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.

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!

How To Tape Your Monologue Or Scene

Once you’ve gotten your monologue under your belt and committed to memory, there are lots of reasons you may want to tape it. Perhaps you’re submitting a reel to agents along with your headshot and resume. Or maybe you’re sending your tape to a casting director in another state because you’re unable to attend the audition in person. Maybe you’re a new actor and you just want to see how you look on tape – which I highly recommend. Reviewing your tapes helps you to improve your on-camera technique and build confidence in front of the camera.

Regardless of the reason why you’re taping your monologue or scene, it’s best to:

• Make sure you have someone to stand behind the camera or directly next to it and maintain eye contact with you to help maintain your eye line.

• Make sure that you’re framed properly. (Don’t worry, no one expects you to be Spielberg.) Simply make sure that you are centered in the frame. If there’s blocking in the scene or monologue, make sure that the shot is wide enough to accommodate your movement.

• If you’re performing a scene, be sure that you’re performing with another actor, not just a friend who’s reading lines.

• Wear a solid color (other than black or white) that contrasts with your skin color, and pull your hair away from your face.

• Make sure that the background area isn’t cluttered, or filled with anything that will draw attention away from you.

• Do a couple of test tapings to make sure there isn’t an echo in the room, and that the camera’s microphone isn’t picking up distracting sounds.

• Make sure you watch your tape in its entirety before submitting it to anyone, especially if you’ve had it transferred from one format to another.

After you tape your monologue, be sure to upload it to your Star Search Casting profile so that agents, managers and casting directors can review your work. Visit us online today at www.StarSearchCasting.com.

Give It Your Best Shot

When you think of your favorite model, words like glamorous or natural beauty probably come to mind. And that can be intimidating if you’re interested in pursuing a career in modeling. You might be wondering if you have the natural talent to make it. Or if your flaws will hinder your success.

Stop worrying. Most models look so flawless and naturally beautiful because they’ve worked hard to overcome the challenges their flaws present through extensive preparation and camouflaging. So relax. Here are a few tips from the pros to give you an edge and help you take flawless photos that will wow agencies and clients:

• Practice posing in the mirror often to figure out the best angles of your body and face and then use those poses when you’re shooting with your photographer.

• Make sure you understand what type of image the photographer is trying to capture so that you’re able to nail it.

• Use your assets. If you have really great hair, learn how to use it to create creative poses.

• If you have a broad nose, avoid poses where your head is tilted down when facing the camera. Instead, turn your head at an angle and learn to use your eyes to engage the camera, and take attention away from your nose.

• If you’re not very curvy, arching your back can help you to accentuate your bust, creating a curvier look.

• If you have wide hips, turn your hips but keep your shoulders and head facing the camera to get a slimmer look.

Whether you’re taking test shots for your portfolio, or you’ve booked a photo shoot, there are lots of trade secrets you can utilize to help you give it your best shot. Go here http://Forums.StarSearchCasting.com to visit the forums on our website and network with other models to get more tips on taking great photos.

How To Avoid Casting Scams

Whether you're a singer, dancer, actor or model, landing your dream job is the moment you live for. So of course any opportunity that comes your way that might get you closer to your dreams is exciting. But it's important not to let your excitement fuel your decisions. Unfortunately there are many individuals and companies who are waiting to capitalize on your excitement and vulnerability. Casting scams are on the rise in record numbers, which means you have to be even more careful when making decisions that will affect your career.

We list recent scams in the forums section of the Star Search Casting website ( www.StarSearchCasting.com ) to alert our members of fraudulent activities on the web affecting singers, dancers, actors and models. In addition to providing you updated information on scams on our website, I also wanted to provide a few tips on how to avoid casting scams:

1. Go with your instincts. If you feel pressured or uncomfortable, seek advice or assistance from a parent or peer.

2. Beware of emails or other correspondence that does not appear to be professionally written, ex. filled with grammatical errors and misspellings.

3. Never sign anything without reading it and making sure you fully understand it.

4. Beware of companies who only take cash or money orders.

5. Claims of unusually high compensation are often a huge red flag. Carefully consider these opportunities.

6. Watch out for people telling you that you will be paid money before you have performed the job.

7. If you're unsure about an agency or individual that has contacted you, ask them to provide several references that you can follow up with.

8. Thoroughly research any company that contacts you before signing anything or paying any money. Check the company's reputation by doing a Google search, check with the Better Business Bureau and look in our forums to see if other people have had problems with the company.

9. Watch for companies that have temporary websites or sites hosted for free at places like Tripod, WebSpawner, Bravenet, Freewebs, GeoCities, etc.

10. If a company claims to be largest, number one, biggest, or most popular be sure to check their website traffic at Alexa.com, & Netcraft.com and the history of their domain at WayBackMachine.

11. If you are contacted by a company that you know is real like Elite Models or Ford Models but the person who says they work there uses an email address like ford_models@hotmail.com it is a scam! Anyone who really worked for the company would contact you through a corporate email account like info@fordmodels.com.

12. If you are contacted by someone from another country telling you to travel there and they will pay your travel expenses this almost always is a scam.

I'll continue to post all of the new scams that I'm aware of in the entertainment scam watch area of our forums. I don't want this trend to discourage you in your search for your dream Hollywood job. I just want to help you make sure that your pursuit is a safe one.

Be sure to log on to the site to stay on top of the latest scams and how to spot them.

The Entertainment Industry Goes Electronic

Everyday new developments in technology make everyday tasks simpler than we could ever imagine. Additionally, these develops are completely transforming the way most industries do business – including the entertainment industry. For example, for year’s scripts, headshots and other important materials have been mailed, couriered or faxed. But these days many agencies are turning to the internet in order to make their jobs easier and less costly. While many agencies still accept submissions by mail, did you know that many only accept online submissions?

Agents and casting directors use the internet on a daily basis. That’s one of the reasons that we created Star Search Casting. In addition to helping people land opportunities in the entertainment industry, we wanted to make it easier for casting directors and agents to locate new talent. Instead of opening and sifting through hundreds of envelopes & reviewing mailed submissions, we’ve made it easy for industry professionals to review photos of fresh faces and new talent online with our user-friendly website.

One of the major benefits to singers, actors, dancers and models that use Star Search Casting is that they can create an entire digital portfolio as opposed to just mailing or emailing a simple headshot to an agency or casting director. Star Search Casting allows users to upload up to 100 pictures as well as audio and video files which can be really beneficial when a casting director is trying to find the perfect person for the job. This is just one of many ways the internet is transforming the way business is done in the entertainment industry.

If you haven't jumped on the bandwagon and created your Star Search Casting profile yet, today's a great day. Take advantage of this industry trend and showcase your talent online today!

Preparing For Pilot Season

One of the most exciting times of the year for actors is pilot season. If you’re new to the industry, you’re probably wondering what the heck I’m talking about. Let me explain.

A lot goes into launching a new network series. So much so, that many series actually never make it to the primetime lineup. A pilot episode is an episode of a new series that’s taped so that networks can submit it to advertisers, test audiences and the media to begin gauging responses and building a buzz.

Pilot season refers to the time of year that networks begin casting for pilot episodes. While pilot season generally begins in January, some shows can begin casting even earlier. Casting for pilots is a huge deal for actors for several reasons. First, dozens of pilots are shot each season, so there are lots of opportunities to get in front of top casting agents and producers. Secondly, if you’ve ever dreamed of landing a job on a major television network series, pilot season is by far your best shot. And third, if you book a show that doesn’t get “picked up” (selected to air during the upcoming season), simply booking the pilot is a major career accomplishment! When you tape a pilot, casting directors and producers will often remember you when other opportunities arise, which often means a really great shot at other major roles in the future.

In 1999, Busy Phillips (White Chicks) booked a pilot entitled, Saving Graces. Although the pilot was never aired, she got a lot of great exposure and later went on to book a number of really great roles on various television series like Malcolm in the Middle, Dawson’s Creek, How I Met Your Mother as well as several roles in major motion pictures. Sure it was a bummer when Saving Graces didn’t make the fall lineup, but despite that one little bump in the road, Busy went on to become a popular, working actress.

Pilot season could be a great opportunity for you to get your foot in the door so make sure you’re ready! As casting directors gear up for this busy time of the year, be very vigilant about checking updated casting notices and audition information on our website. You never know, I might be watching you on a major network series next fall! Good luck!

Check back tomorrow, I’ll be talking about the reality of show business.

HOW TO LAND A JOB IN HOLLYWOOD WITHOUT AN AGENT (Part 1)

Thousands of members on our site have booked exciting jobs in Hollywood without an agent. Often aspiring actors, models, singers and dancers think they don’t have a shot at making their dreams come true because they don’t have an agent. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. There are tons of opportunities available to you, even if you don’t have representation. Don’t let lack of an agent or manager stand in your way.

Melina Rochelle, a singer and actress living in Los Angeles, knows all about the challenges of looking for work without an agent. “I was worried that because I didn’t have an agent, I wouldn’t be able to audition for roles that I really wanted. Initially I was discouraged but I didn’t let it stop me.” Instead, she began doing her own research and was able to find lots of opportunities. And in no time she was landing great jobs.

This fall she will appear in the musical City Kid at the Hudson Theatre in Los Angeles in the role of Niki. “I’m so excited! It’s a great role and I get to showcase my singing and my acting in a really great show.” When asked how she’s managed to get such great opportunities without an agent or manager, Melina Rochelle offered this advice:

• “Just because you don’t have an agent doesn’t mean you can’t submit yourself. Do your research. There are lots of resources that list opportunities that you can submit yourself for without the assistance of representation.”

• “Make and keep in touch with contacts in the business. It’s a lot about who you know. There are lots of ways to meet people, for example taking classes to meet other actors, singers, dancers or models.”

Follow these tips from Melina Rochelle to help you get your career off the ground today! Need information on auditions, acting classes or other opportunities? Check out our site to access valuable resources you’ll need to help get your career off the ground.

And don’t forget to check out my blog tomorrow for more tips from Melina Rochelle on how to land a job in Hollywood without an agent!