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Making a short film is so easy, right? WRONG! Even though it's short, making a short film can be a lot harder than a full-length feature film. With less than ten minutes to tell an entire story or get a point across, it calls for some good organization and filmmaking skills. Consider the following when shooting your short film.
Make Interesting Short Films - Write or choose original and creative scripts that are interesting to you. If you film something you are enthusiastic about, it will come through in the final finished edit of the short film.
Choose Your Medium Wisely - Are you shooting digital video, high definition, or something else? Your medium affects the overall look of your story, so know the good and the bad and choose your medium wisely.
Avoid Typical Shots - Take the time to make your short film stand out by avoiding typical shots. Short films allow you the opportunity to be a little more artsy and less boring when it comes to shot choices. Many filmmakers use short films as a step toward directing full-length feature films, so make it stand out.
Sound is So Important - Most filmmakers become so focused on the visual that they ignore the sound, but sound is incredibly important to the success of a short film. People are more forgiving of a short film that doesn't have amazing video quality or special effects, but if it's hard to hear, they will be brutal about the quality of a short film. Don't ignore the importance of good sound to your short films.
Keep Your Short Films Short - Just because you have ten minutes to tell your story doesn't mean you should drag out your short film the entire ten minutes. Many of the most successful...
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If you are a skilled artist, freelancing may be the ideal artistic lifestyle for you. Not every artist is right for art school or college, but many art design jobs require a college education. By freelancing your artistic talents in your own business, it does not matter what kind of education you have. All that matters is the art. After all, the daily nine to five grind is not for everyone, especially many artistic types. Freelancing offers artistic spirits the opportunity to make their own rules in a dream career in art. There are many factors to consider when opening a business and freelancing your artistic talents. First, comes the art.
Drawing - Even if you do not specialize in reality drawing, such as drawing human figures or nature as it exists in reality, you should be able to do it well. All artists, like those who primarily do abstract paintings, may even need to draw occasionally in a freelance art business. People who hire freelance artists will expect good drawing skills as a basic component of being a good artist.
Color - Know about color theory, color mixing, and how to use color to achieve a vision, emotion, mood, or desired result. The ability to choose and mix colors is vital to every artist, including illustrators, graphic designers, painters, animators, and even interior decorators. Color is a powerful tool for all artists. A good knowledge of the color wheel will go a long way in a successful career as a freelance artist.
Different Mediums and Textures - A freelance artist should be able to work in many mediums and textures. Different mediums can include canvas, textiles, metal, and glass, in addition to computer graphic design mediums and types of artist materials like p...
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When it comes to music, promoting it is almost important as creating it when you are pursuing a career as a professional musician. The Internet provides many ways to get your music out to the people who will purchase it.
If you ignore the Internet as a promotional vehicle for your music, you are missing out. The Internet provides a way for you to market your music to the world for pennies. With the entire world as your new audience, you will find millions of potential fans. It doesn't even matter if they live near you or if your album is available in their local store. With the Internet, people who love your music can live anywhere.
Offline marketing can only reach so many people. With millions of people accessing the Internet daily, you have a huge instant audience. Not only will people from around the world listen to and buy your music, but you can become an overnight star.
While the Internet is a great tool when it comes to getting fans, its hugeness can leave some musicians a little bewildered as to where they should begin. Consider the following when promoting your music on the Internet.
Categorize Your Music - As artists, musicians hate to be labeled, but think about consumers before refusing to categorize your music. By categorizing and promoting the category of music you fit into, you will make it easier for your potential fans to find you. If rap is your thing, categorize yourself so that people who love rap music can find you in an Internet search. Your Internet promotion is wasted if the people who love the type of music you sing never hear your music because they couldn't find your music.
Create an Image - Just like with any successful business, you should set out to create an ima...
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If you are an artist who wants to show your art, but don't feel you are ready for a gallery showing yet, consider putting on your own art show. Organizing an art show doesn’t have to be complicated. By using the following steps, you can put on your own art show where you can show or sell your art to build your reputation as an artist.
Find a Venue
There are plenty of places for an art show other than a gallery. Great places to consider include coffee shops, restaurants, local shops, restaurants, cafes, and even the local library. Call and make an appointment to speak with the owner or person in charge of your target location. You can simply contract to hang your art on their walls or actually hold an art showing.
By exhibiting your art on the walls of a business, more people will see your art than at an art show. You can place a small sticker with information on your art and a price or contact number or website where people can go to purchase your art.
If you decide to hold an actual show, make sure you will have plenty of space to both exhibit your art and make room for the people attending your show.
Make an agreement with your location that lays out all of the details of your art showing. For example, commissions to be paid, rental agreement, insurance requirements, and who is responsible for what.
Set the Date
Weekends, including Friday or Saturday evenings, are best if you are having an actual art showing. This gives you a time that doesn't compete with busy weekday evenings. By holding your art show on a Friday or Saturday (or even on a Sunday afternoon), you will have a higher attendance.
Publicize
You can't hold a successful art show w...
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A Career in Graphic Design
A career in graphic design requires artistic talent along with skill, knowledge, and the ability to work in a wide range of styles. Graphic designers use technology, images, and words to create visual designs that include everything from corporate logos to artwork, advertising, and multimedia presentations.
Interacting with clients and business professionals, graphic designers need to know how to market themselves. To build a successful career in today's graphic design market, graphic designers also need the following graphic design skills.
Adobe Photoshop - As a graphic designer, you must be skilled using Adobe Photoshop. A crucial program for graphic designers, Adobe Photoshop involves pixels, layers, masks, color correction, channels, photograph manipulation, and much more. Adobe Photoshop is the computer program used by most graphic designers and graphic design schools.
Adobe InDesign - This computer program helps graphic designers with page layouts for projects such as brochures, catalogs, magazines, books, advertisements, and more. In addition to putting together layouts with photographs and illustrations, InDesign also allows for setting text within page designs. Most printers prefer to work off pages designed with Adobe InDesign, but many also work with a similar program called Quark Express.
Adobe Illustrator - Adobe's Illustrator computer program is vital for creating clean artwork with crisp lines using vector graphics. Adobe Illustrator comes in handy for creating logos, posters, and other types of print work. It is a huge program, but once learned it is an incredibly valuable and necessary tool fo...
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Putting Together a Modeling Portfolio
Putting together a modeling portfolio allows you to easily present your modeling photographs to potential clients. Your modeling portfolio should include a collection of photographs that show you in your best looks.
Modeling agencies usually have a set way they like a modeling portfolio to be arranged. This differs by agency, but you can put together a modeling portfolio separate from your agency portfolio or just for your own use if you are not represented by a modeling agency.
Keep the following in mind when putting together your own modeling portfolio.
Buy a 9"x12" or 11"x14" simple black portfolio book for displaying your photographs. Portfolio books can be found at any art supply or photography store. Make sure you get a portfolio book and not a picture album. There is a big difference. A black portfolio book that zips shut and has two black handles is perfect.
The quality of the photographs in your portfolio is more important than having a large number of photographs in your portfolio. If you have three really great pictures, they will make for a better portfolio than using fifty not so great ones. More is not always better. Go for quality.
Larger pictures of 9"x12" or 11"x14" are better than smaller sizes. Large pictures are industry standard for portfolio use and give clients a better image when considering you for a modeling job.
Go for variety when possible. Don't put ten photographs of you with the same background in your portfolio. You need to show your versatility in your modeling portfolio. Avoid using multiple photographs from the same pho...
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Audition Tips for Ballet Company Auditions
Auditioning for a ballet company is the dream of many little ballerinas, but ballet is serious business. Treating your ballet company audition in a professional way can ensure fulfilling that dream of being a prima ballerina.
It's Different Than Ballet Class - An audition for a professional ballet company is different from just going to ballet class. While your teacher in ballet class will take the time to make sure you thoroughly understand a combination, a choreographer at an audition will not. Don't expect to be catered to as your ballet teacher does. Auditions are not classes. Auditions are job interviews.
Be Prepared - Know everything about the audition before you attend. Call ahead and ask questions so you will be prepared for anything. Check to see if you need to bring both soft ballet shoes and pointe shoes. Ask what other shoes you might need. You don't want to leave your tap shoes behind thinking it's only a ballet audition, just to have the choreographer ask everyone to tap. If you are supposed to perform a certain variation from a ballet, make sure you know it well and never assume the choreographer will go over it with you. Ask if you should bring a photograph, resume, audition fee, or anything else to the audition.
Know the Dress Code - Just as with ballet classes, many ballet companies have dress codes for auditions and rehearsals. You may wear a long-sleeved pink leotard and pink tights at your ballet studio, but if the audition requires a spaghetti-strapped navy blue leotard, you may not be allowed to audition just because you aren't wearing the right dancewear. If there is no specific d...
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There is little chance of getting around it. If you want a singing career, at some point you are probably going to undergo the stress of an audition. While auditions can be stressful, you can help them be a little more stress free if you are prepared.
Most of the time singing auditions take place in a small space, not on a stage. Auditions for record labels often occur in a boardroom type situation with record executives in an office gathered around a large table. Sometimes singing auditions can resemble American Idol auditions in that they take place in front of a table of several judges or casting directors.
The number one reason singers do not perform well at an audition is nerves. Many talented singers clam up at an audition because they are nervous to the point of shaking, having a trembling voice, and forgetting their words.
If you want to sing well at an audition, you have to calm down and realize that the people auditioning you want you to be good. They are rooting for you. They have the tough duty of finding the right singer for the job and they cross their fingers that every singer walking through the door is incredible. Unfortunately, with many singers suffering from uncontrollable nerves and with the singers who audition who are not good singers, the audition panel does not often find the great singer they hope to find.
While singing talent is vital, it is not enough to ace a singing audition. Consider the following when preparing for your singing audition.
Know what the audition panel is looking for in advance. If it is a country music audition, do not sing a pop song. Find out if you need a background track, sheet music, or if you will be singing acapella at the audition. You will be less nervous at your auditio...
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Stand Up Comedy - Ten Tips for Writing Jokes for Your Act
1. Stick With Formula - The basics of joke building include a traditional two-step formula: the set up that explains the joke and the punch line that delivers the funny, making people laugh. If you are new to stand up comedy, stick with the formula. The more unexpected your punch line is, the better laughs you will get. Make sure your jokes are about things commonly known to the average person. For example, telling jokes about building an airplane will only be funny to people who build airplanes. Everyone else in the audience will be left in the cold if your airplane building jokes are not made up using common knowledge.
2. Look for the Joke in Everything - Try to find the funny in every situation. It is great practice for writing jokes, even if they do not all end up in your act. The more you make up jokes, the better you will get at making up jokes. Even if it is a situation as simple as waiting in line for a half hour at the Post Office, find the funny.
3. Embarrassing Moments - If you have any experience (or friends and family) with embarrassing moments that would make for a punch line payoff, they are great material for your act. Everyone loves to hear about funny embarrassing moments, especially if your audience can relate to the situation.
4. List Jokes - List jokes, like "Top Ten Lists" or "Top Ten Reasons Why," are a fairly simple and easy way to beef up your act.
5. Comparison Jokes - When writing a comparison joke, you should point out wide differences between two people or situations to come up with a punch line.
6. Simile Jokes - A simile is when...
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If you are an artist with above average computer skills, especially being familiar with computer animation technology, you could make it big with a career in animation. Animators can take ideas and turn them into lifelike images that efficiently and realistically communicate through video games, movies, television, the Internet, and more.
An animator can take many different career paths. Most people associate animation with television or movie cartoons. While cartoons will continue to offer numerous opportunities for animators in the future, there are an increasing number of other options for creative animators.
Today, more and more creative businesses are hiring animators. Lucrative employment opportunities are available for animators with advertising agencies, video game producers, animation companies, movie studios, television studios, web design companies, and more. Thanks to the Internet, many animators are working at home in their own animation businesses on a freelance basis.
While most basic animation positions require a bachelor's degree in animation, media, or fine arts, newly developed animation schools and art institutes are offering specific animation courses. However, any animator with the knowledge, talent, and a killer portfolio will likely be hired just as quickly, regardless of their level of formal education in animation.
Animation for Film and Television Production Companies
There is a huge market for talented animators within television and movie production companies. Projects for film production companies include everything from movie logos to 3D cartoons, and special effects. Many movies, including Wall-e, have relied on 3D computer animation to take animation to a new, even more realisti...
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Singers work on their voice, their stage presence, and even their "look," but they often neglect one crucial component that can make or break their singing career - song choice.
If you are not a songwriter and do not have your own original songs, you must sing other artist's songs, also known as "cover songs." Not having original songs will not necessarily hurt your chances of making it big in the music industry, but choosing the wrong cover songs could actually ruin your career quickly.
The first step in choosing the right song is to evaluate your singing voice. Every singer is different, even famous ones. Some singers specialize in power while others have a smooth, sultry quality. People with a thick southern accent often choose country songs and singers with classical vocal training usually stick with opera or Broadway songs.
This may sound a little silly and obvious, but before choosing a song think about who you are. You want to choose a song that is believable when you sing it. It is odd when a thirteen-year-old girl sings a song like Reba McEntire's "Does He Love You," about a cheating spouse. Likewise, it would be strange for a fifty-year-old singer to sing Taylor Swift's teenage love song, "Our Song."
It is not always best to pick the songs you love to listen to when choosing songs to sing. Look for songs that fit your vocal type and ability so you are comfortable singing and can put your extra energy into putting on a great performance. If you have a soft, low voice, you will struggle through Christina Aguilera's "The Voice Within," but Colbie Caillat's "Realize" may suit you perfectly. By choosing a song that suits you, instead of a song you like to listen to (or...
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Making it in the talent industry can be tough, whether you pursue music, art, acting, comedy, modeling, or dance. Many times, it takes more than talent to be successful. Networking is a great way to help stack the odds of making it in your favor. By networking with industry professionals, getting support, advice, and referrals, you can go from an unknown talent to a sought after star.
Going about networking isn't as complicated as it may sound. Networking just means getting in contact with others (especially decision makers) within the talent industry. Even if you're new to networking or to your chosen field, you can use the following simple methods to get your name out there and meet people who may help your career no matter where you live.
Tell Everyone About Your Aspirations
By nature, people are giving and do want to help other people. If you tell everyone you meet about your career aspirations, you are more likely to get that help. You never know - maybe you'll play your band's CD for a new friend you met at the DMV who will love it and whose uncle just happens to be a VP at Universal Records. Don't keep quiet about your talent or your career dreams. No one will ever help you if you don't speak up - not because they don't want to, but because they won't know to in the first place.
Make Connections Locally
Check out your local newspaper and any local websites for groups in your area that relate to your field of talent. If you are an actor, check out your local theatre companies. Dancers should hit the hottest studios in town regularly. If you are an artist, see if there is a local artist guild near you or attend art shows.
Attend any events that pertain to your talent, including sh...
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Modeling isn't just for the stick thin anymore. Today, there is a huge demand for plus size women to model fashion, lingerie, in catalogs, or even in advertisements for commercial projects. This is a victory for full figured women everywhere.
The field of plus size modeling is wide open right now. Opportunities for plus size models are expanding every day. If you are full figured and would love a glamorous job that allows you to travel the world, you should consider plus size modeling. The following ten tips will get you started in the lucrative field of plus size modeling.
1. Make Sure You Are "Plus Size" - This may sound obvious, but agents turn away aspiring plus size models every day, telling them they need to gain weight to be considered "plus size." Many women have skewed visions of themselves, thinking they are full figured when they are actually far from it. If you want to pursue a career as a plus size model, consult with a modeling agent to make sure you qualify as "plus size."
2. Learn About Modeling - Plus size modeling is still modeling. Before you pursue a plus size modeling career, take the time to learn about the field of modeling. There are different types of modeling for different sizes and even different body parts. By learning the business of modeling, you will be ahead of all of the other aspiring plus size models auditioning for the same modeling jobs as you.
3. Plus Size Modeling is Selling - Modeling is all about business. The purpose of every modeling job is selling. Models are used to make a product or service look good so that people buy it. The purpose of modeling isn't just to dress up and get paid for having your picture ta...
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What should you do if you're having trouble getting managers, agents, and record labels interested in promoting your music? Do it yourself! By doing it yourself, you show your professionalism, dedication, and the possible profitability of your music. By achieving a level of success on your own, you will attract the attention of managers, agents, and record labels that will be happy to take your music to the highest level.
Your Music
Your music is the most vital part of advancing your career in the music industry. Good songs, marketability, and talent drive the music industry. Take the time to work on your songwriting, vocals, musicianship, and performance abilities. It is also important that you are able to classify your style of music by putting it in an existing genre. The music industry is caught up in classifying music by category, so make sure your music fits into one. Write up a sentence about your style of music so you will be ready to describe it quickly and accurately.
Your Management
Another important aspect to a successful career in the music industry is having good management. Most artist management companies will not be interested in a musician just starting out. The best way to get past this is to practice self-management. Honestly evaluate how well your music can compete in the music industry. Study other musicians that are similar to you, looking for ways that you can emulate their success. Come up with a plan for reaching your fans and moving your career forward. Attend any workshops on promoting your music career and continue to approach managers as you build your music business. Managers love to represent self-managed artists who have reached a certain level of success on their own....
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If you want to be a stand-up comedian, one of the best ways to get started is with open mic nights. Providing a low stress way to work on your act, open mic nights are great for up-and-coming stand-up comedians. The following ten tips will help your open mic night performance be a success.
1. Visit the Club - Go to your local comedy club to watch an open mic night a few times before you decide to perform. By visiting the club, you will better know what jokes will work well with the crowd. When you visit a club to observe an open mic night, get to know the club owner, the servers, and other comedians. You will feel more comfortable at the club during your open mic night performance if you are familiar with the surroundings.
2. Write your Set - Since you have visited your local open mic night, you should know the length of a typical comedy set. A comedian’s set at open mic night usually last three to five minutes. Write your comedy act before contacting a comedy club to book a spot in an open mic night. By writing your set first, you will not be rushed to come up with material for an open mic night set that is days away.
3. Call and Book a Spot - Once you have written your set, call your comedy club and ask for the person in charge of booking comedians for the open mic night. Sign up for a spot, verify how many minutes you will have to perform, and ask for any other information you may need.
4. Rehearse - Now it's time to learn your set inside out. Don't just read your written notes, rehearse your set aloud. Rehearse in front of a mirror or a video camera so you can watch it back. Some comedians find it uncomfortable, but it really helps to make you look more comfortable on stage. Practice ...
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If you're ready to film your movie, but don't have the funds for a high budget production, don't worry. The following tips can help your low or no budget film be a success.
1. Stick With Telling a Great Story - When you break it down to basics, filmmaking is storytelling. If you are planning to shoot a low or no budget film, you need a great story written down in a tight, compelling script. You don't need a hefty budget to make an awesome film, but you do need a great story.
2. Limit or Avoid Special Effects - When making a low or no budget film, stay away from pricey special effects. It is difficult to pull off complicated special effects without a big budget. Unless you have a way to be inventive when it comes to special effects, it's best to stick with telling a great story instead of trying to wow your viewers.
3. Stunts and Action Scenes - If that huge car chase ending with an explosion isn't integral to your story, it's best to leave it out if you don't have the budget to shut down the streets to film it. In addition, stunts and action scenes are a serious liability issue and if your film is not properly insured, you could be asking for trouble if anyone gets hurt.
4. Look for Simple Locations - When filming a low or no budget film, you are better off staying with only a few simple locations. It's expensive to travel, especially with a cast and crew, so stick close to home. Once you have reserved a location, shoot all of the scenes that take place in that location at the same time when possible. You don't have to shoot a movie in chronological order. This helps limit the number of times you have to reserve a location, get your cast and crew to the location, set ...
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Many times great musicians and bands remain a secret to the world. Why? Because those great musicians and bands don't quite know how to market themselves. Sometimes they are a little intimidated at the thought of "tooting their own horn." Marketing your music is a lot easier than you may think and it all begins with a good press kit.
Don't freak out! A press kit is not difficult to put together. It's not mysterious or incredibly expensive. A press kit is simply a demo of your music along with pictures and information about you and/or your band. After putting your press kit together using the following ten tips, you'll be ready to market your music to the world.
1. Be Professional - Your music may be creative, even bizarre, but the theme of your press kit should be all business. This doesn't mean your press kit should sound stuffy. It just means that you should keep it professional while putting forth a "hip" image of you and your music. Agents, reps, radio stations, and club owners get tons of press kits and most of the time they are not put together well. Don't make a bad impression on someone who could make or break your career. If you present a professional press kit, you will give the reader confidence in your talent and dedication to your career. Besides, many times people will look at your press kit first before deciding whether to listen to your demo. If your press kit is good, your demo will be heard.
2. Be Honest - Don't lie in your press kit! You only have one chance to generate interest in your music. The people you will send your press kit to see press kits every day. They know who is desperate, who is all hype, and who has talent before even listening to your demo just based ...
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If you're an actor who wants to star on your favorite soap, let them know! It's perfectly okay to send your headshot and resume directly to soap opera casting directors - just make sure you do it by regular mail instead of in person!
Important Notes:
-Don't just throw your headshot and resume into an envelope and slap on a stamp. Get the casting director's attention by writing a cover explaining why you are sending your headshot and resume. Keep it short and to the point. Explain that you would like to be considered for auditions and give the casting director an idea of why they should call you in for an audition. Be sure to include your age range, height, weight, and contact information on your resume.
-If you don't already live in the city where your target soap opera is filmed, consider that you will have to relocate if you get a part. Soap operas are filmed in New York and Los Angeles, while you can fly-in for an audition, if you are cast, you'll have to move to do the part.
-If you have a video, or "reel," of some of your acting performances, state that in your letter, but don't mail your reel unless they call or e-mail to ask for it. Even better, post your acting reel on your website and include the address of the link in your letter where the casting director can view it anytime.
-If the casting director thinks you are a good fit for the show, they may call you for a live audition. However, if they don't have anything in mind for you, they will most likely toss your headshot in the trash. The good news is that it is perfectly acceptable to send your information regularly (not daily or weekly, please). Send it every few weeks and try a different slant each time. Change your letter, change the...
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Don’t have an agent, but still want to get into major auditions? It’s possible to get into those auditions without an agent if you market yourself directly to casting directors.
The best way to market to a casting director is by regular mail. If you can get the attention of the person who opens the mail, a casting director just may call you to come in for an audition.
When marketing yourself to casting directors via mail, keep the following in mind.
• Appropriateness – Most casting directors specialize in certain kinds of casting. If you are an aspiring film actor, do not market yourself to casting directors that only cast commercials. If you are looking for theatre roles, don’t market to television casting directors. Make sure your submission is appropriate for the casting director.
• Mailing Envelope – Your first impression is your mailing envelope. Usually, an assistant will open the casting director’s mail, then sift through what the casting director will see and what he won’t. A casting office may receive multiple envelopes from actors every day. Send a clean, new mailing envelope of the correct size for the contents.
• Mailing Label – Do not handwrite the address on your mailing envelope. Even if you have good handwriting, a handwritten mailing address/return address is not professional. Print the mailing address and return address on a mailing label using black ink and a simple font of appropriate size for the label. A nicely typed mailing label will make the good impression that you treat acting as your business.
• Addressee – Do your research! Never misspell the name of a casting director or casting company. Make sure you have the name of the...
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Drink Plenty of Water – I know, I know... everyone has heard this a billion times, but in addition to hydrating your body, water will lubricate your vocal cords and thin out that annoying mucus. A hydrated voice always sounds better. Don’t drink too much water. Just drink enough water to feel good and hydrated. (Caffeinated drinks and fruit juices don’t count!)
Take Time to Warm Up – Gradually warm up your voice before hitting the stage. Begin your warm up gently before gradually increasing the intensity and range. Consider vocal exercises or marking through a simple song. Don’t whisper or scream during your warm up.
Get Enough Rest – I know, it’s another common sense tip, but getting plenty of rest before singing will increase your energy and performance. You won’t sing at the top of your game if your voice is tired. A tired body and a tired voice will bring about a tired performance.
Don’t Smoke – Smoking will irritate your vocal cords. It can cause swelling and may damage your voice. Don’t risk your career for a cigarette.
Pay Attention to What You Eat – The food you eat can affect your singing. Dairy foods in particular can increase mucus in your vocal cords. Pay attention to what you eat before you sing and make a note of how it affects your voice. In addition, eat a while before singing to give your food some “settling” time. Being too full may affect your breathing and your singing, not to mention that you don’t want an accidental belch to happen during the biggest moment of your performance.
Get in Good Shape – Being in good shape will help your breathing, especially when you may get out ...
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Top Ten Tips for Struggling Stand-Up Comedians
Don’t Attack a Member of the Audience – That is, unless he asks for it. It can be fun to joke about audience members, but be careful which ones you mess with. A good rule is to go after the audience members who heckle or seem to “ask” for it. If they ask for it, they want it.
Don’t Joke About Bombing Until You’ve Really Bombed – If one joke doesn’t go over as planned, you haven’t bombed. If three or four go bad, then bring in the bombing jokes. Your audience may think you’re doing great, but if you joke about bombing too early, you’ll let them know that something went wrong. Never admit defeat until you’re sure.
Take Jokes Well – Many comedians can tell great jokes, but they can’t take one. Keep your sense of humor. After all, the best source of funny material is often yourself.
Realize That it’s Hard to Make People Laugh – It’s easier to scare someone than it is to make someone laugh. People laugh for different reasons. Some people like witty jokes, but hate physical comedy and others hate dirty jokes, but love funny stories. A successful stand-up comedian knows how to “read” what an audience will think is funny and can deliver the goods.
Stay With...
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Talent Agent or Talent Manager? What’s the Difference?
Acting can be a confusing profession to those just starting out. There are so many unwritten rules, not to mention the scams that ruin the dreams of many talented actors. However, going into an acting career armed with knowledge will help minimize the confusion and maximize the success.
Many beginning actors mistakenly think that “talent agent” and “talent manager” are two names for the same job. Actually, they are very different, but in a similar way. The best way to explain the differences is to tackle the job responsibilities separately, giving actors a good idea of those differences.
A talent agent works for a talent agency where they use their contacts to arrange auditions for the actors represented by the agency. An actor should never pay a talent agent up front for auditions or representation. A legitimate talent agent should receive a ten to fifteen percent commission only from the work they find the actor. A talent agent should never receive any percentage above fifteen percent.
Actors need a talent agent to survive. A talent agent is able to provide an actor with auditions they would not otherwise know about...
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How to Put a Good Band Together
Have you dreamed of starting your own band, but aren’t exactly sure how to do it? If so, you’re in luck. This article will tell you how to start the band of your dreams.
The first thing you should do is decide what you want in a band.
What kind of music will your band play?
Which instruments do you want in your band?
How many people do you want in your band?
Will your band stay local or do you want band members who will travel?
Is this a “for fun” band or a “career” band?
What level of experience are you looking for?
Make these decisions and any others that apply before starting your band.
Once you have set out a plan for your band, write a “wanted” ad. For example:
Lead Guitar Player Starting a Country Band
25-year-old male lead guitarist in Atlanta starting a country band.
Style influenced by (name of bands). Need lead vocalist, drummer,
rhythm guitarist, and bass player. Serious musicians only. This
is a career band, not just for fun. Contact (list contact information).
...
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The Best Places for Actors to Find Casting Calls Online
Don’t sit around waiting for an agent to call! There are plenty of film, television, and commercial auditions listed online. If you get out there, do the legwork yourself, and land some acting roles, those agencies you’ve been waiting to hear from just may come calling.
You will find two types of casting call websites: ones that list the big union auditions, mostly in Los Angeles and New York, and others that feature smaller non-union local market auditions.
Some actors start a career with smaller local acting jobs to build up a resume before moving on to the larger Hollywood ones. Others prefer to jump into the big time from the start. Whichever career strategy you prefer, you’ll find the perfect casting call website for you below.
These websites cannot guarantee the legitimacy of an audition posted, so do your homework before applying or attending an audition in person.
• Actors Access – (www.actorsaccess.com) – With a free Actors Access account, you can review audition notices and post photographs and your resume on a customized profile searchable by casting director...
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Want to Be Famous Fast? Consider Reality TV!
Do you want to “be discovered” and achieve fame and fortune in a hurry? If you’re looking to get famous fast, you might want to think about reality TV. You may only achieve fifteen minutes of fame, but you could also possibly become a huge star from reality TV.
When applying for a reality TV show, keep the following tips in mind.
The Directions - The most important tip is to actually read the reality TV show application directions and follow them. Directions are included for a reason. If a reality TV show application requests a one-minute audition video and a one-page written bio, send exactly that… not a five-minute video minus the bio. The ability to follow directions is a quality that may help get you cast on a show. Remember… reality TV shows are still TV shows. Production schedules apply and people who don’t follow directions can put a show behind. Also, don’t keep contacting a casting director to ask if casting decisions have been made. If they want to cast you in a show, they’ll call.
The Written Application – Be detailed… no one word answers. Give examples and explain your answers to the questions, but d...
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