12 posts tagged “talent search”

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.

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.

Do you have representation but still don’t feel like your career is taking off? Often aspiring singers, dancers, actors and models are so excited to sign with an agency, but then the experience leaves much to be desired. There are many reasons why clients are dismayed by their relationship with their agency. Perhaps they are not being sent on auditions frequently or at all. Maybe, especially if they signed with a smaller agency, they don’t feel as though they are getting the personal attention that they expected or were promised.

Are you unhappy with your agent, but you’re simply not sure if you should leave the agency? Ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you feel that your agent or manager has a strong knowledge of the business?
• Does your agent or manager have good relationships with casting directors, producers and directors? Or is your agent actively trying to develop these kinds of relationships?
• Does your agent send you out on auditions that you are well suited for?
• Does your agent believe in you?
• Is your agent or manager a skilled negotiator?
• Is your agent or manager trustworthy?
• Does your agent or manager make sure that you’re paid in a timely manner?

If you’ve answered no to several of these questions, then it’s probably time to start exploring other agencies. There’s nothing wrong with exploring your options if you’re unhappy with your representation, as long as you aren’t bound by contractual obligations. But it’s very important that no matter what, you try to leave your old agency without burning any bridges.

Before you do anything else, let your agent or manager know that you’re unhappy. Give him or her a chance to turn things around. Perhaps you somehow got lost in the shuffle and your agent just needed a nudge to give you the additional attention you deserve. If that doesn’t work and you’re still unhappy, be sure to tell your agent that you’re exploring other options before you begin contacting other agents. It’s a small world out there and you don’t want to be perceived by your old agent or a potential new agent as dishonest.

If in the end you part ways, it’s important to be as polite and respectful as possible. Don’t give your old agent any reason to say anything negative about you to others in the industry. Be sure to thank your old agent for the opportunity and any assistance they’ve given you.

If you’re looking for a new agent in your area, visit http://www.StarSearchCasting.com and click on our 'Talent Resources' page to view the tons of agents in our database. Good luck!

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.

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!