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.

Making The Most Of Fashion Week

If you're an aspiring model then you probably know that Fashion Week in New York is just around the corner - February 1^st to be exact. Considered to be one of the fashion capitals of the world, New York hosted the very first Fashion Week back in 1943 and is home to some of the industry's highest paid models and most prominent fashion editors, photographers, art directors, designers and fashion stylists.

Participating in New York's Fashion Week is an amazing opportunity for a new model. However most of the opportunities during Fashion Week are given to established models. Additionally, many of the events are only open to fashion industry professionals, top models, buyers, media, celebrities and socialites. However, in recent years other cities throughout the United States have begun to launch their own version of Fashion Week, which are far more accessible for individuals new the industry. These events found in San Francisco, Boston, Atlanta, Chicago, Baltimore and many other cities can be a great opportunity for new models to either break into the industry or work as interns and volunteers to learn more about the business and make useful contacts.

So how do you get your foot in the door? Contact the Fashion Week staff listed on the website to inquire about opportunities for new models or interns and volunteers. Additionally, the designers and sometimes even the photographers that are participating are usually posted on the website, so feel free to contact them directly as well.

If you're hoping to land a modeling gig during Fashion Week in your area, you should have a strong look and a winning attitude. You'll need to be assertive and diligent because it may take a substantial amount of research and following up to land an opportunity during Fashion Week as a new model.

In the meantime, are you ready to get some more experience on the runway? Check out the casting notices at www.EliteCastingNetwork.com for great opportunities for aspiring models today!

Are You Ready For Your Closeup? Makeup Tips For Aspiring Models

There’s no denying that modeling is one of the most glamorous careers in the entertainment industry. But as you’re making your way up the ladder of success, it’s important that you remember that every step of the way won’t be glamour and glitz. Before you’re jet setting to the fashion capitals of the world, and meeting celebrities and famous photographers you’ll have to pay your dues just like everyone else in the industry.

Did you know that for many of the gigs that you’ll get as an aspiring model, you may be required to do your own makeup? Well, it’s a fact. Therefore it’s important that you learn how to apply makeup like a pro, a skill that’s important not just for models, but for singers, actors and dancers as well. Roshumba Williams, a professional model, has been featured in Vogue, Elle, Cosmopolitan and Sports Illustrated. Here are a few professional tips from her on expertly applying makeup:

1. Start by placing small dots of foundation on your forehead, cheeks, nose and chin. Use a cosmetic sponge to blend.
2. Use concealer only where it’s needed. Dot it on and then pat it with your ring finger to blend.
3. Dip a fluffy powder brush into loose powder, tap off any excess, and then dust it over your face.
4. Using an eye shadow brush, sweep powder eye shadow from your lash line to your brown and then blend.
5. Before applying mascara, be sure to wipe the excess from the wand with a tissue. Then holding the wand horizontally, sweep through your lashes. Reapply to the top of your lashes only.
6. Using your brow brush, brush your eyebrows up and slightly out.
7. Dip your blush brush in the blush and tap off any excess. Place the brush on the apple of your cheek, and stroke back toward your ear. Most of the color should be on your cheek. If you make a mistake, use your powder brush to “buff” it out.
8. Slick on lip gloss with your finger. For lipstick, dip your lip brush in the lipstick. Outline your lips with the brush, starting from the center and working out toward the edges. Fill in the bottom lip and then press (don’t rub) your lips together.
9. Use a small brush to sweep a darker, coordinating color in the crease of your eye.
10. Dip an eyeliner brush in a dark shadow (black, navy or gray) and dot a line along the upper - and if you want - the lower lash lines. For an even more dramatic look, use an eye pencil to line around your inner lash line.
11. For less mistake-prone contouring, sweep translucent powder under your cheek bones to highlight bone structure.

Ready dazzle the industry with your new knowledge of makeup application? Visit Star Search Casting (www.StarSearchCasting.com) today for opportunities in modeling and acting, singing and dancing as well!