TalentPlus had the pleasure of teaming up with Image Technologies to raise the spirits of attendees at the America Center before their conference. Using our diverse roster and creative concepts, Image Technologies provided an awe-inspiring show for their clients. Twenty circus themed performers expanded their acts beyond the stage. Entertainers from the Belle of the Ball and TalentPlus rosters enchanted the audience. Our partners at Image Technologies left us inspired, and awarded us with a rave review:
"After a really busy few weeks, I wanted to sit down and write a proper letter of praise for TalentPlus and Belle of the Ball’s involvement in our [...] Conference. This year was a huge success and our clients are all extremely thrilled with the turnout.
From the beginning of the process to the day of the show, Belle of the Ball impressed. Working with us fervently to come up with the perfect mix of entertainment and corporate function. Amy pulled out all the stops and delivered a striking array of performers decked out in the most elegant costumes. Each act did exactly what we envisioned, which was to enhance the ambiance of the event as a whole. The end result exceed our expectations by leaps and bounds. This made the process of conceptualizing and customizing the performance, which can be quite painstaking, worth all of the hard work. For that, we have Belle of the Ball to thank!
On top of the circus performers and Amy providing a great service, [Talent Plus'] team of agents helped immensely in facilitating our search for talent. Image Technologies looks forward to continuing and developing a relationship with Talent Plus and Belle of the Ball as a great source of event entertainment."
-Andy Paulissen
Image Technologies
Thinking of applying at or submitting to an agency? Being prepared is one of the best ways to make a great first impression. This includes an in-depth understanding of the industry's vocabulary, and its most used "hot words." Brush up on them so that you can have a well-informed, fluid conversation with agents!
In the busy holiday season we are all booked solid with shopping, decorating, and —of course— parties! We book ourselves without a moment to spare; not leaving much time—if any— for transitioning our look from day to evening. Not to fear, there are some super fast and easy ways to transition with a little planning and a few spare minutes. Altering your basic day time makeup to a dramatic night time look is easier then is seems. With just a couple extra items, you can enhance your makeup with a few sweeps of a makeup brush!
After a long work day your face may be feeling tired and dull. You can easily perk it up by misting on a skin refresher, such as Make Up Forever’s Mist & Fix, MAC’s Fix+, or for dry skin, Evian’s Mineral Water Spray. This will help refresh your makeup and perk up your weary skin.For a fun dramatic look, using a liquid liner, create a dramatic winged line on your top eyelids. You can do this right over the top of your day eye makeup (no need to start your makeup from scratch). Then sweep on a luscious red or berry lipstick or gloss to your lips to add that POP of color.
Plan your outfit for the day. Choose pieces that are layer-able, such as a simple dress (or classic skirt) that you can add a sweater or cardigan to. This can be your “base” that you keep on both day and night. Choose comfortable yet stylish shoes- you’ll be in them for a long time! By simply swapping a few things you can transition your outfit from professional to glamourous. Trade that conservative sweater for a cute little peplum top or a shimmery cardigan. Swap out that simple necklace for some chunky bangles and a bling ring! Thats it, its easy! In just minutes, you’ve successfully transformed yourself from day a time classic beauty to a night time leading lady! Happy Holidays!
After a long work day your face may be feeling tired and dull. You can easily perk it up by misting on a skin refresher, such as Make Up Forever’s Mist & Fix, MAC’s Fix+, or for dry skin, Evian’s Mineral Water Spray. This will help refresh your makeup and perk up your weary skin.For a fun dramatic look, using a liquid liner, create a dramatic winged line on your top eyelids. You can do this right over the top of your day eye makeup (no need to start your makeup from scratch). Then sweep on a luscious red or berry lipstick or gloss to your lips to add that POP of color.
Plan your outfit for the day. Choose pieces that are layer-able, such as a simple dress (or classic skirt) that you can add a sweater or cardigan to. This can be your “base” that you keep on both day and night. Choose comfortable yet stylish shoes- you’ll be in them for a long time! By simply swapping a few things you can transition your outfit from professional to glamourous. Trade that conservative sweater for a cute little peplum top or a shimmery cardigan. Swap out that simple necklace for some chunky bangles and a bling ring! Thats it, its easy! In just minutes, you’ve successfully transformed yourself from day a time classic beauty to a night time leading lady! Happy Holidays!
![]() |
Julie Dietrich Hair & Makeup Artist, TP Universal Exclusive |
The weekend kicked off at the Contemporary Arts Museum on Saturday night with the Pre-Race Celebration featuring Jim Stevens accompanied by Leslie Craig and Ted McCreedy. Tim Session and The Dudes performed in the TASK VIP tent for marathon runners and participants.
The St. Louis Rock n' Roll Marathon concluded with a concert at Plush on Sunday night, featuring a high energy production (equipped with keyboardinst & vocalist Hannah Hooper in a Halloween-esque skeleton onesie) by Grouplove...
and an awe-inspiring performance by Young the Giant...
We are honored to have been chosen by SEMAC to participate in booking the talent for a weekend of events which was a total success, raising approximately $300,000. Chords were ripped, new shoes were broken in, drinks were toasted and money was raised in honor of TASK. #Rungevity
With St. Louis Fashion Week wrapping up about a week ago, Fashionistas and industry professionals are left inspired as ever. Once among the epicenters of fashion, St. Louis rocked the runways this year showing the rest of the industry that we are very much still on the map. The streets of the Historic Garment District on Washington Avenue are now bustling with boutiques, restaurants and trendy bars. New designers are constantly emerging and redefining the Midwest standards. Our models are gracing the runways locally, nationally and internationally. STLFW 2013 was an amazing success.
Sharon Tucci, founder of TalentPlus, gives us some great inside scoop from STLFW: "Having Fern Mallis, Founder of New York Fashion Week and former Head of IMG-NY Show Division, was an amazing coup for St Louis Fashion Week.Her knowledge and wisdom was shared and taken seriously to take St Louis Fashion week to the next level.I was honored to be part of the experience by breaking bread with Fern, Elizabeth Tucker, STLFW Co-Founder, and Susan Sherman, a major supporter, at a private dinner to chat and brainstorm what needs to be done. Bottom line: it's about growing sponsorship for Fashion communities across the country that are supported by their own business communities."
And supporting our local fashion community is just what St. Louisans did. Check out some of our models at this year's Fashion Week:
"St Louis was once recognized as the 2nd largest garment and design center behind New York. Let's do it again. Let's make it happen together."
Sharon Tucci, founder of TalentPlus, gives us some great inside scoop from STLFW: "Having Fern Mallis, Founder of New York Fashion Week and former Head of IMG-NY Show Division, was an amazing coup for St Louis Fashion Week.Her knowledge and wisdom was shared and taken seriously to take St Louis Fashion week to the next level.I was honored to be part of the experience by breaking bread with Fern, Elizabeth Tucker, STLFW Co-Founder, and Susan Sherman, a major supporter, at a private dinner to chat and brainstorm what needs to be done. Bottom line: it's about growing sponsorship for Fashion communities across the country that are supported by their own business communities."
And supporting our local fashion community is just what St. Louisans did. Check out some of our models at this year's Fashion Week:
Betsy, Stefanie & Katie |
![]() |
Danielle Swift Project Design |
![]() |
Michael Drummond Project Runway
|
![]() |
Stefanie |
"St Louis was once recognized as the 2nd largest garment and design center behind New York. Let's do it again. Let's make it happen together."
-Sharon Tucci

Kim was singing again only 10 days after her surgery and true to her son's words, she is getting ready to do another benefit. She will be performing at the "Party for the Arts" held at Lewis and Clark Community College’s Edwardsville campus on October 26th with The Solid Senders. This fundraiser is put on by the Greater Edwardsville Area Community Foundation and proceeds go into a scholarship fund. Since the founding of GEACF in 1997, "$5.9 million in scholarships has been raised and distributed". The focus of distribution from this benefit will be for visual and performing arts students. As a mother, grandmother and diva, Kim continuously supports and inspires our youth and communities.
Help support the GEACF and enjoy an evening to remember.
Tickets available online.
St. Louis Magazine recently celebrated their 10 year anniversary of Best Dressed with the Fashion Soirée. Runway shows, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and TP exclusive DJ Raven Fox , St. Louis Magazine's Pick for the 2010 A-List Best DJ, all embellished the evening for les habitués.
Since 1941, when Eleanor Lambert introduced the International Best Dressed Poll, America has been on the fashion map and St. Louis has been a shareholder to our country’s geographical chicness. During this same era, St. Louis had become the second largest manufacturer of women’s clothing in the United States. As World War II raged across the great Atlantic, the fashion capital moved from Paris to New York. Women’s clothing became a product of function, textile rationing and smaller waistlines. Less became more: less fabric, more legs; less skirts, more pants; less waist, more sex appeal.
As fashionistas' needs were changing, St. Louis was there. Just a few years prior in 1934, Irving Sorger, owner of St. Louis department store Kline’s Inc., had launched a whole new repertoire of women’s clothing: Junior Misses. This new look created a leaner silhouette for women; it reflected everything that women were looking for and “Between 1934 and 1949, the number of women’s clothing manufacturers in St. Louis tripled, and total sales volume went from $20 million to more than $85 million.” With New York as the epicenter of the international fashion industry and St. Louis at the forefront of the new look, America had made an everlasting impression on the industry.
As fashionistas' needs were changing, St. Louis was there. Just a few years prior in 1934, Irving Sorger, owner of St. Louis department store Kline’s Inc., had launched a whole new repertoire of women’s clothing: Junior Misses. This new look created a leaner silhouette for women; it reflected everything that women were looking for and “Between 1934 and 1949, the number of women’s clothing manufacturers in St. Louis tripled, and total sales volume went from $20 million to more than $85 million.” With New York as the epicenter of the international fashion industry and St. Louis at the forefront of the new look, America had made an everlasting impression on the industry.
So it was no surprise that when Eleanor Lambert passed the Best Dressed list honor onto Vanity Fair in 2003 before she passed away, St. Louis Magazine had coincidentally started their own Best Dressed list to keep us informed. This year marks the 10th anniversary of St. Louis Magazine’s Best Dressed List, and the Fashion Soirée was a success. True to form, local designers East + West, Esther, Mister Guy, and Paisley Boutique were showcased in the runway show with a special segment dedicated to St. Louis Rams attire.
Check out photos from the Soirée, courtesy of DJ Raven Fox:


Check out photos from the Soirée, courtesy of DJ Raven Fox:


Don’t worry, you can feed the models— just make sure that it fits into a high protein diet! As a professional model, a lot of your work is spent in preparation for auditions and shows. You have to be ready to go in a moment’s notice, so looking your best at all times is a top priority. Here are Amy Sommerville’s top 10 tricks to look and feel your best both on and off the runway.
1) Work out videos
2) Yoga
3) Ballet Classes
4) Running
Ari Domingo TPCentro Exclusive Run for 1hr per day. My favorite time to run is in the morning…it boosts your metabolism to keep you energized all day long! |
5) High protein diet
Stay away from carbs, sodium and sugars. Eggs, fish, chicken, vegetables, nuts and granola are your best friend!
|
6) Soft skin
Apply Vaseline to dry skin before bedtime and wear socks or gloves all night to lock in moisture. |
7) Water
Hydration is the key to healthy skin, digestion & staying in shape
|
8) Big, bright eyes
To make your eyes look bigger and younger, use a white eye pencil to apply a thin white line to the inner rims of your lashes. This line is very hard for anyone to spot and makes your eyes appear much larger. A small amount of silver eye shadow in the corner of your eyes will open them up and give them a pop. |
9) Hairspray in your heels so your feet do not slip
10) Perfect complexion
Katie Zelle TPCentro Exclusive
Under eyes- YSL Touche Eclat A luminizing pen that brings light and radiance to the skin, immediately erases any signs of fatigue, and brightens the complexion.
Natural looking base- Smooth BB cream over foundation
Create dimension- High Beam by Benefit
Prime your skin- Almond Oil makes a great primer before foundation because it’s quickly absorbed. I also use it as a night moisturizer.
|
Go to LinkPop-upView Separately

Jump into the Delorean and meet That 80’s Band! We interviewed Valerie Girl and Izzy Furreal, lead guiartists and vocals for That 80’s Band, here’s what they had to say…
Where are you from?
Valerie Girl: Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ
Izzy Furreel: St. Louis, but not this timeline..
Can you tell me about your first musical memory?
Valerie Girl: Valerie Girl:My first musical memory is of my cousin Antonio singing Midnight Star’s, “No Parking on the Dance Floor,” in Italian.
Izzy Furreel: Playing air guitar to “Folsom prison blues” when I was 3.
What is the first tape you bought? Where did you listen to it?
Valerie Girl:The first tape I bought was Bon Jovi’s “Slippery When Wet.” I put it in my boom box or walkman and listened to it all over town.
Izzy Furreel: Scotch. In my room. backwards.
How did you get started in That 80’s Band?
Valerie Girl:The other 4 founding members and I sought out to fill a need for people to relive one of the greatest decades in music of all times: the 1980s. Heck, I think we needed to relive the 1980s.
Izzy Furreel: Darth Vader came to me one night and told me to form the band, or he would melt my brain.
What is your most embarrassing moment on stage? How about your most successful?
Valerie Girl: My most embarrassing moment on stage was during a 4th of July “family performance” when I forgot my skirt. Fortunately, it was during the “Time Warp” set from The Rocky Horror Picture Show, so it was somewhat appropriate. I felt naked, nonetheless. My most successful moment was when I played a cow in my church’s Christmas play. Coming from a small town, I was able to study the behavior of cows before stepping into my role, and I felt like during that performance the audience did not see Valerie singing to the baby Jesus, rather, they saw a cow.
Izzy Furreel: The night my pants fell off. Actually, the same night!
If you won the lottery, what would be the first 5 things you would do?
Valerie Girl:1) Resume consciousness 2) Obtain a Financial Advisor 3) Give 10% to charity 4) Buy a lifetime supply of Shaper spray 5) Swap the engine of my Delorean with a turbo, so that it could reach 88 mph for once.
Izzy Furreel: Guitar, Guitar, Marshall amp, Marshall amp, Hairspray.
If you were in the Breakfast Club, which character would you be?
Valerie Girl: Like, I would totally be John Bender’s flannel shirt.
Izzy Furreel: Andy Clark. (football guy)
How has MacGyver inspired your life? What is your best MacGyver moment?
Valerie Girl: MacGyver not only taught me that ordinary objects could get me out of any jam, but also that ABC really is capable of putting out a decent prime time series. My best McGyver moment was in Season 2, in the episode titled, “The Road Not Taken.” The way Mac rescued those orphans really stole my heart.
Izzy Furreel: I once made a…wait. No, that wasn’t me.
ALF: Friend or foe?
Valerie Girl:Friend
Izzy Furreel: He used to be a friend, but I beat him with my guitar, so, foe. I miss him, though.
How do you feel about hover crafts and jetpacks?
Valerie Girl: I am all for them. I think Detroit could totally emerge from Bankruptcy, if someone would bring hover craft and jetpack technology research and manufacturing there.
Izzy Furreel: Hovering is good. Jetpacking is okay, as long as you don’t burn your bum.
How do you approach solving Rubick’s cube? Have you ever successfully solved it? How many times?
Valerie Girl:I don’t. I leave the solving of the Rubik’s cube to Izzy Furreel.
Izzy Furreel:I sneak up on them, then solve them quickly before they can escape. I solve them at gigs.
Ratt or Poison? Why?
Valerie Girl: Well, without Ratt, there would be no Poison, but I have to remain true to my east coast roots and favor Poison.
Izzy Furreel: Poison. Because poison kills rats, but rats cannot kill Poison.
Socks: totally tubular or awesome argyle?
Valerie Girl: Argyle never goes out of style.
Izzy Furreel: Neither.
Formal wear: canadian tuxedo or sultry shoulder pads?
Valerie Girl: Sultry shoulder pads.
Izzy Furreel: I prefer not to be formal.
Best 80’s celeb hair-do?
Valerie Girl: Mike Score from Flock of Seagulls. His hair was art.
Izzy Furreel: Mick Fly.
If you were an item for purchase on a shelf, what would be your sales tagline? What would you cost?
Valerie Girl:You don’t wanna’ know…Or do you? $199.99.
Izzy Furreel: This is, or is not, that which may or may not be real. $9.00..
If you could jump into the delorean and meet one person anywhere in time, who would it be? Why?
Valerie Girl: I would like to meet myself in junior high so I could tell me not to get that spiral perm.
Izzy Furreel: Jesus. Because he IS furreel.
Typically on a shoot, there is a hair and makeup stylist on set to take care of how you look on camera. It’s their job to know what direction to take your look, whether that is a very natural style or taking it to a more bold, edgy-editorial feel. In some cases though, there may not be anyone there to take care of the hair and makeup and you may be asked to arrive “hair & makeup” ready…
There are three basic makeup looks…
Natural (aka Camera Natural): A simple day look. The skin tone should be evened out while the eyes can be enhanced with soft neutral colors. Lip colors are typically nude and a soft blush color should be used to enhance the cheek bones.
Professional: A slightly more dramatic day look that you would see on a business professional. This is very similar to the natural look, but the eyes are more defined with shadows and liners. It is important to keep the look soft by using neutral colors. Lips can have a “pop” of color (e.g. mauve or rose nude colors), but nothing too bright.
Glamour: A little bit more dramatic all around. This is a night time look, where you can be more heavy handed with the makeup. This look includes darker, more defined eyes and lashes. Shadows can be deepened and bolder, and brighter colors can be used on the lips.
In general, it is important to always keep your color choices on the neutral side. Avoid shimmery products or products with glitters. If you are asked to come “ready” and you are not sure which look to use, the best option is to come with the natural look and be sure to bring your personal makeup along with you; it is easier to add makeup then to take it away.
Now onto hair…
On camera hairstyles can vary greatly depending on the client’s wishes. If they are asking you to come with your hair “ready” they should offer some guidance as to what they want. Sometimes they will ask for you to come with your hair styled in the way it is shown in one of your headshots or they may provide a photograph. If you went on an audition, they may ask for your hair to be the same way for the day of the job.
Always lean towards less products (e.g. hair sprays, gels and mousse) when styling your hair for on camera. Hair that is has too much product in it can be difficult to work with on set if asked to change the style from one look to another. Rather bring a few product options with you to use if needed. If you ever have any questions or concerns always consult your agent.
*For more hair tips, check out our Quick Hair Tips From Valerie Brown
There are three basic makeup looks…

Natural (aka Camera Natural): A simple day look. The skin tone should be evened out while the eyes can be enhanced with soft neutral colors. Lip colors are typically nude and a soft blush color should be used to enhance the cheek bones.
Professional: A slightly more dramatic day look that you would see on a business professional. This is very similar to the natural look, but the eyes are more defined with shadows and liners. It is important to keep the look soft by using neutral colors. Lips can have a “pop” of color (e.g. mauve or rose nude colors), but nothing too bright.
Glamour: A little bit more dramatic all around. This is a night time look, where you can be more heavy handed with the makeup. This look includes darker, more defined eyes and lashes. Shadows can be deepened and bolder, and brighter colors can be used on the lips.
In general, it is important to always keep your color choices on the neutral side. Avoid shimmery products or products with glitters. If you are asked to come “ready” and you are not sure which look to use, the best option is to come with the natural look and be sure to bring your personal makeup along with you; it is easier to add makeup then to take it away.
Now onto hair…
On camera hairstyles can vary greatly depending on the client’s wishes. If they are asking you to come with your hair “ready” they should offer some guidance as to what they want. Sometimes they will ask for you to come with your hair styled in the way it is shown in one of your headshots or they may provide a photograph. If you went on an audition, they may ask for your hair to be the same way for the day of the job.
Always lean towards less products (e.g. hair sprays, gels and mousse) when styling your hair for on camera. Hair that is has too much product in it can be difficult to work with on set if asked to change the style from one look to another. Rather bring a few product options with you to use if needed. If you ever have any questions or concerns always consult your agent.
*For more hair tips, check out our Quick Hair Tips From Valerie Brown
Hair & Makeup Artist, TP Universal Exclusive
Chlorine have you green?
Shampoo your hair with a combination of clarifying shampoo and lemon juice. Wrap in a warm towel (heat it in the dryer) and leave on for 15 minutes. Repeat if necessary.
Flat/limp hair?
Spray sea salt spray on the roots of your hair (dry or wet) then blast with your blow dryer.
TOP SEA SALT SPRAYS:
Tigi Catwalk Session Series Sea Salt Spray Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray
Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray
Dry locs?
Turn your water temperature down! HOT WATER DEPLETES your hair of it’s moisture. Shampoo your hair with warm water. Apply conditioner, comb through, and toss up in a clip. While you shower, the steam will help open up the cuticle and allow the conditioner to penetrate the cuticle. When you’re finished, rinse your hair with warm water (cool water is better). Cool water seals the cuticle and locks in moisture.
Shampoo your hair with a combination of clarifying shampoo and lemon juice. Wrap in a warm towel (heat it in the dryer) and leave on for 15 minutes. Repeat if necessary.
Flat/limp hair?
Spray sea salt spray on the roots of your hair (dry or wet) then blast with your blow dryer.
TOP SEA SALT SPRAYS:
Tigi Catwalk Session Series Sea Salt Spray Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray
Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray
Dry locs?
Turn your water temperature down! HOT WATER DEPLETES your hair of it’s moisture. Shampoo your hair with warm water. Apply conditioner, comb through, and toss up in a clip. While you shower, the steam will help open up the cuticle and allow the conditioner to penetrate the cuticle. When you’re finished, rinse your hair with warm water (cool water is better). Cool water seals the cuticle and locks in moisture.
Flyaways?
This is generally just new hair that is growing in that are different lengths that aren’t quite as long as the majority of your hair. To smooth, just spray a little hairspray on your hand and graze over these hairs. This prevents the heavy build up from spraying hairspray directly on the hair.
For Maximum body or volume…
Toss the wooden round brush and pick up a ceramic round brush. A ceramic round brush dries the hair faster, and acts as a curling iron as the blow dryer heats up the ceramic therefore creating more body and volume. As well as a ceramic brush, product plays an important role in this process.
FINE HAIR – lite smoothing cream or volumizing spray
NORMAL / COARSE – smoothing cream
CLIENT / STYLIST CHOICE for round brush – CHI Round Brush
Retain Moisture while you sleep!
Before you head to bed, prevent your cotton pillowcases from stealing the moisture out of your hair by smoothing on a lite serum from mid-shaft to your ends. This causes a barrier between your hair and cotton pillowcase. You will notice a silkier texture change in the morning! A serum will also act as a sunscreen if applied before you enjoy a day in the sun.
This is generally just new hair that is growing in that are different lengths that aren’t quite as long as the majority of your hair. To smooth, just spray a little hairspray on your hand and graze over these hairs. This prevents the heavy build up from spraying hairspray directly on the hair.
For Maximum body or volume…
Toss the wooden round brush and pick up a ceramic round brush. A ceramic round brush dries the hair faster, and acts as a curling iron as the blow dryer heats up the ceramic therefore creating more body and volume. As well as a ceramic brush, product plays an important role in this process.
FINE HAIR – lite smoothing cream or volumizing spray
NORMAL / COARSE – smoothing cream
CLIENT / STYLIST CHOICE for round brush – CHI Round Brush
Retain Moisture while you sleep!
Before you head to bed, prevent your cotton pillowcases from stealing the moisture out of your hair by smoothing on a lite serum from mid-shaft to your ends. This causes a barrier between your hair and cotton pillowcase. You will notice a silkier texture change in the morning! A serum will also act as a sunscreen if applied before you enjoy a day in the sun.
Valerie Brown TP Exclusive |
Nine year old Lydia Boland is an actor, swimmer and unlike most kids, a chocolate hater. Learn more about this spunky girl below.
If I could be in any movie it would be …
“Annie because I would play an orphan and would get to sing ‘It’s a Hard Knock Life.’ Also, my hair could be messy all the time.”
If I could be any animal it would be …
“a sea turtle. I just went to a science camp and we learned about a sea turtle’s hard shell. My body would be protected from other animals who wanted to dine on me.”
The hardest this about being a kid is …
“having brothers. They blame me for everything and steal my stash of candy in my room.”
If I could switch places with anyone in the world it would be …
“Santa. I could fly his sleigh, watch the elves work and see how they make an iPod, meet Mrs. Claus, have tons of cookies and see who is on the naughty and nice list.”
When I grown up I want to be …
“a dentist who puts braces on peoples, someone who talks on the radio, a forensic scientist so I can figure out crimes and an Olympic swimmer.”
If I could be invisible for a day I would …
“scare my brothers when they are sleeping, sit in my principal’s office for a day and see who gets in trouble and follow Mr. and Mrs. Obama around the White House.”
One day I got a call from a film company, and the producer asked me if I wanted to act in an industrial film for a chain of grocery stores. He knew I was a writer, and he asked me to quote him a fee to write the script. Since I was going to be acting in the video, I figured I might as well write the script, too. It would be easier for me to memorize. So I quoted him a price. Two days later, he called me back and said he got a lower quote from someone else. (It was twenty-five dollars less than my quote to write the script.) I asked who the writer was, and he said it was the director of the film who had never written a script. I asked the producer what he was paying the director, and he told me. So I responded, “I’ve never directed a film before. I’ll do it for twenty-five dollars less than the director’s quote.” That seemed fair to me. Since this was a low-budget film, the producer told the director, he found a director who offered to direct the film for less. And that is how I got to direct my first film. I figured it was time for me to direct a film. I always thought of myself as a writer and actor, and I had directed lots of stage productions, built and designed sets, and styled many photo shoots for photographers so directing a film was a logical next step for me.
This was in the 1970’s and there were many producers who shot sixteen millimeter films. Video was pretty new at the time and it didn’t look as good as film. So the director got to write his first film script, and I got to direct my first movie, and the producer saved fifty dollars of the film’s budget for his bottom line profit. This film wasn’t going to be “Gone with the Wind.” It was going to be a very low budget industrial film for a very small grocery store chain. The director wrote a nice script. I cast another actor to act in the film with me. I prepared well for the film. I had sixteen hours to shoot a twenty-two minute SAG industrial film. Since I hired an actor I worked with before, we got together the day before the shoot and ran lines like we did on other shoots. We didn’t have a teleprompter so we had to memorize the script. I was confident I could shoot the film in sixteen hours. The morning of the shoot, I met my camera man, sound man and two grips. We were going to shoot the film on a seamless sweep so we only had one lighting set-up. The producer arrived on the set and personally gave us our film stock. He was notoriously frugal. I was given three ten minute cans of sixteen millimeter film stock. He expected me to complete the film on time and on budget. My camera operator could only use a single frame of film to slate each take. We only had eight minutes of extra footage to slate and shoot any retakes if we made a mistake.
And so began my directorial debut. I was glad I was working with an actor who was a friend. We rehearsed each scene until it was perfect and in the exact time that was allotted to say the words. We shot each scene only once. We didn’t even have enough raw footage to shoot a single cut-away. Each line was read once. The day after the shoot I personally delivered the developed footage to the editor. He asked why each slate was only one frame. I told him our predicament. The producer booked him to edit the film. He gave the producer an estimate of three days, but the producer said he doubted it would take that long, and he was right. Needless to say, all the editor could do was cut the takes together, and that took less than six hours. So by working together, we created a film that came in under budget. The producer called me after the client saw the film and said the client loved the film. As I look back on this experience, I was put under a lot of pressure to deliver a good film. And maybe that is why that producer hired me. And it taught me a valuable lesson. Sometimes you have to make something out of nothing. If he had not given me a chance, I might never have directed my first film.
JoBe Cerny
Rachel Duke hopped a plane from a small town in the South to big city New York shortly after she was discovered at age 14 and has been working ever since … but this family woman never forgets what’s most important to her.
My influence in the industry is …
“Cindy Crawford. She is smart, went to college and modeled, something I feel very strongly about. Don’t put off college. Get a degree you can fall back on.”
In my free time I …
“spend time with my family.”
What most people don’t know about me is that …
“I am the worst eater. I prefer carbs over everything … I love sauerkraut.”
The piece of clothing I can’t live without is …
“A good ole fashion ribbed tank top!”
My words to live by are …
“The golden rule doing to others as you would have done to you. Respect others the way you want to be respected be good to people no matter how different, we are all equal”
My guilty pleasures are …
“Poundcake and reality shows on tv … the ones no one over twenty-one should watch.”
If I had to describe myself in one word it would be …
“loving.”
My favorite food is …
“Chocolate! Chocolate is my go to for any feeling that I need to deal with.”
If I was on a deserted island and could only bring one makeup tool it would be …
“My eyebrow pencil, I have to have that.”
When you decide to enter into the world of professional acting, you become a small business owner. Switching hats between an actor and a business-person can be exhausting, which is why many actors choose to work with an Agent and/or Manager to help orchestrate their ventures. As the Talent, you are the CEO of your enterprise. Entering into a partnership with an Agent or Manager can help you to more effectively operate your business, so that you can focus more on development and practice of your skills. There are a few distinct differences between the roles of these partnerships:
(n) A person or company who acts on behalf of another to provide a particular service. Typically one that involves organizing transactions between two other parties involving business, financial, or contractual matters for an actor, performer, or writer.
Manager
(n) A person responsible for controlling or administering all or part of a company or similar organization. A person who controls the activities, business dealings, and other aspects of the career of an entertainer, athlete, group of musicians, etc.
As you make the transition from actor to professional actor, there are many nuances to be aware of and consider in building your business. "I Could Have Been a Cabdriver... but I Became an Actor Instead: A Practical Guide to the Business of Professional Acting" is about the business of acting. It explains in detail how an actor makes money and creates a career. We have found this book to be a key resource for our talent.
This is not a basic introduction to the business, but an advanced business book that helps the actor create and sustain a career. The book covers several important topics: finding acting jobs, long term career management, agent relations, developing a sell-able image, advertising, marketing, public relations, money management, continuing education, physical training, business expansion, health insurance, pension plans, union involvement, and dealing with the everyday personal problems every working actor faces.
This book was developed over a thirty year period and tested in college classroom situations in an effort to answer questions aspiring actors had about the acting business. This book goes beyond the college classroom into the real world of the business of acting. It answers the question that troubles every actor the most: “How do I make money as an actor?”
While the book offers very sound business advice, it is written in a humorous and inspirational way that gives the reader a very realistic idea of what it takes to be a professional actor.
While the book offers very sound business advice, it is written in a humorous and inspirational way that gives the reader a very realistic idea of what it takes to be a professional actor.
Here’s what we need:
- 4 Images
- JPEG files that are between 200-300 DPI
- Good Lighting with no shadows on face
- Top of head should always be at the top of frame
- Solid colors best or subtle print/patterns (no logos)
- Fitted tops / pants (Business casual or straight leg jeans looks)
- Natural hair and make-up.Ladies: lips soft and glossy, a shade or two darker than your natural lip color. Hair should be worn down and natural. If it is long, bring something to pull it back off of your face.Gents: make sure to moisturize your lips with chapstick. Click here for more information on natural hair and make-up.
What’s the biggest change in the audition scene for on camera film projects?
Casting directors nationwide are willing, and now almost requesting , to first view pre-taped auditions of actors reading for select roles.
How does my local agent know about the national castings for TV pilots, shows, webisodes, commercials and campaigns? How does that affect actors?
As an agency, we use two main resources for casting opportunities in the local and national marketplace:
Breakdown Services is an LA-based casting service that spans the gamut of national opportunities in commercial, TV and film. Once you register on Actor's Access, you will become live in the Breakdown Services database which is an agent-only resource for national opportunities. Some of the openings will be posted to both sister sites: Actor's Access (talent friendly) and Breakdown Services (agent friendly). The Breakdown Services sites allows our agents to view and submit you to premium opportunities across the country.
Casting Networks is another national casting service. This network is a great resource for agents to find commercial work for talent. Primarily the jobs coming through are based in Chicago and sometimes New York.
Casting Networks is another national casting service. This network is a great resource for agents to find commercial work for talent. Primarily the jobs coming through are based in Chicago and sometimes New York.
Actors are now able to be submitted by agency for local, regional and/or national auditions by submitting actor photos and resumes through the casting services for projects that could be shooting in Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, USA or International. Casting requests submissions through the database (which means actors must sign up to be on the site – free for minimal photos and a resume). If the agency has a request to see you, the information for the audition will be sent to you by your agent.
Okay, my agent sent me sides, now what?
The actor must find a resource to tape the audition. Key word in the industry is Self-Taped. Good lighting, good sound, and of course a great read is pertinent. Videography resources are available at the agency, with costs ranging from $35 to $45, including editing and uploading. Should you decide to do-it-yourself, please note that a professional quality video is expected of you. Please see the Do's & Don'ts of Shooting a Self-Taped Audition below for guidance on a professional quality video. Lighting is one of the most important parts of obtaining a quality video, here is an inexpensive light kit you can pick up.
Editing?
Editing?
Edit the piece to make it look seamless. Create a visual slate with your name, agency and date.
Sending Digital Video?
The video file needs to be sent to your agent for submissions. The best formats to use are .mov, mp4, and .m4v. Several good services area viable for free to send files up to 2G, such as hightail.com (formerly yousendit.com) OR wetransfer.com.
My agent tells me I have a call back for the project out of town. Now what?
My agent tells me I have a call back for the project out of town. Now what?
Most callbacks happen on short notice, where the casting director is located, which is an out of pocket expense for the actor to travel. Don’t audition for out of town auditions unless you are available for the shoot dates and have enough funds to travel to the designated location for casting.