How To Become A “SAG” Actor

You may have heard actors talking about the elusive “SAG card” and wondered what they were talking about. The Screen Actors Guild, most commonly referred to as SAG, is the largest union for working actors. The union represents nearly 120,000 working actors in film, television, industrials, commercials, video games, music videos and other new media.

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How To Become A “SAG” Actor

You may have heard actors talking about the elusive “SAG card” and wondered what they were talking about. The Screen Actors Guild, most commonly referred to as SAG, is the largest union for working actors. The union represents nearly 120,000 working actors in film, television, industrials, commercials, video games, music videos and other new media. While many people who are interested in breaking into the industry as an actor have heard of SAG, or are somewhat familiar with the union, they don’t know how they become eligible to join.

There are several ways that you can become a member of SAG. You can become a member by 1) securing a principal or speaking role in a SAG film, videotape, television program or commercial, 2) securing a role as a SAG–covered background player at full SAG rates and conditions for a minimum of three work days or 3) if you are a member of an affiliated performers' union (ACTRA, AEA, AFTRA, AGMA or AGVA) for a period of one year and have worked and been paid for at least one role as a principal performer in that union’s jurisdiction.

That’s a mouthful! Let’s see if we can simplify it.

-If you book a role in a major television, film or commercial role, then you become SAG eligible. Most of the time this does not include independent film projects – although there are some exceptions.

- If you work as a background actor for at least three days on a film where the producer has signed a SAG agreement where he must cover background actors, then you are SAG eligible.

- If you are a member of another union such as ACTRA or AFTRA for at least a year, and you secure a principal role on a major union production, then you’re eligible.

Being a member of SAG is a great opportunity and has a lot of invaluable benefits. If you have more questions about SAG, post them on our bulletin board. We have lots of SAG members that are active on Star Search Casting and I’m sure they’d be happy to answer your questions.

Stay tuned for my upcoming blog about the many opportunities available to non-union people who are getting started in the entertainment industry as actors, models, dancers, singers, background players (extras), etc. And be sure to take a look at our forums for more great information about the entertainment business: http://www.starsearchcasting.com/forums/index.php

So You Think You Can Dance

As the popularity of television shows like So You Think You Can Dance and Dancing with the Stars grows, more and more people are inspired to pursue careers as dancers. We’ve got tons of opportunities on http://www.StarSearchCasting.com for aspiring dancers, so don’t forget to take a look.

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So You Think You Can Dance

As the popularity of television shows like So You Think You Can Dance and Dancing with the Stars grows, more and more people are inspired to pursue careers as dancers. We’ve got tons of opportunities on http://www.StarSearchCasting.com for aspiring dancers, so don’t forget to take a look.

As with any career in entertainment, pursuing a career as a dancer can be grueling and competitive. Additionally, the rigorous work involved can take a toll on your body. But if it’s something that you really want, then give it your all and don’t give up.

It’s important that as you pursue your career as dancer that you:

-Continue to take classes and improve upon your technique. Whether you’re auditioning for a dance company, a role in a production, or even a music video, there will be lots of other dancers with as much experience or more. You want to make sure that you have what it takes to compete against the other dancers that you’ll face along the way.

-While your passion may be ballet, or modern, you should still become familiar with a variety of styles. You never know what opportunities may arise and you want to be prepared for any opportunity that presents itself. Even if a job isn’t your dream job, it may open the door to something bigger and better.

- Commit to a healthy lifestyle. Many dancers feel pressured by the weight requirements that accompany many opportunities in the dance community. While booking your dream job is important, your health is your number one priority and you shouldn’t do anything to jeopardize it.

- Consider teaching or choreographing as well to supplement your income in between jobs and auditions.

- Consider living in a major city where there are large dance companies and production companies with lots of opportunities.

There are lots of dance auditions on our website. Check them out today. You could be pirouetting on a stage near you much sooner than you think!

Entertainment Scam Watch

At Star Search Casting ( http://www.StarSearchCasting.com) we are taking every precaution to really stay on top of the latest internet scams that are targeting aspiring dancers, actors, singers and models. We’ve been posting information about these scams in our forums and we’ve developed Scam Watch, a new alert system that informs our members of the latest scams as soon as they login to their account. If you encounter a scam, or suspicious activity, be sure to post the information in our forums or let us know so that we can share the information with other members and make them aware so that they don’t fall victim to these schemes.

You may have heard of money order scams on the news, or maybe on the web. The scammer mails the victim a fake money order and asks the victim to deposit it into their bank account, withdraw some of the money and then send it back via Western Union or bank wire. However, what the victim doesn’t know is that the money order is fake. Often the banks don’t discover this until the victim has already completed the transaction. Here’s how one scammer is luring victims on the web:

I represent Phantom Inc a modelling agency in london, and we have selected your portfolio for a Coca-Cola billboard advertisment.All we need is your approval,to enable us process your payment, no commision , no overhead costs , you just get paid for your pictures right away.Email your approval to (cole_phantominc12@yahoo.com)....
Cheers, Waiting For Your Reply.....

Phillip

You can go here to read discussion about this scam in our forums: http://www.starsearchcasting.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=116553

If you receive a message like this, DO NOT RESPOND. Unfortunately, even though you’re the victim, you will still be required by your bank to repay the money that you’ve withdrawn after you’ve deposited the bogus money order.

As these scams become more common, it’s important that you remain aware of the trends in internet fraud, and read the forums and the Scam Watch alerts on the website for examples of scams and tips on how to avoid them.

The Entertainment Business Has Something For Everyone

Have you ever toyed with the idea of pursuing a career in the entertainment industry but thought that maybe you weren’t the right “type?” While there is a lot of glamour in Hollywood, you don’t have to be a model to get a great gig. There’s something for everyone!

One of the really great things about our website ( http://www.StarSearchCasting.com) is that we have a variety of opportunities available to take advantage of. Regardless of your ethnicity, body type, area of talent, or years of experience, there are tons of casting calls and you’re sure to find something that’s a great fit for you.

When you log onto the Star Search Casting website and visit our auditions’ page, one thing you’ll notice is the list of categories. We have everything from film, television, music videos, band auditions, modeling calls, and more. We even have a list of industry events. And events are a great opportunity to meet others in the industry that probably felt the same way you did too.

You can also meet people in the industry in our forums. There are lots of Star Search Casting members that never dreamed of going on auditions and booking television shows, films and commercials, but found opportunities that were a perfect fit for them. You can experience the same success. You just have to invest the hard work and have a little faith.

Hollywood is a big place, and there’s room for everyone. Including you! Visit our site today and uncover the numerous opportunities that await you!

Meeting With A Talent Agent

Agents and managers visit our website ( http://www.StarSearchCasting.com/index.php ) daily looking for new talent to sign to their agencies. Thousands of our members have been signed to reputable agencies throughout the United States thanks to the exposure they’ve gotten on our website.

Often when members on our site are contacted by agents to come in for an appointment, one of the first questions they have is, “What should I expect?” So I wanted to take the time to outline a few things you should know so that you can make the most of your meeting.

When an agent contacts you for a meeting, they may tell you to come prepared with audition material. Others may expect you to have something prepared. And some will rely simply on your personality to decide if they want to work with you. So just in case, make sure you have something ready that showcases your strengths. Additionally, come in prepared to win them over with your sparkling personality. Be friendly, polite and engaging. This is an opportunity for the agent to get to know you – but you also want to get to know the agent as well. If you sign with the agency, you’ll be working with this person for awhile and you want to make sure it’s a good fit.

Also be prepared to discuss your career goals and what opportunities you think you’re best suited for. Be sure to communicate that you’re hardworking and ambitious. An agent can submit you to casting directors, but it’s up to you to book the job. An agent wants to know that they can count on you to always give it your best shot whenever they send you on an audition.

At larger agencies, you may have a series of meetings. You may come in initially to meet with one agent, and then if they think you’d be a good fit for the agency, then they will call you in for a second meeting (and sometimes a third) to meet with other agents at the company. Make sure you’re consistent when you arrive for each meeting. Some members of the staff at the agency may be friendlier than others. Don’t let that have any bearing on you putting your best foot forward.

Congratulations! Of all of the pictures that the agency receives each day, they’ve picked you! You should be thrilled! Go to your meeting with lots of energy and optimism. This could be your big shot and you’ve most certainly earned it!

Major TV Networks Use www.StarSearchCasting.com To Cast Today’s Most Popular Shows!

ABC, NBC, MTV & other major networks are using Star Search Casting to post casting opportunities & find new talent for some of today’s highest-rated television shows.

(HOLLYWOOD) – Star Search Casting, Inc. ( http://www.starsearchcasting.com/ ) is the #1 casting website used by major U.S. television networks. When new casting opportunities arise, networks are now posting them on SSC to cast a wider net, and get access to a larger talent pool. Whether they need singers, dancers, models or actors, major networks such as ABC, NBC and MTV are turning to www.StarSearchCasting.com to find new talent and future stars.

While many casting websites may advertise that they provide invaluable exposure for its members, Star Search Casting guarantees it. Not only has the site helped thousands of its members to pursue successful careers in the entertainment industry, the site is now one of the #1 tools that major networks, production companies and agencies utilize to find new singers, dancers, actors and models. ABC, NBC, MTV, The WB, TLC, A&E and The History Channel are just a handful of the major networks that have used Star Search Casting (SSC) to advertise casting opportunities.

Star Search Casting, Inc. founder and entertainment executive, Jonathan Parker had casting professionals in mind when he designed the site. “I created Star Search Casting to give actors, singers, dancers and models great exposure. But in order to do that, I knew I had to create a site that would really resonate with industry professionals,” says Parker. And that’s exactly what he did.

There are a number of reasons why major networks have chosen Star Search as their #1 choice for finding new talent on the internet. Star Search Casting has more than 235,000 members, providing a diverse bank of singers, dancers, actors and models with a variety of looks and skill sets. Additionally, SSC allows members to post up to 100 photos, as well as video and audio files in addition to their online resume, helping casting directors and other network executives make informed decisions when reviewing Star Search Casting members’ online portfolios. Additionally, the site is well designed, and user-friendly which keeps entertainment industry professionals coming back to the site on a consistent basis.
For more information about the types of roles major networks are posting on the website, log on today to http://www.starsearchcasting.com/. There are more than 1400 casting notices posted on the site from major networks, production companies, agencies and other industry players.

Do You Have What It Takes To Be In The Next Big Boy Or Girl Band?

This month MTV unveils it’s newest band member search, Making Menudo. Each year more and more networks launch dozens of televised talent searches and thousands of singers audition for boy and girl bands. Groups like The Pussycat Dolls and Danity Kane have given singers across the country opportunities to audition for these chart topping groups and gain instant stardom upon making the band.

Sounds great, right? Auditioning for these opportunities is a great step towards furthering your career. But we’ve mentioned in the past that you want to research and take advantage of every opportunity out there. Don’t wait for an entire year to roll by so you can audition again for American Idol. There are tons of opportunities out there for you, even if you don’t make it onto one of these popular television shows.

You may be wondering how you can find opportunities to audition for a band and find out if you have what it takes? Lots of members on the Star Search Casting ( www.StarSearchCasting.com ) website have had the opportunity to showcase their talent by auditioning for bands looking for new members.

Kelly Wardlaw is just one of many Star Search Casting members that has landed auditions for bands across the country. “After only 1 month being here I got an audition for a all girl group and right now I am praying to god that I get it,” Kelly recently wrote in to us.

Kelly lives in Michigan but there are tons of opportunities all over the United States and abroad. If you think you’ve got what it takes it’s important that you check out the casting notices every day and start going after these opportunities. They are the gateways to your dream!

This week we have thousands of opportunities posted, so make sure you visit our site and check them out. You’ll be amazed how easy it can be to get your foot in the door with the right amount of effort.

Thanks for reading the blog. Let’s all wish Kelly good luck!

Have You Done Your Research

If you’re new to using the web to book auditions or showcase your talent to secure an agent, manger or appointment with a casting director, you might be a little unsure of how it all works. Or if it’s even legitimate. With all of the entertainment websites on the internet, it can be a huge task to review all of them and determine which one is the best for you.

In addition to helping thousands of aspiring singers, actors, dancers and models land great jobs, we also try to help people make sound decisions when it comes purchasing entertainment-related services over the internet. That’s one of the reasons why we started our Scam Watch section.

It’s also the reason that we’ve posted a series of questions that you should ask before signing up for a casting website. While the number of casting sites is growing, not all of them are best equipped to get you the exposure you’re looking for – or to make sure that your online experience is a safe and successful one.

Here are a few questions we advise that you ask before signing up for a casting website:

• How long has the company been in business?
• Is the company a member of the Better Business Bureau?
• How large is the company’s online database of members?
• Does the site’s search technology really work all that well?
• How much traffic does the site receive?
• Do Casting Directors & Agents use the site to find talent?
• Does the site have testimonials with real success stories?
• Does the company protect your privacy and is it child safe?

Your career is very important so you want to take every decision seriously. And we understand that 100%. You can read our answers to these questions on our website, by clicking here.

We look forward to having you joining the thousands of members on Star Search Casting ( www.StarSearchCasting.com ) that have embarked on successful careers through the services provided on our website.