12 posts tagged “acting jobs”
If
you’ve ever followed the work of theater
directors, you may notice that they often work with many of the
same actors repeatedly. Whether you’re an actor, dancer, singer or
model, it’s important to remember that cultivating relationships
with decision makers in the entertainment
industry is paramount to career longevity. If a successful
director takes a liking to you, that could mean steady work for you
for years to come.
So how do you make an impression on a director to help solidify your position and success in the industry? Here are a few tips:
Try to memorize your lines before your first rehearsal. There’s no better way to blow a director away than by showing him or her that you’ve come prepared and ready to work.
Always be on time (and preferably early.) I know I always stress this and you probably think I sound like a broken record, but in the entertainment industry time is money and there’s no such thing as being fashionably late.
Come to rehearsal prepared to take notes. You can use a pencil to mark up your script or bring an extra notebook. Sometimes it’s difficult to remember all of the notes that the director will give, or changes in blocking, so make sure you write them down. And be sure to review these notes often so that they sink in.
Be courteous of the staff and crew during rehearsal. Unnecessary chatter can be frustrating and distracting to others in the theater, so when you’re not rehearsing one of your scenes, stay focused so you’ll be ready to tackle your scene when it’s your turn.
One of the last rules of thumb is to always take great care of your costume and your props. Most costume directors will require that you leave your costume at the theater, however sometimes actors become absent-minded and may take a costume or prop home with them accidentally. I once had a friend who not only took a part of his costume home (a Starbucks apron) but also promptly lost it. He spent the next day driving to various Starbucks locations trying to buy an apron from one of the baristas. While it may sound like a funny story now - trust me - it was no laughing matter.
Are you ready to use these tips to impress theater directors and ensure a long-lasting, and successful career on the stage? Visit http://StarSearchCasting.com today and check out our casting calls for theater auditions in your area and abroad. Good luck!
In 1992,
21-year old model
Kimberly Pandelios told her husband that she was meeting with a
photographer.
However the man who’d led her to believe he was a photographer was
actually a registered sex offender who lured Pandelios into the
Angeles National Forest where he sexually assaulted and killed her.
Kimberly was probably a lot like many young, aspiring models. She was beautiful, vibrant and eager to take on the world. She’d had some success modeling swimwear and lingerie when she’d discovered a model-wanted ad in a local weekly newspaper. She had hoped the opportunity would help her make some headway in her career. Instead, she met a tragic end.
Unfortunately, this story is not an uncommon one. And it doesn’t just happen to new models. Linda Sobek, a former Raiders cheerleader and Playboy model met a similar fate when she left her home to attend a photo shoot. In her case, the photographer who killed her was at the time a reputable photographer who had actually amassed a small fortune and some fame and who’s work had appeared in many automotive magazines.
We often discuss the growing number of Internet scams that constantly target aspiring models, but one Star Search Casting member recently discussed the importance of remaining aware of the dangers that face models in the real world as well. Every day people reach out to aspiring models on the street, in stores, or through newspaper or online classifieds with legitimate offers. However, there are also criminals who use these same methods to lure models with malicious intent.
To avoid becoming the victim of dangerous crime, always remember to:
Ask for references from photographers, agents or other industry professionals before agreeing to work with them.
Take a friend or family member with you to photo shoots and meetings with agents, photographers or other industry professionals, especially if you’ve not worked with them in the past and you have not secured the job through a reputable agency.
Be cautious of applying to blind ads in newspapers or online. If you choose to apply to these ads, be sure to thoroughly research the agency or photographer that you will be meeting with.
And last but not least, always go with your instincts. Intuition is one of the most powerful resources you have to protect you from dangerous situations. Therefore don’t get involved with a project or an agency if you have a bad feeling about it.
For more information on scams and crimes affecting aspiring models, singers, actors and dancers, log on to http://StarSearchCasting.com daily and review our entertainment industry Scam Watch.
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.
Previously we began talking about what you need to know to book a job with a new designer. For expert advice, we interviewed Ivory Narvell, founder of the Miss Spokesmodel International modeling competition and designer of ReignSuit, a new line of swimwear launching this year. Ivory Narvell has worked with lots of models, including Dani Evans from America’s Next Top Model and was more than happy to give our members and us the scoop on how they can grab the attention of new designers.
When we interviewed Ivory Narvell, she gave us so much great advice that we decided to create a list of the top tips Ivory shared with us during her interview. Check out these tips below. We’re sure they’ll be extremely helpful in your quest to land jobs modeling with new designers.
Top Tips from Ivory Narvell, fashion designer and runway coach:
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Always be on time – if not early. Time is money and no one likes to wait on a model.
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Know what you really want to do in this industry and where you fit in.
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Learn as many skills as you can. Even if you are considered too short for most agencies to hire you for a fashion show, perfect your runway walk anyway. You never know what opportunities may arise.
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Don’t get discouraged if you’re experiencing lots of rejection. Different designers want different things from models. You’ll get your shot.
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Know the ins and outs of the industry so that when a designer or agency approaches you about a job, you can discuss the opportunity intelligently. There are a lot of girls who have a great look but don’t get booked because they don’t appear to take the industry seriously.
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Even if you do not have a professional portfolio, make sure you have snap shots of yourself, preferably with no make up. Also have full body shots because designers will need to see your body type.
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When you’re taking your photos, always make sure there is proper lighting and never over-exaggerate when posing.
Special thanks to Ivory Narvell for sharing her expert advice with us. Ready to put Ivory’s advice to the test? Visit http://StarSearchCasting.com for casting calls from designers and agencies, plus a whole lot more!
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!
There are several types of fit models, including sample, duplicate and showroom models. A sample model works with designers specifically to help them adjust and fit garments that will be used in an upcoming fashion show, typically debuting a new collection. A duplicate model is used after the fashion show to readjust the garments so that they can be designed for the ready-to-wear collection that will appear in stores for consumers to purchase. Showroom models work with designers and manufactures to model the garments for department store buyers and help them determine if they should purchase the styles for their stores.
One of the most attractive aspects of working as a fit model is that most fit models’ bodies must be similar to the bodies of the manufacturer’s target consumer. Most consumers don’t have the same body type as the models that you see on the runway; therefore while a runway model may be a size 0 or 2, fit models are more likely to be a size 4, 6 or 8. Accordingly, plus-sized clothing manufacturers often hire fit models that are sizes 14 and up. Fit models typically must adhere to specified height, bust-waist-hip circumference, arm and leg length and shoulder width measurements as well. These specifications are usually outlined in the casting call.
As a fit model, you’ll get priceless experience in the fashion industry, an opportunity to work with notable and up-and-coming designers and clothing manufacturers, and sometimes you may even get free clothes. You’ll also get to provide your own personal opinion about the fit of the design to help the designers modify the clothes to satisfy consumers just like you. They’ll ask you your opinion on how the design fits, how the fabric feels and if you’re able to move comfortably in the garment.
If you’re interested in becoming a fit model, or you’re curious about other types of modeling jobs that you might be suited for, visit Elite Casting Network (www.EliteCastingNetwork.com) and review our casting notices.
Are you a really great actor, dancer, singer or model but you’re having a hard time landing jobs? Sometimes talent isn’t enough to seal the deal. If you’re consistently late for your appointments, or come across as being rude or arrogant, no matter how talented you are, you may be passed over time and time again.
Succeeding in the entertainment industry often hinges on the ability to win people over. You have to sell yourself as a performer who is not only talented, but who’s responsible, professional and courteous to others. Want to get cast? Then dedicate as much energy to winning over the casting director that you dedicate to your craft.
So, how do you go about winning over the casting director? Here are a few easy tips that are guaranteed to help you make a positive, lasting impression on the casting director, and help you standout as a talent they’ll want to work with and endorse:
- Submit professional photos that both look like you and reflect your personality.
- Bring extra copies of your headshot and resume to your audition in the event yours have been misplaced.
- Consistently show up for your auditions on time.
- Be polite and professional to everyone in the casting office.
- Dress professionally.
- Demonstrate that you’re well prepared for your audition.
- Be receptive to the casting director and take direction as it’s given.
- Thank the casting director for his or her time before you leave your audition.
And as a little something extra, send a thank you note to the casting director letting them know how much you appreciate them for the opportunity. You can even have note cards or postcards created with your photo on them.
The goal is to standout from all of the other actors, singers, dancers and models that the casting directors will meet with. Even if you don’t get the job, I guarantee that you will leave a lasting, positive impression and the casting director will remember you when other opportunities arise.
Ready to begin using these tips to ace your next audition? Visit http://www.StarSearchCasting.com today and check out the thousands of auditions we have posted on our website.
You recently auditioned for a role and the casting director was so impressed that they want to see you again! Congrats! Getting a callback is great validation for a performer. It means that out of the hundreds of people that the casting director initially auditioned, you were among a small few that really stood out.
While the casting director typically selects a handful of people out of hundreds that he or she thinks would be most suitable for lead and supporting roles – it’s rare that the casting director gets the final say. When you go to your callback, you’ll most likely audition in front of high powered decision makers such as network executives if you’re auditioning for a role on a television show, advertising executives if you’re auditioning for a commercial, or the director if you’re auditioning for a film. Additionally, you may even have more than one callback.
This is your shot to land the role, so make sure you take the opportunity seriously. In order to make the most of your callback:
- Arrive early and ask if there have been any changes to the script. Unfortunately actors can spend hours practicing material they’ve received in advance, only to get to an audition and learn that the material has been revised. If you arrive early, you give yourself an opportunity to prepare for issues like this.
- Don’t alter your look. You don’t have to wear the same thing you wore to the initial audition (though many people do), but you want to ensure the casting director remembers you, and that you reflect the same image that you did initially because based on the fact that you’ve been called back, that’s what the casting staff is looking for.
- Try to get a copy of the entire script so that you have a better understanding of who the character is.
- Be friendly, upbeat, positive and professional. If you’re auditioning in front of the director, he or she will not only be evaluating your talent, but also if you’re the type of performer they will want to work with for the duration of the project.
If you don’t land the job, take it all in stride. By securing a callback you’ve proved that you have something really special and others are sure to see it as you continue auditioning for other roles. Additionally, the influential industry executives who you auditioned for during your callback may be interested in calling you in for upcoming projects.
Curious how other performers have handled the pressure of callbacks? Log in to http://www.EliteCastingNetwork.com and connect with other members in our community forum.
Television and film producers have capitalized on the dance fever that has struck the nation. From shows like Dancing with the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance to movies like Step Up and How She Move, audiences everywhere are being swept up in the latest dance craze. Many of these shows and films are also encouraging more and more people to pursue dance as a career.
If you’ve watched any of the televised dance shows, then you know that training doesn’t automatically determine talent. Experienced dancers who’ve been training for more than a dozen years often share the stage with novice dancers who’ve learned their moves from watching music videos, or dancing in nightclubs. And sometimes when it’s time to make a decision, it’s the untrained dancer that moves on to the next round. Having passion, dedication and style can sometimes impress a judge even more than 12 years of advanced classes.
While the media is proving that lack of training doesn’t have to hold aspiring dancers back from pursuing their dreams, it is still important that all dancers begin taking classes. While proper technique isn’t a requirement for winning over judges, it is a requirement if you want to ward off injury.
Dance auditions require dancers to pick up choreography - which can sometimes be very complex - very quickly. If dancers haven’t grasped proper technique, strenuous auditions – and performances – can easily lead to injury. Choreography that may require jump landings or deep squats can lead to tendonitis and knee injuries. An improper turnout can lead to wear and tear on the hips. Poor posture can lead to successive back problems.
If you have a natural talent and you’ve decided to pursue dance as a career, begin taking classes as soon as possible. This is an exciting time for you and you don’t want to miss your big break due to an injury that could have been prevented by refining your technique.
For a list of dance studios in your area, visit http://www.EliteCastingNetwork.com and visit our 'Entertainment Resources' section.
Each year thousands of model searches and open calls are held online and all over the country. Model searches and open calls are some of the best ways to increase an aspiring model's chances of being discovered by a major agency. In addition to the possibility of landing a contract or deal, model searches are a great opportunity to make contacts, learn more about how the industry works, and win great prizes including cosmetics, clothing, and other really great perks.
If you've heard you have to go to New York in order to get signed to a prominent modeling agency - that's simply not true. Agencies are just as determined to find new faces as you are to get signed. In addition to model searches and open calls in even some of the smallest towns, many larger agencies work with scouts from Jacksonville, Florida to Tacoma, Washington to find their next big client.
As an aspiring model, it can be difficult to know which opportunities to take advantage of when trying to land an agent and launch your career. Model searches and open calls are extremely helpful to aspiring models because:
- Most model searches typically cost less than $50 to participate and most open are free - there are some exceptions.
- You can find model searches in your own hometown, or online which means you don't have to spend an arm and a leg on travel and accommodations.
- Model searches are a great opportunity to get feedback from industry professionals who can advise you on your strength and your weaknesses.
- You can get a better idea of what kind of work you're best suited for, ex. Runway, catalog, etc.
If you've been doing your homework then you know that Elite Model Management is the largest modeling agency in the world, representing more than 800 models from five continents. Models previously represented by Elite include Tyra Banks, Claudia Schiffer, Heidi Klum, and Gisele Bundchen. If Elite can help those models rise to fame, then imagine what they could do for you!
Well signing with Elite may just be easier than you think. Aspiring models often think that meeting with a large agency without dazzling photos is almost impossible, but that's not true at all. Did you know that at the Elite Model Management office in Chicago, they have an open call EVERY DAY at 3:30PM? Did you also know that professional photos are not required, no appointment is necessary and dress is casual? The only requirement is that girls are at least 5'7 and guys are at least 5'11 and it's suggested that you wear little or no makeup.
Isn't exciting to know that the opportunities are out there? For more information about opportunities available to aspiring models, visit http://www.EliteCastingNetwork.com and check out our 'Auditions' page.