Finding Work

    How many of you are self management artist?   Many times without an agent it can be a little frustrating trying to find work.  This week we will focus on a few websites that every actor needs to visit daily.  These sites provide casting breakdowns and are updated daily.  I am  sure that all regions have their own localized sites, but we are going to look at some national sites and also sites specific to the southeast region.

 1.  Playbill: If you want to be on Broadway or to be part of an international or US  national touring company, Playbill.com's Casting and Job Listings is a MUST WATCH site and it’s totally FREE. Thousands of job seekers have found opportunities through this service, and you can, too!
Manually log in and check this site at least once a day to check updates. Postings are primarily for theatre. Searchable for performance opportunities, admin and tech jobs, classes and other categories of work. Searchable by state and province. (Note: search only NY if you’re primarily interested in New York City/Broadway based or tour co work).

2. Actoraccess: My agent referred me to this site.   Many agents use this site to submit their  actors, but as actors we can get the breakdowns and submit ourself for a minimal charge.  Actors Access is the tool by which actors can see those roles and opportunities CDs want actors to have access to – hence the name. 

FREE to register. Annual fee for upgraded service. Check site for details. By registering, you also put your profile into the Breakdown Express database which is searched by Casting Directors when they are searching the database looking for specific talent.

As a registered Actors Access user, you can post two photos for free and additional photos for a per/each fee. In addition, you can freely swap out either or both of your two free photos as often as you wish with new photos. Create and maintain your online resume that is accessible to casting whenever you make a submission. This resume is also linked to via your agent or manager if you are represented, thus updating your resume for 'everyone' at one time is fast and easy.

When reviewing the Breakdowns that casting has posted for actors on Actors Access, as a registered user you have the ability to make direct electronic submissions to casting for roles listed that fit your Profile and casting's requirements.

3. THESOUTHERNCASTINGCALL: It is free to register this site. This site is great for someone who is just starting out in the industry.  It provides information on breakdowns for different regions.   This site is completely free, you just have to register to get access.   It list breakdown for many states in the southeast it also has other valuable forums.   There you can seek out agents, have general discussions, and get referrals for classes and training.

These are only a few of the sites that are available to actors.  I encourage any actor who is serious about their career to research these site.  I would also suggest doing all the research that you can because there are so many sources available to you. 

Misha Moore

Let's Get Connected

     Here in Atlanta there is a great monthly event called Get Connected. It is an entertainment industry mixer that has taken the city by storm.  In January it start with about 200 attendees, in July the attendance  swelled to an awesome 1250-1500 attendees.  This event is for anyone in the industry.  It is where everyone connects writers, investors, producers, actors, editors, directors, musician all meet and connect for the evening.   The event takes place every fourth Thursday of the month.
     Each month is a different theme.  Last month focused on media and marketing and this months focus will be on investing. Get Connected is a non-profit that also gives back to the community from the proceeds raised at the events.  This event has brought out many celebrities.  Each month there are screenings of short films that were produce in the city.   There are also host who do  interviews for Get Connected TV.
     I have the opportunity to attend this event as an attendee and as volunteer. The last three months I have been able to serve as one of the volunteer coordinators. I am able to see first hand what goes into to making events like these happen. The facility has to be secured, vendors must be organized, food must be secured, volunteers need to be organized, screening have to be selected, and the list goes on.   There are production meetings and venue walk through the week of the event.  I now understand the importance of having a great team in place. This event would not be possible if not for great teams and proper planning.  
      This is a great event for anyone in GA who is in the entertainment industry.  Where else can you go and meet so many industry professionals.   In July there were representative from SAG Atlanta, AFTRA, and The Grammys.  This event offers great exposure for up and coming artist.  In June a lady attended and within a weeks she was hired by Turner Broadcasting, which later caused Get Connected to be honored by the Mayor of Atlanta.

 So I say if you are in Atlanta come out and GET CONNECTED!


Misha
     

Are You Dressed for Success

     This is a topic I have been wanting to address for a very long time.  Each time I attend an audition or an industry mixer, I want to pull ladies young and old to the side and say What were you thinking?.  I see so many fashion faux pas that it is nauseating.  Ok, maybe I'm exaggerating a little, but it is disheartening to say the least.  Dressing overly provocative will not enhance your chances of getting a role. As a mattering of fact you may be hurting yourself.
      There are important things that men should consider also when dressing for an audition.  Clothes that are are too big hide who you are.  Actors must understand that people see you before they get a chance to meet and hear you.  What impression would you like for person to have when they first lay eyes on you.  Also it is not always necessary to dress in character for an audition, showing up in a witch costume is not necessary not unless they specifically ask for it.  Here are a list of things that will help improve your first impression:

• Make up should be used to enhance, not to make you look fake.  
• If you have to keep tugging on your skirt so that it does not rise so that people can see your unmentionables, don't wear it.
• A little cleavage is ok, but if your shirt is tight or too small and your girls are about to reveal themselves, save that for a hot date. 
• If your heels are too high and you can not walk with ease, then you should not wear them. 
• If you are wearing a white shirt, then a bright pink bra is not acceptable.
• Don't wear clothing that are too big. 
• Ripped jeans are  do not make a good impression 
• Don't wear things that are overly flashy or shiny
• Try to refrain from black and white

Fashion Do's Other Professional Tips

• Do wear clothing that is appropriate. Professional attire say a lot about you.
• Wear heels that are comfortable and allow you to move with ease.
• Wear colors that enhance your eyes and skintone.
• Wear soft tone makeup that enhances your natural beauty.
• Men wear clothes that fit. 
• Wear simple colors 

I love how casting Director Marci Liroff put in her video blog.  She states showing us how you dress show us how you think.

Much Success,

Misha