www.StarSearchCasting.com Delivers The Latest In Entertainment News & Gossip

HOLLYWOOD – Want to know what’s the latest episode in the Britney Spears saga, or how the Oscars faired in the television ratings game? From Lindsay Lohan to George Clooney, Star Search Casting has the scoop! While actors, dancers, singers and models log in to Star Search Casting to browse the most current casting notices, they also check out the website each day for the latest in entertainment news.

Star Search Casting (http://www.StarSearchCasting.com) has been the leading casting website for more than a decade and provides a comprehensive database of resources for aspiring dancers, actors, models and singers eager to break into the entertainment industry. In addition to being the industry’s #1 website for resources and tools for new and experienced performers, it’s also a great source for members who like to stay up to date on television ratings, award show winners, box office news and the latest on Hollywood stars.

“Everyday our website offers new casting notices that actors, dancers, models and singers at any stage of their career can take advantage of,” says Jonathan Parker, founder and CEO of Star Search Casting. “However, one of the reasons that people decide to explore careers in the entertainment industry is because it fascinates them. Therefore we make sure we satisfy our members’ cravings for both exciting job opportunities as well as hot entertainment industry gossip and compelling entertainment news stories.”

Each day Star Search Casting posts current entertainment news to its members’ delight. Star Search Casting is the only website where actors, models, singers and dancers can look for jobs in the entertainment industry as well as check out a full list of Oscar winners or see how Tina Fey (30 Rock) feels about Hillary Clinton. From one of the largest databases of agents and managers to music reviews of the latest pop stars, Star Search Casting has something for everyone.

For aspiring and experienced actors, dancers, singers and models who want to take advantage of this dynamic website and all it has to offer, membership is both easy and affordable. Just visit www.StarSearchCasting.comand click on the ‘Membership Levels’ link to join. New members who sign up for an annual Diamond membership will also receive a one-year Diamond membership at Elite Casting Network, another leading casting website.

For the leading website for casting notices, talent resources and entertainment news and gossip, visit Star Search Casting (www.StarSearchCasting.com) today!

A PERFECT FIT: Working as a fit model in the fashion industry

Often when dance auditions are posted, the casting notice will include a list of requirements. Requirements may be related to age or height and often you’ll have to know a particular style of dance like tap or hip-hop. One of the most common requirements included in dance casting notices is that the dancers must be able to pick up choreography quickly.

Dancers who are able to pick up choreography quickly are most likely to be hired for jobs. Directors and choreographers prefer to save time (and money) by working with dancers who are fast learners. Both new and experienced dancers often struggle with choreography, so if this is a problem for you, don’t feel that you’re alone.

Here are a few tips that dancers often use to help them overcome this common problem:

-Visualize yourself performing the movements as the choreographer runs through them. Repetition is the key to learning new moves, and doing them in your head repeatedly can be just as effective as physically performing the routine over and over again.

-Give each step a name. Creating a name for each move often helps dancers remember the steps more easily as well as anticipate the next move as they’re going through a routine.

-Imitate the choreographer using small movements as he or she goes through the routine. By imitating the movements as soon as you are shown the steps, you begin acclimating your body to the moves, which can also help you remember them better when it’s time to perform them.

-Pay close attention to how the choreography relates to the music. If the choreographer inserts a jump at a point in the song when the singer sings, “jump back” or something similar, those keywords can be a big help.

Lots of dancers create their own techniques for helping them pick up choreography. By talking with other dancers, as well as teachers and choreographers, you can find out lots of creative ways to help you learn choreography more quickly as well as become a better dancer overall.

To discuss techniques with other Star Search Casting members who are pursuing careers in the field of dance, log on to http://www.StarSearchCasting.com. Our community forum is a great place to trade tips and get great insights into the industry. Don’t forget to check out our auditions for upcoming dance opportunities near you.

Step It Up: How To Pick Up Choreography Quickly

Often when dance auditions are posted, the casting notice will include a list of requirements. Requirements may be related to age or height and often you’ll have to know a particular style of dance like tap or hip-hop. One of the most common requirements included in dance casting notices is that the dancers must be able to pick up choreography quickly.

Dancers who are able to pick up choreography quickly are most likely to be hired for jobs. Directors and choreographers prefer to save time (and money) by working with dancers who are fast learners. Both new and experienced dancers often struggle with choreography, so if this is a problem for you, don’t feel that you’re alone.

Here are a few tips that dancers often use to help them overcome this common problem:

-Visualize yourself performing the movements as the choreographer runs through them. Repetition is the key to learning new moves, and doing them in your head repeatedly can be just as effective as physically performing the routine over and over again.

-Give each step a name. Creating a name for each move often helps dancers remember the steps more easily as well as anticipate the next move as they’re going through a routine.

-Imitate the choreographer using small movements as he or she goes through the routine. By imitating the movements as soon as you are shown the steps, you begin acclimating your body to the moves, which can also help you remember them better when it’s time to perform them.

-Pay close attention to how the choreography relates to the music. If the choreographer inserts a jump at a point in the song when the singer sings, “jump back” or something similar, those keywords can be a big help.

Lots of dancers create their own techniques for helping them pick up choreography. By talking with other dancers, as well as teachers and choreographers, you can find out lots of creative ways to help you learn choreography more quickly as well as become a better dancer overall.

To discuss techniques with other Star Search Casting members who are pursuing careers in the field of dance, log on to http://www.StarSearchCasting.com. Our community forum is a great place to trade tips and get great insights into the industry. Don’t forget to check out our auditions for upcoming dance opportunities near you.

Interviewing A Potential Acting Coach

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.

Putting Yourself In The Character’s Shoes… Literally

If there was such a thing as an actor’s toolkit, what do you think would be in it? Of course all actors need a headshot and resume. A Star Search Casting membership is another essential item that every actor should also have. Some might say that every actor should prepare and have committed to memory a song that they can sing well to audition for roles that require both acting and singing. And for actors who are interested in musical theater and audition frequently, a pair of character shoes is a must.

When auditioning for musical theater, many casting notices specify that actors must bring character shoes for their audition. Character shoes are named for their use in theater because they are worn when actresses and actors are performing “in character.” They look very similar to tap shoes, and some actually can be ordered with taps. Character shoes typically come in tan or black, with leather soles, and are designed for rigorous movement and dancing for long periods of time. Directors and casting professionals also prefer character shoes for actors because they provide a sense of uniformity. Character shoes, especially for men, may also be referred to as jazz shoes.

If you’re purchasing a pair of character shoes for the first time, here are a few tips you may find useful:

- Although character shoes are sold widely online, you may consider visiting a retail establishment to try on a few pairs to determine which style you prefer. You can then comparison shop for the same brand and style online.

- Character shoes for women are made with varying heel heights. Be sure to pick a height that you’ll be comfortable with.

- Break your character shoes in by wearing them around the house.

- Wipe the bottoms of your character shoes (if worn outside) before dancing on wooden floors

Character shoes are available at a variety of price points and can range from $30 - $130. One of the most popular brands of character shoes is Capezio, however there are lots of consumer reviews online that can also help you decide which brand would be best for you.

Feel free to discuss brands, prices and the best retail stores and websites to purchase character shoes on our community forum. Log on to http://www.StarSearchCasting.com today to talk to other singers, dancers, actors and models about career related apparel, supplies and more!

SCAM Alert - Elite Casting Network Members Use Community Forums to Investigate Modeling Agencies

www.EliteCastingNetwork.com members are becoming increasingly diligent about researching agents, managers and other entertainment industry professionals before establishing business relationships with them. In cases where Elite Casting Network members are uncertain about the legitimacy of an agent or manager, they often post their questions to the community forum where the Elite Casting Network staff and other members are quick to assist.

Most recently, a Elite Casting Network member was invited to an audition by Model Management Inc. in Los Angeles. While the member reviewed the company’s website, she still wasn’t sure if the company was a legitimate business. So she posted the name and address of the agency to the community forum to get feedback from the Elite Casting Network staff and other members.

When we researched Model Management Inc. we discovered that there were no complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau against this company, nor were there any complaints on the web. However, there was not much information available about the company at all, other than the company’s website, Myspace.com profile and posts on sites like Craigslist.org.

When we called the company’s Los Angeles office number, we got their voicemail. When we called their toll-free number, we also got a recorded message. In researching the Los Angeles address that the company included in their email to the Elite Casting Network member, we found that the company rents an HQ Global suite. HQ Global is a leading provider of virtual offices and small business suites. According to the company’s website, they have offices in San Diego, Las Vegas and Salt Lake City.

None of the information we uncovered indicates that the company is engaged in fraudulent activity. However, we always recommend that if you’ve diligently researched a company and you still have reservations, feel free to call and ask a few questions if it will make you feel more comfortable.

Not every agency or management company will be a huge enterprise with a full staff and a fancy office. That doesn’t mean that the company isn’t capable of helping you to reach your goals as a model, singer, dancer or actress. In fact many smaller agencies are able to provide their clients with more personalized service. Explore all of your options, both small and large agencies, and then based on the information they provide, decide which option is best for you.

For more information on entertainment industry scams, or to ask questions related to companies that have contacted you, log in each day to http://www.EliteCastingNetwork.com and review our community forum and our Scam Alert section.

Star Search Casting Members Audition To Help Advertise Regional & National Brands In Televised Commercials

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.

Should You Go To Modeling School?

Many aspiring models have signed up for modeling classes only to discover they’ve been the victims of a scam. This is unfortunate because there are actually a number of reputable modeling schools that have successfully helped many new models sharpen their skills and approach the industry with confidence. While modeling school does not guarantee your success in the industry, it can be a helpful stepping-stone for many aspiring models who are new to the industry.

In addition to researching the modeling school before you sign up or pay any fees, it’s also important that you learn about the school’s curriculum. To make sure that you benefit from the experience, you want to be sure that you’ll learn valuable information about the industry and helpful tips that can help you secure jobs in the future.

A reputable modeling school should help you to:

- Develop good posture

- Learn the fundamentals of walking on the runway

- Learn how to apply makeup and take care of your skin

- Develop poise and self confidence

- Adopt good nutritional habits

- Learn how to model for the camera

Modeling schools can be extremely helpful for models who are new to the industry and want an opportunity to learn about the industry in a comfortable, nurturing environment.

You should not sign up for modeling schools that require you to pay for photo shoots with specific photographers. Additionally, you should not sign up for modeling schools as a requirement for being signed to an agency. These are common tactics used by disreputable agencies.

Additionally, a reputable modeling school should give you a realistic assessment of your modeling potential. If a modeling school promises you work based on enrolling in their school – it may be a scam.

Are you interested in talking to other aspiring models who have enrolled in modeling schools? Visit http://www.StarSearchCasting.com and post your questions in our community forum to learn more about other Star Search Casting members’ experiences in the modeling industry.

Practice Makes Perfect – Tips For Singers

I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “practice makes perfect.” And no, singing in the shower doesn’t count. If you’ve decided to pursue singing as a career, then it’s time you develop a consistent practice regimen to prepare yourself for the road ahead. To develop a successful practice regimen you’ll need to:

- Make a schedule of the days and times you will reserve for practicing

- Research vocal exercises that you can use during your scheduled practice

- Develop a system for charting your growth

Whether you’ve set aside 20 minutes to practice, or two hours, be sure to begin with a warm up. It’s also important that you prepare the exercises you’ll be working on before your scheduled practice time. If you spend your practice time searching for exercises, or trying to comprehend the instructions, that’s less time that you’re actually working on your voice.

In addition to helping you improve the tone of your voice, committing to a practice schedule will also help you to…

…build endurance. If you’re considering becoming a professional singer, then much like an athlete, you will need to train your voice so that you can sing for long periods of time without your voice fatiguing which can result in pitch problems.

…become a well-rounded singer. Longer practice sessions not only help improve vocal quality, but also help you become a better sight reader, memorize more material, and develop your poise and stage presence.

…gauge your progress. As you practice more often, you will begin to see marked differences in your voice, and begin to note how you’re improving. It’s also advisable to chart your progress on paper so that you can visually see how you’re developing.

Curious to learn more about how other Elite Casting Network members improve their vocal technique? Visit our community forum at http://www.EliteCastingNetwork.com to network with other singers. And be sure to check out singing auditions in your area!

Scam Watch: Avoiding Nigerian Scams

Recently, we discovered a scammer claiming to be from the United Kingdom, but according to his IP address, he was actually located in Nigeria.

This was the message he sent:

My name is Phillips Dave, you're one of the few people chosen out of the screening exercise performed by our moderator. You have got the physical features we need for our catalog update, I have a pay job for you. Email me at ModelingAgent@futuresfab.com if you are interested. Hope to hear from you soon.

Nigerian scams first became prevalent in 2001, and have since taken many different forms and victimized thousands of people. Experts offer the following tips to avoid becoming the victim of a Nigerian scammer:

• If you’ve received a suspicious email, use Google or another popular search engine to search terms used in the email that you’ve received. If it’s a scam, often you will come across complaints from other internet users who have received the same email and posted the information online.

• Don’t rely on email communication. Advise the sender that you would like to further discuss the opportunity via telephone. Scammers are very reluctant to engage in phone conversations, therefore if the person you’re corresponding with is hesitant to communicate over the phone, that’s an immediate red flag.

• If the sender makes mention of a bank in their correspondence, use the FDIC’s Institution Directory found on their website to verify that it’s a legitimate establishment.

• If you are required to make a payment for a service or product on the web, use a credit card because they offer more protection.

For more information on entertainment industry related scams, or tips on avoiding them, log in each day at http://www.EliteCastingNetwork.com and check out our Scam Alert.

Nigerian Scams Reach Epidemic Proportions!

Online schemes operating out of Nigeria that have defrauded victims out of tens of millions of dollars have become so pervasive that the U.S. government has given the West African country until November to take steps to decrease such crimes or face sanctions.

Financial fraud is now reportedly one of the three largest industries in Nigeria, where the anonymity of the Internet is being used to give crime syndicates a windfall.

In 1980 the US Secret Service took a proactive approach to combating Nigerian organized crime by establishing and maintaining task forces throughout the United States whose main focus was the investigation of financial fraud committed by Nigerian nationals and their accomplices.

Membership in these task forces included representatives from the United States Customs Service, Nigerian Crime Initiative (NCI), the Immigration and Naturalization Service, Nigerian Organized Crime Task Force (INOCTF), the United States Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Nigerian National Police (NNP), the Internal Revenue Service, the Department of State's Bureau of Diplomatic Security, bank investigators from the private sector, as well as numerous state and local law enforcement agencies and other Nigerian federal law enforcement agencies. This diverse membership is indicative of the multitude of crimes being perpetrated by Nigerian criminals.

There are so many scams coming out of Nigeria that in June 2000 the US Secret Service established a permanent office in Lagos!

Here are some links and quotes that go into greater detail:

1. FBI - http://www.fbi.gov/hq/cid/orgcrime/africancrim.htm
Nigerian criminal enterprises are the most significant of these groups and operate in more than 80 other countries of the world. They are among the most aggressive and expansionist international criminal groups and are primarily engaged in drug trafficking and financial frauds.

Nigerian groups are famous globally for their financial frauds, which cost the U.S. alone an estimated $1 billion to $2 billion each year. Schemes are diverse, targeting individuals, businesses, and government offices."

2. Nigeria - The 419 Coalition Website - http://home.rica.net/alphae/419coal/
"A Five Billion US$ (as of 1996, much more now) worldwide Scam which has run since the early 1980's under Successive Governments of Nigeria. It is also referred to as "Advance Fee Fraud", "419 Fraud" (Four-One-Nine) after a formerly relevant section of the Criminal Code of Nigeria..."

3. Interpol - http://www.interpol.int/Public/FinancialCr...erianLetter.asp
"For more than 16 years, private individuals, as well as organizations and commercial companies, have been receiving unexpected communication through letters and faxes but mainly through e-mails from senders claiming to be Nigerian or African citizens and promising high profitable business. According to the relevant section of the Criminal Code of Nigeria it is referred to as 4-1-9 Fraud."

4. Crimes of Persuasion - http://www.crimes-of-persuasion.com/Nigeri...erian_busts.htm
"One investigation resulted in the seizure of 11,460 Nigerian advanced fee fraud letters mailed via the Hong Kong Post Office, which represented 95% of the incoming mail from Nigeria. The addresses had been sourced from local and international telephone directories and various business publications.

In May of 1996, pursuant to PDD-42, a federal law enforcement interagency working group was created to develop a domestic law enforcement strategy regarding Nigerian organized crime. The proposed enforcement effort of the strategy became known as the Nigerian Crime Initiative (NCI).

DEC 1997 - Douglas Arthur Cole a.k.a. Peter McGrath a.k.a. William H. Miles whose ring may have been responsible for up to $20 million in fraud worldwide was convicted of 22 counts of 419 related charges in the US District Court in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

In 1998, then-Attorney General Reno approved the recommendation of the working group to establish the Interagency Nigerian Organized Crime Task Force (INOCTF).

On January 12, 1999, the Secret Service began a cooperative effort with the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, and the Nigerian National Police (NNP). The purpose of this effort was to provide operational, investigative and training assistance to the NNP and other Nigerian federal law enforcement agencies.

SEP 2000 - The United States Secret Service is said to have carried out 150 investigations into financial crimes in Nigeria leading to no fewer than 220 arrests since January, last year.

On January 5th, 2001 the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Mr. M. R. Rasheed was charged in a US Federal District Court with lying under oath and providing false testimony regarding his direct involvement in setting up secret offshore accounts and trusts."

5. Nigeria Police Internet Resource Unit - http://www.nigeriapolice.org/419.htm
"Advanced Fee Fraud is a criminal offence defined and punishable under section 419 of the Nigeria criminal code."

6. Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria - http://www.nigeriaembassyusa.org/fraud.shtml
"The publicity campaigns by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria have proved successful in sensitizing the public about the menace of advance fee fraud and the falsehood of claims that easy money could be made in Nigeria."

7. US Postal Inspector - http://www.usps.com/websites/depart/inspect/pressrel.htm
"Inspectors announced they have seized and destroyed over two million Nigerian advance-fee fraud letters at the JFK Airport Mail Center since March 30, 1998. The letters, often referred to as "419" letters after the Nigerian statute that makes them illegal, were found to have counterfeit Nigerian postage, and they promoted fraudulent business proposals.

Lee Heath, Postal Inspector in Charge of the New York Division, warns that American consumers are being scammed to the tune of $100 million annually by international con artists, who send the letters primarily from Nigeria and other West African countries."

8. Florida Computer Crime Center - http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/Fc3/nigerian.html
"There are several variations of the Nigerian Scam that criminals may use to exploit their victims. Here are some examples: Fake lottery winnings, Beneficiary of a Will, Bogus Cashiers Checks, Donation Solicitations, Fake Web Site, Modeling opportunities, American Soldier in Afghanistan or Iraq, fake items sold on auction sites, credit card fraud, bank fraud, check kiting, various types of insurance fraud, entitlement fraud, false identification, passport & visa fraud, marriage fraud to obtain U.S. citizenship, vehicle thefts, the counterfeiting of U.S. currency, and the counterfeiting of corporate checks and other obligations."

9. Attorney General - http://www.ago.mo.gov/newsreleases/2001/042701.htm
"Nigerian scam bust uncovers new victims — including one $3 million victim — and money trail to Cayman Islands."

10. Department of Consumer Affairs - http://www.scconsumer.gov/press_releases/m...gerian_scam.htm
"...many businesses are getting some very curious mail from the country of Nigeria. There is an organization of con men from this country operating numerous swindles throughout the United States..."

11. The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command - http://www.mccoy.army.mil/vtriad_online/09...am_09-22-06.htm
"...released an advisory warning Soldiers and family members of a so-called Nigerian Fraud Scam or advanced fee fraud, using unsolicited faxes, electronic-mail or letters. The advisory also warns of the criminal implications for Army personnel who actively facilitate the scheme.

The Nigerian Scam starts with someone from Nigeria, or another country, making unsolicited contact with unsuspecting victims requesting their help in disposing of gold or money recovered in Iraq, or oil revenues from Nigeria or Russia, or lottery winnings from some oversees location."

12. State Department - http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/nigerian.htm
"The Nigerian Advance Fee Scam continues to draw in victims even though it's been around for a long time. View the U.S. Secret Services' website for tactics Nigerian scam artists use to lure victims."

13. US Diplomatic Mission to Nigeria - http://www.state.gov/www/regions/africa/naffpub.pdf
"According to the Metropolitan Police Company fraud department in London, some 3000 AFF letters are mailed or faxed worldwide; primarily form Nigeria."

14. Snopes.com - http://www.snopes.com/crime/fraud/nigeria.asp
"Nigerian fraud costs its victim anywhere from a few thousand dollars up to hundreds of thousands."

15. Fraud.org - http://www.fraud.org/scamsagainstbusinesse...ps/nigerian.htm
"you will be asked to pay a never-ending series of fees or expenses before the funds can be transferred to your account. Unfortunately, the millions never materialize."

16. FTC - http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/alerts/nigeralrt.shtm
"Nigerian advance-fee fraud has been around for decades, but now seems to have reached epidemic proportions..."

17. The Dallas Morning News - http://metrocolumnistsblog.dallasnews.com/...rian-fraud.html
"Release Feb. 27, 2008 - Special Agent in Charge Robert E. Casey Jr. issues warning to the public of a new tactic on the Nigerian Fraud Letters."

18. MSNBC - http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3078489
"Hundreds of victims have recently fallen..."

19. Fox News - http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,232500,00.html
"Victims still falling prey to Nigerian email scams"

20. Internet Crime Complain Center - http://www.ic3.gov/crimeschemes.aspx#item-3
"In most instances, the money is sent to locations in West Africa (Nigeria)."

21. Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advance_fee_fraud
"The 419 scam originated in the early 1980s as the oil-based economy of Nigeria declined. Several unemployed university students first used this scam as a means of manipulating business visitors interested in shady deals in the Nigerian oil sector before targeting businessmen in the west..."

22. Bestfrauds.com - http://www.bestfrauds.com/money-swindle3.html
"Online schemes operating out of Nigeria that have defrauded victims out of tens of millions of dollars have become so pervasive that the U.S. government has given the West African country until November to take steps to decrease such crimes or face sanctions. Financial fraud is now reportedly one of the three largest industries in Nigeria, where the anonymity of the Internet is being used to give crime syndicates a windfall."

23. This is a link to the US Department of Justice site showing another 36 links discussing Nigerian scams.

24. Here is a link to the US Secret Service site showing another 91 links to Nigerian scams.

The United States Secret Service (USSS) and the United States Postal Service are primary U.S. law enforcement agencies in dealing with these types of scams. U.S. citizens or residents who have suffered a financial loss and want to report a scam may forward unsolicited e-mails to the USSS at 419.fcd@usss.treas.gov. U.S. citizens and residents who have suffered a financial loss are instructed to contact the nearest field office of the Secret Service by telephone.

Keeping Actors In The Loop

When we go to the movie theater to watch our favorite actors and actresses in a new film, we’re often blown away by the “magic” that we observe on screen. But there’s a lot of work that’s invested into feature films and just because it looks perfect when we see the end result – that doesn’t meant that it’s the product of a perfect process. In fact, the post-production phase of a film can be very involved and require everyone, even the actors, to help fix flaws that may have occurred during the shooting of the film.

Sometimes when shooting a film, while the footage may look great, there may be problems with the dialog. Perhaps the microphone didn’t pick up all of the lines in their entirety, or maybe background noise distorted the audio, making the dialog difficult to understand. Instead of shooting the entire scene again - which can be quite costly - the director may call an actor into the studio to re-record or dub his or her own dialog. This process is called looping. While it’s not the most exciting part of the job, it’s essential to creating the perfect end result that we’re all used to enjoying in the theater when we sit down with friends, family and buckets of popcorn to watch the latest action flick or romantic comedy.

When an actor is called in for looping, he or she goes into a recording studio with a microphone and a video screen. Once the scene is played for them, the actor must then try to match their dialog to what they see on screen. It sounds simple, but in fact it can be quite a challenge. They must consider rhythm, timing and tone, and sometimes these sessions occur months after they originally filmed the scene, so the scene is no longer fresh in their memory.

While acting is often considered to be a glamorous occupation – and it is – there are a lot of challenges. In addition to all of the creative aspects of the job, there are a lot of technical aspects that happen behind the scenes that can require as much time and energy as the onscreen work.

If you’re ever called into the studio for a looping job, especially if it’s your first time, it can be helpful to practice at home first. Videotape yourself without sound and then play the video back, while trying to match your voice to the video.

Think you have what it takes to make it as a successful actor or actress? Have you checked out the feature film auditions we have posted on our website? Visit http://www.EliteCastingNetwork.com for the latest casting calls in your area.