Are You Ready To Live On The Edge?

If you’ve been checking out our casting calls then you know that there are a variety of jobs out there available to aspiring actors and actresses. If you’re considering breaking into the entertainment industry,
and you’re athletic, adventurous and you’re looking for a bit of
excitement, then a career as a stunt person might just be the job for
you!

I don’t know about you but I love action films and I’ve always wondered what it’s like for actors like Jackie Chan (Rush Hour) and Matt Damon (The Bourne Ultimatum)
who’ve starred in some of the most exciting films to hit the box
office. I’ve always been even more curious to learn about the stunt
doubles who’ve worked alongside them handling the more dangerous stunts
– everything from jumping off of buildings to high speed car chases
that end in a fiery crash.

Mark Bedell is a Star Search Casting
member who’s seen the action firsthand! Mark Bedell, like many of our
members is a multi-talented actor who has really worked hard to make a
name for himself in the entertainment business. He has worked as an actor in nearly 20 projects, including roles on the popular soap opera Passions.
In addition to his acting work, he’s worked as a stunt coordinator and
stunt performer on more than 20 projects. Talk about an adrenaline
rush!

While
a career as a stunt person can be action-packed as well as lucrative,
it’s important to point out that there are lots of dangers and risks
involved. You may suffer from muscle strain, sprains, broken bones,
concussions and other minor and sometimes major injuries. Serious
injuries, in addition to being painful, can also lead to loss of
current and future jobs.

If
you still think you might enjoy a career as a stunt person, then it’s
important that you develop a list of skills to help you land a job.
Stunt people often have taken classes to learn a variety of skills and
talents such as martial arts, horseback riding, fencing and scuba
diving among other useful skills. Stunt people also often spend a great
amount of time in the gym because it’s important that they remain in
shape to help them deal with the challenges of the job, as well as ward
off injury.

Even if you don’t think you’re cut out for the intensive demands of film and television stunts, it’s important that all actors and actresses
stay in tip-top shape. While directors turn to stunt specialists for
much of the stunt work done in films, you may still be required to
throw a punch in a scene or engage in rigorous physical activity.
Recently a friend of mine was required to perform a stunt in a pool in
an independent film. He had a great time doing it, and was filled with
pride once it was complete.

To
learn more about the variety of jobs that are available to you in the
entertainment industry, whether you’re interested in becoming a stunt
person, or something a bit less risky, visit our auditions page at http://www.StarSearchCasting.com today and explore jobs that would be perfect for you.

Scam Watch: Beware Of Erick Kent & The Pembroke Recruitment Agency

Scams can cost aspiring models a fortune! Whether it’s a modeling school that requires you to take pricey modeling classes or illegitimate agency that sends you a fake check to cash, modeling scams in all forms can cost you both your hard earned money as well as your dignity.

One
of the latest scams that has come to our attention involves phone
numbers that can drive your phone bill through the roof. If you get any
emails with the phone prefix +4470 – do not call the number. Phone
calls to these numbers will transfer you to an unpublished phone number
and can cost you up to £2 per minute, which is almost four American
dollars.

A
scammer using the name Erick Kent has been identified as one of the
individuals using these high-priced phone numbers to lure unsuspecting
models. See below for an example of the messages he’s been sending:

"Dear **********

Thank you very much for your quick reply.

Pembroke Recruitment Agency is a free lance model recruiting agency.

You
were contracted for a part time or full time position depending on your
options. Your photo was considered attractive enough so we decided to
contact you. At the moment we are under obligation from DR modeling
firm and we would like to hire you on their behalf.

At the moment your area of content will be trade shows, Print, runway music videos. Location will be London, England.

It
will be necessary you send resumes , photos and any documentation that
will properly describe you and explain better what you do.

Thanks,

Erick Kent

Pembroke Recruitment Agency

14d Blvd Westminster London UK.

+447031899189"

If
you receive an email from Erick Kent or the Pembroke Recruitment
Agency, do not respond. If you receive suspicious correspondence from
any other individuals and you’re not sure what to do, post the email to
the community forum for feedback and advice from the Elite Casting Network staff and other members.

For more information on Internet scams targeting aspiring models, actors, dancers and singers, visit http://www.EliteCastingNetwork.com and log in daily to read our Scam Watch.

www.StarSearchCasting.com Delivers The Latest In Entertainment News & Gossip

HOLLYWOOD
– Want to know what’s the latest episode in the Britney Spears saga, or
how the Oscars faired in the television ratings game? From Lindsay
Lohan to George Clooney, Star Search Casting has the scoop! While actors, dancers, singers and models log in to Star Search Casting to browse the most current casting notices, they also check out the website each day for the latest in entertainment news.

 

Star Search Casting (http://www.StarSearchCasting.com) has been the leading casting website for more than a decade and provides a comprehensive database of resources for aspiring dancers, actors, models and singers eager to break into the entertainment industry. In addition to being the industry’s #1 website for resources and tools
for new and experienced performers, it’s also a great source for
members who like to stay up to date on television ratings, award show
winners, box office news and the latest on Hollywood stars.

 

“Everyday
our website offers new casting notices that actors, dancers, models and
singers at any stage of their career can take advantage of,” says Jonathan Parker, founder and CEO of Star Search Casting.
“However, one of the reasons that people decide to explore careers in
the entertainment industry is because it fascinates them. Therefore we
make sure we satisfy our members’ cravings for both exciting job
opportunities as well as hot entertainment industry gossip and
compelling entertainment news stories.”

 

Each
day Star Search Casting posts current entertainment news to its
members’ delight. Star Search Casting is the only website where actors,
models, singers and dancers can look for jobs in the entertainment industry as well as check out a full list of Oscar winners or see how Tina Fey (30 Rock)
feels about Hillary Clinton. From one of the largest databases of
agents and managers to music reviews of the latest pop stars, Star Search Casting has something for everyone.

 

For aspiring and experienced actors,
dancers, singers and models who want to take advantage of this dynamic
website and all it has to offer, membership is both easy and
affordable. Just visit www.StarSearchCasting.comand
click on the ‘Membership Levels’ link to join. New members who sign up
for an annual Diamond membership will also receive a one-year Diamond
membership at Elite Casting Network, another leading casting website.

 

For the leading website for casting notices, talent resources and entertainment news and gossip, visit Star Search Casting (www.StarSearchCasting.com) today!

Step It Up: How To Pick Up Choreography Quickly

Often when dance auditions are posted, the casting notice will include a list of requirements. Requirements may be related to age or height and often you’ll have to know a particular style of dance like tap or hip-hop. One of the most common requirements included in dance casting notices is that the dancers must be able to pick up choreography quickly.  

 

Dancers who are able to pick up choreography quickly are most likely to be hired for jobs. Directors and choreographers prefer to save time (and money) by working with dancers who are fast learners. Both new and experienced dancers often struggle with choreography, so if this is a problem for you, don’t feel that you’re alone.

 

Here are a few tips that dancers often use to help them overcome this common problem:

 

-Visualize yourself performing the movements as the choreographer runs through them. Repetition is the key to learning new moves, and doing them in your head repeatedly can be just as effective as physically performing the routine over and over again.

 

-Give each step a name. Creating a name for each move often helps dancers remember the steps more easily as well as anticipate the next move as they’re going through a routine.

 

-Imitate the choreographer using small movements as he or she goes through the routine. By imitating the movements as soon as you are shown the steps, you begin acclimating your body to the moves, which can also help you remember them better when it’s time to perform them.

 

-Pay close attention to how the choreography relates to the music.  If the choreographer inserts a jump at a point in the song when the singer sings, “jump back” or something similar, those keywords can be a big help.

 

Lots of dancers create their own techniques for helping them pick up choreography. By talking with other dancers, as well as teachers and choreographers, you can find out lots of creative ways to help you learn choreography more quickly as well as become a better dancer overall. To discuss techniques with other Star Search Casting members who are pursuing careers in the field of dance, log on to http://www.StarSearchCasting.com. Our community forum is a great place to trade tips and get great insights into the industry. Don’t forget to check out our auditions for upcoming dance opportunities near you.

A PERFECT FIT: Working as a fit model in the fashion industry

Elite Casting Network posts casting calls daily for a variety of modeling jobs.
Whether you’re interested in runway, catalog or swimwear modeling,
there’s something for everyone on our website. One of our most recent casting calls was for fit (also referred to as garment fitting) models. Fit models are critical to the fashion industry. They work with manufacturers and fashion designers
so that the clothing companies can fit their designs to human frames.
Have you ever put on a pair of jeans and they fit perfectly? There was
probably a fit model with a body type similar to yours that helped the
designer tailor the jeans for you and others like you!

There are several types of fit models, including sample, duplicate and showroom models. A sample model
works with designers specifically to help them adjust and fit garments
that will be used in an upcoming fashion show, typically debuting a new
collection. A duplicate model is used after the fashion show to
readjust the garments so that they can be designed for the
ready-to-wear collection that will appear in stores for consumers to
purchase. Showroom models work with designers and manufactures to model
the garments for department store buyers and help them determine if
they should purchase the styles for their stores.

One
of the most attractive aspects of working as a fit model is that most
fit models’ bodies must be similar to the bodies of the manufacturer’s
target consumer. Most consumers don’t have the same body type as the
models that you see on the runway; therefore while a runway model
may be a size 0 or 2, fit models are more likely to be a size 4, 6 or
8. Accordingly, plus-sized clothing manufacturers often hire fit models
that are sizes 14 and up. Fit models typically must adhere to specified
height, bust-waist-hip circumference, arm and leg length and shoulder
width measurements as well. These specifications are usually outlined
in the casting call.

As
a fit model, you’ll get priceless experience in the fashion industry,
an opportunity to work with notable and up-and-coming designers and
clothing manufacturers, and sometimes you may even get free clothes.
You’ll also get to provide your own personal opinion about the fit of
the design to help the designers modify the clothes to satisfy
consumers just like you. They’ll ask you your opinion on how the design
fits, how the fabric feels and if you’re able to move comfortably in
the garment.

If you’re interested in becoming a fit model, or you’re curious about other types of modeling jobs that you might be suited for, visit Elite Casting Network (www.EliteCastingNetwork.com) and review our casting notices.

Interviewing A Potential Acting Coach

Not everyone who professes to be an acting coach is actually qualified to teach you to become a better actor or actress. Therefore it’s important that before you pay for acting classes that you interview your acting coach
to determine that they are: 1) trained and experienced and 2) capable
of and excited about helping you reach your personal performance goals.
A great acting coach will not only help you become the phenomenal actor or actress that you’d always dreamed of being, but also help guide you as you navigate the early stages of your acting career.

Once you’ve generated a list of acting coaches
in your area, determine if they have a website. You may find much of
the information you need to make a decision based on details provided
on their webpage. If not, give them a call and be sure you ask the
following:

–        Do you have a list of your credentials?

–        Can I sit in on one of our classes for free before I make my decision?

–        How many students do you instruct in each class?

–        Have any of your former students landed major theatre, television or film roles?

–        Do you offer private instruction?

–        Do you offer a refund policy if I’m unable to attend the remainder of my sessions due to unforeseen circumstances?

It’s
very important that you get a list of your teacher’s credentials. There
are many teachers who have worked in the industry and have many years
of experience, but they don’t necessarily have formal training.

Additionally, many actors
find that they get far more out of classes when the teacher limits the
size of the classes. While private instruction on a regular basis isn’t
necessary, it can be beneficial to have the option of private
instruction in cases where you need to work one on one with your
teacher or coach to prepare for an important audition, or work on material before your first day on set for a big role.

Elite Casting Network offers an extensive list of acting coaches and teachers
on our website. You can also visit our community forum and ask other
members for recommendations and referrals. Visit us today at http://www.EliteCastingNetwork.com.

Putting Yourself In The Character’s Shoes… Literally

If there was such a thing as an actor’s toolkit, what do you think would be in it? Of course all actors need a headshot and resume. A Star Search Casting membership is another essential item that every actor should also have. Some might say that every actor should prepare and have committed to memory a song that they can sing well to audition
for roles that require both acting and singing. And for actors who are
interested in musical theater and audition frequently, a pair of character shoes is a must.

When auditioning for musical theater,
many casting notices specify that actors must bring character shoes for
their audition. Character shoes are named for their use in theater
because they are worn when actresses and actors are performing “in
character.” They look very similar to tap shoes, and some actually can
be ordered with taps. Character shoes typically come in tan or black,
with leather soles, and are designed for rigorous movement and dancing
for long periods of time. Directors and casting professionals also
prefer character shoes for actors because they provide a sense of
uniformity. Character shoes, especially for men, may also be referred
to as jazz shoes.

If you’re purchasing a pair of character shoes for the first time, here are a few tips you may find useful:

–        Although
character shoes are sold widely online, you may consider visiting a
retail establishment to try on a few pairs to determine which style you
prefer. You can then comparison shop for the same brand and style
online. 

–        Character shoes for women are made with varying heel heights. Be sure to pick a height that you’ll be comfortable with.

–        Break your character shoes in by wearing them around the house.

–        Wipe the bottoms of your character shoes (if worn outside) before dancing on wooden floors

Character
shoes are available at a variety of price points and can range from $30
– $130. One of the most popular brands of character shoes is Capezio,
however there are lots of consumer reviews online that can also help
you decide which brand would be best for you.

Feel free to discuss brands, prices and the best retail stores and websites to purchase character shoes on our community forum. Log on to http://www.StarSearchCasting.com today to talk to other singers, dancers, actors and models about career related apparel, supplies and more!

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.

Star Search Casting Members Audition To Help Advertise Regional & National Brands In Televised Commercials

www.StarSearchCasting.com is quickly becoming the leading website casting directors use to scout talent for commercials across the United States.

HOLLYWOOD – An increasing number of casting directors are using Star Search Casting (www.StarSearchCasting.com) to cast commercials for leading brands across the United States. Commercial casting directors
find thousands of fresh faces and new talent each year on the website
perfect for playing enthusiastic, likeable characters that advertising
executives think will most effectively represent and sell their brands.
Whether searching for actors, dancers, singers or models for
commercials, casting directors know that Star Search Casting members
have the look and the talent to engage audiences of all ages and
backgrounds.

Star Search Casting has been the leading casting website for a decade. Casting directors and other entertainment industry professionals
consistently use Star Search Casting to scout dancers, actors, singers
and models for film, television, theater, music videos, commercials and
many other types of productions. Casting directors have discovered
thousands of energetic and expressive actors, dancers, singers and models for major motion pictures, network television shows and other major projects.

“Star Search Casting members have booked tons of commercials through our website,” says Jonathan Parker,
founder and CEO of Star Search Casting. “There are thousands of
commercials produced each year, so the market for commercials offers
actors, dancers, singers and models lots of opportunities.”

Star
Search Casting has provided numerous opportunities for actors, singers,
dancers and models to audition for commercials for major consumer
brands such as Nintendo as well as popular regional business like TZ
Family Food and Fun. The website offers both union and non-union roles
and the commercials posted on the site offer great opportunities for
talent with all-American looks as well as unique and quirky looks.
There’s no website with more casting notices for talent of all ethnicities, body types and levels of experience.

Star
Search Casting has thousands of current casting notices online daily
perfect for aspiring entertainers who think they’ve got what it takes
to take the industry by storm.  Actors, dancers, singers and models
interested in auditioning for commercials, or other types of
productions, can log on to http://www.StarSearchCasting.com to submit their headshots, full body photos and resumes today.

Should You Go To Modeling School?

Many aspiring models have signed up for modeling classes only to discover they’ve been the victims of a scam. This is unfortunate because there are actually a number of reputable modeling schools that have successfully helped many new models sharpen their skills and approach the industry with confidence. While modeling school does not guarantee your success in the industry, it can be a helpful stepping-stone for many aspiring models who are new to the industry.

In addition to researching the modeling school
before you sign up or pay any fees, it’s also important that you learn
about the school’s curriculum. To make sure that you benefit from the
experience, you want to be sure that you’ll learn valuable information
about the industry and helpful tips that can help you secure jobs in
the future.

A reputable modeling school should help you to:

–        Develop good posture

–        Learn the fundamentals of walking on the runway

–        Learn how to apply makeup and take care of your skin

–        Develop poise and self confidence

–        Adopt good nutritional habits

–        Learn how to model for the camera

Modeling
schools can be extremely helpful for models who are new to the industry
and want an opportunity to learn about the industry in a comfortable,
nurturing environment.

You should not sign up for modeling schools that require you to pay for photo shoots with specific photographers. Additionally, you should not sign up for modeling schools as a requirement for being signed to an agency. These are common tactics used by disreputable agencies.

Additionally,
a reputable modeling school should give you a realistic assessment of
your modeling potential. If a modeling school promises you work based
on enrolling in their school – it may be a scam. 

Are you interested in talking to other aspiring models who have enrolled in modeling schools? Visit http://www.StarSearchCasting.com
and post your questions in our community forum to learn more about
other Star Search Casting members’ experiences in the modeling industry.