By: Isabelle Dungan, InstantCast Editor

Say you aren’t working– you might wake up everyday at noon and go to the gym, cook meals, run errands, meet up with friends. Then all of a sudden, you have a new gig that involves 12 hour days and a bad commute.

This will put a damper on your eating habits with only crew meals available, your workout habits since you can get so burned out from work and your relationships with your friends.

Of course, those are two extreme scenarios. But the point is to emphasize the importance of budgeting your time. I like to use calendars on my walls at work and in my house. Planning ahead and writing it down and sticking to the commitment can help you squeeze everything in.

Blackberry schedules and other phone devices could be good for this too. I like to have a visual reminder everyday of what is going on and what is coming up in my life.

With a chaotic, ever changing schedule- I create the old reliable “to do” lists to make sure my errands and workouts get done. There’s nothing that feels better than checking off all of those things and knowing you have met your goals for the day. But be creative and find a way that works for you to keep your life as balanced as possible.

By Casting Director Courtney Maglione

However, in this business, you may not always have the comfort of being in your hometown. But there are also amazing opportunities where you go on location!

And I know it sounds great, but I can tell you from personal experience that a long term adjustment is not always easy.

You have to keep in mind that location is NOT vacation! You are working. And a hotel room becomes a hard replacement for your cozy bedroom. As fun as it may be to travel, you may find yourself missing home pretty quickly.

But I have a solution for this! We always tell you to network locally – which is great – but take advantage of any location, whether it’s for business or pleasure and keep the networking going.

Treat the new location like you are a local. Look up events and groups and get involved why you can. You never know what it may lead to, and at the very least you’ll meet new people, make new friends, and hopefully make some valuable connections too!

By Casting Director Courtney Maglione

Be courageous when it comes to your career and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.

But while sending cold emails is perfectly fine, popping in and or dropping by offices is not recommended. The person should know you are coming to see them. It will seem rude and uncalled for if you just drop by.

You should email a couple of days before you meet with the casting director to confirm his/her schedule, suggest options, and set up an appointment instead of stopping by.

Calling a person is OK if they don’t respond to you via email. Don’t be afraid to take the next step to get noticed and to get your point across. If you act serious about your career you will be treated that way. After you’ve met with someone it’s always a good idea to send a thank note or “thank you gift” in return.

Follow these tips and you’re sure to come out on top in your career…and in your life too! Break a leg!

By: Casting Director Jenny Rawdin

Social networking is an amazing tool, but you must be careful with what you put out there.

DO: Be friends with your favorite actors, celebrities, contacts, and future employers. This includes Production Companies and Movie Studios etc. or anyone you want to be connected with on face book and follow them on Twitter. This way you’ll get all the inside info on appearances, hosting specials, casting calls, giveaways and news updates.

You’ll have first-hand info in your hands… especially if you get your updates on your mobile! It’s all worth it–use the technology at hand! You will have more to talk about in your auditions and future casting you are on and going out for!  Also, be sure to join groups that you’re interested it, whether it’s acting/modeling etc.

DON’T: Be sure not to be friends with people whom  you’re not that close with…you don’t want a stranger to have your personal info. Over-sharing will not be productive for your career!

By: Casting Director Jenny Rawdin

That’s right, Victoria’s Secret is currently looking for new models to walk the runway. You’ll be seen on CBS when the fashion show airs on December 1st! Click here for our Victoria’s Secret model casting call now!

By Alisha, InstantCast assistant editor

1. Get cast in a Doritos Superbowl commercial!
2. Attend these open calls for MTV commercials!
3. Find fame in an Avis car rental commercial!
4. Females needed for Media World TV commercial!
5. Dove commercial needs real women!

…click here for a full listing of all our TV commercials.

By: Isabelle Dungan, InstantCast Editor

Work it girl!

Want to appear on a popular national talk show that features celeb interviews, cooking segments, and the latest fashion trends? Click here to get cast today!

Click here to learn more about the Wendy Williams show.

By: Isabelle Dungan, InstantCast Editor

Get paid to walk at at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week!
Walk the runway at Park Avenue Fashion Week!
Strut down the catwalk at NYC Fashion Week!
Model for Face of Fashion this fall at Fashion Week!
Boost your portfolio when you promote fall designs!

Then click here for a full listing of all our modeling calls!

By: Isabelle Dungan, InstantCast Editor

Talk shows and news programs are always promoting back to school fashion. This means they’re looking to cast models of all ages for runway segments.

When I worked at MTV we did this every year for TRL. We always wanted new faces to showcase the hottest looks.

If you have ever seen these segments, you will notice that similarly to TRL, casting directors tend to cast amateur/fresh models rather than the famous faces we recognize on bigger runway shows.

Especially if you stick to your local news shows, they will most likely want beginner models who are trying to build their resumes and who are happy for the exposure rather than doing it for the money. So start looking for these castings now so you can be involved in the back to school bandwagon!

By: Casting Director Courtney Maglione

Many people assume that Talent Agents and Managers do the same thing.

A manager has more of a personalized relationship with an actor than an agent. Because of that, managers will always have fewer clients than agents. They often classes and assist in putting together headshots.

Managers will also make all your important networking connections. For their services, managers will usually receive a 15% commission.

So what exactly can agents do for you?

Agents, on the other hand, are often the ones dealing with contracts and getting the deal signed. Talented agents will work hand and hand with casting directors finding the right fit. They might send more than one actor to an audition because they are working with a larger pool of talent.

Agents also tend to know more about the ins and outs of the industry and what production companies are gearing up for their next shoot. Often times managers are former agents, and therefore can assist in a variety of ways.

The best managers and agents are well connected in the entertainment industry and have the pull to get you into the right auditions. Productions often prefer to work with talent that has gone through one of those channels. Getting discovered still happens but a helping hand can really work wonders.

By Casting Director Renee Godbout

PS – You could get a personal casting consultation with me today! Click here to learn more.

And the prizes are fabulous: The 4th Fantana will not only get to represent Fanta nationwide, she’ll also win a grand total of $5000!

But don’t stress even if you’re not chosen… The second and third runners-up will also get a nice chunk of change. So you think you’ve got what it takes to represent Fanta? Click here to apply to win $5000 and be the next Fantana!

By Alisha, InstantCast assistant editor

When money is tight, it’s more important than ever to stand out at your current gig or production. And if you’ve got a network of allies at your job, you’ll be less likely to be laid off. Here are a few simple tips to make sure your new gig is secure:

1. Ask what more you can do around the set. Tell your directors and producers that you would love to be in their new projects.

You can even suggest a certain TV show or movie has openings and explain that you would love to be considered and help out with these projects.

2. Volunteer for new productions. Don’t be afraid of projects that you’re not necessarily right for or experienced in. This will show how you’re willing to stretch beyond your comfort zone and you like being part of new things.

3. Be an instigator. When things start to get quiet, organize some kind of group event – with the approval of the production, of course. Gather the entire cast and crew for a lunch, or watch an old classic movie then have a discussion about it afterward.

4. Don’t forget to network. Take advantage of your downtime and focus on meeting new people everywhere you go. Ask questions, give your opinion, and listen to their advice. Sharing experiences helps everyone!

5. Get there early and stay late. Nothing should be beneath you! Be enthusiastic about everything you are working on. Simply showing that you’re willing to work hard will set apart from everyone else.

By Casting Director Jenny Rawdin

But who’s out there representing the curvy women of the world? Why not you? PZI Jeans is now searching for women to represent their famous jeans!

Catering specifically to women with hips and a booty, PZI Jeans is one of the world’s most notorious demin brands and has a fiercely loyal following!

Their campaigns are a fashionable and fabulous way for models who aren’t a size 0 to get seen nationwide! Don’t miss out on this amazing opportuity – click here to be a PZI Jeans model!

Magazine covers are definitely a surefire way to be in the public eye – think Britney Spears in skimpy lingerie on Rolling Stone or Michael Phelps wearing all his gold medals on Sports Illustrated.

But you don’t have to restrict yourself to print publications to get noticed. We’ve talked about the Twitter trend before, and now Twitter is filled with more celebrities than ever.

Instead of going through agents or publicists, stars are reaching out to their fans… 140 characters at a time! Some Twitter-friendly celebs include Ashton Kutcher, John Mayer, and a slew of Disney teen stars including Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato, Selena Gomez, and David Henrie!

All these stars and more use Twitter to promote their upcoming project or just share some personal stories. Like Kim Kardashian, who broadcasted her wicked tan line from falling asleep with her sunglasses on. She asked the world for a remedy for her redness, and got some great tips… and laughed at herself before the tabloids could!

Tons of upcoming actors and models are also on Twitter. They broadcast about their auditions, roles they just landed, or their experiences. It’s a great way to get real-time updates about the entertainment world from people who are living in it every day – sent straight to your phone!

And yes, InstantCast is on Twitter too! Check us out at twitter.com/InstantCast and start following us for daily updates about the hottest casting calls and best advice on InstantCast right now.

By Casting Director Jenny Rawdin

Don’t think you’re the type to get stressed out?

Even if you nailed the audition, it’s only natural to worry. But the stress can easily get to you and take away the chance at impressing tomorrow’s casting director.

Nerves and stress are normal, but you can’t let them control your life. Find a way to ease the pressure and you’ll walk into your auditions a bit more relaxed. You’ll also be able to enjoy life a little more, without constantly focusing on what you may or may not do wrong at your next audition.

Here are some popular and useful stress relievers:

1. Work out at the gym or go for a run. It gets your adrenaline pumping and is a healthy way to push your energy in another direction. And for a bonus, you’re keeping in shape.

2. Play video or card games. It’s a great distraction and can put your competitive nature to good use. Focus on beating your opponent and not on who you might go up against in your next audition.

3. Spend time with family or friends. Take your girlfriend out on a romantic date. Go play pool with your buddies. Get pedicures with your mom. These are all ways to make yourself feel happier and more confident, as well as getting some quality time in with your loved ones.

4. Find the one place you feel the most relaxed. It could be the beach, your favorite hiking trail, a swimming pool, or the garden in your backyard. Spend time by yourself in whatever place makes you feel the most whole. It’ll help you meditate on your goals for the future as well as soothe the pain of rejection that comes often in this industry.

By Casting Director Renee Godbout

1. Pick a show that goes after the target audience that’s best for you/your personality. It may sound obvious, but don’t audition for The Amazing Race if you’re not ready to run around!

2. Once you decide on the show that’s best for you – get on it! Say whatever you need to say, stick to specific details about yourself, and avoid general phrases and cliches during the audition process. Remember, single out what makes you unique.

3. Once you’re on the show, don’t worry about winning. That’s not what it’s about. You need viewers to like you, and you need to appeal to the audience watching you. Once the show has wrapped, you will be your own self-promoter. You need to go after promoters, make industry contacts, and know about the latests events, shows, movies, and projects to get involved in.

Click here for tips from Billy in-person at the New York Reality TV School!

By Isabelle Dungan, InstantCast editor

Accelerate your child’s career with celebrity-grade headshots. Grant them access to the top agencies nationwide. Just click here to learn more and reserve your slot today! Spots are limited, so act soon. With professional headshots, your child could be the next Miley Cyrus, Abigail Breslin, or Daniel Radcliffe!

Click here to get started & watch your child transform into a star!

Auditions, meetings with casting directors, and interviews with agents are all job interviews. That’s what they are and that’s how you should prepare.

You wouldn’t throw on a pair of jeans and run out the door if you were meeting with an executive, so you shouldn’t do it with an agent either. The dress codes are definitely a bit different, but the process is still the same.

Here are 5 ways to make a professional impression at your next audition:

1. Always have several copies of your resume. Make sure that your resume is updated constantly and includes all potentially relevant information. Keep them in some sort of case so they don’t get torn or spilled on.

2. For meetings and interviews, dress a step up from casual. You’re not expected to wear a suit but you’re also not going to show up in your gym clothes. Find a casual look that emphasizes your best attributes while at the same time showing the agent you are someone they can trust. If you are selected, they’ll be putting a lot of faith in you.

3. For auditions, dress the part. If you’re auditioning for a high powered business executive then don’t show up in your favorite pair of jeans. Wear the best suit you have.

4. Research. Look up information on the agency, the casting director’s background, or the history of the TV show you are auditioning for. You wouldn’t show up for an interview not knowing anything about the company you are trying to work for, so consider this the same situation.

5. Be early. No one wants to hire someone who isn’t professional and showing up late to an audition or meeting might worry them for future call times on set.

Nailing an acting or modeling gig depends on projecting the right type of person to your audience. Of course, starring in front of an audience depends on you making the right impression at your next meeting, interview, or audition.

By Casting Director Renee Godbout

It’s exciting to get your big break, but what’s more exciting is when it’s a location shoot! Even if you end up shooting in the middle of Nebraska, getting chosen for a role that shoots out of town is exciting.

You can’t help but feel important as you prepare to travel on someone else’s dime. As nervous and excited as you may be, don’t let your nervous energy distract you from what’s important.

So here are a few things to remember so you don’t make any silly mistakes.

1. Don’t forget your IDs. It would be awfully embarrassing to show up at the airport and not be able to board the plane.

2. Make sure you have all available information in advance. It can be chaotic at the hotel where the cast and crew are staying and you don’t want to be running around trying to find someone to answer your questions. Find out the current shoot schedule, how much per diem you’ll be receiving and when, travel information to set and back, when you’ll be meeting with costumes, and anything else that may come to mind.

3. Keep your focus on the scenes you are about to shoot. If you’re in a tropical setting then wait until after you’re done shooting to relax at the beach. Work comes first and that includes turning down a night of drinking the night before you’re on camera.

4. Be early to everything. The worst thing you could do is miss your flight or have the shuttle to set waiting for you to come down. Don’t be known as a prima donna who doesn’t consider the other cast and crew members.

5. And don’t forget to enjoy the experience! Location shoots can be fun, as long as you know when it’s time to work and time to play.

By Casting Director Renee Godbout