingnetwork.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=99805

28. Carl Carranza and Debra were very nice in all of the pre-contract meetings (even though Carl reminded me of a smarmy car salesman), but once I signed the paper I was like the invisible woman and they would never return my calls. To read more go here: http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/105/RipOff0105343.htm#69300

29. Carl Carranza is a crook. He's been convicted of fraud and false advertising, he's violated court orders by weaseling around his responsibility to advertise his prices by using third-party websites to sell his services. He's lied as to how long Flashcast has been in business. To read more go here: http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/105/RipOff0105343.htm#69801

30. Flashcast kids company is a total rip off... they will fool you to pay money and then they never respond to you ever again... it happened to me and my family.. and many more parent that still keep going there... so somebody please HELP ME!!! LET'S TAKE ACTION against this company to prevent it from happening to many other parent. To read more go here: http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/093/RipOff0093344.htm#58066

31. Late last month, he filed complaints against two Los Angeles County companies, claiming they were illegally doing business in the entertainment industry. One, Flashcast Companies Inc. To read more go here: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m5072/is_33_23/ai_77757924

32. Be careful, they are a serious scam. They have you pay, then stick your kid's file in a drawer doing nothing for the child until you complain. To read more go here: http://en.allexperts.com/q/Careers-Acting-Performing-1479/f_4696878.htm

33. Half of their site is dedicated to telling you that everyone from the Better Business Bureau to Rip-off Report is also a scam. Fabulous Flashcast attacks anyone who reveals their scam. To read more go here: http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/346/RipOff0346190.htm

34. Beware of Mr. Carl Carranza's child modeling scam. We are recent victims of his fraudulent practice and are filing a case against him. Mr. Carranza's scams include illegal advance fee requests, pretense for being a legitimate practice, and use of hardball sales and emotional tactics to acquire money from intelligent and innocent parents. To read more go here: http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/132/RipOff0132815.htm

35. The specific things that they say they will do are1) help you get an agent for your child (2) help you post your child on a casting website and (3) 'guide' you as a newcomer to the world of baby/kids modeling. My problem with Flashcast is that they barely do those few things for you, if they do anything at all - and for $1500 I expected a lot more. In fact there are many casting sites I can enroll on myself, I can search for my own agent, and I can read the endless information on the web about how to get into the entertainment business all by myself and save $1500! To read more go here: http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/232/RipOff0232900.htm

This is an example of the fake auditions they post all over the web. The first thing that tips you off about this scam is when they say "Stable Parents! Financial stability is a must!". Hmm sounds like they want people who can pay them a lot of money!

Flashcast posts casting calls like this all over the web:

"All Ages, Sizes and Types! w/Fabulous Stable Parents! Financial stability is a must!

Modeling! TV Commercials! Films!

College Tuition!

Established Company, in biz OVER 20 YEARS in Los Angeles w/ impeccable references!

Pls email a regular snapshot ASAP to newfaces@fabulousflashcast.com 24 hours!

For more information on our one of a kind service, please go to www.fabulousflashcast.com

MEETING SELECTED NEW KIDS BY APPT. ONLY!

***FABULOUS FLASHCAST!***

(323) 969-9006...select option 1

Recent Projects the talent agents we work with have submitted on:

OLD NAVY, BABY GAP, OSH KOSH, BABYSTYLE, TARGET, DISNEY, ETC.

Location: Universal City Compensation: $582 (approx.) for SAG work, $125.00 per hour (approx.) for Print Modeling Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster. Please, no phone calls about this job! Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests."

If you have been scammed by Carl Carranza & Fabulous Flashcast you should contact Los Angeles Deputy City Attorney Mark Lambert at (213) 978-8070. He is currently building another case against these scam artists!

I don’t know about you but I love action films and I’ve always wondered what it’s like for actors like Jackie Chan (Rush Hour) and Matt Damon (The Bourne Ultimatum) who’ve starred in some of the most exciting films to hit the box office. I’ve always been even more curious to learn about the stunt doubles who’ve worked alongside them handling the more dangerous stunts – everything from jumping off of buildings to high speed car chases that end in a fiery crash.

Mark Bedell is a Star Search Casting member who’s seen the action firsthand! Mark Bedell, like many of our members is a multi-talented actor who has really worked hard to make a name for himself in the entertainment business. He has worked as an actor in nearly 20 projects, including roles on the popular soap opera Passions. In addition to his acting work, he’s worked as a stunt coordinator and stunt performer on more than 20 projects. Talk about an adrenaline rush!

While a career as a stunt person can be action-packed as well as lucrative, it’s important to point out that there are lots of dangers and risks involved. You may suffer from muscle strain, sprains, broken bones, concussions and other minor and sometimes major injuries. Serious injuries, in addition to being painful, can also lead to loss of current and future jobs.

If you still think you might enjoy a career as a stunt person, then it’s important that you develop a list of skills to help you land a job. Stunt people often have taken classes to learn a variety of skills and talents such as martial arts, horseback riding, fencing and scuba diving among other useful skills. Stunt people also often spend a great amount of time in the gym because it’s important that they remain in shape to help them deal with the challenges of the job, as well as ward off injury.

Even if you don’t think you’re cut out for the intensive demands of film and television stunts, it’s important that all actors and actresses stay in tip-top shape. While directors turn to stunt specialists for much of the stunt work done in films, you may still be required to throw a punch in a scene or engage in rigorous physical activity. Recently a friend of mine was required to perform a stunt in a pool in an independent film. He had a great time doing it, and was filled with pride once it was complete.

To learn more about the variety of jobs that are available to you in the entertainment industry, whether you’re interested in becoming a stunt person, or something a bit less risky, visit our auditions page at http://www.StarSearchCasting.com today and explore jobs that would be perfect for you.