Scam Alert: The Name Game

When we’re investigating recent scam activity, we often find that new scams are really just revised emails that are being circulated by the same scammers over and over, simply using a different name. Many parents are discovering that this same tactic is used by agencies offline as well. More and more parents are learning that companies who have been investigated for fraudulent activity are now changing the names of their companies to avoid detection. This tactic now requires parents who are researching reputable opportunities for their child actors, models, dancers and singers to dig even deeper to make sure that the agencies and industry professionals that they work with truly have their children’s best interest at heart.

StudioKidz was an agency in California that recruited children for acting jobs, often in stores such as Wal-Mart and Target. The agency was accused of charging exorbitant fees for classes and training. Later it was discovered that the agency didn’t have a license and therefore was never able to legally book acting jobs for any of their clients. When parents began to report the agency to consumer action agencies, the owners decided to change their name to TVKidz so that parents who looked them up online wouldn’t come across the large number of complaints that had been filed against them.

However, it wasn’t long before parents begin to discover that TVKidz was the same agency as StudioKidz, which prompted the owner to change the name of the company again to CommercialKidz. Additionally, she even changed her own name. A watchdog group who has been following the agency’s activities has now found information that suggests the owner may even have a previous criminal record.

So you see, you can never be too careful when it comes to researching agencies or industry professionals who have expressed an interest in you or your children. It’s unfortunate that there are so many individuals out there that lay in wait to take advantage of those new to the industry. However it’s important that instead of being discouraged, that we simply do our homework each and every time and stay focused on our goals.

Be sure to log in to http://www.EliteCastingNetwork.com each day to review our Scam Alert. We will continue to keep you posted on the latest scam information affecting the entertainment industry, as well as strategies you can use to make sure you don’t become a victim.

www.StarSearchCasting.com Is The Industry’s Leading Website For Talent Resources

Star Search Casting has been a leading casting website for 10 years, serving both casting and entertainment executives as well as singers, actors, dancers and models seeking opportunities in the industry. While Star Search Casting has developed a solid reputation for providing casting information for some of the industry's most popular television shows and feature films, the website is also a leader in providing the most comprehensive database of industry resources on the web. From agents and photographers, to production companies and dance schools, Star Search Casting provides all of the information an aspiring performer needs to get a head start in the industry.

Founded by Jonathan Parker, an experienced entertainment industry executive, Star Search Casting provides all of the essentials for getting started in the industry. "For many, pursuing a career in entertainment can be overwhelming because there's so much to learn," says Parker. "In addition to providing singers, dancers, actors and models with casting information, we also felt that it was important to give them access to everything from hair stylists to professional associations so that they have everything they need in one place to ensure a smooth transition into the industry."

For most, developing a career in the entertainment industry takes time. And aspiring performers interested in acting, modeling, singing and dancing will have to learn the ropes, and sometimes even get additional training, before they are ready for stardom. To help aspiring performers along the way, Star Search Casting guides them with critical information in their community forums, supplemented with comprehensive lists of contacts and resources organized for easy access.

"I wasn't introduced to modeling until I was in my early 20s, so when I decided that I wanted to pursue it as a profession, I felt like I had a lot of catching up to do," says Amy Reynolds, a Star Search Casting member. "However, at Star Search Casting I was not only able to find lots of modeling casting calls, but I was also able to get a list of photographers, agents, fashion stylists, makeup artists and even books which were all extremely helpful."

SSC is committed to ensuring that aspiring actors, dancers, models and singers have all of the tools they need to become successful in the entertainment industry. To learn more about how Star Search Casting helps its members make their mark on the competitive entertainment industry, visit http://www.StarSearchCasting.com today!

A Dancer’s Dilema: Should I Go To College?

While a career as a professional dancer is rewarding, it can also be extremely demanding. The toll that it can take on a dancer’s body can often lead to a short-lived professional career. Based on that fact, many dancers often struggle with the decision of whether they should go to college or immerse themselves in their career immediately after they graduate from high school in order to maximize the years their bodies are able to endure the physical stresses of the industry.

While most ballet dancers who have the potential to become professional dancers either join a company or a conservatory immediately after high school, dancers who pursue other types of dance including modern, hip hop, and lyrical have more flexibility in their decision. This decision is usually made after weighing the pros and cons and making a decision that’s best for the individual.

Some critics argue that the majority of college dance programs are not designed to train professional dancers, and that dancers benefit most from professional experience accompanied by studio classes. Others argue that a college degree helps dancers to prepare for post-dance careers, develop their level of maturity and learn many of the skills they will need to live in cities like New York, Los Angeles or Chicago where there are lots of opportunities for work.

If you’re a dancer and you’re struggling with whether or not college is right for you, ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you have other interests outside of dance that are equally important to you that can be nurtured by attending college?
• Do you have a desire to teach at the collegiate level as a post-dance career?
• Do you think college would be beneficial in helping you learn important life skills and lessons such as meeting deadlines and following through on projects before you head out into the real world?
• Is having a “backup plan” important to you?

If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, then college may be an important step in your journey. However, if you’re still not sure, you might also look into colleges that offer delayed enrollment, which would allow you to take the professional route for a year with the option of entering college the following year. Some dancers also try community college while pursuing their dance career in order to earn credits in a less demanding setting.

If you’d like to explore professional dance opportunities in your area, visit http://www.StarSearchCasting.com and check out some of our casting notices.

Star Search Member Spotlight: Melanie Tillbrook

While we pride ourselves on being a resource for aspiring entertainers, there are also lots of Star Search Casting members who have already achieved enormous success. I like to spotlight these members occasionally as a reminder to others of the opportunities that are available in the entertainment industry and how attainable success in this business can be.

Melanie Tillbrook is a Star Search Casting Silver member currently residing in Miami, Florida. Her page has been viewed nearly 60,000 times by casting directors, agents and other visitors. Melanie, like many other Star Search Casting members, has a number of interests and has pursued opportunities in music, dance, acting and modeling. She’s even currently working on developing her own independent music label, Fire House Entertainment.

Melanie has gained a tremendous amount of exposure through the numerous jobs that she has booked. She has appeared in a number of national publications including Maxim, Super Street Bike Magazine, and Sister 2 Sister in both editorials and advertisements. You also may have seen her in the music video for “I Won’t Tell” by Fat Joe and J. Holiday, on the cover of the calendar published by Muscle Mustang magazine, or on The Best Damn Sports Show or the Home Shopping Network. She’s developed an extensive resume, which includes experience in television, music videos, runway shows, calendars, commercials and more. Not only has Melanie pursued opportunities in music, acting, modeling and dance, she’s excelled at all of them! In fact, in addition to singing in the choir at Florida State University, she also studied both ballet and modern dance there and was a backup dancer for Snoop Dogg on the Projekt Revolution Tour. Pretty impressive, right?

In addition to her past accomplishments, Melanie has lots in store for her in 2008, including hosting a local Miami television show called Spread the Word TV. To her credit, Melanie has managed to juggle all of her success while simultaneously attending college to earn her degree in business. We want to congratulate Melanie on all of her achievements and wish her the best as she continues to excel in the entertainment industry!

If you’re inspired by Melanie Tillbrook’s success and are eager to pursue a career as an actor, dancer, singer or model, visit www.StarSearchCasting.com today to gain access to tons of opportunities that can help to propel your career. You can also browse profiles of other Star Search Casting members who are proving they have what it takes to make their mark on the entertainment industry!

How Editorial Work Pays Off

If you’re an aspiring model, you probably spend a great deal of time pouring over the pages of glossy magazines, admiring the models that grace the pages. You probably study their poses and their expressions and imagine that one day you too will be featured in some of the industry’s most popular fashion magazines modeling high fashion trends and the world’s most glamorous brands.

Editorial work for a model is one of the most surefire ways to get exposure in the modeling industry. Models who successively book editorial jobs, and appear in numerous magazines month after month are seen by industry executives and decision makers as rising stars. This signifies that not only do they have the look of the moment, but that art directors, photographers and fashion editors love to work with them. This can boost your career tremendously and open many doors. Magazines often set the standard for the rest of the industry which means that editorial work in fashion magazines often leads to runway shows, calls from major advertisers, catalog work and other major opportunities.

While editorial work can do wonders for your career, what you may not know is that it doesn’t pay particularly well. In fact, editorial work is one of the lowest paying jobs in the fashion industry. But this is a small price to pay, because as your popularity in magazines goes up, so does your rate and your demand for other types of jobs. Editorial work also helps you to build a phenomenal portfolio.

There’s one other thing you should be aware of. Remember when I said that lots of work in magazines lets others in the entertainment industry know that you have the “look of the moment?” Well while this is an exciting time, it won’t last long. Therefore it’s important to capitalize on it. If you aren’t noticing a lot of other opportunities arriving on your doorstep during this time, you may need to give your agent a nudge and urge him or her to get your work in front of industry players. If your agent plays it right, your next stop could be anything from a series of runway shows in Milan to an endorsement deal with a major cosmetics company.

Have you visited Star Search Casting this week to explore our modeling and print casting calls? Visit http://www.StarSearchCasting.com for opportunities for fitness, swimsuit, promotional, lingerie, hair and runway models and so much more!

Facing The Ugly Side Of Modeling

Recently we discovered a scammer who claimed to be from an agency called the 29^th Ave W Group. He said that he was recruiting models for an upcoming modeling competition. When we used Google to research the modeling competition and the agency, there were no websites to confirm the legitimacy of the agency or the competition. When we called the phone number he provided, it was an answering service that doubled as a fax, and made no mention of the agency or the competition. Lastly, while the scammer claimed to be from Washington D.C., we later learned that he was actually in Nigeria based on his IP address.

While we often use the Internet or other sources to investigate possible scams, sometimes we’re simply able to detect a scam based on our instincts. Perhaps the wording in the email seems suspicious. Or maybe the tone causes us to question the validity of the offer. But for many of us, our instincts can be our best defense in protecting us from both online and offline scams. That being said, it’s very important that we trust them.

Last year, the Better Business Bureau received 46 complaints from aspiring models and their parents who had been targeted by A New Concept Modeling and Acting Centre. While many of the victims later said that their instincts told them not to sign with the agency, they still allowed themselves to be pressured into the scam. Some of the allegations against the agency included:

• Charging models more than $2000 for headshots they never received
• High-pressure sales tactics
• Asking models to sign contracts and not providing them with copies of what they had signed
• Though the agency promised them work, the models didn’t receive any calls, auditions or jobs after investing thousands of dollars in the scam.

If you come across an email, newspaper ad, or even a talent scout in the mall and you get a “funny feeling” that something’s not right – don’t be so quick to dismiss it. Had many of the aspiring models targeted by A New Concept Modeling and Acting Centre relied on their instincts, they would have saved themselves a lot of money and a lot of heartache.

For more information about the latest scams and how to avoid them, log in to http://www.EliteCastingNetwork.com today and check out our Scam Watch.

Scam Watch: Trusting Your Instincts

Recently we discovered a scammer who claimed to be from an agency called the 29^th Ave W Group. He said that he was recruiting models for an upcoming modeling competition. When we used Google to research the modeling competition and the agency, there were no websites to confirm the legitimacy of the agency or the competition. When we called the phone number he provided, it was an answering service that doubled as a fax, and made no mention of the agency or the competition. Lastly, while the scammer claimed to be from Washington D.C., we later learned that he was actually in Nigeria based on his IP address.

While we often use the Internet or other sources to investigate possible scams, sometimes we’re simply able to detect a scam based on our instincts. Perhaps the wording in the email seems suspicious. Or maybe the tone causes us to question the validity of the offer. But for many of us, our instincts can be our best defense in protecting us from both online and offline scams. That being said, it’s very important that we trust them.

Last year, the Better Business Bureau received 46 complaints from aspiring models and their parents who had been targeted by A New Concept Modeling and Acting Centre. While many of the victims later said that their instincts told them not to sign with the agency, they still allowed themselves to be pressured into the scam. Some of the allegations against the agency included:

• Charging models more than $2000 for headshots they never received
• High-pressure sales tactics
• Asking models to sign contracts and not providing them with copies of what they had signed
• Though the agency promised them work, the models didn’t receive any calls, auditions or jobs after investing thousands of dollars in the scam.

If you come across an email, newspaper ad, or even a talent scout in the mall and you get a “funny feeling” that something’s not right – don’t be so quick to dismiss it. Had many of the aspiring models targeted by A New Concept Modeling and Acting Centre relied on their instincts, they would have saved themselves a lot of money and a lot of heartache.

For more information about the latest scams and how to avoid them, log in to http://www.EliteCastingNetwork.com today and check out our Scam Watch.

Star Search Casting Is The “Real” Deal!

Casting directors of leading reality television shows on major television networks use www.StarSearchCasting.com to discover new talent!

HOLLYWOOD – Star Search Casting, the industry’s leading casting website is helping its members capitalize on opportunities in reality television to get their shot at the spotlight. A popular resource for aspiring actors, dancers, singers and models for the last decade, Star Search Casting is now one of the premier casting portals where casting directors of today’s hottest reality shows post their casting notices and scout for new talent. Casting executives from MTV, CBS, A&E, TLC and NBC have all used the website to find cast members for today’s most popular reality television series.

Lauren Conrad, star of MTV’s Laguna Beach: The Real O.C. and The Hills, is one of the industry’s most prominent examples of how reality television can turn today’s girl next door into tomorrow’s cover girl. Star Search Casting is giving singers, dancers, actors and models the chance to see if the reality television formula can produce the same results for them. The website offers aspiring singers, dancers, models and actors a variety of reality programming options to audition for including appearing as the co-host of a new show starring Armando Montelongo of the popular home makeover show, Flip This House. Other current opportunities on the website include a new CBS reality television show similar to The Apprentice, as well as upcoming seasons of the Amazing Race, Survivor and Big Brother.

“In the entertainment industry, there are many paths to success,” says Jonathan Parker, entertainment executive and founder of Star Search Casting. “We make an effort to provide all of the tools, resources and opportunities that will help aspiring singers, dancers, actors and models showcase their talents and make their mark on the industry.

In addition to reality television programming, the website offers casting notices for major television shows, feature and independent film, modeling, theatre, and dance casting calls. The website also features casting notices for bands and solo artists hoping to land a career in the music business. Each day the website has thousands of roles available for aspiring actors, dancers, singers and models to browse and audition for.

When Elisabeth Hasselbeck appeared on Survivor, she probably never dreamed she’d go on to host The View and become a household name. As the popularity of reality television shows continue to grow, more and more entertainers pursuing careers in dancing, acting, modeling and singing will use reality television as a launching pad for bigger and better opportunities.

To learn more about the reality television casting opportunities currently available at Star Search Casting, visit http://www.StarSearchCasting.com.

Banking On Commercials

While television and film roles are exciting, commercials are great opportunities for actors as well. In fact, commercials can be extremely lucrative, especially if you’ve booked a major, highly recognizable brand such as McDonalds, Apple or Target.

Once you book a commercial, there are a number of fees that you must be paid. A session fee is the amount of money that you’re paid for the day or time that you work on the commercial. This amount is regulated by the unions (SAG, AFTRA, etc.) and varies based on your role in the commercial. You’ll also receive residual payments – this term is thrown around in the industry a lot. Every thirteen weeks that the commercial runs, you will receive a holding fee (or residual payment) equivalent to the session fee that you were originally paid. The idea of the holding fee originated when executives decided that they didn’t want actors in their commercials also appearing in competitors’ commercials. So by “holding” the actor with the holding fee, the actor in a Pizza Hut commercials could not simultaneously appear in a commercial for Dominos or Papa Johns.

Additionally, residual payments are also made based on how often the commercial runs during those thirteen-week periods. This is referred to as a use fee. The use fee is determined based on how often the commercial airs, the markets (or cities) that it runs in and on which networks it appears. If your commercial is apart of a large campaign and runs often on network and cable stations nationwide during peak hours, like primetime, this can mean a huge payoff for you. For one or two days of work, you could eventually make several thousand dollars.

Voiceovers for commercials for major brands alone can be a six-figure career. Often major brands choose one person to serve as the voice for all of their commercials. This is a major opportunity and the audition process can be lengthy. After your first audition, you may be required to tape demo commercials (which you’ll be paid for) just so the decision makers can be certain that your voice is the right fit to advertise their brand.

Want to make your big break in commercials? Visit http://www.EliteCastingNetwork.comcasting opportunities. today to search for television and commercial casting opportunities.

Labor Laws For Child And Teen Actors

If you’re the parent of a child or teen actor who has begun working on projects in the industry without the guidance of a talent agent or manager, it’s critical that you familiarize yourself with the child labor laws and regulations in your state. Not only is it important because it’s the law, but these regulations are put in place for the benefit of the child or teen and are great guidelines to follow.

States can regulate many aspects of a production when it comes to kids and teens working in the entertainment industry. Before your child walks on set, make sure you find out the answers to the following questions:

• What’s the maximum number of hours my child can work on set?
• Are the hours different for school and non-school days?
• How much light can/will my infant be exposed to?
• Is my child required to have a work permit?
• Is a studio teacher required to be on set?
• How much time does my child get for rest and recreation?
• Are there any exceptions?

There are always gray areas, loopholes and exceptions. For example, many regulations are determined based on the age of the actor. However while a seventeen year old student in California may only be allowed to work between certain hours, a seventeen year old who has graduated from high school is not subject to child labor laws and can work as an adult.

Whether your child has a manager or not, you are your child’s primary advocate. A production set can be a harried, hectic environment and if a director is running behind schedule he may not want your child to get their mandated break time. It’s up to you to put your foot down to make sure that your child has a healthy, balanced and enjoyable experience in the industry.

For more information about the ins and outs of the entertainment industry, stay tuned to Elite Casting Network. Visit http://www.EliteCastingNetwork.com today!

How Talent Agents Are Regulated

The entertainment industry can be tricky, especially if you’re new to the business. While a good agent can skyrocket you to superstardom, a bad agent can cause you a lot of angst and leave you back at square one. If you live in the state of California you should know that agents are regulated by the California Labor Code. This means that your agent must adhere to specific rules and regulations.

In the state of California, all agents must secure a license to do business. Additionally, the license must be posted in the agency in plain sight. This means that when you visit a potential agent, you should be able to see their license when you walk into their office. If you don’t see it, inquire about it. If they don’t have it available to show you, you probably don’t want that person to represent you.

When your agency receives a check from a job that you’ve completed, the agency is required by law to deposit those funds into a bank or other recognized depository and disburse your payment within 30 days. The only circumstances in which your agent can hold these funds are if you owe them money, or if the funds are being disputed by the Labor Commissioner.

We often hear about agencies that take advantage of aspiring entertainers who are trying to find their way in the business, often by charging them registration fees or making them schedule photo sessions with photographers who charge them lots of money for low quality photos. Did you know that it’s unlawful in California for a talent agency to collect a registration fee? So if you have a meeting with an agency and they require a financial contribution in order for you to be represented by them, you don’t want that person to represent you. It’s also illegal for an agent to refer a client to any individual or company from which the talent agency will benefit financially including photographers, managers or acting schools.

For more information about the ins and outs of the entertainment industry, stay tuned to Star Search Casting for informative, up-to-date information for aspiring singers, dancers, models and actors. Visit http://www.StarSearchCasting.com today!

What’s Your Role?

There are tons of Hollywood roles cast each day and each role falls into a different category. The way the role is categorized is based on how much exposure and how many lines the character will get. Additionally, the category of the role will also determine how much the actor is compensated. Let’s explore the various types of roles and how they differ.

Featured role

A featured role is a small speaking role. This is usually the role of the taxi driver, waitress, mailman, etc. who doesn’t have a substantial part in the plot and generally only has one or two lines and appears in one scene.

Guest-starring role

A guest-star generally appears on a television show for one or a few episodes and has a few lines. Often agents will try to negotiate that a featured role be listed as a guest-starring role, especially if the talent has appeared in other television shows or feature films.

Co-starring role

A co-starring role is more significant than a guest star, but doesn’t have the same weight of a starring role.

Supporting role

I bet you’re familiar with this term. A supporting role can range from one line to several lengthy scenes. Usually if the actor only has one line, they are designated as a supporting actor or actress based on their celebrity status or experience.

Recurring role

A recurring role is generally billed as a guest-starring role. However the term refers to an actor who is not a member of the cast but whose character appears for several episodes. This is a great opportunity for an actor, as many recurring roles have led to starring roles in the following season, or a starring role on a show on the same network.

Starring role

The starring role is the leading actor, or main character in a production. And I’m sure this is what you’re all aiming for!

To check out the roles being cast on Star Search Casting, visit the Auditions page at http://www.StarSearchCasting.com.

Scam Watch - Agency Ghost Inc.

We recently posted an email from a scammer who claimed to be a representative of a modeling agency called Agency Ghost Inc. Here are a few excepts from the email he's been distributing:

"I am Frederick N Dawson a representative of a modeling company situated in Bristol, United Kingdom. Your picture hads been selected for a billboard advertisment/and local advert here at heathrow airport.Your pictures had been accepted by the Agency Ghost Inc

You will receive a check payment for the contract.You will deduct 15% of the check payment for using your gorgeous pictures for billboard advert; and proceed to sending the balance over to your appointed Agent via western union Money Tranfer for Legal Documentation of the deal and "Comp card".This payment will also be used as "Sign up fee" with the agent

We awaiting to receive four picture of you.The photos required is basically for a Coca cola advertisment bill board at Heathrow airport in london..Let us know your decision ASAP."

There are several elements in this email that alerted members that this was a scam:

- It is highly unlikely, if not impossible, that an agency would use one of your personal photos for an advertising campaign - no matter how great you look in it.

- A reputable agency would not appoint you to send funds to a third party from your earnings.

- Reputable agents do not require sign up fees.

I bet you're really excited to get your career underway in 2008. Maybe you're determined to get an agent this year, or maybe you want to book your first gig. But whatever your goals are, be sure that you don't sacrifice good judgment in an effort to seize an opportunity that may not be authentic.

If you have questions this year about the validity of any of the emails that you receive, be sure to post them to the community forum so that you can get feedback from the Elite Casting Network staff and other members. Also be sure to log in everyday to your ECN account at http://www.EliteCastingNetwork.com and check out our Scam Watch to stay informed about the latest entertainment industry scams.

Kick Off The New Year With www.EliteCastingNetwork.com

www.EliteCastingNetwork.com Is Helping Members Kick Off The New Year With Hollywood Stars & Top Modeling Agencies.

HOLLYWOOD - Star Search Casting, the industry's leading casting website, is kicking the year off with opportunities to star in major motion pictures alongside some of Hollywood's biggest stars. In just the first week of 2008, casting directors have posted auditions for projects starring John Travolta, Ashton Kutcher, Nick Cannon and Joss Stone. With more than 2,000 casting opportunities listed on the website, today's aspiring dancers, singers, models and actors are well on their way toward stardom.

Star Search Casting is used by some of the industry's leading casting professionals to cast major roles in major motion pictures, network and cable television, music videos concert tours and other lucrative productions in the entertainment industry. For aspiring entertainers who are pursuing a career in acting, dancing, singing or modeling, SSC provides opportunities to audition and book premium industry jobs even without the help of a talent agent or manager. Star Search Casting not only provides actors, dancers, singers and models access to top notch roles, but also access to a talent consultant and tons of additional resources.

The possibilities are endless on www. StarSearchCasting.com. Each day SSC helps aspiring actors, dancers, singers and models get closer to reaching their dreams. Devika Lal of Las Vegas is signed with EMG Talent and recently wrote the website's staff to share her own success story just one week after signing up.

"Already I've received eleven modeling offers and three auditions for feature films. I will be traveling to Canada, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and shooting a fashion campaign for So Las Vegas magazine," says Lal. "I also received a response from Elite and Ford Modeling Agencies."

In addition to acting, singing, modeling and dancing opportunities, Elite Casting Network also advertises stage tech and crew positions, as well as equipment rental, property location and industry event information. The website has developed a reputation for providing a one-stop-shop for industry executives to post all of their production needs.

No other website caters to aspiring actors, dancers, singers, models, casting professionals and industry executives like Star Search Casting. For more information on life-changing roles and opportunities available visit http://www.EliteCastingNetwork.com today.

How To Tell Your Parents You Want To Be A Model

If you’ve decided that you want to be a model, but don’t think your parents will be thrilled – you’re not alone. It can be difficult to tell your parents that you want to pursue a career in the entertainment industry, especially if you think they’d rather you embark on a more traditional career path.

Here are a few tips for sharing your new dream with your parents and getting their support!

• Come up with a list of reasons why you’d make a great model. And don’t just focus on the physical. Height and a strong looks are great reasons, but a desire to travel, cultivate contacts in the fashion industry and be on the cutting edge of industry trends are good too. Really spend some time brainstorming and be creative!

• Research the industry so that you’ll be prepared to answer any questions your parents may have. It’s important that you’re able to discuss both the pros and the cons of the industry so that they know you’ve looked at your chosen career from every angle – not just the most glamorous aspects of it.

• Come up with a plan for how you intend to break into the industry to illustrate your ambition and initiative. For example, joining Star Search Casting is a great way to begin getting exposure and start regularly researching opportunities in fashion and entertainment. That shows genuine interest and dedication.

• Set up a day and time to talk to your parents and present the information to them professionally and maturely. And don’t do all of the talking. Be sure to give them an opportunity to voice their concerns and ask questions. Don’t worry! By being prepared, you can help to steer them away from any negative perceptions they may have about the industry, or your chosen career path.

Ready to explore some really great casting opportunities for models? Visit http://www.StarSearchCasting.com. By making a list of all of the opportunities you find that would be perfect for you will also show your parents that you have a really great chance at succeeding in the industry!

How To Protect Yourself And Your Ideas

Many actors have gone on to have successful careers as writers, producers and directors as well. It’s almost a natural progression in the industry. Matt Damon and Ben Affleck even won an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for Good Will Hunting, a script they wrote together.

If you’re an actor and you’ve decided to also try your hand at screenwriting – congratulations! It’s a big undertaking and I wish you the best of luck. More importantly, I want to encourage you to make sure your ideas and your drafts are protected. Often novice screenwriters will share their ideas with others to get feedback, which is a great idea and essential to producing well-written project. However, whether you have a treatment or a fully evolved script, it’s important to have your work copyrighted and registered with the Writers Guild of America before you share your ideas, or your script with anyone.

Recently a Elite Casting Network member interested in pitching a television show to a major network posted his idea to the forum to get feedback from other members. Ideas, concepts, treatments and scripts that haven’t been registered – especially if they’re good ones – are extremely vulnerable. You never know when someone may decide to take your idea and pass it off as their own. And unfortunately, this does happen in the industry.

Each year the Writers Guild of America registers more than 55,000 pieces of literary material. In the event that someone tries to pass your idea off as their own, having your material copyrighted and registered serves as legal evidence that the idea is yours and can be used to pursue the matter in a court of law. You do not have to be a member of the Writers Guild of America to have your work registered.

To register your work with the Writers Guild of America, visit www.wgawregistry.org. To copyright your work with the United States Copyright Office visit www.copyright.gov.

Once you’ve protected your work, visit http://www.EliteCastingNetwork.com and get feedback from other members on your project.

How To Cry On Cue

You’ve landed a great dramatic role, but you have to cry on camera. What do you do? If you have trouble crying on cue, that doesn’t mean you’re not a great dramatic actor or actress. Trust me, some of your favorite celebrities who have been in the business for years still have trouble getting the tears to fall.

Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your big dramatic moment. Try a few of these and you’ll be sobbing in no time:

• Think back to a sorrowful time in your life. For some actors, simply finding a powerful impulse for crying works like a charm.

• Open your eyes wide and resist the temptation to blink. Exposing your eyes to the air using this tactic can help your eyes begin to water.

• Cut up onions or wave the fumes from eucalyptus oil near your eyes just before your scene.

• Use eye drops.

• Is there a scene in a movie that gets you every time? Bring your IPod or portable DVD player and watch a sad scene right before your big performance.

• Study other scenes where actors have cried convincingly on camera. By mimicking their body language, facial expressions, and vocal cues, it may help you to get the tears flowing when you need them to.

Be sure to practice these methods before your performance in front of a mirror to make sure you appear authentic. If you’re still unable to cry, try the scene a different way. Instead, have the character attempt to fight back tears, which can be equally compelling onscreen.

For a list of dramatic roles currently being cast, visit http://www.EliteCastingNetwork.com today!

The Cutting Room Floor

You’ve auditioned for 20 roles and you’ve finally booked one! Hooray! You show up on set to shoot your scene and when the project is released, you gather all of your friends together to watch your Hollywood debut. But wait a minute! The television episode or film comes to an end and your scene is missing. What happened? Oh no! You may have been a victim of the cutting room floor.

This happens more often than you may think. The cutting room floor is a term that refers to where footage ends up when the director and editor decide not to use it in the final edited version. (These days all editing is done using computers, so the footage doesn’t actually end up “on the floor” anymore – but you get the idea.) Many new actors who experience this are often devastated. It can be a huge letdown to have worked so hard to finally book your first role and then not have it immortalized on screen. But don’t let it get you down. Just because your scene wasn’t included doesn’t mean that the director didn’t like your performance. The project may have been running long requiring some scenes to be cut to fit within time constraints. And sometimes once all of the scenes are shot, the director may decide that some scenes are no longer as relevant to the story.

Even though your scene may have been cut, there’s still a lot that to be happy about. First off, you booked a role and not only are you now a working actor but I’m sure you probably met a lot of really great people in the process. Secondly, these days when most films are released on DVD, footage that was not included in the final edited version is often available to watch in the Extras section. So you can still see your performance and you can still use the footage on your reel!

Most experienced working actors don’t get upset if their scene gets cut. They know that it’s part of the business and they know it’s only a matter of time before they book another role. So are you ready to book your next job? Of course you are! Visit http://www.StarSearchCasting.com today and check out our casting notices. I bet there’s a role of a lifetime out there with your name on it!

Scam Watch – Spotting Bad Business, Rip Offs, Scams & Frauds

These days aspiring models must be especially diligent when considering opportunities in the fashion and entertainment industries. Models all over the world come across tons of emails, newspaper ads, and industry professionals who make all kinds of promises on a daily basis. Eventually it can become extremely overwhelming and difficult to determine which opportunities would be beneficial to one’s career and which ones should be avoided.

There are three circumstances models must try to avoid at all costs: bad business, rip offs and scams. Let me explain the difference:

BAD BUSINESS

While it would be ideal if all agents, photographers, stylists, makeup artists and designers were top-notch professionals with a vast knowledge of the industry and a solid track record – unfortunately that’s simply not the case. You will be approached by many professionals in the industry who are inexperienced, or who simply don’t have the talent or aptitude required to help you achieve your career goals. For example, an agent who negotiates a bad deal for a client may not necessarily be trying to rip off his or her client. Sometimes it’s simply a case of an inexperienced agent who doesn’t have a good grasp of the industry. Regardless, it’s bad business. And bad business can be bad news for a model’s career. To avoid being the victim of bad business, be sure to ask for several referrals before signing contracts or paying hefty sums of money.

RIP OFFS

There are a lot of people in the industry who will try to take advantage of you, especially if you’re unfamiliar with how things are done in the industry. Have you heard of photographers who charge enormous amounts of money for horrible photos or agencies that require money up front? These are some of the rip offs that models must be aware of. What’s unfortunate is that many of these scenarios are not necessarily illegal. Therefore once you’ve figured out that you’ve been ripped off, you may not have any recourse for legal action. To avoid rip offs, be sure to check with consumer protection agencies like the Better Business Bureau to find out which businesses and agencies are reputable with no records of complaints.

SCAMS

Scams, including the counterfeit check scams that we’ve discussed recently, are not only illegal, but they can be very dangerous. Scammers are relentless when it comes to luring models, actors, dancers and singers. We uncovered a scam based in Nigeria back in August. The scammer claimed to be affiliated with Essential magazine, which was completely false. We’ve recently discovered that the same scammer is still using the same methods and aliases to target new victims. To avoid scams, do not give your personal information to anyone whose identity you’ve not verified.

For more information on the latest scams, rip offs and bad business practices, log in to www.EliteCastingNetwork.com.

Casting Directors Are Thrilled With The Talent Discovered On www.StarSearchCasting.com

In 2007 casting directors and agents contacted Star Search Casting members more than 400,000 times. They are discovering new actors, models, dancers and singers every day and they are thrilled with the talent they’ve found!

HOLLYWOOD – Star Search Casting has one of the largest databases of new talent on the Internet, making it an ideal source for casting directors, talent scouts and other industry professionals in search of new singers, dancers, actors and models. With over 245,000 members located worldwide, casting directors are discovering the best new talent in every region for some of the industry’s most exciting upcoming projects.

When Shelli Misoyianis began the casting process for the film Afflicted Hearts, she turned to Star Search Casting to find a cast that would bring life to her heartwarming script. She posted her casting call on the website and was blown away by the results. “I have gotten a TREMENDOUS response to my casting call for Afflicted Hearts,” said Misoyianis. “I want to thank Star Search Casting for putting me in contact with SOOOOO many great people.”

Star Search Casting doesn’t just help casting directors find the best singers, actors, dancers and models for their projects. The website also caters to the specific needs of casting directors and the demands of the industry, thus facilitating an easy, efficient online talent search which is especially critical in the fast-paced, frenzied entertainment industry. Founded by entertainment industry executive Jonathan Parker, Star Search Casting understands the needs of industry professionals firsthand and ensures a world class experience for all entertainment industry professionals who use the website.

Star Search Casting is FREE TO USE for industry professionals. The website’s advanced technology allows casting professionals to save dozens, even hundreds of talent profiles in a customized folder and with one click, send an email to every actor, dancer, singer or model they’ve saved in their folder. Additionally, the Talent Search tool allows casting professionals to fine tune their selection, and get prospects who are perfect for the role they’re casting by allowing them to search by multiple attributes. Casting professionals are consistently impressed with how diverse the Star Search Casting talent database is. They know that whether they are looking for actors, models, musicians, vocalists, specialty acts, dancers or extras, they are sure to find the perfect aspiring performer for the job.

Casting directors and other industry professionals interested in posting a new Casting Calls, or searching for the next big star will be thrilled with how easy their job can be when they use Star Search Casting. For more information visit http://www.StarSearchCasting.com today and let the website speak for itself!

Independent Or Major Label? Which One Is Best For You? Pt 2

Yesterday we began discussing the differences between deals with major labels and independent labels. Many solo artists and bands will have to spend some time carefully considering their goals and their priorities in order to make an informed decision on which type of label is best for them. Here are a few other issues to consider when deciding whether you’d like to sign with an independent label or a major label.

Ownership of your music

Ownership is one of the primary determining factors that contribute to a solo artist or band’s decision to sign with a major or independent record label. When signing with a major label, the label generally retains ownership of the masters in exchange for financing the expenses associated with producing the album. Some independent labels however allow artists to maintain ownership of their masters.

Advertising and marketing your music

Independent labels often don’t have very large budgets for advertising and marketing, which means that you’ll need to work diligently to promote your album yourself, outside of the label’s efforts. Lack of advertising and marketing resources can be a huge barrier to revenue when signing to an independent label.

Tracking your record sales

While major labels will send you an accounting statement approximately twice a year to track your record sales, many independent labels allow artists to track sales in real time. This can be extremely helpful for a band that is heavily involved in their marketing and promotional campaign as they can gauge which marketing strategies have the biggest impact, quickly and easily.

In the end, signing with a major label means an opportunity to get your music out to a larger consumer-base, quickly. While signing with an independent label means you’ll probably have to settle for a smaller fan-base initially, with fewer sales, but you’ll maintain more control over your music.

Before you begin submitting your package to any label, make sure you call or email them to make sure that: 1) they accept unsolicited demos; 2) they are interested in your style of music; and 3) that you have the correct mailing address for their A&R department.

Visit www.StarSearchCasting.com and check out our Entertainment Resources section for record labels, distributors, producers, studios and more!

Independent Or Major Label? Which One Is Best For You? Pt I

It's a brand new year and you're ready to grab the attention of a record label and skyrocket your music career to platinum status. You've been working really hard and you've now put together your cover letter, demo CD, bio and an 8x10 photo of yourself in an attractive package. But which record labels should you send your package to?

There are a lot of options and a lot of labels. It's important that you decide what's important to you as an artist before you submit your package to labels. The priorities and goals that you establish for yourself will shape your decision in choosing to go after a deal with a major label or an independent label. Let me explain why

Getting the attention you deserve

As a new artist, it may be important to you to have someone hold your hand through the process to help you get acclimated in the industry. If this is a priority for you, a major label may not be the best way to go. Major labels often have so many artists that not only is it unlikely that you'll get personalized attention, but your project may get pushed to the back burner to focus on more established artists on the label. Independent labels often have smaller artist rosters, which means you get more attention and are less likely to be overshadowed by a more established act.

Distributing your music

If it's always been your dream to buy a copy of your first album at the Virgin Megastore on Sunset Boulevard or in Times Square, then you probably don't want to sign with an indie label. Major labels are more likely to get your music in major stores across the country, which can potentially mean more record sales if marketed properly. Independent labels however have a much smaller sphere of influence when it comes to distribution. Your music will probably end up in smaller stores, scattered throughout the country, or be sold predominantly online.

Royalties

Independent labels are often more flexible, and generous when it comes to royalties. Choosing to sign with an indie label can mean the difference between getting 50% of your royalties as opposed to 10-15%. At a major label, new artists don't have much leverage to negotiate these figures, as generally only 10% of new artists actually generate a profit on a major label. On the flipside, while an independent label may give you a higher percentage of royalties, they also tend to give away a lot of music as a marketing strategy - and as the artist you will not get royalties on these copies.

It may sound like a tricky business, but give it some thought and I'm sure you'll figure out which type of record label best fits your goals and priorities. Stay tuned for tomorrow's blog, when I discuss a few more of the pros and cons of both independent and major record labels. In the meantime, check out some of the record labels we have listed in the Talent Resources section of our site and look at the casting calls we have posted for singers, musicians, & bands at www.EliteCastingNetwork.com.

LEARN TO TALK LIKE A MODEL: Terms an Aspiring Model Should Know

Regardless of what career you pursue, it's very important that you familiarize yourself with that particular industry. Most industries use specific terminology in everyday business transactions that others outside of the business are unfamiliar with. If you're new to modeling, it's very likely that during a meeting with an agent, or your first day on the set of a photo shoot, you may hear words that you've never heard before. So let's get you up to speed with some of the terms that are commonly used in the modeling industry.

Day Rate
Your day rate is the amount of money you'll earn for a full day of work. The amount will depend on a number of things including your experience, popularity and the caliber of the client.

Editorial
Editorial work is any work that will appear in a magazine outside of advertising, such as photos accompanying a story about fashion or even relationships, as well as editorial spreads which are usually several pages long and showcase the latest fashion trends and designs.

P&G Child
This is an abbreviation for Proctor and Gamble child. Proctor and Gamble manufactures popular American brands such as Charmin, Luvs and Puffs. Over the years P&G child has become a generic term to refer to a child with an adorable, all-American look.

Resort Wear
A line of clothing that appears between fall and spring collections. The line is usually casual, and relaxed and can be worn in warm weather climates. Ralph Lauren's Blue Label is an example of a resort collection.

Tear Sheets
These are pages from a magazine, newspaper or other periodical that a model has appeared in. Models remove (or tear) these pages from the publications and include them in their portfolio.

Have you checked out the casting section of our website for new modeling jobs? Visit www.StarSearchCasting.com today!