11 posts tagged “entertainment industry”
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!
If you’ve been checking out our casting calls then you know that there are a variety of jobs out there available to aspiring actors and actresses. If you’re considering breaking into the entertainment industry,
and you’re athletic, adventurous and you’re looking for a bit of
excitement, then a career as a stunt person might just be the job for
you!
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.
Elite Casting Network posts casting calls daily for a variety of modeling jobs.
Whether you’re interested in runway, catalog or swimwear modeling,
there’s something for everyone on our website. One of our most recent casting calls was for fit (also referred to as garment fitting) models. Fit models are critical to the fashion industry. They work with manufacturers and fashion designers
so that the clothing companies can fit their designs to human frames.
Have you ever put on a pair of jeans and they fit perfectly? There was
probably a fit model with a body type similar to yours that helped the
designer tailor the jeans for you and others like you! 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.
Not everyone who professes to be an acting coach is actually qualified to teach you to become a better actor or actress. Therefore it’s important that before you pay for acting classes that you interview your acting coach
to determine that they are: 1) trained and experienced and 2) capable
of and excited about helping you reach your personal performance goals.
A great acting coach will not only help you become the phenomenal actor or actress that you’d always dreamed of being, but also help guide you as you navigate the early stages of your acting career.
Once you’ve generated a list of acting coaches in your area, determine if they have a website. You may find much of the information you need to make a decision based on details provided on their webpage. If not, give them a call and be sure you ask the following:
- Do you have a list of your credentials?
- Can I sit in on one of our classes for free before I make my decision?
- How many students do you instruct in each class?
- Have any of your former students landed major theatre, television or film roles?
- Do you offer private instruction?
- Do you offer a refund policy if I’m unable to attend the remainder of my sessions due to unforeseen circumstances?
It’s very important that you get a list of your teacher’s credentials. There are many teachers who have worked in the industry and have many years of experience, but they don’t necessarily have formal training.
Additionally, many actors find that they get far more out of classes when the teacher limits the size of the classes. While private instruction on a regular basis isn’t necessary, it can be beneficial to have the option of private instruction in cases where you need to work one on one with your teacher or coach to prepare for an important audition, or work on material before your first day on set for a big role.
Elite Casting Network offers an extensive list of acting coaches and teachers on our website. You can also visit our community forum and ask other members for recommendations and referrals. Visit us today at http://www.EliteCastingNetwork.com.
www.StarSearchCasting.com is quickly becoming the leading website casting directors use to scout talent for commercials across the United States.
HOLLYWOOD – An increasing number of casting directors are using Star Search Casting (www.StarSearchCasting.com) to cast commercials for leading brands across the United States. Commercial casting directors find thousands of fresh faces and new talent each year on the website perfect for playing enthusiastic, likeable characters that advertising executives think will most effectively represent and sell their brands. Whether searching for actors, dancers, singers or models for commercials, casting directors know that Star Search Casting members have the look and the talent to engage audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
Star Search Casting has been the leading casting website for a decade. Casting directors and other entertainment industry professionals consistently use Star Search Casting to scout dancers, actors, singers and models for film, television, theater, music videos, commercials and many other types of productions. Casting directors have discovered thousands of energetic and expressive actors, dancers, singers and models for major motion pictures, network television shows and other major projects.
“Star Search Casting members have booked tons of commercials through our website,” says Jonathan Parker, founder and CEO of Star Search Casting. “There are thousands of commercials produced each year, so the market for commercials offers actors, dancers, singers and models lots of opportunities.”
Star Search Casting has provided numerous opportunities for actors, singers, dancers and models to audition for commercials for major consumer brands such as Nintendo as well as popular regional business like TZ Family Food and Fun. The website offers both union and non-union roles and the commercials posted on the site offer great opportunities for talent with all-American looks as well as unique and quirky looks. There’s no website with more casting notices for talent of all ethnicities, body types and levels of experience.
Star Search Casting has thousands of current casting notices online daily perfect for aspiring entertainers who think they’ve got what it takes to take the industry by storm. Actors, dancers, singers and models interested in auditioning for commercials, or other types of productions, can log on to http://www.StarSearchCasting.com to submit their headshots, full body photos and resumes today.
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.
Chris Crocker scored more than 8 million web hits and exposure on some of the most popular television shows when he posted a dramatic video on You Tube begging the media and the public to, “Leave Britney [Spears] alone” just after her much talked about performance on the MTV Video Music Awards. Whether his rant left you intrigued or simply annoyed, the attention he got landed him what most actors would give their left arms for – his own television show. Crocker, admittedly an aspiring actor, signed a contract with Blue Productions to appear in his own reality show. The actor had been posting videos to the web for six months and he’d begun developing a substantial fan base. In addition to the famous rant that helped him secure a television deal, his You Tube page included more than 60 additional performance pieces.
Even the Ford Modeling Agency is turning to the web to generate more exposure for their agency and their models. The agency has produced more than 1,000 videos for the web featuring their models during photo shoots, backstage at fashion shows, and even at the gym. You can view these videos on the web, including on You Tube. Some videos have garnered more than one million hits.
Did you know that with a Platinum or Diamond membership on www.StarSearchCasting.com, you can post video files to your profile? Chris Crocker – though a bit quirky – and the Ford Modeling Agency are great examples of how you can use the internet effectively to generate valuable exposure. Whether you have a video from a previous staged performance, or you’ve recently self-recorded an audition piece, adding a video to your Star Search Casting profile is a great way to showcase your talent to casting directors and other industry executives and show them that you really do have what it takes. A picture’s worth a thousand words, but a video clip seals the deal! Just ask Chris Crocker!
To upgrade your membership so that you can add video clips to your page, visit http://www.StarSearchCasting.com and click on ‘Membership Levels.’ Remember, before posting any original material to our site, or any other site, make sure you’ve gone to the proper channels to have your work registered and copy written.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.If one of your New Year’s resolutions was to become a better singer then you may be considering taking voice lessons this year. Training is a very important part of seriously pursuing a career in the entertainment industry, so when you’re searching for a teacher or coach, you want to make sure that you are working with a top notch professional that will really help you take your talent to the next level.
Finding a teacher or a coach is no different than purchasing a car, or making a huge financial decision. You want to be sure that you do your homework, as well as ask lots of questions to be sure you’ll be happy with your choice.
If you’re looking for a vocal coach or singing teacher, here are a few questions you may want to ask:
- What formal education and/or training do you have?
- How long have you been singing? How long have you been teaching?
- What’s your vocal range?
- What styles are you most familiar with? (Ex. musical theater, jazz, pop, opera…)
- Have you received any awards or commendations?
- What’s the age range of your students?
- Are you a member of any professional organizations such as the National Association of Teachers of Singing or the Voice and Speech Trainers Association?
- What are your primary areas of instruction? (Ex. singing technique, performance coaching…)
- Where are your lessons held? (Ex. in a studio, in the home…)
- What’s the cost of each session?
- Do you have a list of references?
You should also meet with the prospective teacher to be sure that you would be comfortable with him or her. Additionally, you should ask them to sing for you, which will also aid you in your decision.
Another great way to find a teacher is by asking friends and trusted sources for references. Visit http://www.StarSearchCasting.com and check out some of the vocal coaches we have listed on our site. You can also post a request for references in our community forum. Happy hunting!
My Groups
-
J-Pop ♥ers Updated: A moment ago
-
The Beautiful People Updated: 4 hours ago
-
Reviewing Entertainment Updated: 7 hours ago
Neighborhood
Explore friends, family, friends & family, or entire neighborhood.
