how to impress a casting director...

how do you impress a casting director? don’t act like many actors! that will impress them!

okay, so now you’re angry at me for saying that…well, it’s true…and if you know me at all by now, you know that i speak the truth! but what do i mean by not acting like many actors? and how do i know this? this was told to me by a prominent child actor casting director in a conversation…

they said this…and it goes for adults also – probably more so when you think about it – when an actor comes into their office, they expect a real, live human being who can relate and connect to them on an intellectual and emotional level to walk through the door…not a fake ‘over the top’ personality…not someone who is physically all over them…not a child actor that isn’t prepared with his sides and obviously spent no time on the script at all…not someone who is angry or hostile or desperate…not someone who has a chip on their shoulder…can you fill in the rest?

do me a favor…imagine you are the casting person…you are sitting behind a desk day in and day out watching hundreds of actors come in your office, many of them not even ready re: talent, and they get angry at you b/c you don’t give them a callback…better yet, the parent doesn’t live anywhere even near the realm of reality and suddenly dislikes you, the casting person b/c of not loving their child like they do…i personally don’t know how casting people do it…they have amazing patience to me…
and much against popular opinion, they ARE human…so being human, what do they look for?

first of all…casting directors are your allies, not your enemies…so how do you impress your ally? by being on time…being friendly and sincere…by being easy to work with, with a positive attitude and can take direction well when given…also, don’t forget to dress neatly, followed the script’s directions and above all be able to ACT! just be as pleasant as you can, no matter how pressuring the situation is, b/c if your child stays in this business, they will run into this casting director over and over again…it’s always best to put your best foot forward at all times…it really is a small business, and if you can get them to like you and enjoy your time with them, they will get to know you and call you in for future roles…also, word to the wise…be very careful what you say on acting forums…casting people do lurk there and believe me, they will find out who you are if you say something negative about them…wouldn’t you do the same?

when i think back to when my child actor first got into this business, i honestly wish she hadn’t gotten a manager as quickly as she had…she wasn’t ready to audition in front of anyone…but sometimes, as parents, they are so cute to us even if they aren’t that great, we think they are going to get cast just b/c of that! she was seen by some casting people that remember her at that stage in her acting…and sometimes it’s hard to get rid of that perspective…so make sure your budding actor is ready…take some classes first and above all, DON’T come to l.a. for pilot season in that state! you’ll waste a ton of money and if you put them out there pre-maturely, that’s how they will be remembered!

we, in the business, need to have a “love your casting director” day…then maybe people will realize how important these people are to their lives and careers…

have a wonderfully productive day…kiss someone (NOT the casting director!) LOL
hugs and out~

PILOT SEASON - PART 2...

this is part 2 of yesterday's post re: our family coming to pilot season this past february and march...and as much as people want to think that a child actor or even an adult actor will "make it" during this period of time...the truth is...well...keep reading!

so our decision was made…we would spend 8 weeks in l.a. now that lissa was signed with a prominent talent agent…we figured the worse that could happen is that she would get some great experience and begin to meet some of the west coast casting directors… at least i thought i felt that way...

the first day she was here, she was sent out on an audition…then nothing for two weeks…then another audition…and then nothing for 2 more weeks! i know…sounds pretty frustrating, and it was…but the good thing was that during the down time that she had, without friends to distract her, she graduated from high school, nearly 2 years early! so it all worked out for the best…but back to my story…

i wrote to lissa's manager online trying to figure out why lissa wasn’t going on more auditions…she was very honest with me…lissa was new to the area and for some reason, this past pilot season (and actually, it looks like this may be a trend) they were not calling in a lot of kids that didn’t live in this area…her mgr. spoke to several of the more youth-oriented casting people and that’s what they said…that if the child actor was not a local or if they didn’t have heavy duty credits, they were passing on them…the networks were skitsy this year and didn’t want to rest the success of a pilot on some newbie’s shoulders…

great! so here we are and we hear that! but being the oh so optimistic one that i am, i knew that there was always still a chance that things could change…another audition happens…then another…so during pilot season, the average for lissa for theatrical auditions was 1 every two weeks! and that’s total honesty! most people won’t tell you that…they’ll pad it to make their kid look like the best thing since sliced bread! well, it’s a bunch of crap… and yes, of course, some will go out more and some less...but i find that real honesty in this business re: your child actor is as rare as finding diamonds in the middle of hollywood blvd...

so here’s the skinny on pilot season…like it or not…it’s not for the faint-hearted…it’s not for someone that is using their last dime to allow their child actor to “give it a shot”…don’t do it!!! all you will do is spend money (between $10,000-15,000) and get extremely frustrated b/c you, just like everyone else, are going to l.a. with a set of expectations which will only prove to be false…

okay, now the upside! you know i ALWAYS have an upside! that period of time for us was the best thing that could have ever happened to us! it told us that this is where we wanted and needed to be…yes, we spent lots of money to sit around and have lissa graduate from high school…but when it was all said and done, 3 weeks after we moved back to ny, we moved here permanently…and TONS have been popping for her since then!

pilot season will make you or break you…and that’s not an exaggeration! it will make you realize what is out here and put drive under your butt and your child actor’s…or you will get discouraged and leave here broke and broken…

but, let me add this disclaimer...if you want to bring your child out here and the finances isn’t an issue to you and he/she gets into some great classes…gets to meet some casting people…and gets to experience the whole ‘hollywood’ scene…and that’s good enough for you…then you need to come on out this coming season…b/c you will get that…and that in itself can be invaluable!

okay…there it is…don’t get mad at me…you know i’m on your side! but truth does come out of my mouth and lots don’t really like that…pretense is not my middle name and will never be…so you know what i’m saying is real…

so if you’re still coming...you better get busy! you’ll need an agent, a place to stay, housing, classes, and lots of good reading or places to go for all the down time…and you will have lots of down time…trust me on that!

okay…hope your bubble is still intact…but probably a bit deflated…but if you’re still optimistic (in a reality kind of a way) then awesome…go for it! and maybe this year, we’ll get to meet!
wishing you all the best always…and you go and have yourself an amazing weekend!
hugs and out~

PILOT SEASON..the real dirt..PART 1...

please remember…what you are about to read about acting and show business and the child actor is not necessarily the norm…actually, my life is not the norm – so be it! but I guess that’s why when folks point to this or that and that is the only way things can happen, i’m always the voice that says, ummm…it ain’t necessarily so! (remember that song? that’s for you broadway buffs! lol) okay, back to what i was saying…

for every right there is a wrong…and for everything i or anyone else tells you, there is the exception to the rule…strangely enough, i usually live in the exception…but i guess that’s what keeps hope alive in you and me! anyway, re: pilot season and your little child actor or big child actor…whichever it is…this is our story…hopefully you can glean from it something to aid you in your journey re: pilot season…

lissa did well in her market…nyc…didn’t clean up…but did well…mostly theatre…a couple of featured spots on TV shows…lead in an indie film…you get the idea…BUT we in no way felt that she was ready for pilot season…optimistic we are – stupid we are not! but we “thought” that maybe sometime in the next few years, we may just give it a go if everything lined up the way we felt they should…yeah, right…best laid plans of mice and men!

lissa has a wonderful nyc manager…and she freelanced with 4 prominent talent agents…so she was in good shape…she went out on every audition that was even “near” her age range and type…she auditioned a lot…got her share of callbacks, etc…you get the picture…

by the end of 2005, we felt that with everything that was going on in our personal lives (which is quite a read in itself!) that we would pass again on going to pilot season…but by the middle of january, we got a call from lissa’s manager, that a prominent l.a. agent got hold of her headshot and resume and was wondering if we were interested in coming out for pilot season…WHAT?!? you have to be kidding…but of course, he wanted to meet us…can you blame him? so we used our frequent flyer miles and said “what the heck” and we flew to l.a. – we met with the agent…he signed her on the spot, across the board…we walked out of his office with our mouths hanging open, realizing what we just happened…lissa now had west coast representation AND we made a commitment to come to pilot season! are we crazy?

when we got home we put the ball in motion…and being the ‘workaholics’ we are, we had enough vacation stored up that both my husband and i could venture out into the wild, wild west for 8 weeks…we packed and within 2 weeks, we were in l.a. planning on spending february and march on the left coast…

okay…okay…can’t write anymore…i will finish the story tomorrow…i write such long posts, that they take up the whole page, so i have to post my very verbose blogging in 2 parts! LOL

don’t miss the next installment of “delora does l.a.!” – that sound almost R rated…didn’t mean to! LOL

have a really great day…read a book…now there’s a ‘novel’ thought…oh, bad pun!
hugs and out~

where does the money go?

let me be perfectly frank here...this business cost money! after all, it IS a business! i know many people don't think of it that way, but it's very true...and sometimes, you don't ever recoup what you put into it...why? b/c your child actor may decide they just don't want to do this anymore and would rather play sports! ahhhh...kids...
and honestly, they are kids...that's what they do...change their minds...go from one thing to another...explore all the possibilities in their lives for their future...

for this reason is why we were very, very careful during the first couple of years that our daughter was exploring the business of being an actor...we didn't know how she would feel having to give up after school functions, being part of cheerleading, playing sports, etc.

now don't get me wrong, you can still be a part of those things and be in a smaller market re: being a child actor...but with my experience in nyc and now in l.a., that is almost impossible...auditions are right after school and if you start telling your agent that your child can't make them b/c they have a game, you will soon be "agentless"...

okay, back to the money issue...just as in any business there is an initial outlay of dollars...your little (or big!) actor will need headshots (unless they are very, very young then a digital or snapshot is usually accepted - although i know one agent in nyc who will not accept that and wants a professional headshot no matter what age!)...acting classes...gas to drive them to auditions...and on and on and on...it really mounts up...

but then, your child is speaking to other kids (especially if they are approaching the tween/teen age) and they discover that their friend is going to l.a. for pilot season! omg! pilot season! my child actor is going to make it huge if i could just get them there for at least 2 months...

oh boy! i'm opening a HUGE can of worms now! ummmm...pilot season...not for the faint of heart...not for those that are just starting out...not for anyone that does not have an agent (not just a small town manager)...not for anyone that hasn't already done pretty well for themselves in their own smaller market...and definitely not for anyone who is using their last bit of savings to make their child's dream come true! i know i know...now you think i'm a pessimist! you couldn't be further from the truth...i'm the ultimate optimist, with a realistic bent of course!

and today, i cannot get any further into this without writing another full page and more, so tomorrow, i will discuss our own personal experience with pilot season and the realities of what you face when you arrive in hollywood ready for your child actor to make their mark...it will be a very interesting read...

have a glorious day...and stay cool...
hugs and out~

actor's auditions/classes...more help...PART 2...

as i said in another post, acting classes are very necessary for the actor to stay on the top of their game...but if your child is very young, they probably are outgoing and don't need them...they just have to be themselves...but as they get older and more self-conscious, then they are needed, and many times, on an ongoing basis...

many audition classes teach on-camera technique which, for anyone pursuing a film/tv career, is a very good class to take b/c it teaches the young actor never to break through the imaginary fourth wall and stare into the camera and right at the audience...

also, the classes will teach about emotional release during close-ups, how to cheat towards the camera and how to block your movements...many times, these classes are coupled with improvisation classes which are used to free the actor and be able to think on their feet and create more dialogue on their own for their character...

looking good on camera is very important...many times it's not the child actor or adult actor who auditions the best, but who "pops" when they're on camera and looks very good doing the scene...but then again, there are always those exceptions...(so what else is new?)...take a look at dustin hoffman on camera...eewwww...would you have cast him? LOL...so, as i always say, "what's meant to be is meant to be"... :-)

another great way to prepare for auditions is with a scene study class...before an audition, you usually get a copy of sides which are a few pages of the script that are being used for audition purposes...the actor studies these ahead of time and the casting people see how well the script was interpreted...

so learning how to study a scene can help the actor understand the possible motives behind a character, what is in the subtext (what is not being said, but implied)that the character is trying to communicate and learning to stay 'real' while portraying a character in a scene...all of these are very important for the child actor to learn...

lastly, (at least of those classes that i'm going to discuss), there is the class that helps the actor prepare a monologue which is basically a long speech spoken by one character...sometimes, an agent or casting person will ask for the actor to perform a monologue to get a general idea of how they can act...and although monologues are still used, it seems that they are not used nearly as much as years ago...so although it's important to have a couple in your child actor's 'bag of tricks', i wouldn't spend a lot of time worrying about this...also, in my list of resources, there is a website that you can go to for acting monologues...

there are so many other skills that an actor needs...classes are definitely on the top of the list, especially as your child actor gets older and loses that innocent, child-like quality...keeping their acting instrument honed is very important to being successful in this business...

and yes, acting classes also cost money...y'know what? i think tomorrow i'll talk about all the money that is spent on acting...and what about pilot season? how much money is spent there? oh boy...HUGE topic...

have a happy day...smell a flower...hug a tree :-)
hugs and out~

an actor's audition...your way in! PART 1...

yes, for those of you who remember, lana turner got discovered in her tight, white sweater at the infamous schwab's drug store...and yes, mandy moore got discovered at the age of 14 when she was singing and a FEDEX man delivered a package to her house...he knew a music exec., and the rest is history...and yes, there are many more stories like that...but considering how many people have "made it" in the business of acting and how their claim to fame is many years and a lot of hard work, i wouldn't hold my breath for another FEDEX man to come along...the way in is through auditions...

so how does a child actor or any actor for that matter, master the art of auditioning? well, if you child is young, chances are that if they are interested in show business, that they are outgoing and energetic, like people and people like them...so that being the case, they just have to be themselves...just very real...full of life and energy...and they'll be fine...
problem is, as they grow older, they become more self-conscious and that's when acting classes are now needed...

remember, by far, imho, the most important skill and actor can have is to master the art of auditioning...and believe me, it IS an art...casting director's want to hire people, not robots...not those that suck up and try to win their way into a role...it just doesn't work...and cd's are VERY perceptive...that's part of their job...they are in the business of people...so learn what works and what turns them off...

okay, back to acting classes...if you or your child actor are new at this business, then it would benefit them greatly to take a "how to audition" class...this will teach you the basic etiquette (yes, there is etiquette involved!) and how to behave at an audition, and the different auditions that you will go on and what to expect...

these classes are normally run by veteran actors who have "been there and done that"...they are there to pass their wisdom on to you and your child actor to learn from and hopefully stop you from making many of the mistakes that they themselves have made...

after this class, you may want to investigate in your area if there are any cold reading classes...some say this is not important, but let me give you one personal experience that happened within the last month...

my daughter had an audition...she got a callback...then we got a call one morning from her agent, that the producers wanted to see her again, but this time for the other character...and in about 1 hour! she got ready, i downloaded the sides (audition pages) and we took off out the door to get there in time...
she couldn't study the sides in the car b/c that makes her ill, so she figured she'd take 1 minute when we arrived to look it over...she did and it literally was one minute, she walked in the door and the casting associate said, "hurry, they're waiting for you"...so that was that...basically, a true cold reading...although when you get a script to cold read, normally they give you about 10 minutes to look it over...so honestly, this was a frigid reading! LOL

it's an area that your child actor needs to be equipped to handle...tomorrow, i'll continue with auditions and discuss other types of classes that are very beneficial to you and your actor - to help equip him to handle the rigors of the business of acting...

have a wonderfully, creative day...write a poem...sing a song...exercise your inner brillance...
hugs and out~

an actor's resume! what the heck do i do?

whether you’ve been in this biz for 5 months or 5 years, casting people want to see your resume…it gives them an overview or highlight of what you’ve been doing re: the business of acting…even if it’s not much, it will say if you are actively pursuing your dream or just hanging out, waiting for a “miracle” to fall on your head…so remember, next to your headshot, it’s the most important thing they will see about you…

casting directors have a job…to find the best actors for the roles for the project…they want to find who is right for each part, so having a resume that looks good, helps them with this process…

do not put an acting resume together as if it was a simple resume! this is not an employment resume…that is totally different! an acting resume is exclusively about acting…what you’ve done, who you’ve trained with, your special skills, etc…

to explain this fairly quickly…(God knows i can run off at the mouth, er, I mean post)…let me list what the acting resume should look like…

1.your name on the top center in a larger point size than the rest of the resume...
2.your phone number - NOT home phone – either cell, pager or answering service…(if you have an agent or manager, then you may have letterhead with their name and phone on it – but if you don’t have letterhead, then put their info. in yourself and leave your personal info. off)
3.physical characteristics…NOT age…casting people go by “age range” anyway, so you don’t want to knock yourself out of the running by giving them an exact age when you may look younger or older which could work for the part…
mostly, this would mean hair color and eye color, with height and weight being optional – personally, we’ve been told by my daughter’daughter’s reps. not to put that in…but to each his own…
4.add your membership in any actor’s unions (SAG, AFTRA, ACTRA, AEA)
5.now put your first bold heading: FILM/TV – then underneath, list the credits if there are any…
6.now put your 2nd bold heading: THEATER – then underneath, list the credits if there are any…
7.now put your 3rd heading: COMMERCIALS/INDUSTRIALS – do the same here…although this may change in time to say “no conflicts” – which i’ll explain at another point, but for now, to help fill up the resume, if you have something here, then list it…
8.your college degree if related to the industry
9.now put your next bold heading TRAINING – list acting classes, workshops, private coaches, dancing and singing classes and anything else that is appropriate for this area…
10.next major heading: SPECIAL SKILLS – this may include different sports, playing of an instrument, martial arts training, etc…anything that gives the casting person an overview of your child’s abilities…

remember, if you’re just starting out in acting, the hardest part is figuring out how to fill up that VERY blank page! know this though, EVERYONE started with a blank page at some point! even the biggest and brightest stars started this way…some a 4 years old…others at 25…even others at 40…so don’t despise your small beginnings…

hints: use plenty of white space in between headings…use a larger type size, such as 12 or 14 point…and don’t forget to include ANY acting experience no matter how trivial…even those bit parts in your child’s class play…as the resume grows, you can remove those roles for hopefully some that are bigger and juicier! J

hope this helped some of you…i think i’m probably going to cover some of the actor’s training needs in the next couple of blogs…you just never stop training…even if it’s “on the job training”…the actor never stops growing in his craft…

have a glorious and beautiful day in this biz!

hugs and out~

actor...child actor...headshots and types continued!

another headshot that has gotten accolades from many...
but why would i spend so much time on headshots??? this is who you are...who your child is...your chance to be seen by those that can open doors for your future star! where else should you spend your time? this is where the rubber meets the road! scrimp on this...don't give this much thought...just pick anyone to take any old picture, and you will soon discover what a mistake you made! okay...you get it...good...now let's move on to finding your type or the type your child is...
now, for the sake of everyone that is reading this, i will add types for adults and kids...

adults:-
sexy/sensual - pamela anderson...angelina jolie...that type...if that's you, then go for it...bring clothes to match this type...but also know that if this is the only type that you are portraying, the roles will be limited...
-romantic/caring - jennifer aniston...the girl or boy next door...again, bring clothes that fit that type...
-business person - too many to name...clothes and hair help capture this type...
-commanding/powerful - michael douglas...george c. scott...someone used to ordering people around...
-nerd - self explanatory (don't forget the glasses!)- woody allen...
-mom/dad/grandma/grandpa - typical family - housewife...housedad - doris roberts...
-traditional/conventional look - everyday person...middle of the road look
-outdoorsy type - athletic, healthy...harrison ford type
-sophisticated - almost snooty...aristocratic - nicole kidman...

kids/teens:
-beautiful/modelesque - really, this child should probably work in modeling...
-attractive/girl next door - lots of kids fall into this category - hillary duff...
-quirky/nerd/humorous - this is the real charactery kid...they play roles that are full of personality and humor - kyle massey
-tough/bad girl/guy - self-explanatory - "mean girls" cast...
-girl/guy next door - can be any kid anywhere - lindsay lohan (younger)...

and again, bring clothes that match your type and if you feel that you can portray another type also...

also remember, when the shots are finished and you pick them up, if you have an agent/manager, let them look at them and choose the ones they feel that portray you/your child the best...they have an unbiased eye...very different than us parents...so if you respect them (and you should if chose them to rep. your kid!) then listen to what they believe are the best ones...

another decision! borders...no borders...full bleed (looks like the photo goes right off the edges of the paper)...look at samples and then decide...put your name on the front (pick a crisp, clear font) and then you're ready for printing!

tomorrow...creating that all important resume!!! don't miss it!

have a prosperous and happy sunday!
hugs and out~

hiring a professional actor's headshot photographer!

well, i'm going to try to cover both nyc and l.a. since those are the people that i know about...sorry if you're somewhere else in the country...maybe someone will leave comments on florida, arizona, texas, chicago, etc...and if i get private emails, i'll post those names and email addy's...

we've been through this process several times...so we've kind of got it down on what to do and what to look for when choosing a headshot photographer...

first things first...take a peak around the internet...and honestly, in this day and age, if they don't have a website, ummm...personally...i wouldn't go to them for an interview...but don't take my word for it...go anyway and see...hey, i've been wrong before...

next, whittle the amount down to 3 studios...then make appointments to meet with them...if this is for your child, then MAKE SURE they are with you...it's very important that there is a rapport with the actor and the photographer...if the actor doesn't feel at ease, it will show in their eyes, in their face, they will be tense...you might as well flush your dollars down the toilet...

questions to ask:
-how much?
-how much time will it take?
-how many rolls of film or if digital, how many shots will they take?
-are any 8 x 10's included in the cost?
-how many outfit changes are allowed?
-how many different types of shots will be taken...i.e. commercial, theatrical, 3/4, etc.
-ask if they have their own make-up artist and how much are they? for a child and young teen, this usually is not needed...
-how long before you'll see the proofs?
-who keeps the negatives? you or the photographer?
-if the photos are acceptable, will they do a reshoot?

remember, price does not "always" measure quality...sometimes the most expensive or the cheapest is not the best or the worst...best case scenario is word of mouth and seeing other headshots...look through books...again, browse online...

and if you want to know who took that headshot of my daughter in nyc, you can email me personally...otherwise, i'll never tell *smirk*...MWAH!

have a memorable day...take that actor of yours and give them a big hug...
hugs and out~


-

making a great impression...the actor's headshot!

okay, had to put up my daughter's headshot...her agent loves this one so much...he told me just last week, "this is what a headshot is all about!"...

a head shot is a close up photo of yourself (or child actor) the you submit along with your resume to agents and managers (if looking for a rep.) and casting directors so they can consider whether or not they want to see your child for an audition...in essence, it is your business card...their first impression of you or your child...

your head shot is many times called an 8 by 10 (8 x 10) which means 8" by 10" which is the industry standard...most markets now want color head shots, but a few places, especially stage in nyc, still will accept and actually enjoy black and white actor's photos...

but remember, wherever you live and in whatever market you'll be submitting for work, there are some "across the board" standards that should be adhered to:

1. make sure you or your child actor looks natural - also, if it's your child who is getting the headshot, make sure they don't have bows in their hair, hats, or too busy of clothing...remember you want them to see your child, not their wardrobe...

2. look directly into the camera...making sure that you have thoughts and feelings going through your mind...or tell your child to think happy thoughts...think about a time that they were having fun...but if the photographer is worth anything, they will direct them and help them emit an appropriate emotion...

3. be friendly, relaxed...smiling (for commercial)...semi-smiling and expressive eyes (for theatrical - film/tv)...

4. make sure whatever you do, remember...this headshot has to make the casting person say, "i'd really like to meet this person!"...

5. make sure the headshot looks like the actor! i can't tell you how many times my daughter introduced me to one of her friends (after i'd seen their headshot online) and i didn't even know it was the same person...makes you feel kind of sorry for casting people...no?

remember, a headshot has two purposes...to get and agent/manager interested in the actor and also to have a casting director call you for an audition...nothing else matters...

i'll continue this tomorrow...
have a smiley day...remember, it lowers blood pressure...LOL (btw, it really does)...
hugs and out~

auditions...how do you get them??? also...recommended websites and reading for the up and coming actor!

of course, the first way you get auditions for the actor in your home is through your agent and through your manager (by way of an agent)...if you don't have those, then there are a few online resources that can aid you in your quest is...

actorsaccess.com (i believe they are about $68 a year, but honestly, worth every penny of it!) - this is affiliated with showfax.com which, for that amount per year, will supply you with up to 24 sets of sides (audition material) a day...

backstage.com - also has industry news...and many actors testimonials...

thebuzznyc.com - obviously for the right coast acting crowd...

nowcasting.com - also has a fee...but for those that do not have acting respresentation, is really good...

there are so many others, but you have to be very careful, b/c many of them are just regurgitated information that is actually old so submitting to them is worthless...if in doubt, you can always zip me over an email or comment, or ask someone else in the industry that you know and trust...also, be aware of acting scams...i'll cover that more in blogs to come...

also, here are some other sites that are very good for getting info. and connecting with other actors, etc...

actorsbone.com
actorsresource.biz
auditions.net
eidc.com (what is filming and where in l.a.)
imdb.com
lacasting.com
variety.com
thehollywoodreporter.com
http://forums.delphiforums.com/YoungActors (east & west coast free forum)
http://forums.delphiforums.com/proactors (east & west coast free forum)
http://www.aimoo.com/forum/login/login.cfm?id=680165 (east coast actor's forum)

recommended reading:
any books by bonnie gillespie (especially...my fav..."self-management for actors")
"acting is everything...an actor's guidebook for a successful career in los angeles" - judy kerr
"audition" - michael shurteff (an oldie but goodie)
"book the job - 143 things actors need to know to make it happen" - doug warhit
"how to make it in hollywood...blah blah blah" - linda buzell
"no acting please: - morris & hotchkis
"the act of being" - charles marowitz

most of the above are for teen or adult actors, but are great for parents to read and be able to more fully understand their child actor and how to help them with their quest...

hope this stuff helps...i'm off on the rest of my journey for today...
have many great moments this week...
hugs and out~

who are the gatekeepers of show business?

there are probably those of you who are reading this who can answer that question, lickety split...then there are those who don't have a clue what that means...
believe me, i had no clue at one point either...

casting directors, whether you like it or not, hold the key to you and/or your child's future in this biz...they are the gatekeepers...now of course, there are those of you that know producers or directors and they will give you a role...but those opportunities are few and far between...

and yes, casting directors are real people...in fact, a few of them are friends of mine...wow, can they really be friends to someone? LOL...i know that many feel that way...and i can understand that...

you or your child walk into a room and there he/she/they sit...ready to decide your future...but honestly, they DON'T decide you or your child's future...the only one that decides that is the actor themselves...

and again, believe it or not, casting people are on YOUR side...they really WANT you to be amazing...okay, enough of that...so what do they actually do?

after being hired for a project, they receive a script so that they can break it down into roles and determine the types of actors that they will need...out of this information, they put out a breakdown (announcement of actors needed)...

they audition actors...sometimes not so many...but sometimes hundreds...

then they choose several potential actors for each role and those are the ones that get "called back" to perform the sides in front of the producers, directors, etc...

even though most of the breakdowns do come out on casting services such as breakdown services... (www.breakdownservices.com) many times, they will call various agents and managers first to see what actors they have for the particular roles...

auditioning for a commercial may only take one day...for a feature film, from several days to several weeks or even more...

remember...casting directors are your child's friend! so are associate casting directors or the office assistants! they are the casting director's of the future! in this field, people tend to have long memories...treat everyone with respect...you never know who will end up giving your child their next job!

have a great day...send a thank you card to some nice casting director~
hugs and out~

the REAL secret of show business!

are you ready? are you sitting down? do you want the absolute, amazing, totally unreal, blockbuster secret of show business? here it is>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
if the truth be told, NO ONE can predict what will be the next major film hit or which TV show will snag the highest ratings...nobody! now are there predictors? sure...you don't have to be einstein to know that after "survivor" became a hit, that more reality shows were to follow...many of them as big or bigger than 'survivor' was...

and every year, some unknown actor/actress or director breaks out and becomes the next hot property...just consider this...
5 years ago, would you have known who steve carell was? how about most of the actresses on "desperate housewives" before that show became a runaway hit? right! now you're getting it...

and sometimes, a film will take off (i.e "my big fat greek wedding") and become a sleeper hit when it had an amazingly low budget and was produced by an independent film company...

so know this...we are all in the same boat...of course, there are those that are at the tip of the boat and can see further than we can...and those that are now in rowing positions and you or your child are not...but that can change in the twinkling of an eye! that's what's so amazing about the business of acting!

just know this...the actor rejected today may very well turn out to be the superstar of tomorrow!!!

now don't you feel better???

have a comfy, happy day...
hugs and out~

how show business (and the business of acting) REALLY works...

so you’ve read and read everything there is to know about acting, and you STILL don’t know how it all really works…people talk to you like you’ve been an actor for years…or some people think that you know what you’re doing, when secretly, you’re just following the crowd…LOL – join the club! everyone is somewhere in this business, and there’s no one that has ceased to learn! everyday this crazy acting biz holds something new or someone new to meet…but how does it all begin? where does it all come from?

today, i’m going to give you a quick overview of how the business of acting works!

show business came out of an idea…an idea to create, develop and produce the best shows that people will want to watch in theatres (live and film) and on TV…and this all involved TONS of money…millions of dollars…and the producer’s necks are on the line for this moola…hence, their reluctance to cast “unkown” actors in these roles no matter how talented you or your child is! sorry for the reality check, but it is the truth…

are there exceptions to that? you bet your bootie there are! i.e. just recently, nicole blonsky was cast as the lead in “hairspray”…yep, right along side of john Travolta (hubba hubba) and queen latifah, billy crystal and michelle pfeiffer! and not one professional film credit to her name!!! so for all of you who feel it doesn’t happen ever…there is yet ANOTHER example of “when it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be”…(check it out on imdb.com)…okay, point made…case closed!

but, even though that does happen, producers are very skeptical about resting an entire project on the talent of someone that has not been proven…hence, the daily, weekly, monthly and yearly struggle of the actor who climbs the “ladder to stardom” at a snail’s pace…but honestly, if you were holding the purse strings, wouldn’t you do the same thing?

okay, so now you know…it’s really all about money…if you think anything else, you are sadly deceiving yourself…so when you are at the point where people believe that you will make them money, you will get an agent, you will begin booking substantial roles and then you are on your way!

but show business and the business of acting is really living in a world of dreams…everyone has an idea…everyone has a dream…ideas are one piece of sand on a mile long beach…everyone has the next great hit and everyone is going to win an academy award for their screenplay…if the truth be told, most won’t but SOME will…again, i choose to look at the “some”…and you need to believe you’re part of that also!

so a writer has a story…someone loves it…they purchase the option to that story which is a guarantee that no one else can work with the people who sold you their story…options usually last for a limited amount of time…maybe one year…maybe two years…if after that period of time, the person holding the option has not produced the piece, then they can renew the option or let it expire…

after the work is sold to a studio or production company, the next step is to produce the script…p.s…in walks a “producer”…producing a script involves several people and processes:

hiring a director – the producer does this and these two more than likely work together in hiring the rest of the cast and crew.
polishing the script – scriptwriters write and rewrite and rewrite…at this point, the final script must be written in order to begin pre-production.
scouting locations to film: this is when the producer and others scout out locations to produce their film, preferably as cheaply as they can.
setting a rehearsal schedule: exactly what it says
setting a budget: the producer is responsible for this and he/she will estimate the cost of the production…this includes shooting locations, actors’ salaries, catering, travel and lodging, costumes and props, special effects and on and on and on…
pre-production re: casting – producer/director hire casting people to begin the process of finding actors that can play the roles in the film…and at as cheap a cost as possible…this will include casting the “star actors” of the film (if there are any) all the way down to those that have one line and atmosphere or “extra actors”…


okay…enough…i’m throwing too much at you for one day…this is getting too long…
i will continue this manana…(hey i’m learning Spanish!)…

have a wonderfully creative day…ola!
hugs and out~

acting terms you HAVE to know!

i probably should have posted this first...but hey, i'm only human and i blow it at well as the next guy *smirk*...so, better late than never...now you and/or your child can feel like they have a grip on what means what when they book a job!

A.D. The Assistant Director in a film or theater production.

AEA Actor's Equity Union:- Equity negotiates wage and working conditions, administers contracts, and enforces provisions of various agreements with theatrical employers across the country.

Actor: A person who plays characters in film, theater or television projects. Actors get paid to play other people for the purpose of entertainment.

Audition: An audition is where you will go to try out (read) to get a part in a film, television or theater project. Actors read from the script or side, and the director or casting agent considers if they match up with a character in the project.

AFTRA: - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. Nationally, AFTRA represents professional actors, news broadcasters and writers, announcers, vocalists, and others who work in the fields of television, radio, sound recordings, and industrial productions.

Agent: - An individual whose job is to represent an author's work to various publishers. Agents also negotiate contracts for their clients. The usual commission is around 10 to 15 percent of the advance/royalties acquired. Agents receive their payment as a percentage of what they make for you.

Backdrop: - Mostly used in studio photography. A backdrop can be one solid color or a theme matching the layout of the product or ad being created. i.e you are advertising perfume and the backdrop/background may be a rendering of Paris, France or a bedroom vanity scene.

Buy-out: - this a a one time payment or flat fee for a project that will not provide residuals. Residuals are payments talent receives each and every time a television commercial is shown. A buy out fee should be negotiated with this in mind and should be more than an hourly rate.

Callback: - this is a result of the audition you went on. They liked what they saw and want to see you again. This generally means you are in the running for the project. A callback is when they ask back specific people from the first audition to read again to make a decision to cast them for a part in their project. In L.A. many times they are called “Producer’s Sessions”.

Cap: - This indicates that an actor has completed his scene or a portion of a scene.

Character: - This is a type of person (profile) an actor is going to play. Characters are anything from a gangster to a business man, to a doctor or teacher in a film, photography shoot or television commercial project.

Cold read: - Cold reading is a term used by actors in theatre, television, film, and performance fields. A cold reading is a reading out loud from a script/side without any rehearsal or study in advance. This is generally required in auditions and casting calls.

Composite Card: - Comp Card. - A model or actors material with 3-5 photos of actor or model printed with their stats. These cards are used to market and submit to prospective clients, for auditions and casting calls. The most popular size is postcard, but others opt for the 1/2 by 11 size. All cards display a headshot and smaller shots that showing your versatility or characterization. Also referred to as zed cards.

Curtain call: - A term used in theatre where the performers come out on the stage at the conclusion of the performance for the audience to show their appreciation by clapping while the actors take a bow or two.

Cast:- The actors in a film, theater or television project.
Casting Agent: This is a person who sets up the calls and auditions for models, actors and extras to fill roles needed. They work for the director and producer of a project.

Casting Call: - A determined time and place is set up when a project is ready for talent. You will be given a script or side to read from for a part in the project or asked to submit photos and resumes for a callback.

Demo Reel: - This is a sample video tape (there are demo tapes for voiceover) of your previous work. Your demo real should display your versatility. When creating your demo, try and keep it short, up to 5 minutes of clips showing they many types of characters you can portray.

Dialogue:- The lines spoken by a character or characters in a film, theater production or television commercial, this is a conversation between two or more characters (actors).

Director: - Someone who supervises the actors and directs the action in the production of a show or project.

Extra: - A non-speaking part, background or atmosphere. Extra work is a terrific way to begin your education in the film industry and resume preparation. Extras are generally paid to hang around in the background of a scene to make the shot more realistic. Sometimes extras get singled out to perform more than just background, perhaps you may get a speaking part or more on camera time.

Feature: - A principal (full-length) film. This is generally a full-length feature film and is the professional project that actors are striving for. Pays good and is usually the type of film to be shown in theaters.

Headshot: - This is an 8x10 photo which is needed to submit with your resume to get into an audition or casting call. You need to maintain a current photo. Production personnel depend on photos to choose you for consideration. There is nothing more frustrating than picking a photo of a person for a specific character/model type and the actor/model looks nothing like their photo. When you change your look, you need to update your photos.

Method acting: - acting style in which the "true"( or "real") moment or response is performed. Actors try to feel and emulate the emotions of the character they are playing so that the actors' reactions and the characters' reactions would be as one.

Monologue: - where a character speaks alone; spoken by one person who exposes inner thoughts and provides insights into his or her character. a speech by one actor or performer directly addressing the audience or another character.

Open Call: is similar to a casting call but generally means anyone who fits the requirements for the project such as extras, bit players and even actors can attend regardless if they have agent representation.

Part:- This is a character; the portion of the script intended for a specific character in a television, film or theater project.

Pilot:- A test run of a first episode of a television series idea. A pilot is an idea for a show. Actors are assembled a pilot is shot and then the process of testing and selling the project begin.

Principle: - This is what most actors are striving for, a main character in a project. One with lines, on camera time and better salary. A major part of the film or project.

Producer:- Someone who finds financing for and supervises the making and presentation of a show (play or film or program or similar work)
Prop: - any movable articles or objects used on the set of a play, movie or photography layout. It is separate from scenery and costumes.

Rehearsal:- a practice session in preparation for a performance. In television, film and theater a , rehearsal can involve the director and other actors who are associated with the scenes or segments of a project. who will come ready.

Resume: You need to prepare a written copy of all modeling and acting experience or training you have completed. Keep in to one page. YOur resume outlines all the projects you have been involved in, the roles you played, the companies you have modeled for, the training you have and any skills or talent you have including dance, singing, sports or any talents other talents you think might be worth mentioning.

SAG: - Screen Actors Guild Foundation - Screen Actors Guild is the nation’s premier labor union representing actors. SAG represents nearly 120,000 actors in film, television, industrials, commercials and music videos. The Guild exists to enhance actors’ working conditions, compensation and benefits on behalf of artists. SAG is a affiliate of the AFL-CIO.

Screenwriter:- someone who writes screenplays. This is normally the person who wrote the script for the project you are auditioning for.

Sides: - Pages or scenes from a script, used in auditions or (if on a film set) those scenes being shot that day. Sides can be anywhere in length from a few lines to a number of pages depending on the part that is being casted. You will receive a side from the casting director or agent prior to the audition.

Tear Sheet: - Gather all the tear sheets you can. While you build your resume collect materials to enhance the package/portfolio with ads from publications you have appeared in. This gives the client more visual information about your performance skills.

Under Five – A role where the actor speaks “under five” lines.

there ya go! there are more, especially regarding direction and producing, but for the actor, these are the basics...now learn them! LOL

have a wicked great day...
hugs and out~

your agent...your best ally...

if you've been in the biz for awhile now and your child has been acting, even in school or community theatre, you'll soon discover that you will come to a roadblock...there will be a ceiling on the auditions that you can get your child into...when you reach that point, you will need an agent...(but please understand, it's best to work on your own at the beginning b/c it will serve to build your child actor's resume)...

an agent can be crucial in finding your child actor those roles that only come out on breakdowns (the daily list of roles that casting directors post with the acting roles on it that they need to fill)...also, the obscure roles that only they know about b/c they are friends with the casting director or producer...agents also deal with contracts for the roles that your child books and they make sure you get paid on time and as much as possible...

get used to it...agents are here to stay and are our friends! i've heard many people moan and complain about their agent, and yes, some of the time that is warranted...i.e. if they don't submit your child...if there isn't any contact with you for months...if they don't pitch your child to casting people or try to get your child in to meet with casting directors on a general audition...THEN, there is cause to question them and decide if you and that agent are a good match...

many times, agents and parents just do not get along...agents are people...they have personalities and there are certain types of people that they like and don't like...the same for parents...
my daughter's agent is very high energy...very positive...loves communication...i am exactly the same way....so we get along like laurel and hardy, and during some of our meetings, you'd think that's who we were! LOL

those are the kind of agents you look for...those that you can be comfortable with...can enjoy working with...that your child really likes...i cannot stress this enough...if you and your child do not like your agent, it will be a VERY long year!
oh yeah, agent's contracts are for one year and usually renewable by them...meaning if they wish to renew, they have the right to...but also they have the right to drop you...

so how do you get an agent? basically the same as getting a manager...read the previous post and it will tell you what to do...but, of course, know that it's a numbers game...you may send out 20 submissions and only hear from 2 agents, or maybe not any...or maybe 10...it all depends on your child's look, resume and age and if they have a client just like them...

also, you can get an agent through showcases...i know that there are several acting schools in nyc and l.a. that showcase their kids to agents at the end of the acting class...i know of several people who got agents that way...

lastly, the infamous "referral"...which is a really good way to get an agent for your child actor...what that means is that you know someone who has an agent and they want to call that agent for you and tell them about your child...that is a very WARM lead and many times will end up with a contract...

whether we like it or not, getting an agent is a necessary step for anyone seriously interested in becoming a working actor...without them, you can only go so far...and yes, they are also in the business of making money...they take 10%...to me, that is such a small fee for what they do...i guess being a businesswoman for most of my life makes me realize that 1/10th of what is made is a small price to pay for the doors they open...

but remember, they JUST open the door...your child has to be ready to walk through it...they can get you the audition, but only your child actor can book the job...

tomorrow i'll blog about the many ways your kid can make money in this business...

have an awesomely successful day...
hugs and out~

they hold the keys...managers and agents...

acting managers and acting agents...those words can resurrect all kinds of emotions -some good...some not so good! for me, that first word, manager, is a good one...well at least now anyway...and on that i will not expound! LOL
and also for us, the word agent is an awesome one...we believe we have one of the best...not only to like him as an agent, but as a person...ahhh...what more can you ask for? sorry...i digress...

what is a manager anyway? let me give you a proper definition: a talent manager, (personal manager), is someone who guides the career of actors in the entertainment business...the responsibility of the talent manager is to oversee the day to day business affairs of the actor... to advise and counsel talent about professional matters and personal decisions which may affect their career...for child actors, to help find a good headshot photographer...to steer their client toward good acting classes...to pitch your child to the powers that be...to secure an agent for your child if they don't already have one...to hold the hands of the moms and dads when their child is not dakota fanning after one year in the biz...

a good manager is worth every penny of the 15% off the gross of what your child makes...in some areas of the country, they seem to be more necessary than others, for example...

in nyc, where my daughter began her acting career, she started with a manager...why? because she didn't have any professional film/tv credits (but lots of theatre)and she started at a tough age...13! in los angeles, 13 is young...for some reason, 13 in nyc is not as young as l.a...don't ask me why, i don't have a clue...but in nyc, agents look for kids to be much younger in order to sign them and they want them to have some decent acting credits and acting training...so we signed with a manager who was very connected with great agents...so she free-lanced for the first year (which means we didn't legally sign with any one agent, but her manager used several who were interested in her and they would send her out on auditions but via her manager...capiche?)...especially for kids in the "black hole" (ages 14-17) this works very well...but in other areas of the country, this is not the norm...go figure...

re: signing with a manager...please beware of the error we made...we signed with the first manager that wanted our daughter as a client...read my lips DON'T DO THAT! LEARN THROUGH MY MISTAKE! that's one of the reasons i'm even doing this blog...this is what i know...people learn through two ways in their lives...through wisdom of others or through experience...do me a favor? learn through wisdom...you'll spare yourself much heartache, pain and financial loss...okay, again i digress...now back to our originally scheduled programming... *smirk*...

after we got by that manager (1 year down the proverbial toilet)...we found an awesome one...but we were much more careful this time around...not only did she interview us, but we interviewed her...here are some questions i asked her:

1. who are the agents that you work with?
2. how many clients do you represent?
3. how many of your clients are in my child's age range?
4. do you have anyone else her type?
5. how do you communicate with us? by phone...by email? are you a communicator, meaning, how often will we be in communication?
6. what do you expect from us?
7. how long is your contract? (3 years is standard...many connected mgrs. want 4 or more years...again, that's your call)
8. what percentage of your clients are working?
9. do you represent both children and adults?
10.about how long on the average do your clients stay with you?

there are many more questions that i'm sure you can think of...but those are the basics...but remember, test your gut! the ole "gut test" is what i go by with most everything in this business...if your gut says NO! listen to it...it will never lie...

tomorrow i will discuss agents...they are your ally, always remember that!

have a stinkin' great day!
hugs and out~

first steps into showbiz...i want to act!

so happy you decided to stop here and read...obviously, with a name like "yo hollywood mom" you can see that i tried to find a name that would combine the east and west coasts...b/c when appropriate, i will differentiate between them...there can be many differences between the two!

so you’ve decided to take the plunge and let your precious son or daughter pursue this crazy business of acting! now what? well, let’s think together…hmmm…how did angelina jolie begin? what about tom cruise? hey, how about a huge, amazing actor like al pacino? maybe they just were born adult size and already famous! don't think so...

everyone began at the beginning...that is probably the single best thought we can have as parents of aspiring actors and actresses! everyone starts from the same spot...even if your parent is a star already and you can get into a film easier b/c of that...you still would have to prove yourself as an actor and a professional or you'll become the new "hollywood rag on person"...and who wants that? i think child actors probably have it worse than us nobodys...i mean, so much is expected of them...for the rest of us, our kids will get judged on their real talent, or *sigh* lack of it...

succeeding in acting takes dedication, persistence, perseverance and a good sense of humor...unless you or your child is an overnight success, (which much against popular opinion, rarely happens)you will need all of those character attributes, or you might as well save your time and money!

and of all of those, the most important thing, imho, is perseverance...by definition: to persist in a state, enterprise, or undertaking in spite of counterinfluences, opposition, or discouragement...

you can never rely on "get famous quick schemes" or on blind luck or fate to become successful...BUT there are many different ways that you can promote yourself, so that "the powers that be" will put you on their radar and possibly hire you or your child down the road...

but first things first...let's open that door to showbiz shall we? tomorrow's blog will cover your best friend...your agent and/or manager...

have a wonderfully successful day...
hugs and out~

the business of acting...i want to be a star!!!

beeeeeeeeeppppppppp...that's a buzzer btw...first mistake...going into acting to become a star! surefire way to find alice's long, dark hole into wonderland...never living in the realities of this business...

okay…now you think i’m a pessimist! another beep! i’m as far from a pessimist as the east is from the west! in fact, you’ll soon discover that i am the ultimate “glass half full” person, even when it comes to the business of acting and dealing with actors, producers, directors, acting coaches…blah blah blah…

so your child wants to get into acting…they truly want to be an actor…not just walk the red carpet and wear gorgeous clothes…so what do you do first? you have a door that has to be opened…and it doesn’t slam open…it opens little by little…knowledge is cumulative…line upon line…precept upon precept…in fact, all of life is the same way…and acting really is part of life…

there are 2 sides to show business:

show – learning how to act…finding great acting classes (which we’ll cover that in the future…little by little, remember?)…getting an agent…getting auditions…booking a role…becoming famous XXfingerscrossedXX…
business – this is just what it says it is…a business…it is not family, friends or buddies…people are in this business to (a) express themselves creatively, but more importantly…(b) to make money…never forget this…if you do, you will get frustrated and never make it to the point that you or your child are ready to break into success…

gotta run…so sorry for leaving you hanging! but i’ll return soon to give you a quick peek into what you need to succeed as an actor…it will be an introduction into the wonderful world of show business!

have a blessed and prosperous day!

hugs and out~

to all actors and their parents! c'mon along for the ride!

sometimes you just sit and think…and sometimes you look back on all of your years of knowledge in a specific area, in this case acting, and realize that maybe you should do something more formal…something that can really help people…something that can tell parents, “do this…don’t do this”…and everyone can learn from what you’ve been through…

well after being poked and prodded by many to do this…and having a professional child actor in the house, i’ve decided to do a blog that helps unveil the mysteries of getting into show business for those under 21…i would say 18, but to me that is not a magical number…especially if you are navigating this business with your child…then that just becomes another birthday…. on the other hand, if the 18 year old has left home and building their own career, then that puts a whole different spin on it…

please understand, i am not saying that i am the be all, end all for information in this crazy business…there are so many sites that have helped me and so many others steer through the sometimes muddy waters of this biz…and so many forums that moms and dads can share and find awesome answers…i’m just throwing my hat into the ring, especially having lived on both coasts…hoping to be part of the solution…

so hop on…come and visit often…hopefully i can take the 20+ years in this business and turn it into something that can help everyone…and even remind me of what i already know…

enjoy…
hugs and out~