Broadcast Yourself – Using The Internet To Generate Exposure

Chris Crocker scored more than 8 million web hits and exposure on some of the most popular television shows when he posted a dramatic video on You Tube begging the media and the public to, “Leave Britney [Spears] alone” just after her much talked about performance on the MTV Video Music Awards. Whether his rant left you intrigued or simply annoyed, the attention he got landed him what most actors would give their left arms for – his own television show. Crocker, admittedly an aspiring actor, signed a contract with Blue Productions to appear in his own reality show. The actor had been posting videos to the web for six months and he’d begun developing a substantial fan base. In addition to the famous rant that helped him secure a television deal, his You Tube page included more than 60 additional performance pieces.

Even the Ford Modeling Agency is turning to the web to generate more exposure for their agency and their models. The agency has produced more than 1,000 videos for the web featuring their models during photo shoots, backstage at fashion shows, and even at the gym. You can view these videos on the web, including on You Tube. Some videos have garnered more than one million hits.

Did you know that with a Platinum or Diamond membership on www.StarSearchCasting.com, you can post video files to your profile? Chris Crocker – though a bit quirky – and the Ford Modeling Agency are great examples of how you can use the internet effectively to generate valuable exposure. Whether you have a video from a previous staged performance, or you’ve recently self-recorded an audition piece, adding a video to your Star Search Casting profile is a great way to showcase your talent to casting directors and other industry executives and show them that you really do have what it takes. A picture’s worth a thousand words, but a video clip seals the deal! Just ask Chris Crocker!

To upgrade your membership so that you can add video clips to your page, visit http://www.StarSearchCasting.com and click on ‘Membership Levels.’ Remember, before posting any original material to our site, or any other site, make sure you’ve gone to the proper channels to have your work registered and copy written.

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.

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.

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!

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!

Submitting To Online Casting Calls

Online casting is quickly becoming the industry standard, therefore there are certain expectations and preferences that casting professionals have when accepting and reviewing online submissions.

Here are a few tips to help you get the results that you want:

• Be sure to read and follow the instructions as carefully as possible. If you want the casting staff to take the time to review your headshot and resume, it’s important that you take the time to read and follow the instructions they’ve provided for you in the Casting Call.

• Make sure you send a headshot that looks like the character described in the breakdown. If the breakdown asks for a blond female to play between 18-24, make sure that you fit the criteria.

• When sending your headshot, use your name as the photo filename to avoid confusion.

• Use a standard font on your resume, such as Arial, and keep the formatting simple so that when it’s opened it’s easily readable.

• If the casting department asks for your headshot and resume, do not just send them a link to your website or your online profile. If you only send a link, your email will probably be deleted.

• Unless you receive a mail delivery error, do not continue to resend your material to the casting department. If you don’t get a response, don’t worry. There are many other opportunities out there for you.

Have you checked out the auditions on www.StarSearchCasting.com today? Be sure to review all of the opportunities in your area and keep us posted on how the search is going. And don’t forget to use the tips listed above.

New Years Resolutions For The Aspiring Performer

Congratulations on all of your achievements in 2007! This year Elite Casting Network ( www.EliteCastingNetwork.com ) members have booked a record number of jobs in the entertainment industry and we’re extremely proud that our website has helped so many talented, deserving individuals launch their dream careers.

If you didn’t have any significant career milestones in 2007, don’t be disappointed. It simply means that as you approach 2008, you’ll want to sit down and decide what your goals are and how you plan to reach them in the New Year.

A lot of us make New Year’s resolutions that we never keep. Maybe we pledge to be more organized. Or promise ourselves that we’re going to stick to a low carb diet. Instead of focusing on resolutions you’ll probably break before January is over, why not focus on how to jumpstart your career in the entertainment industry, or take your career to the next level.

For instance, what are some of the things you wanted to do, or should have done in 2007 that may have made a difference in your career:

• Maybe your resume could have used some updating, both online and offline.
• Maybe you should have invested in professional headshots
• Maybe you needed updated headshots to better reflect your current look.
• Maybe it would have been a good idea to begin saving money for a professional demo tape.
• Maybe you should have tried to secure an agent by sending emails with a link to your ECN profile to Agents.
• Maybe you struggled in your auditions, but never had the time to sign up for classes to improve your technique.
• Maybe you weren’t as diligent as you could have been about visiting Elite Casting Network to search for casting calls and other opportunities.

Your success in 2008 will be a reflection of your ambition, hard work and dedication to your craft. If you want to break into the business, then it’s important that you go after it. This week I want you to really think about what steps you need to take in order to get to where you want to go. And in the event you’re really not sure, 2008 would be a great time to take advantage of our online talent consultant to help steer you in the right direction.

Visit www.EliteCastingNetwork.com to take advantage of our talent resources, auditions, talent consultant and online community. We’ve got everything you need to help you succeed in 2008!

Star Search Casting Helps Aspiring Performers Harness The Power Of Internet To Land The Role Of Their Dreams

Star Search Casting (www.StarSearchCasting.com ) utilizes cutting edge technology and web-based tools to help aspiring singers, dancers, models and actors harness the power of the Internet to launch successful careers in the entertainment industry

HOLLYWOOD – While many websites post casting notices and auditions, SSC ( http://www.starsearchcasting.com ) is the only website that uses advanced web tools to help aspiring performers fully take advantage of the opportunities and the resources that the website has to offer. From allowing users to bookmark their favorite casting call, to sending users auditions via email and cellular phone, Star Search Casting is making it easier for today’s aspiring singers, dancers, actors and models to realize their dream of becoming tomorrow’s Hollywood stars.

Star Search Casting has always been a leading provider of online casting resources. Users choose Star Search Casting to further their careers in singing, acting, dancing and modeling not only because the website features thousands of casting notices, but also because Star Search Casting makes it easy for aspiring performers to search for, receive and organize casting calls in order to make sure they can take advantage of any and every opportunity.

Star Search Casting’s search tools allow users to search for auditions that are within a certain mile radius of their homes. This tool is especially popular because singers, dancers, models and actors from all over the world use Star Search Casting to find auditions in their area. In addition to user-friendly search options, users can sort auditions by deadline as well as bookmark their favorites. They can even add the auditions to the “Audition Cart” as they browse the casting notices and then go back later and send their headshots and resumes to the casting directors all at one time. When a deadline passes, notices are immediately deleted from any saved lists the user has created, yet another convenient feature.

Most aspiring performers who are pursing careers in acting, dancing, singing or modeling have full-time jobs outside of the entertainment industry. Therefore the time they have to search for auditions may be limited. SSC makes it easier for actors, dancers, singers and models to search for auditions by delivering casting calls to their favorite feed readers, email and their cellular phones. These user-friendly options help ensure that aspiring performers don’t miss an audition that would be perfect for them.

Additionally, Star Search Casting validates all casting notices posted to the website - just another step the staff takes to ensure the safety and reliability of the website. It’s no wonder Star Search Casting is the #1 Casting Website for aspiring singers, dancers, actors and models!

For more information, visit www.StarSearchCasting.com.

Ever Wanted To Be On MTV?

Have you checked out the auditions posted on www.StarSearchCasting.com? Did you know that we’ve got lots of casting notices from major networks and with our help, you could get a paid role on one of your favorite shows?

We’re not the #1 website just because we have a lot of great opportunities. We’re also #1 because our website features a lot of talented individuals. And casting directors love that! So when they are advertising new roles, Star Search Casting is one of the first places they visit on the web to post their casting notices.

Networks such as ABC, NBC and MTV have used our site to get the word out about new roles on their shows. Yes, MTV!!! Even now, MTV is accepting headshots until December 5^th from energetic guys and girls to be featured on their shows. Check out the auditions on our site to find out more. Not only is being on MTV a great way to get invaluable exposure on a hit television show, but imagine the contacts you’ll make.

MTV has always featured a diverse range of talent on their network. They consistently look for young people (usually ages 18-24) with sparkling personalities from diverse ethnic backgrounds. This could be your big chance, so what are you waiting for? Go for it!

Don’t miss this chance to land a great gig on a major network and get paid for it! All you have to do is check the list of auditions on our website, and send your name, age, phone number and photos to the contact provided. This time next week you could be at MTV’s studio in Santa Monica meeting with their casting staff and booking an exciting new gig. Sounds great doesn’t it! And don’t forget to check out the hundreds of other opportunities we have listed as well!

Thanks for reading the blog. Don’t forget to check it out again tomorrow.

HOW TO LAND A JOB IN HOLLYWOOD WITHOUT AN AGENT (Part 2)

One of the best parts about my job is hearing success stories from aspiring actors, singers, dancers and models whose hard work is paying off in the industry. Hardly a day goes by that I don’t hear or read about someone who’s finally getting a chance to go out on an audition, or someone who’s booked really huge role.

If you read yesterday’s blog, then you read all about Melina Rochelle and her new role in City Kid, the musical. Melina Rochelle is a singer and an actress and although she doesn’t have an agent, she’s been working hard and landing great opportunities in Hollywood. Yesterday she offered some really great tips that have helped her succeed in the industry. Here are a few more tips she had to share:

• “Always be prepared. If you’re a singer or an actor, always have a song or monologue that you can perform upon request. If you’re a dancer, have something prepared that showcases what you do best. If you’re a model, always have photos or composite cards on hand at all times.”

• “Don't wait around for someone to discover your talents. Showcase yourself. Whether it’s through your own production or talent showcase, get yourself out there. My sisters and I started our own production company and produced a musical that was reviewed in the LA Weekly and nominated for several awards.”

• “And last but not least, be sure to use the internet to your advantage. You can find really great information and opportunities on the web to help you further your career.”

Those are really great tips and I hope you find them to be useful. I also hope you’ll visit our site for auditions and casting notices and keep me posted on your achievements in the industry. Just this past week over 7.000 members on our site were contacted by casting directors and other industry professionals. You can get the same results!

I hope you’ll read my blog tomorrow when I share information about turning a new role into representation! Thanks for stopping by!

How to Ace Your Audition!

Whether it's your first audition or your fifteenth, it's always exciting to be on the brink of a new job. However, one of the biggest barriers to succeeding in an audition is nerves. While going on an audition is exciting, it can also be nerve wracking. Will they like you? Will you be able to perform as well as you've rehearsed once you get in the room? Tons of questions and insecurities begin to swirl around and can cause you to lose focus. And we all know that if your nerves get the best of you, it's very possible that you might ruin your chances of getting a role that you're perfect for.

So how do you get over your audition jitters so that you're able to shine? One of the best ways to get rid of nervous energy is by being prepared, and knowing the secrets to a great audition. One working actor who's been on lots of auditions and who's booked roles on shows like Monk, The Bold and the Beautiful, and Sleeper Cell offers the following advice:

1. Try to memorize your lines so. It's okay to keep your sides in your hand, but don't be held hostage by the script.
2. ALWAYS read over your lines with another ACTOR before you go to your audition.
3. Try wearing clothing that suggests the character, but don't over do it. If you're playing a cop don't audition in a police uniform, but something like a blue polo shirt might do the trick.
4. While in the waiting room, don't feel obliged to chat. If you need time to study your lines or take a few deep breaths to prepare, feel comfortable doing that.
5. Engage the casting director when you enter the room. Often the conversation that you have with the casting director before you do your scene is what gets you the part.
6. Once you leave your audition, let it go. Don't overanalyze how you could have done it better. Celebrate your efforts!

Ready to practice some of these tips and book your next job? Log on to http://www.starsearchcasting.com/casting_notices/list.php today for upcoming auditions near you!