Behind the Mask

The TLJ Management & Consulting Blog

The producers of Dirty Jobs (www.pilgrimstudios.com) are looking for the best heavy equipment operators in the business to take on a series of exciting “Big Machine” challenges on a new, unscripted TV show for a major, cable network.

We want to feature men and women who operate construction and heavy equipment (scrapers, trenchers, tractors, loaders, excavators, bulldozers, cranes… you name it!) with extreme precision. If you’ve got big-time skill and an outsized personality, then you can join our team of on-camera experts to take on a series of exciting challenges in each and every episode.

To apply for the show, email BigMachineCasting@gmail.com with your name, age, phone number, city/state, a recent photo and a brief explanation of why you are perfect for this show.

CONTACT PRODUCERS TODAY!

* This will be a paid position. Deadline to apply is January 25, 2012. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age and citizens or legal residents of the United States. The show will film in late March 2012.

Casting Location: Nationwide
Contact email: saboud@pilgrimstudios.com

New television show is casting rappers.

If you think you have SWAG-we want to see you

If you think you have FLOW-we want to see you

If you think your lyrics can out shine Lil’ Wayne, we definitely want to see you!

We want to see all styles represent: Dirty South, East Coast, West Coast, Mid-West, Reggae-tone and even Gospel Rap. When we say every style we mean it.

We only ask one thing; please bring your “A” game.

For more information please email your Photo & a link at least 1 of your music sites to:

1mictvshow@gmail.com

Overcoming Stage Fright

One of the most common questions that gets posed before someone embarks on an acting career is how one can overcome stage fright. The shortest answer is simply to keep getting on stage. Now, that may not sound like much, but as you will see, the power of repetition is not to be missed here.

The first thing you have to understand about stage fright, especially when it comes to acting, is the root source of that fear. An acronym for fear that you should remember is:

False

Evidence

Appearing

Real

Now, fear is a normal part of our operating mechanism…like a steering wheel, it comes with the car, so to speak. It has been noted that as babies, we have ONE ingrained fear when we show up in the world: the fear of loud noises. Everything else is learned behavior, as in, we pick it up as we go. Some of those fears are legitimate and serve to protect us from harm. The problem only starts manifesting itself when those fears come from irrational places and that’s exactly where stage fright comes into play.

Everyone can see the benefit of being fearful of a wild bear. There is a very rational reason to be scared if there’s a big ol’ bear rearing up in front of you. That bear represents an immediate threat to your physical well-being, and you being scared of it is a good thing! However, let’s reflect on what ‘danger’ you will be facing while acting.

Hmm…

Not much going on, is there? The audience isn’t very likely to attack you are they? So, what’s it all about? The usual worry is embarrassment…’I’m going to look stupid’ or ‘people won’t like me’ or some variation on those themes. Or, worse yet, ‘I will be wrong.’ Our need for acceptance to the group at large has been ingrained in us since we were children. It gets fostered by just about everyone in our lives, and socially speaking, it usually does more good than harm…but, for your acting, it’s absolutely terrible! By the way, it’s those same fears that conmen and crooks prey on to part you from your money. Who knows, maybe getting over your fear of embarrassment will help you avoid a con someday!

Anyway, the first step to overcoming that societal ‘barrier’ is acceptance. You’ve probably already accepted that when you are acting you have stage fright, right? That part’s easy…now you have to accept that it’s irrational. That part’s pretty easy too, because you’re just admitting the truth. Now the tough part…keep getting on stage and acting. Because you know that your fear is irrational, you now need to take action to overcome it and you need to do this because it is so ingrained in all of us. This is one of the ways that psychologists help people with obsessive-compulsive disorder to overcome their irrational fears. Fear of germs? They’ll make you eat out of a clean garbage bag. Fear of flying, they’ll put you on a plane, over and over and over again. It becomes increasingly difficult to be afraid of something you do all the time, I assure you.

The biggest thing here is to direct your focus away from the negative feeling of FEAR and instead, focus it on the positive thing, your ACTING. Your acting class is there for precisely that reason! To give you a safe environment to work on your craft. It takes the exact same amount of energy to say to yourself ‘I will sit in my seat and not get on stage because I’m scared’ as it does to say ‘I will get on that stage and act’. You may have to force yourself in the beginning, but sooner or later, you will come to realize that your acting has gotten better and your stage fright has gone away. And, it will, I promise you.

Just remember that acting is your passion and your dream! Don’t let False Evidence Appearing Real derail you from that dream. You can and WILL overcome your stage fright, and it might be a little uncomfortable while you do. Have faith and persevere, EVERYONE that acts professionally has had to overcome this malady! Keep getting up there and it will happen for you too!

ZDream Presents “Upyri”

Casting Information
Date: Saturday, September 10, 2011
Time: 9am to 6pm
Location: You will be notified within 24-48 hours after pre-selection for auditions
Projected Film Dates: Saturday, October 22 & Sunday, October 23, 2011
Projected Film-Pickup Dates: Saturday, October 29 & Sunday October 30, 2011

STORYLINE: “As the war wages internally within the human soul there’s a physical manifestation of evil that walks the earth. This evil is called “Upyri” or vampires. Currently, vampires are accepted within society and they have created governments that co-exist with humans. They have also established rights and laws which they must obey, but there are seven vampires that roam the earth with a specific purpose. They live by no rules and are powered by the fear they create within the human soul. They drink a certain type of blood called “Shine” which has an intoxicating taste and gives them incredible power. They seek the one that will give them ultimate power. These seven vampires purpose is to find and capture the virgin who possesses the true blood in which they will receive the power to walk in sunlight. Their plan is to convert the world into vampires and build their army for the war that’s prophesized to come. But there is more to this prophesy than what the vampires know. “If a head vampire is struggling with who and what they are internally, they have a chance to be changed IF they believe in the power of the blood. Only three people know this part of the prophecy. Will the world be transformed into vampires? Are humans already something more sinister? Is there hope? Let’s meet the characters.

FILMING TYPE: Cinematic Video Web Series (A music video that combines the theatrical elements of thriller with the look and relatability of True blood.) (This pilot that will lead into four 10 minute episodes with the fifth episode done and shot live.) *The pilot will be used to attain a budget for the five episode season*

COMPENSATION: All paid roles will receive a $25.00 stipend and lunch will be provided during production and IMDB credits after completion/release.

CHARACTER BREAKDOWNS HUBRIS (PRIDE): (Early 30’s/Mid 30’s) PAID ROLE: Any Ethnicity Male. Description clean cut and well groomed with a cocky persona. He’s very arrogant and selfish and his mannerisms are strong, cinematic and aggressive. SIN- He struggles with the excessive belief in his own abilities. Pride interferes with an individual’s recognition of the grace of God. It has been called the sin from which all others arise. GIFT- Lyricist- Has the ability to create rhymes through Music *(You would need to display rapping or spoken word ability)*

MAMMON (GREED) (Early 20’s/ Late/ 20’s) PAID ROLE: Any Ethnicity Male. Clean cut look with a smooth/suave persona, has a very uncaring attitude and focuses on self all the time. SIN The inordinate love of possessions and desire to have unlimited power and total control. GIFT- Spoken word- he has the ability to control through his words *(You would need to display rapping or spoken word ability)*

INVIDIA (ENVY) (Early/Mid 30’s) PAID ROLE: Any Ethnicity Female She has a resentful vibe and she feels everyone owes her something. Her mannerisms are catty and she’s very tactical. SIN- This is the love and desire to own what belongs to someone else. This transgression is the discontentment over another’s superiority over us in possessions or some good fortune. GIFT –Singer- Has the ability to utilize words through any melody *(You would need to display vocal ability)*

THUMPS (WRATH) (Late 30’s Late 40’s) PAID ROLE: Any Ethnicity Male. He has strong features, quick temper and pit bull ferocity. His mannerisms are quick and abrasive SIN: This is the transgression of anger or strong exasperation in rage at something or someone. GIFT – Artist and gifted painter- His art/drawings foretell the future

DELILAH (LUST) (Late 20’s/Early 30’s) PAID ROLE: Any Ethnicity Female. She has an attractive figure with full lips. She’s very tempting and seductive. Her mannerisms are overly sexual and she dresses erotically. SIN- The feeling of having an inordinate and intense longing or appetite for something such as power, or sexual cravings. (Lover of Greed) GIFT – Dance- has the ability to hypnotize through dance *(You would need to display dancing ability)*

PHAROS (GLUTTONY) (Early 30’s/Mid 30’s) PAID ROLE: Any Ethnicity Male. He’s a big man with a solid build (doesn’t have to be muscular, 6’0-6’4 225-275 pounds) loud and amusing. When he sees, smells or tastes blood (food) he then becomes very comical/aggressive. SIN- having the desire to consume more than required. GIFT- Comedian-He has the ability to captivate by laughter through jokes or amusing situations. *(You would need to display comedic ability)*

MORGANS (SLOTH) (Late 30’s/Mid 40’s) PAID ROLE: Any Ethnicity Male. He’s very nonchalant with slow mannerisms. He’s a slender guy with an idle energy and very insensitive. SIN- The avoidance of physical or spiritual work. GIFT: Writer- He has the ability to alter history, rewrite laws, prophecies and write curses.

TOUSSAINT (GREAT, GREAT, GREAT GRANDFATHER) (Mid 40’s/Late 40’s) NON-PAID ROLE: Any Ethnicity Male. He was turned into a vampire over 1,500 years ago and he never liked being a vampire. He’s very wise, humble but somewhat bitter. SIN- Unknown GIFT- Omniscient Speaker – He has infinite awareness, understanding, and insight in which he expresses through different vocal tones, melodies and energy *(You would need to display vocal ability)*

JOHN (HUMAN) (Early 20’s/ Early 30’s) PAID ROLE: Any Ethnicity Male. He’s very confused (on the border of being lost) and he’s battling wrong and right internally. He’s a strong person but His mannerisms are jittery and uneasy. and he has a fear of being lost. SIN-Pride, lust, wrath, envy, and greed GIFT- Has the ability to create rhymes through Music POWER: Unknown *(You would need to display rapping or spoken word ability)*

ELIZABETH (Early 20’s Late 20’s) NON-PAID ROLE: Any Ethnicity Female. She is very compassionate but fearful but she has a silent, confident aura about herself. Her presence stands out.

VIRGIN 1 (Late 20’s/ Early 30’s) NON-PAID ROLE: Any Ethnicity Female. Attractive, need to portray a fearful emotion

NARRATOR NON-PAID: Any Ethnicity Male or Female. Must have a distinctive voice.

VIRGIN 2: (Early 20’s/ Early 30’s) NON-PAID ROLE: Any Ethnicity Female. Attractive and sincere. She’s terrified of what’s about to happen to her.

*THESE ARE RECURRING ROLES AND WE NEED DIFFERENT ETHNICITIES TO REPRESENT THESE CHARACTERS*

***NOTE: THIS AUDITION PROCESS IS VERY UNIQUE. WE ARE ALLOWING YOU TO INTERPRET EACH CHARACTER AND PREPARE A CREATIVE PIECE FOR OUR VIEWING. THERE IS NO WRONG OR RIGHT WAY TO AUDITION…JUST MAKE SURE FOR THE ROLE YOU CHOOSE, YOU HAVE THE ARTISTIC ABILITY INDICATED***

PLEASE PREPARE A ONE-MINUTE MONOLOGUE FOR YOUR AUDITION PERTAINING TO THE CHARACTER YOU WOULD LIKE TO PLAY (IF YOU CAN RAP/SING, SPEAK A DIFFERENT LANGUAGE OR POSSESS ANY OTHER TALENTS PLEASE STATE AND BE PREPARED TO SHOWCASE OR INCORPORATE INTO YOUR IMPROVISATIONAL MONOLOGUE). COME DRESSED ACCORDINGLY.

AUDITIONS WILL BE SCHEDULED IN 10-MINUTE INCREMENTS. SUBMIT YOUR RESUME, 1 HEADSHOT, 1 FULL BODY SHOT AND 2 TIMES YOU ARE AVAILABLE TO AUDITION TO: UPYRICASTING@GMAIL.COM. PLEASE PLACE THE ROLE YOU WOULD LIKE TO AUDTION FOR IN THE SUBJECT HEADING. **VIDEO AUDITIONS ARE ALSO ACCEPTED PLEASE ADHERE TO THE MONOLOGUE CRITERIA STATED ABOVE** PLEASE SEND VIDEO AUDITIONS TO: UPYRIVIDEOCASTING@GMAIL.COM

***ONLY APPLY IF YOU ARE AVAILABLE ON PROJECTED DATES***

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this audition contact, “Z” at 770.668.3160 during office hours (9am to 6pm)

This web series will be streamed online and individual episodes will be submitted into film festivals. We seek to turn this into a Television series in the future.

Casting Location: Atlanta

Contact email: Upyricasting@gmail.com

Several people have inquired about putting together a resume and headshot for the entertainment industry.  Remember, there is no such thing as an “application” in the industry. Here’s a little info to help on getting you ready for resume together…

ACTOR RESUMES

The first rule of putting together a resume when you have little or no experience: DO NOT LIE about your experience level! The business side of the entertainment industry is a tight knit community, and you will most likely be caught. You do not want to burn bridges in this business, especially when you are first starting out.  Also, NEVER list your home address or the school you attend if you are a minor for safety reasons. Here’s a link to a sample beginner’s resume (click image for larger view):

If a casting director really likes your photo and your look, they will call you in, regardless of experience, or if you are in the Screen Actors Guild or AFTRA.

For those with more experience, make sure you list everything in a neat format. The resume should be 8” x 10” (same as your headshot photo) and stapled OUT-FACING to the back of your headshot so that when you flip the photo over, the resume is viewable on the other side. Do NOT paper clip the resume…instead staple it on all four corners. Here’s a link to a resume for an experienced actor (click link for larger view):

HEADSHOTS

Your headshot should NOT be a school photo, glamor shot, or a snapshot taken by a non-professional photographer. The photo should be 8″ X 10″ in size. Your name and any union affiliations should be printed on the bottom of the photo, either on the border or on the corner of the photo itself. That way if by some chance the photo does become detached from the resume, the casting director can match them up again. The photo should be color and professionally taken. Remember, your photo is your calling card. It should represent the “real” you, the way you look in everyday life. If your hair is long in the photo, then your hair should be long when you walk in the casting office. If your skin is fair, then you should not come to the casting office with a dark tan. Always keep your photos up-to-date according to your look. The photo can be taken either horizontal or vertical. Here are some great sample headshots:

Note: If you can’t afford to pay a professional photographer to take your photos right now, you can try something else. If there is a school nearby that has a photography department, go there and see if you can do “testing”. Testing is when you exchange your time posing for a photography student in exchange for them taking some theatrical headshots and giving you some prints.

LASTLY

Include a very brief cover letter with your submission, stating that you are interested in auditioning for an acting role, or that you are seeking representation by an agent.

That sums it up.  Make sure everything is neat, clean and professional and you’re off to a great start.

CBS is still casting for the next season of Survivor – There are 2 open calls scheduled in PA and Oregon, one in mid May (Oregon) and one in June 2011 (Pennsylvania)

Survivor – Outwit – Outplay – Outlast

Survivor is the reality TV hit that strands between sixteen and twenty strangers in a remote tropical location divided into two to four teams called tribes. The contestants are given few tools and resources and each week someone gets voted off until a final Survivor remains.

Survivor Open Call
MEDFORD, OR

National Furniture & Mattress
May 14th 10am-2pm
1990 North Pacific Hwy
Medford, OR 97504

Survivor Open Call
MOUNT POCONO, PA

June 16, 2011, 10am-3pm
Mount Airy Casino Resort
44 Woodland Road
Mount Pocono, PA 18344

Looking for girls who appear to be between the ages of 20-27. Must have a good look, a good voice, and have dancing ability. No experience is required, but it is definitely a plus. Send a headshot, full body shot, and a file (or links) of you singing to us so we can check you out. Only serious inquiries.

Contact: megan@stardust-ent.com

Casting Location: nationwide
Contact email: megan@stardust-ent.com

Are you queen or king of the mic? Maybe the best Karaoke singer in the bar? Do you love competition? If so you can compete to be the best karaoke singer in the USA!

Now casting for a new ABC show – Karaoke Battle USA

Karaoke USA will document the karaoke competitions going on around the nation. The search is on for singers across the U.S.!

Karaoke World Championships U.S.A is the ultimate talent contest series that will appear on TV and allow your voice to be heard everywhere.

Karaoke Battle U.S.A
Are you an American Idol wannabe? Have you dreamed of national stardom on the karaoke stage? This summer, the producers of “Karaoke Battle U.S.A.” will be presenting the amazing story of the biggest karaoke competition in America.

Singers join the contest now.

For information about registering call 866-610-7464.

If you’ve always wanted to get into acting, but you live no where near Los Angeles – you can still pursue your dream of working on films and commercials. Don’t let your location stop you from starting your acting career! Below is a list of tips to help you get acting work no matter where you live.

• Call or email local colleges or universities and ask if they have a film program. If so, ask if their students are required to create student films and ask if you can submit your headshot and info to be considered for future projects. Make sure that if you are cast in a student film that you are promised a copy of the final project. This footage can become your demo reel for future work.
• Do a Google search for talent agents in your town or city. If there is not one in your immediate town, locate one in the nearest big city. Mail them your headshot and tell them that you are interested in working on films, commercials or television. NEVER pay an agent any upfront fee! Their job is to make you money – not cost you money! You may be required to get headshots taken with a professional photographer, but make sure that you are allowed to choose your own photographer.
• Find local production companies and email them your headshot and resume. Tell them that you are willing to work on some of their projects for free with the agreement that you will be considered for future lead roles on their productions.
• Search Craigslist for acting work in your region under their “talent” section. Keep an eye out for local commercial or productions that are casting talent for their projects. Beware however, as there are many scams on Craigslist! Tread carefully and never meet anyone at a hotel or other private location.
• Contact your state’s Film Commission and ask how you can get info on some of the projects that might be coming to your state. Check back with the film commission regularly and as soon as you see a new production coming to your area – submit your headshot and contact info!
• If your town is too small for any of these options – then don’t give up! Get some friends together and start creating your own productions made for the internet. There are tons of quality video cameras available that can give your production a professional look and who knows – you may create the next big internet video hit!

Roosevelt’s, “CAN YOU TURN YOUR BACK ON GOD’S GLORY?” From the Streets to the Pulpit, “When the path you travel takes you on a detour in life and there seems to be no other options “CAN YOU TURN YOUR BACK ON GOD’S GLORY?”

CASTING CALL AUDITION for Fall Touring Dates…If you would like to be a part of this Hit Gospel Stage-play that is set to tour 5 cities in the Fall don’t miss the audition on May 15, 2011, 1pm at Days Inn, (Ballroom) 2700 N.Y. Ave N.E. Washington, DC. Please register to audition,(walk in may be welcome) due to the overwhelming response from the first casting call. You can only audition by first registering through email notification at www.rooseveltproduction.com

Casting for the lead role of Andre,(strong singer,) Shawn, Tracy, Kelly and Sheena.

This play has sold out 4 venue for it Fall Tour and recasting for its Fall Tour.

All lead roles are paying roles.

Non-Union only.

Casting Location: washington, dc, maryland, virginia
Contact email: roosevelt@rooseveltproduction.com