How To Seize Every Opportunity

In my experience, I’ve met a lot of people in the business. Many of their experiences are very inspiring and informative, and I often share their stories with others as valuable lessons about the entertainment industry.

One of my friends has been pursuing a career as an actor for years. He’s landed roles in television, film and on stage. And even though he’s very talented and has had lots of great opportunities, sometimes he goes for months without booking a role. And that can be pretty hard on his wallet. But he manages to keep his spirits up by continuing to work hard, and explore all of the opportunities that come his way.

Recently while networking at a party, he met some agents from a prominent voiceover agency in Los Angeles. While voice acting wasn’t something he’d done before, he was very interested in learning more about it. He managed to get a meeting with the agency, and within a couple of weeks he’d been signed to the agency and auditioned for and booked his first voiceover job – a Sprint commercial!

While my friend’s ultimate goal is to be an icon on the silver screen, making millions of dollars per picture, and being featured on the cover of every major magazines, it takes time to amass that type of fame. So until then, he makes a habit of exploring all possible paths to stardom, and taking advantage of any opportunity that comes his way. It’s a philosophy that has worked for him, and I’m sure it will work for you too.

We have tons of opportunities listed on our website for you to explore. Visit Star Search Casting ( www.StarSearchCasting.com ) today and find out what types of opportunities await you. Good luck!

Star Search Casting Rivals Top Modeling Sites By Offering Premium Opportunities

In recent years, the fashion industry has begun scouting talent on the Internet, sparking the rise of modeling websites. However, as more and more models evaluate which websites can provide them with the tools they need to launch a dynamic career in the fashion industry, many of them are choosing Elite Casting Network, Inc. ( http://www.EliteCastingNetwork.com ) over mainstream modeling websites. At Elite Casting Network, aspiring models get the same benefits offered on most modeling websites and much, much more!

Elite Casting Network has become the premier website for aspiring singers, dancers, actors and models. From auditions for roles in television and film, to casting calls for print ads, fashion shows and commercials, Elite Casting Network has more opportunities posted than any other casting website. In addition to numerous opportunities for actors, singers and dancers, Elite Casting Network offers casting notices, databases of photographers and agencies and more for aspiring models.

Whether they are hoping to rock the runway or be featured in a major ad campaign, Elite Casting Network has hundreds of opportunities available for aspiring models. The website has also helped many of its members get signed to modeling agencies throughout the United States. "Within being registered a week on the website, a very well-respected modeling agency contacted me and said I had look they wanted," said Alaura Miranda of Tennessee.

In addition to helping aspiring models launch their careers, Elite Casting Network also keeps them updated with the latest modeling scams targeting the industry. The website now features "Scam Watch", a section of the website that is constantly updated with information from both the Elite Casting Network staff as well as members.

Elite Casting Network is a trustworthy resource for men, women and kids who are new to the modeling industry and just learning the ropes, as well as parents who are interested in helping their kids to break into the business. "Elite Casting Network really gave my daughter the exposure she needed to start her modeling career...within the first week of becoming a member I received 5 e-mails from different agencies," said Mikayla Gregory of Kentucky.

Unlike most modeling websites, Elite Casting Network also helps models wanting to explore opportunities in singing, dancing and acting as well. Elite Casting Network offers opportunities in all areas of the entertainment industry and helps aspiring singers, dancers, actors and models get discovered by agencies, casting directors and other entertainment industry professionals.

For more information on how Elite Casting Network is helping thousands of actors, singers, dancers and models land great gigs in the entertainment industry, visit www.EliteCastingNetwork.com today!

Star Search Casting Goes Global

STAR SEARCH CASTING GOES GLOBAL

California Based Website Expands Reach to Include Web Visitors from Around the Globe

(HOLLYWOOD) – Star Search Casting, Inc. ( www.StarSearchCasting.com ) has quickly become the most popular casting website in the United States. Aspiring talent including actors, models, singers and dancers have used the site to find opportunities in the entertainment industry in cities across the country. But now the site welcomes an international membership base. The site not only generates a large number of hits from aspiring singers, dancers, actors and models within the U.S., but now the site has developed strong popularity with users in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe and South America.

International residents often develop their ideas of the American Dream through portrayals in American film and television. Additionally, the admiration of American celebrities is widespread. So it’s no surprise that members of the international community not only want a piece of the American Dream as they’ve seen it portrayed on the big screen, music videos and other productions, but they also want a career in the glamorous entertainment business. While it may have seemed impossible to aspiring talent abroad to land jobs in the entertainment industry, Star Search Casting is helping an international community of aspiring entertainers gain access to Hollywood’s golden gates.

Star Search Casting’s international members have been just as successful as their American counterparts. They’ve been signed to major agencies and booked auditions and life changing roles. Sophia Caraan, a Star Search Casting member and resident of Hong Kong recently landed representation with a major modeling agency. Benedict Adeyemi of London has found the site useful for scoring auditions.

“Star Search Casting has really helped me pursue a career as an actor,” says Adeyemi. “I have been getting lots of casting calls, and voice over jobs, and it’s been great.”

The site’s international reach has also been beneficial for casting agents and other entertainment industry professionals. SSC allows entertainment industry professionals to cast a wider net when searching for fresh faces and new talent for modeling, film, television, commercials, and other projects.

To track the locations of Star Search Casting members across the globe, visit www.StarSearchCasting.com and click on SSC Goes Global for a full color map.

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!

THE BUSINESS OF ACTING: AGENTS AND MANAGERS FEES

One of the biggest advantages of our website is that thousands of actors, dancers, singers and models are able to audition for and book really great jobs without an agent. However, many of our members will eventually get representation and it’s important to be aware of some of the business practices that go along with signing with an agent or manager.

There are lots of perks that come with a career in the entertainment industry. One of those perks is the money. An actor that works regularly can make a great living doing what they love. Many SAG actors (members of Screen Actors Guild) make an average of $1000 a day while working on a major motion picture. But while the money can be a huge draw, it’s important to be aware of where a lot of your money goes. Aside from taxes, union dues and other expenditures like headshots, classes or any other valuable investments in your career – first and foremost you have to pay the people that represent you.

Just like any other industry, in entertainment there’s a cost for doing business. Agents charge a commission for any work that you book. Most will charge on average 10-15% of your gross earnings - that means before any other fees, such as taxes are taken out. If you have a manger, in addition to your agent, that can be an additional 10-15%. Some agents even charge fees for other services such as couriers (although these fees are generally miniscule.)

Often when we think of Hollywood careers, we think of the glitz, glamour, fortune and fame. But it’s important to look at the entire picture when you’re considering a career in the entertainment industry. It is a fantastic industry to work in, but it’s important to learn about all of the aspects of the business that face you on the journey ahead.

If you have questions about agency commissions, or any other questions related to the business of the industry, feel free to drop me a line or visit the message board on my website to talk to other actors, singers, dancers and models that are finding their way in the industry.

And check back tomorrow for more information on choosing an agent! Thanks for reading my blog!

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!

LOOK THE PART

One of our Star Search Casting members recently wrote in:

"I love this website! I just signed up, and in an hour I had found 10 auditions that would be perfect for me. Thanks, SSC!!!!!!!!"

Brianna Redding, Pennsylvania

I love that we can provide so many opportunities for talented people from so many different regions. If you haven’t had a chance to check out the auditions on our site, be sure to visit us today. There are lots of new opportunities posted.

While many of our members get an opportunity to audition for a variety of productions, quite a few are new to the industry and aren’t really sure what to expect on their first audition. Lots of people have questions like, What should I wear? Or How should I wear my hair?

If you’ve been called in by a casting director who’s seen your headshot (as opposed to an open call), try to look as much like your photo as possible. Don’t send in a picture and then change your hair color and hairstyle.

Be professional and neat in appearance. An audition is very much like an interview. You don’t want to wear anything that might be considered sloppy or inappropriate.

Make sure you’re age appropriate. If you’re auditioning for a Disney role, be sure to look fresh and youthful. If you’re going after a more mature role, make sure your hair, makeup and outfit reflect that.

Be trendy and fashionable, but don’t over do it. You don’t want to show up in anything that will distract from your audition.

Make sure you’re comfortable. You don’t want to inhibit your ability to perform because you’re insecure about what you’re wearing, or because your feet hurt.

Remember, you only get one chance to make a first impression. So one of the most important things you’ll need to wear is a winning, confident smile.

Check back tomorrow for tips on how to launch your career as a singer. If you have questions about any topics in my blog, or any other questions about the entertainment industry, feel free to submit them in the comments section and I’ll be happy to address them.

ARE YOU A TRIPLE THREAT?

We’re gearing up for The Best Talent Awards which will take place this November in Los Angeles. We had so many talented participants last year and over 40% of them were hired for work! While I was blown away by how many really great actors, dancers, singers and models there were – I was really impressed to see how many people were multi-talented and had mastered more than one craft.

In the entertainment industry, a “triple threat” refers to someone who can act, dance and sing well. Take the cast of High School Musical for example. It’s a high energy production with an incredibly talented cast, many of whom had to act, dance and sing to land their roles.

While it’s great to be a really good actor or a really great singer, you never know when the role of a lifetime will call for you to have more than one skill. It’s important when you’re preparing for a career in the entertainment industry that you are versatile and well-rounded. Learning to do several things rather than mastering just one skill can greatly increase your chances of booking really great roles.

Many actors have a “Special Skills” category on their resume. While singing and dancing can be listed here, you can also include languages, dialects, sports, instruments, stunts or any other special skills you may have that make you unique. Having lots of talents can be really helpful when you’re going after a role.

Often people are tempted to fudge this section of the resume, but this is a big DON’T. Instead, take advantage of classes or training in your area to pick up additional skills that will make you more marketable.

We have lots of classes listed on the Star Search Casting website that you can check out. I think you’ll find that classes can be lots of fun and a great way to meet and network with others in the industry.

Be sure to check in tomorrow to learn more about how to look the part when you go on an audition!