The InstantCast Blog

Celebrity RoundUp: Mariah’s new Beach Video Shoot!

InstantCast — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:28:14 +0000

See What Mariah Carey Looks Like in a Swimsuit [US]
Box office preview: ‘A Christmas Carol’ set to bring some cheer to the box office [EW]
Australian Officials Target Britney Spears’s Lip-Synching [People]
Lady Gaga Plans To Battle Her ‘Monsters’ During Monster Ball Tour [MTV]
Sarah Jessica Parker Adores Her ‘Sex in the city’ Buddy, Dirty Diapers [PopEater]

By: Desirea LaSalle, Instantcast Staff Writer

Casting Director Courtney on the Reality of Reality TV Casting

InstantCast — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:22:13 +0000

I’ve been casting a show for HGTV now for the past few months. People who get opportunities like these usually aren’t accustomed to being on TV: often reality TV talents don’t realize how much time it takes to make a show that ultimately only lasts 22 minutes on air! A lot of work goes into making a show and non-actors are usually totally unaware of all of the work it takes to even select people for reality shows! Casting is not about just picking the prettiest faces in the bunch that apply. The main things I look for when casting for reality TV are a good personality and a great story.

I also take into consideration how reliable the person seems. Due to the time commitment, I wouldn’t want to risk casting someone who isn’t reliable. This is a fast paced business and if you want it, you need to make the big commitments or you might not be cut out for it!

Just a little tough love for you today since I see this happen so often and there’s nothing more disappointing to a casting director than spinning your wheels to make an opportunity happen for people that don’t have the passion for it.

By: Casting Director Courtney Maglione

Make Extra Cash…as an Extra…on the CW’s One Tree Hill!

InstantCast — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:07:01 +0000

In this tight economy, we all need to find ways to make some extra cash. Here is a fun way: Be an extra! The CW’s popular TV drama One Tree Hill is holding an open casting call for people ages 18 and up. Click here to apply on InstantCast right now! Next Wednesday, they’re shooting a large concert scene. One Tree Hill extra Elaine Brown says “I’m actually a realtor, but as you know things are slow right now, so we can use any little bit of help that we can get. So I fill in the blank spaces when I come over here and work.”

Another extra Mary Evelyn Szuchan says, “I enjoy this. I’m retired and I don’t really have a lot to do. I enjoy doing this because it gets me out and make new friends and I love it.”

Casting will continue Friday beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Fincannon Casting, located on 23rd Street in Wilmington, North Carolina. Click here to get cast now!

By: Isabelle Dungan, InstantCast Editor

Sports and Celebrities = A Match Made in Heaven!

InstantCast — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:09:04 +0000

If you’re in New York City right now, you’re probably hearing the echoing cheers of hundreds of Yankees fans. The ticker tape parade in honor of the Yankees kicks off at 11:00am at Battery Place and will proceed up the “Canyon of Heroes” to City Hall. There Mayor Bloomberg will present them with a Key to the City!

So what are you waiting for? Get downtown and be a part of the action! You could be interviewed by a multitude of media outlets and just get into the excitement of it all. And rumor has it that famous Yankee girlfriends Kate Hudson, Minka Kelly, and Gossip Girl actress Joanna Garcia will all be joining the parade!

Even if you’re not in New York or a Yankees fan, it’s always a great idea to brush up on your sports trivia. It’s a great conversation started with future employers and contacts, and so many celebrities are huge sports fans.

Some of the A-list attendees at the World Series included Spike Lee, Kate Hudson, Regis Philbin, Donald Trump, Jimmy Fallon, Lorne Michaels, and Rudy Guiliani, just to name a few. They all love the game and being a part of Yankee history.

Of course, celebs aren’t just crazy for baseball. Remember to be on the lookout for your favorite celebs at any game! Just last year I saw Ashlee Simpson and her husband Pete Wentz at a Knicks game. It made the game more fun to see these celebs in a real life situation and just enjoying themselves!

By Casting Director Jenny Rawdin

Casting Director Courtney on Working with Talent of All Ages

InstantCast — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:55:10 +0000

Patience and understanding is a big part of this industry that is often overlooked. As a Casting Director, I run into this because I’ve seen teenagers and adults become impatient working with children during classes and on set. I’ve taught acting classes where the kids range from ages 3-18. In some cases, we do not break up age groups and the younger kids read lines with the older kids. I often hear complaints from the teenagers about the behavior of the younger kids in class.

Remember, part of being successful in this industry is honing in on your ability to acclimate yourself to all types of people and situations: Not everyone you work with will be at your level. It is important to stay focused and help out your acting partner rather than feeling “above” your comrade. If you are not in classes with children, rehearse with relatives or friends’ kids to prepare yourself for working with young actors. The more experience and understanding you have with this, the better you will look when you’re cast in this type of situation!

By: Casting Director Courtney Maglione

Celebrity RoundUp: Kate Hudson joins A-Rod to celebrate Yankee’s big World Series Win!

InstantCast — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:22:11 +0000

Kate Hudson Helps Alex Rodriguez Celebrate Yankees’ World Series Winomg [US]
Janet Jackson To Discuss Michael’s Death On ABC Special [MTV]
Taylor Swift on ‘SNL’: Let the Kanye yukks begin [EW]
Angie’s Back and Rugged in ‘Salt’ [PopEater]
The Fit 5: Tips to Feel (and Look) Like a Star! [People]

By: Desirea LaSalle, InstantCast Staff Writer

Casting Call Alert: Get Cast in the US Version of the Hit BBC TV Series “Skins!”

InstantCast — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:51:41 +0000

Allright angsty American teens…this one’s for you! The hit BBC teen drama Skins is now coming to the USA! MTV is casting for charismatic and edgy teens for this new series. MTV’s casting agents are looking for 15-18 year old non-actors of all types and ethnicities. Click here to apply now. The UK series jumpstarted the career of Slumdog Millionaire star Dev Patel. The racy UK mega-hit, currently in its fourth season, depicts teens as they cope with real-life issues including homosexuality, pregnancy, anorexia, drugs, fractured families, and all the rest. Casting agent Kim Madalinski says “We need real people with real life experiences and the courage to show it.”

Though the the US version will be ultimately set in Baltimore (ahem!), casting calls—specifically aimed at those without acting experience—have been announced only for NYC and Toronto so far. Click here to get all the audition information on InstantCast right now!

By: Isabelle Dungan, InstantCast Editor

5 Things You Can Do RIGHT NOW to Keep On Top of Your Casting Agenda this November:

InstantCast — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:39:23 +0000

1. Update your InstantCast profile. Add new photos, upload new videos, and edit your profile information. We want to know what you’re up to!
2. Stand out from the competition with professional headshots from photographers we recommend.
3. Find support within the InstantCast community. Get advice from casting director Jenny and Courtney by clicking here and book a time to speak to them on the phone.
4. Let me to help you make a sleek, professional resume and cover letter readily available to email to casting directors and agencies nationwide. Click here to get going now.
5. Stay active on InstantCast. The more things you do, the more exposure you get, the more casting directors will see your name and notice you!

By: Isabelle Dungan, InstantCast Editor

Celebrity RoundUp: Kim Kardashian throws on the gloves!

InstantCast — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:22:31 +0000

Kim Kardashian Takes a Punch to the Face [People]
Steve Martin, Alec Baldwin Hosting the Oscars [US]
Stars of Football and Food Get the Boot on ‘Dancing With the Stars’ [PopEater]
Russell Brand Opens Up About Monogamy And Katy Perry [MTV]
Jon Gosselin Walks Out on Interview with Glassman [NBC]

By: Desirea LaSalle, InstantCast Staff Writer

Put Down the Fantasy Football & Play Our Sports-Themed Fantasy Casting!

InstantCast — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:43:20 +0000

We’re halfway through the week and this week’s fantasy casting contests are now in full swing! Check out your competition by clicking here and see who’s in the lead. Right now the top three contestants & contests are:
- June Define is leading Who’s the Next Female Star to Act in a Female-Cast Sports Film like “A League of Their Own”?
- Destiny Wilkins is leading Who Should Get Cast in the “Fields of Dream” Sequel?
- Averi Harris is leading Who Should Sing with the Cast of “Glee” at the World Series?

Click here for a full listing of all 15 contests and join in the fun right now!

By: Isabelle Dungan, InstantCast Editor

Today’s Top Ten Casting Calls You Don’t Want to Miss:

InstantCast — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:15:41 +0000

Apply to today’s top ten casting calls before it’s too late:
1. Get cast in a Doritos Superbowl commercial!
2. Find fame in the new HBO show Treme!
3. Win $1 mullion dollars on NBC’s new game show Perfect 10!
4. Be in Oliver Stone’s Wall Street 2 with Shia LaBeouf!
5. Get featured in The Killers’ new music video “Guadalupe!”
6. Land a lead role in the new Coen Brothers film!
7. Play basketball in the new Mira Sorvino film Sweetwater!
8. Earn up to $1 million dollars on the new season of Survivor!
9. Star in your own photo shoot with Adam Lambert!
10. Find your soulmate on ABC’s Dating in the Dark!

By: Isabelle Dungan, InstantCast Editor

Get Cast in the Coen Brothers’ New Feature Film with Matt Damon, Jeff Bridges & Josh Brolin

InstantCast — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:06:06 +0000

This just in: Casting is now underway for the lead teen role in the Coen Brothers’ (A Serious Man, Burn After Reading, No Country for Old Men) new feature film True Grit slated to start filming in March 2010. The film is about and stars Matt Damon, Jeff Bridges, and Josh Brolin. Produced by Steven Spielberg & written/directed by the famous Coen Bros duo you’d be crazy to miss out on this. Click here to apply now on InstantCast.

By: Isabelle Dungan, InstantCast Editor

Celebrity RoundUp: Rihanna…back and better than ever!

InstantCast — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:20:51 +0000

Rihanna: I’m Stronger, Wiser and More Aware [People]
Eminem, Lady Gaga Join American Music Awards Lineup [MTV]
Mariah Carey Takes a Tumble on ‘Leno’ [PopEater]
Kathy Griffin signs on to host ABC’s new dance show [EW]
Taylor Swift: I Might Pass Out in SNL Pitch Meeting [US]

By: Desirea LaSalle, InstantCast Staff Writer

Hear How Member Michael Beech Got Cast in “Final Destination” Thanks to InstantCast!

InstantCast — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:48:57 +0000

Last week I told you that we had found Michael Beech’s InstantCast success story on Twitter. Now, he’s contacted me with the details of working on Final Destination. He says “I applied to this casting call on InstantCast and was called one day while at my home on the Mississippi Coast about the job. They told me to wear clothes without anything on them and informed me of the shoot location. I went and was put in the race car accident scene. My friends and I caught a glimpse of me on camera. That little rush of seeing myself on the big screen was enough to know what I wanted to do for the rest of my life…and I owe it to all of you at InstantCast!”

Congrats Mike–we’re giving you a FREE month of membership PLUS a cover letter/resume makeover for being such a team player! Want to find success like Mike? Let us help! Click here to get casting tools to help accelerate your career. Click here to start applying to casting calls like Mike did–you’ve got to put in the work to get results!

By: Isabelle Dungan, InstantCast Editor

Get in the Game & Apply to Our Hottest Sports-Themed Casting Calls Right Now:

InstantCast — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:44:16 +0000

In the spirit of sports…here are some of this week’s sports-themed casting calls on InstantCast. Check out these hot sports-inspired casting calls and be the first to apply today:
1. Play basketball in the upcoming feature Sweetwater with Mira Sorvino!
2. Be in a Doritos superbowl commercial and find fame during the big game!
3. Get in shape with Jillian Michaels on reality TV in Losing it with Jillian Michaels!
4. Dance your way to stardom in the Footloose remake with Chace Crawford!
5. Run around the nation on the upcoming season of The Amazing Race!

…Break a leg…but not literally…remember to stretch!

By: Isabelle Dungan, InstantCast Editor

Congrats to Our Resume Winner! Find Out How You Can Win Our Next Giveaway:

InstantCast — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:19:37 +0000

Congrats to Ashley Valentine for winning a FREE custom-made cover letter and resume! We ran this contest for a week and today we’re launching a new giveaway! Click here to learn more abou this week’s giveaway–our exclusive turbocharge package. The turbocharge package provides you with a casting bundle of 3 offers: a casting consultation with a VIP casting pro, an industry insider e-book, and priority web exposure on InstantCast… you won’t find these offers anywhere else. Click here to enter to win now.

By: Isabelle Dungan, InstantCast Editor

Celebrity RoundUp: Celebrities in Sports!

InstantCast — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:08:19 +0000

Jay-Z and Alicia Keys Rock Yankee Stadium [People]
Bon Jovi Will Open Jersey’s New Football Stadium [NBC]
KATE HUDSON DENIES A-ROD ENGAGEMENT [Showbizspy]
Celebrities at the World Series [NY Post]
Watch: Glee Cast Sings National Anthem, World Series Game 3, Amber Riley (Video) [PopCrunch]

By: Desirea LaSalle, InstantCast Staff Writer

From Fantasy Football to Fantasy Casting: Play these Sports Themed Casting Contests Now!

InstantCast — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:54:20 +0000

With the world series in full-swing, football on Sunday and Monday TV screens, and celebs abound attending and performing at the games…get in the sporty Hollywood spirit with this week’s themed casting contests. We have fifteen new contests just posted today that will be up and running through this Sunday. Click here to see all the contests now and GET IN THE GAME!

Who could rock Yankees Stadium with Alicia Keys & Jay-Z?
Who should perform onstage with Bon Jovi in the 2010 opening of the new Giants Stadium?
Who could replace Sylvester Stallone in ‘Rocky’?

Click here to get going…remember, you can vote for yourself up to 100 times a day!

By: Isabelle Dungan, InstantCast Editor

Celebrity RoundUp: The scoop on the Real Housewives of Atlanta!

InstantCast — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:36:32 +0000

Housewives of Atlanta’s Kim & NeNe Mend Fences [People]
Patrick Swayze’s Widow: “I Feel Every Contour of His Hand in Mine” [US]
Jon Gosselin Wants to Make Amends to Hailey, Kate, Etc [PopEater]
Sources: Hugh Jackman won’t host 2010 Oscars [EW]
Tom Hanks: All About The ‘Single Ladies’ [AccessHollywood]

By: Desirea LaSalle, InstantCast Staff Writer

Hear How You Can Turn Your Halloween into a Career Boosting Event!

InstantCast — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:25:46 +0000

It’s not too late to get yourself noticed on TV, news or Internet in the most amazing Halloween Costume. Do Internet research and watch TV: almost every single TV talk show has a Halloween show. Once you’ve got your costume organized you should attend different Halloween parties, gatherings, parades and NETWORK!

You should try to attend different events thrown by radio stations and or local TV stations. Maybe you will get interviewed and you can add these little events to your reel and or resume. Attending events like these are fun and exciting; they also mold you and teach you how to get your foot into the door. Remember to always act professional even though your outfit may be “out there!” Just remember to start your night early and plan ahead…the more creative the better chance you will get to get noticed!

Happy Halloween!

By: Casting Director Jenny Rawdin