Saturday,Jun 6 2009, 09:59:54 AMScam Watch – Fatal Photo Shoots

In 1992, 21-year old model Kimberly Pandelios told her husband that she was meeting with a photographer. However the man who’d led her to believe he was a photographer was actually a registered sex offender who lured Pandelios into the Angeles National Forest where he sexually assaulted and killed her.

Kimberly was probably a lot like many young, aspiring models. She was beautiful, vibrant and eager to take on the world. She’d had some success modeling swimwear and lingerie when she’d discovered a model-wanted ad in a local weekly newspaper. She had hoped the opportunity would help her make some headway in her career. Instead, she met a tragic end.

Unfortunately, this story is not an uncommon one. And it doesn’t just happen to new models. Linda Sobek, a former Raiders cheerleader and Playboy model met a similar fate when she left her home to attend a photo shoot. In her case, the photographer who killed her was at the time a reputable photographer who had actually amassed a small fortune and some fame and who’s work had appeared in many automotive magazines.

We often discuss the growing number of Internet scams that constantly target aspiring models, but one Star Search Casting member recently discussed the importance of remaining aware of the dangers that face models in the real world as well. Every day people reach out to aspiring models on the street, in stores, or through newspaper or online classifieds with legitimate offers. However, there are also criminals who use these same methods to lure models with malicious intent.

To avoid becoming the victim of dangerous crime, always remember to:

• Ask for references from photographers, agents or other industry professionals before agreeing to work with them.

• Take a friend or family member with you to photo shoots and meetings with agents, photographers or other industry professionals, especially if you’ve not worked with them in the past and you have not secured the job through a reputable agency.

• Be cautious of applying to blind ads in newspapers or online. If you choose to apply to these ads, be sure to thoroughly research the agency or photographer that you will be meeting with.

• And last but not least, always go with your instincts. Intuition is one of the most powerful resources you have to protect you from dangerous situations. Therefore don’t get involved with a project or an agency if you have a bad feeling about it.

For more information on scams and crimes affecting aspiring models, singers, actors and dancers, log on to http://StarSearchCasting.com daily and review our entertainment industry Scam Watch.

 Tag : TALENT, OpEn, Notices, CHILD, Calls, EliteCastingNetworkcom, elitecastingnetwork, starsearchcasting, Search, parker, Montana, tv, models, audition, notice, Commercial, Acting, teen, modeling, Auditions, StarSearchCastingcom, ECN, network, ssc, casting, star, jonathan, elite, for, Movie, hannah, jobs, agency, baby, disney | 92 Views | 2 Comments | Share with Friends | Recommend

Sunday,May 31 2009, 11:51:53 AMAre 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!

 Tag : StarSearchCastingcom, disney, Auditions, casting, Calls, CHILD, Acting, modeling, baby, hannah, Montana, teen, tv, Commercial, Movie, jobs, ECN, ssc, jonathan, parker, best, TALENT, Awards, elite, network | 127 Views | 2 Comments | Share with Friends | Recommend

Sunday,May 31 2009, 11:46:59 AMTurn Your New Role Into Representation

So you've been scouring the internet and industry publications for auditions and it's finally paid off! Congratulations! But guess what? You've still got work to do. Your hard work has landed you a job, but now's the time to leverage your new role and get representation.

Whether you'll be featured in a live stage, television or film production, it's important to get the word out to the people who can help you take your career to even greater heights. Now's the time to let agents and managers know that you're a bankable talent and you're ready to take the industry by storm.

How do you do this? It's actually quite easy. Most people send mass mailings to agents and managers when they are looking for representation. You can apply the same principle when you've landed a role. Sending a simple postcard to announce your new role to agents and managers can greatly improve your odds of getting representation, compared to simply sending a headshot and a cover letter that may or may not be opened or given substantial consideration.

The front of the postcard should be a full color headshot with your name and the role you're appearing in. On the back, you can include more information about yourself and about your new role. Be sure the info is short and concise and that your photo is engaging. If it's a live performance, invite the agent or manager to attend. If it's a television or film role, invite them to tune in or check it out.

Be advised that the manager or agent will probably not come to your live performance. However, what's most important is that they 1) See your face, and identify you as someone they may want to work with, 2) See that you're able to book work, and that a relationship with you could be a profitable one and 3) Call you to schedule an appointment for you to come in and meet with them.

So what are you waiting for? Start sending out those postcards today! Not sure where to send your postcards? Visit our site today for a list of agents and managers in your area!

 Tag : StarSearchCastingcom, disney, Auditions, casting, Calls, CHILD, Acting, modeling, baby, hannah, Montana, teen, tv, Commercial, Movie, jobs, jonathan, parker, star, Search, elite, network, EliteCastingNetworkcom | 86 Views | 1 Comments | Share with Friends | Recommend

Sunday,May 31 2009, 11:40:23 AMHow To Land A Job In Hollywood Without An Agent ..

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."

 Tag : Auditions, disney, StarSearchCastingcom, casting, Calls, CHILD, Acting, modeling, baby, hannah, Montana, teen, tv, Commercial, Movie, jobs, jonathan, parker, star, Search, elite, network | 83 Views | 1 Comments | Share with Friends | Recommend

Sunday,May 31 2009, 11:35:03 AMHow To Land A Job Without An Agent (part 1)

Thousands of members on our site have booked exciting jobs in Hollywood without an agent. Often aspiring actors, models, singers and dancers think they don't have a shot at making their dreams come true because they don't have an agent. But this couldn't be further from the truth. There are tons of opportunities available to you, even if you don't have representation. Don't let lack of an agent or manager stand in your way.

Melina Rochelle, a singer and actress living in Los Angeles, knows all about the challenges of looking for work without an agent. "I was worried that because I didn't have an agent, I wouldn't be able to audition for roles that I really wanted. Initially I was discouraged but I didn't let it stop me." Instead, she began doing her own research and was able to find lots of opportunities. And in no time she was landing great jobs.

This fall she will appear in the musical City Kid at the Hudson Theatre in Los Angeles in the role of Niki. "I'm so excited! It's a great role and I get to showcase my singing and my acting in a really great show." When asked how she's managed to get such great opportunities without an agent or manager, Melina Rochelle offered this advice:

• "Just because you don't have an agent doesn't mean you can't submit yourself. Do your research. There are lots of resources that list opportunities that you can submit yourself for without the assistance of representation."

• "Make and keep in touch with contacts in the business. It's a lot about who you know. There are lots of ways to meet people, for example taking classes to meet other actors, singers, dancers or models."

 Tag : StarSearchCastingcom, disney, Auditions, casting, Calls, CHILD, Acting, modeling, baby, hannah, Montana, teen, teen, tv, Commercial, Movie, jobs, jonathan, parker, EliteCastingNetworkcom | 63 Views | Post Comments | Share with Friends | Recommend