The InstantCast Blog » Theme of the Week http://blog.instantcast.com Your Source for Casting Calls, Tips, and Gossip Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:08:43 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 en hourly 1 Check Out these 5 New Moon Fun Facts as We Gear Up for Friday’s HUGE Premiere! http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/11/16/check-out-these-5-new-moon-fun-facts-as-we-gear-up-for-fridays-huge-premiere/ http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/11/16/check-out-these-5-new-moon-fun-facts-as-we-gear-up-for-fridays-huge-premiere/#comments Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:12:29 +0000 InstantCast http://blog.instantcast.com/?p=9781 new moon filmingCalling all Twi-addicts! As we gear up for Friday’s premiere of the 2nd Twilight film New Moon here are a few fun facts about the filming of New Moon that I want to share with you! Did you know that…
1.When the actors first arrived on the New Moon set each person was handed a 20-page pamphlet written by director Chris Weitz, who envisioned them as “orientation guides” for the cast and crew. The document  laid out his plan for the style and locations of the film and encouraged the actors to improvise.
2. When Bella and Alice head to Italy in a hurry near the end of “New Moon,” it’s apparently super obvious that they’re flying Virgin America airlines: Virgin America doesn’t offer flights from Seattle to Italy in real life — not even when you’re in a hurry to save a loved one from exposing himself as a vampire!
3. In the 1st Twilight film we never see Jacob’s house. But in New Moon the run-down home on the Quileute reservation appears several times: filmmakers searched until they found a shack near the forest where Jacob and the wolf pack would spend much of their time. However, the house they found was green, but it had been described in Meyer’s novels as a red house. In order to stick to the book, the whole place was painted red just for the movie!
4. As any avid Twilight fan knows, the original film was shot in Portland, Oregon, but the sequels were moved to Vancouver. So, in New Moon look out for the re-creations of  key locations like the Cullen house and Forks High.
5. Actor Chaske Spencer stands 6-foot-2 and put on 15 pounds of muscle to play Sam Uley in New Moon.

By: Isabelle Dungan, InstantCast Editor

]]> http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/11/16/check-out-these-5-new-moon-fun-facts-as-we-gear-up-for-fridays-huge-premiere/feed/ 0 Hear How a Small Town Man Turns into an Overnight Soap Opera Sensation: http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/11/13/hear-how-a-small-town-man-turns-into-an-overnight-soap-opera-sensation-in-as-the-world-turns/ http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/11/13/hear-how-a-small-town-man-turns-into-an-overnight-soap-opera-sensation-in-as-the-world-turns/#comments Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:11:49 +0000 InstantCast http://blog.instantcast.com/?p=9751 asMichael Coon, a Greenwood, South Carolina resident, recently auditioned for – and got a part on – the long-running CBS soap opera As the World Turns.  As the World Turns conducted open auditions during September in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, Pa., and in Greenville, S.C., for male and female actors 18 and older. He was among a handful of actors selected to appear in As the World Turns episodes. For Coon, 63, being part of a long-standing daytime drama is a nice thing to be able to add to his resume.  Coon’s episode airs 2 p.m. Friday on CBS–we’ll be watchin!

Want to go from smalltown resident to big screen star like Michael? Click here to apply for casting calls and get going on InstantCast right now! Also, check out this week’s casting contests by clicking here to get in the star state of mind!

By: Isabelle Dungan, InstantCast Editor

]]> http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/11/13/hear-how-a-small-town-man-turns-into-an-overnight-soap-opera-sensation-in-as-the-world-turns/feed/ 1 It’s Your Turn to Prove to Us that YOU’RE the Next Big Thing to Hit the Hollywood Hills: http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/11/09/its-your-turn-to-prove-to-us-that-youre-the-next-big-thing-to-hit-the-hollywood-hills/ http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/11/09/its-your-turn-to-prove-to-us-that-youre-the-next-big-thing-to-hit-the-hollywood-hills/#comments Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:45:17 +0000 InstantCast http://blog.instantcast.com/?p=9668 robHappy Monday everyone! This week we want to hear from YOU: Tell us why you think you’re the next big thing to breakout in Hollywood. Get in the game by playing this week’s themed casting contests. Eleven new contests were posted today and will run until Sunday night…so get an early start right now. The top three contests right now are:
Who’s the next most popular Hollywood star like Robert Pattinson?
Who can attract as much paparazzi as Lindsay Lohan?
Who’s the next big reality TV star to find fame like Tila Tequila?

Click here to access all ten contests right now and get voting! Remember, you can vote for yourself up to 100 times per day.

By: Isabelle Dungan, InstantCast Editor

]]> http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/11/09/its-your-turn-to-prove-to-us-that-youre-the-next-big-thing-to-hit-the-hollywood-hills/feed/ 0 Listen Up: Get Inspired by the Discovery Story of Precious Star Gabby Sidibe…Are you Next? http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/11/09/listen-up-get-inspired-by-the-discovery-story-of-precious-star-gabby-sidibe-are-you-next/ http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/11/09/listen-up-get-inspired-by-the-discovery-story-of-precious-star-gabby-sidibe-are-you-next/#comments Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:33:55 +0000 InstantCast http://blog.instantcast.com/?p=9656 preciousYou need to hear this story: You may have heard of the new feature film Precious now out in theaters. While the cast of Precious features big-time stars Mo’Nique and Mariah Carey, the shining star is new actress Gabby Sidibe.  CBS Evening News Anchor Katie Couric reports twenty-six year-old Gabourey Sidibe is not your typical girl to get cast in a feature film. But then again, not many plus-sized, African-American girls are. Sidibe says “It’s empowering. It’s like as much confidence as I have, there’s still that little fat girl that lives inside of me,” said Sidibe. “Because everyone told me that I wouldn’t make anything of myself until I lost 100 pounds.”

Gabby cut class to go to her audition that brought the film’s nationwide, five-month casting call to a complete stop. “I got the call for the callback, which was the next day,” Sidibe said. And it was really Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday – movie star. Which is my new tag line, personally.”

Director Lee Daniels says it was her “not-so-quiet confidence” that made him realize he had been looking for potential Preciouses in all the wrong places. He interviewed 400 girls: “I had gone to McDonald’s. I looked everywhere for that girl. And I realized once I spoke to Gabby that if I had hired any of those girls – I would have been exploiting those girls because they were precious.”

Gabby’s discovery story inspires us and makes us remember that you can’t judge a book by its cover and anyone can become a star. You just need confidence. Plus, you need to get yourself out there (even if it means …cutting class on occassion?!)

Gabby says “I  just hope that people can get past what I look like, and what other — you know, what other people look like. And see the heart and the soul of the person.”

I hope this story inspires all of you to stardom and acts as a reminder you all have something precious to offer the world. Click here to become a fan of Gabby on InstantCast right now. 

By: Isabelle Dungan, InstantCast Editor

]]> http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/11/09/listen-up-get-inspired-by-the-discovery-story-of-precious-star-gabby-sidibe-are-you-next/feed/ 1 Casting Director Courtney on the Easiest Way to Get Noticed at a Casting Call http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/10/01/casting-director-courtney-on-the-easiest-way-to-get-noticed-at-a-casting-call/ http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/10/01/casting-director-courtney-on-the-easiest-way-to-get-noticed-at-a-casting-call/#comments Thu, 01 Oct 2009 13:46:30 +0000 InstantCast http://blog.instantcast.com/?p=8786 LeadershipBeing a leader is important in the entertainment industry. It’s just one more thing that helps you stand out from the crowd of other actors with whom you’re competing. Of course, you will be judged on your talent first. However, personality does come into play.

When I hold open calls for actors and models, I can spot the leaders quickly. They’re the ones who start conversations with others before the casting begins.

They are the most willing to help others who come in late or have questions about their application forms. The leaders have an air of confidence that makes you excited to meet them and see what they will be bringing to the table the audition.

I also love casting people who are leaders because you know they are less likely to be difficult to work with. And they are more likely to be thrown in any situation and you. It is always more important to make yourself known as a leader rather than a follower.

If you have confidence in yourself and know how to work with others, casting directors will have confidence in you too!

By Casting Director Courtney Maglione

PS – You could WIN a one-on-one interview with me! It takes 30 seconds to enter – click here to win!

]]> http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/10/01/casting-director-courtney-on-the-easiest-way-to-get-noticed-at-a-casting-call/feed/ 0 Casting Director Courtney on the Importance of Self-Expression http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/09/24/casting-director-courtney-on-the-importance-of-self-expression/ http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/09/24/casting-director-courtney-on-the-importance-of-self-expression/#comments Thu, 24 Sep 2009 16:31:36 +0000 InstantCast http://blog.instantcast.com/?p=8633 soloist2Expressing yourself can be an important asset when chasing your dreams. The more passion you have toward things that are important to you, the more you will stand out. There are a lot of people who express themselves through art, music, writing, and other creative outlets. The best part is you don’t have to be doing it professionally to get noticed….(think Jamie Foxx in the true story The Soloist…)Everyday people express themselves out on the streets and we all share a passion for some form of self-expression.

I did a casting once for street performers for a TRL segment on MTV. I walked the streets and subways of New York City looking for people with unique talents and inviting them to perform on MTV. I ended up casting a break dancing duo, an electric violinist, and a folk singer for the segment!None of these artists would have ever expected someone from MTV to approach them. What’s more? Most of them didn’t even dream of getting the national exposure on MTV for their talents! They were street performing for the love of what they do … if you’re lucky enough you’ll get noticed too.

Remember, never stop expressing yourself because you never know who’s watching!

By: Casting Director Courtney Maglione

]]> http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/09/24/casting-director-courtney-on-the-importance-of-self-expression/feed/ 2 Tell Us What YOU Do to Express Your Individuality! http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/09/23/tell-us-what-you-do-to-express-your-individuality/ http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/09/23/tell-us-what-you-do-to-express-your-individuality/#comments Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:42:13 +0000 InstantCast http://blog.instantcast.com/?p=8603 Miley CyrusCasting directors agree, the more open you are about your individual talents, the better your chances of getting cast! Details matter…so be honest with yourself and with casting directors.  The next time you update your profile, send an email to a casting director, or agency, be sure to include your special skills. What classifies as ”special skills,” you might ask? Anything from singing, to dancing, to being ambidextrous! The more skills the better!

Leave a comment on this blog telling us about your special skills. Ask yourself–what makes you unique? Do you dress a certain way, talk a certain way, move a certain way…you get the point! Share with us today!

By: Isabelle Dungan, InstantCast Editor

]]> http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/09/23/tell-us-what-you-do-to-express-your-individuality/feed/ 3 Don’t Be Afraid to Express Yourself: http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/09/22/express-yourself-through-movement/ http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/09/22/express-yourself-through-movement/#comments Tue, 22 Sep 2009 20:02:07 +0000 InstantCast http://blog.instantcast.com/?p=8586 expressThis week we’re sharing different ways to express yourself. The number one thing you always have going for you is YOU: No one is like you and you embody a unique set of skills that no one can replace. Use this to your advantage during the casting process.

If you know how to tap dance, put that on your resume & profile. If you can speak Spanish… let casting directors know! If you choreograph your own dance routines or write your own music… dazzle us with your talent! Any skill will give you an edge.

These are the specific details casting directors are looking for that will differentiate you from the competition… so go ahead with your bad self and never be afraid to be YOU! Update your profile, photos, and videos, and always stay true to what makes you YOU!

By: Isabelle Dungan, InstantCast Editor

]]> http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/09/22/express-yourself-through-movement/feed/ 1 Don’t Miss The CW’s Premiere of The Beautiful Life Tonight! http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/09/16/dont-miss-the-cws-premiere-of-the-beautiful-life-tonight/ http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/09/16/dont-miss-the-cws-premiere-of-the-beautiful-life-tonight/#comments Wed, 16 Sep 2009 18:13:43 +0000 InstantCast http://blog.instantcast.com/?p=8438 beautiful-life-first-lookWe’ve been talking about Ashton Kutcher’s new CW drama The Beautiful Life a lot recently…we had tons of casting calls for the show last month! Well, tonight is the series premiere on the CW Network at 9PM EST!

The show stars Mischa Barton and is bound to be a hit. Stay tuned and let’s talk tomorrow and hear what the critics (and you guys!) have to say. Will we see any of you InstantCasters on the TV screen this season?

Click here to apply to TV casting calls now!

Click here to learn more about The Beautiful Life!

By: Isabelle Dungan, InstantCast Editor

]]> http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/09/16/dont-miss-the-cws-premiere-of-the-beautiful-life-tonight/feed/ 0 Vampire Week Giveaway #5: Gear Up for New Moon with a Free Twilight DVD! http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/09/11/vampire-week-giveaway-5-gear-up-for-new-moon-with-a-free-twilight-dvd/ http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/09/11/vampire-week-giveaway-5-gear-up-for-new-moon-with-a-free-twilight-dvd/#comments Fri, 11 Sep 2009 17:39:11 +0000 InstantCast http://blog.instantcast.com/?p=8342 Win Twilight DVDAttention InstantCasters: This week InstantCast is all about vampires… and where would the vampire trend be without its diehard fans? So Twilight fans: Win a FREE 2 disc special edition Twilight DVD this week!

Enter in our Fantasy Casting contest: Who Has What it Takes to Be a Vampire in the “Twilight” Sequels? The winner will get a Twilight 2-Disc Special Edition DVD! Don’t delay: click here now to win a Twilight DVD!

By Alisha, InstantCast assistant editor

]]> http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/09/11/vampire-week-giveaway-5-gear-up-for-new-moon-with-a-free-twilight-dvd/feed/ 2 The Vampire Diaries: What the Critics Are Saying + What Did YOU Think? http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/09/11/vampire-diaries-what-the-critics-are-saying-what-did-you-think/ http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/09/11/vampire-diaries-what-the-critics-are-saying-what-did-you-think/#comments Fri, 11 Sep 2009 13:39:55 +0000 InstantCast http://blog.instantcast.com/?p=8331 The Vampire DiariesDid you miss the premiere of The CW’s new drama The Vampire Diaries? Maybe you’re not sure how it’ll measure up to favorites like Twilight or True Blood. Well we’ve got a look at what the critics think:

GREAT: The New York Post’s Linda Stasi gives The Vampire Diaries 4 stars, citing the bloody action scenes. “These killers are more fun than a cemetery full of psycho zombie killers on Halloween.”

GOOD: Entertainment Weekly critic Ken Tucker rates the show a solid B+, and especially likes the  “snappy dialogue and quirky pop cult references.”

OKAY: Glenn Garvin at the Miami Herald can’t shake off the stunning similarity to a certain vampire blockbuster, but admits, “No, it’s not Twilight — but it’s not bad, either.”

YUCK: TV Guide’s Matt Roush would rather be buried alive than sit through another episode: “It’s not that The Vampire Diaries is a truly terrible show. It’s just so insipid and uninspired.”

So what did YOU think about The CW’s venture into vampire territory? Did it live up to your expectations? Or is this one vampire show you’d wish would stay dead?

By Alisha, InstantCast assistant editor

PS – Whether you loved or hated The Vampire Diaries, don’t forget to play our vampire-themed Fantasy Casting contests this week! You could win awesome Twilight-themed prizes… click here to find out how!

]]> http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/09/11/vampire-diaries-what-the-critics-are-saying-what-did-you-think/feed/ 0 Vampire Week Giveaway #4: Take Bella & Edward Everywhere You Go! http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/09/10/vampire-week-giveaway-4-take-bella-edward-everywhere-you-go/ http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/09/10/vampire-week-giveaway-4-take-bella-edward-everywhere-you-go/#comments Thu, 10 Sep 2009 13:55:03 +0000 InstantCast http://blog.instantcast.com/?p=8307 Win Twilight tote bagWe’re right in the middle of Vampire Week and the competition is strong… We’ve already told you how you can win a Twilight poster, Twilight lip gloss, and a New Moon calendar… but now you can take the stars of the Twilight saga with you wherever you go!

Get this Twilight tote bag for FREE by entering this Fantasy Casting contest: Who Should Win Tickets to the MTV VMAs to Preview Scenes from New Moon?

Click here for a preview of the full-size totebag…

Win Twilight tote bag

Don’t forget: You can vote for yourself 100 times every single day. Click here to nominate yourself for a chance to win a free Twilight tote bag!

By Alisha, InstantCast assistant editor

]]> http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/09/10/vampire-week-giveaway-4-take-bella-edward-everywhere-you-go/feed/ 0 Vampire Week Giveaway #3: Stay Up to Date with the Official New Moon 2010 Calendar! http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/09/09/vampire-week-giveaway-3-stay-up-to-date-with-the-official-new-moon-2010-calendar/ http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/09/09/vampire-week-giveaway-3-stay-up-to-date-with-the-official-new-moon-2010-calendar/#comments Wed, 09 Sep 2009 19:07:22 +0000 InstantCast http://blog.instantcast.com/?p=8264 Win New Moon calendarTime for another Twilight giveaway for Vampire Week! Sure, Twilight is the reigning champ of vampire drama, but HBO’s show True Blood has an intense following too. So enter our Fantasy Casting contest: Who Will Co-Star with Anna Paquin on “True Blood”?

The winner will receive an official 2010 New Moon calendar! Use it to keep track of your acting goals & your auditions. Win your New Moon calendar here!

]]> http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/09/09/vampire-week-giveaway-3-stay-up-to-date-with-the-official-new-moon-2010-calendar/feed/ 0 Vampire Week Giveaway #2: Perfect Your Vampire Pout with Twilight Lip Venom! http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/09/08/vampire-week-giveaway-2-perfect-your-vampire-pout-with-twilight-lip-venom/ http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/09/08/vampire-week-giveaway-2-perfect-your-vampire-pout-with-twilight-lip-venom/#comments Tue, 08 Sep 2009 18:52:44 +0000 InstantCast http://blog.instantcast.com/?p=8198 Win Twilight Venom on InstantCastWith the new cosmetics line Twilight Beauty, it’s easy to rock the vamp look this fall. We’ll make it even easier… Win a free vial of Twilight Venom when you win this contest: Who Will Get Cast this Fall on the CW’s New Show “Vampire Diaries”?

Twilight Venom gives your lips a sexy blood-red tint while plumping up your pout. Get it for FREE by entering in our Fantasy Casting contest now!

See what the full vial of Twilight Venom looks like… Win Twilight Venom

Don’t forget: You can vote for yourself 100 times every single day. Click here to nominate yourself for a chance to win a free vial of Twilight Venom!

By Alisha, InstantCast assistant editor

]]> http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/09/08/vampire-week-giveaway-2-perfect-your-vampire-pout-with-twilight-lip-venom/feed/ 1 Vampire Week Giveaway #1: Win This Hot “Edward and Bella” Poster! http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/09/08/vampire-week-giveaway-1-win-this-hot-edward-and-bella-poster/ http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/09/08/vampire-week-giveaway-1-win-this-hot-edward-and-bella-poster/#comments Tue, 08 Sep 2009 15:21:51 +0000 InstantCast http://blog.instantcast.com/?p=8177 Win this Twilight poster on InstantCast!Every day this week, we’ll announce a new Twilight prize for the winners of our vampire-themed Fantasy Casting contests! The more contests you enter, the more chances you have to win a Twilight prize!

Our first giveaway is this hot “Edward and Bella” poster. To win, enter our Fantasy Casting contest Who Will Play Robert Pattinson’s Vampire Enemy in the Next “Twilight” Movie? and get this hot poster for free!

Check out a preview of the full-size poster here:

Win Twilight poster

Remember, you can vote for yourself 100 times a day… so get going!

By Alisha, InstantCast assistant editor

]]> http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/09/08/vampire-week-giveaway-1-win-this-hot-edward-and-bella-poster/feed/ 1 Fall into Fame with Our Fall Fantasy Casting Contests Today! http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/09/03/fall-into-fame-with-our-fall-fantasy-casting-contests/ http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/09/03/fall-into-fame-with-our-fall-fantasy-casting-contests/#comments Thu, 03 Sep 2009 19:51:20 +0000 InstantCast http://blog.instantcast.com/?p=8087 Gossip GirlFall Fantasy Casting contests are in full force this Thursday! Join in the fun and start casting your votes right now. Here are the top 5 contests:

1. Which member deserves to a win a walk-on role to Gossip Girl this fall?
2. Who will transform into a vampire this fall in the Twilight sequels?
3. Who will find fame in Disney films like Miley Cyrus?
4. Which InstantCast Member is most likely to succeed this fall?
5. Who has what it takes to walk the runway at NYC’s fall fashion week?

…click here for a full listing of all our Fantasy Cast contests now!

By: Isabelle Dungan, InstantCast Editor

]]> http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/09/03/fall-into-fame-with-our-fall-fantasy-casting-contests/feed/ 4 Get ready for Vampire Week on InstantCast! Win a Twilight prize every day! http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/09/03/get-ready-for-vampire-week-on-instantcast-win-a-twilight-prize-every-day/ http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/09/03/get-ready-for-vampire-week-on-instantcast-win-a-twilight-prize-every-day/#comments Thu, 03 Sep 2009 19:21:51 +0000 InstantCast http://blog.instantcast.com/?p=8088 TwilightTired of vampires? Of course not! This is one trend that’s not dying out. So we’re declaring that next week is Vampire Week on InstantCast – complete with exciting Twilight prize giveaways! But why next week?

Because you’ll get 1) the season premiere of The CW’s new show Vampire Diaries, 2) the season finale of HBO’s sexy drama True Blood, and 3) an exclusive New Moon trailer airing at the MTV VMAs on Sunday!

And the best part is that we’re giving away awesome free Twilight swag every day next week! Stay tuned to find out what you could win…

]]> http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/09/03/get-ready-for-vampire-week-on-instantcast-win-a-twilight-prize-every-day/feed/ 1 So what if summer’s over? Now’s the time to pursue your dreams! http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/09/02/so-what-if-summers-over-nows-the-time-to-pursue-your-dreams/ http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/09/02/so-what-if-summers-over-nows-the-time-to-pursue-your-dreams/#comments Wed, 02 Sep 2009 19:44:11 +0000 InstantCast http://blog.instantcast.com/?p=8063 Girl jumping in leavesJust because the leaves are falling doesn’t mean your motivation has to! Don’t let the change of season affect your motivation to pursue your dreams of success.

Everyone gets a little sad when the summer comes to an end. But rather than looking at this time of year as an end, treat autumn as a beginning to jumpstart your way into new opportunities. The great thing about fall is that people are working and things are happening!

This is the perfect time to revisit any contacts you’ve made in the past and see if anything new is happening with their productions. (Of course, wait until after Labor Day when everyone is back in work mode!)

Set new goals for yourself with the new season and try to give yourself more of a push since it is easy to fall behind and slack a little in the summer. And remember, just because it is not bikini season doesn’t mean it is time to ease up on your workouts. Staying in shape will help you feel more positive and confident in your auditions.

So make a realistic game plan for this new season now and success will follow!

By Casting Director Courtney Maglione

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

]]> http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/09/02/so-what-if-summers-over-nows-the-time-to-pursue-your-dreams/feed/ 0 Casting Director Courtney On How Back-to-School Time = Casting Opportunities for YOU! http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/08/26/casting-director-courtney-on-how-back-to-school-time-equals-casting-opportunities-for-you/ http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/08/26/casting-director-courtney-on-how-back-to-school-time-equals-casting-opportunities-for-you/#comments Wed, 26 Aug 2009 17:16:57 +0000 InstantCast http://blog.instantcast.com/?p=7882 Gossip Girl prep school styleAs September approaches, students always get bummed out since the summer allows more time and flexibility to pursue interests like acting or modeling.  However, going to school can actually be a great opportunity to get cast when you least expect it!

In the past I have done several castings at schools, which has given me the opportunity to meet large amounts of people in the MTV demographic at once.

This is great for students because they don’t have  to miss their classes or travel to auditions since the casting directors are coming to you! I’ve traveled to schools and done this kind of casting at the high school and college level for TRL.

For example, we did a geeks vs. jocks segment on TRL a couple years ago to promote the Amanda Bynes movie Sydney White. What better way to cast groups of “geeks” and “jocks” then to go to a High School and do an open call and meet students first hand?!

I’ve also traveled to many colleges to recruit new personalities for reality segments and Spring Break programming as well as participants for studio audiences.  As a matter of fact, all of our postings for TRL were on an NYU website since we wanted people who were local to have access to short-notice casting calls we would announce.

Going back to school is also a great opportunity to get involved in school productions and build your resume. So lose the negative attitude about going back to school. There may be more opportunities there then you expect!

By Casting Director Courtney Maglione

]]> http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/08/26/casting-director-courtney-on-how-back-to-school-time-equals-casting-opportunities-for-you/feed/ 0 Casting Director Courtney on Her First Mentor Experience at MTV http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/08/19/casting-director-courtney-on-her-first-mentor-experience-at-mtv/ http://blog.instantcast.com/2009/08/19/casting-director-courtney-on-her-first-mentor-experience-at-mtv/#comments Wed, 19 Aug 2009 17:12:22 +0000 InstantCast http://blog.instantcast.com/?p=7695 adviceAs a Casting Director, I meet as many actors as possible to build my database. Since I see so many faces, it is very common for me to forget someone’s name, especially if I run into them outside of the studio…unless they really stand out.

During one open call, I met a young, new actor who did just that: He didn’t have a unique look, but his personality was so great that he stayed on my mind.

We ended up casting him for a contest on TRL where he did a great job on-air. He also expressed interest in learning how production works on the other side of the camera. Like many ambitious new actors, he said he would love to work at MTV.

However, A LOT of people want to work for MTV and it is a hard company to get a foot in the door with. You really have to know someone or have worked up the ranks from a college internship.

So, there was nothing I could do for him right away and I knew the chances were very rare that I would ever be able to help him beyond what he was already cast for. I was totally honest with him about the reality of getting into production without any experience, but he continued to stay in touch and showed a strong interest in learning about my experience working in casting. This actor’s drive, persistence, and passion impressed me.

One day I needed a casting PA for a TRL show and he was the first person I thought of. Regardless of his lack of experience, I knew he could do it. He did an excellent job and we continued to hire him for big MTV events including the TRL Finale. Not only was he now getting paid for work in the industry he wanted to be in, but he built a closer relationship with me. He started to come to me for advice as an actor and as a casting assistant. I became his mentor and referred him for jobs outside of MTV.

And he never disappoints. He has probably learned more about this business in a year and made more contacts than he ever imagined after staying connected with me in the right way. I’m so proud of him as he successfully continues to find opportunities in casting and acting. To this day he is still pursuing both dreams and kicking butt at it! Everyone I refer him too has positive feedback on his performance.

If there is someone out there doing what you aspire to do, don’t be afraid to reach out to them and learning from their advice. They will appreciate your interest and could help you get on the right path to what you want to be doing!

Click here to get career advice over the phone from me today!

By: Casting Director Courtney Maglione

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