“Unraveling the Mystery of Monologues” – Della Cole

 

“FOCUS ON MONOLOGUES”

RESCHEDULED

 

NEW DATE!!  yourACT FOCUS Series - JULY 24TH - Della Coleintroduces her NEW BOOK, “Unraveling the Mystery of MONOLOGUES“!

  

yourACT periodically has FREE evenings, open to anyone, that we call the yourACT FOCUS Series, in which we focus on a particular aspect of the industry.  They have a very special event planned for you, featuring yourACT’s very own Della Cole.  Due to publishing delays, the event has been moved to Thursday, July 24th.

 

WHEN:  7:30-9pm, THURSDAY, JULY 24TH

WHERE: Sketchworks Theatre

WHO: Della Cole will be our special “guest”.

WHAT: Introducing Della’s NEW BOOK, “Unraveling the Mystery of MONOLOGUES: A Resource for Actors”. 

At the event, selected actors will showcase monologues from Della’s new book, “Unraveling the Mystery of MONOLOGUES: A Resource for Actors”, and she will speak about preparing your monologue for Big Break Hollywood (actors will be performing monologues for the Celebrity Panel in August).  Della will also coach actors from the audience who volunteer to have their prepared monologue critiqued and directed. 

No reservations are being accepted–approximately 120 seats are available.  (The monologues are for adults, so no kids or teens, please.)

 

The book includes over 50 dramatic and comedic monologues for men and women, with tips on how to approach them, plus a detailed training section on every aspect of monologues–from how to choose the best monologue to how to handle the audition.  Della traveled to Los Angeles to interview agents, managers, and casting directors about what they like and don’t like in monologue auditions, and she has included their quotes and Atlanta agents’ comments in her book. The Foreword is by renowned L.A. acting coach Margie Haber.

 

 

 FINALLY here’s a book that has smart, well-written, funny, emotional, ORIGINAL monologues.  Also, coming from both a teacher’s and an actor’s point of view, Della walks us through what makes a monologue work.  

–MARGIE HABER, L.A. Acting Coach

  

As a busy Los Angeles Talent Manager and Feature Film producer, I am constantly exposed to material, scripts, monologues, treatments.   So when I am listening to an actor do a monologue, the quality of the material matters a lot. I am a professional responding, or not, to that abstract quality that catches my attention and spirit.  A good monologue for this reason is best if it is not something I have heard over and over.  Ideally the circumstances of the piece have a clear and simple through line.  I appreciate that this book has developed material that is solid and actable.

–STEVEN NASH, Arts and Letters Management, Arts and Letters Entertainment, Los Angeles

  

 

For best evaluation we like a piece that’s suited to age and demographic. Contemporary strongly preferred rather than theatre monologues they “just love” or have in their repertoire. We tend to favor those that show some range emotionally and that we can connect with – the ones that end up “pulling us in”. It goes without saying that the monologue needs to be real and have a natural feel in order for that to happen.

–MYSTIE BUICE, Owner, Agent, Houghton Talent,

Atlanta

 

I think monologues should take you from one emotion to another, or from a lack of emotion to emotion. To me, that shows your ability and range. I do not like pieces that are so cute they mask your acting and rely on the script to engage the listener. I want to be engaged by the actor, touched by the story they tell in a short, age appropriate, unadorned piece that leaves me speechless. That’s not asking too much, is it? Well, it’s your chance to win me over in one monologue, so perhaps not.

 

–SALLY NEAL, Houghton Talent, Atlanta

 

Overcome your fears and come learn more about something that every actor needs–a MONOLOGUE!

What constitutes a principal performance?

For the times when you work as an extra and wonder if you should be considered a principal, use this checklist from SAG to reference what constitutes a principal performance.   

A. Anyone who is seen and who speaks a line or lines of dialogue. 

B. Anyone whose face appears silent, alone in a stationary camera shot, and is identified with the product or service.
C. Anyone whose face appears silent and is identifiable and whose foreground performance demonstartes or illustrates a product or service or illustrates or reacts to the on or off-camera narration or commercial message – not someone who appears in the foreground solely as atmosphere.
D. Anyone who is the subject of a closeup.
E. Clowns in proprietary makeup (with certain restrictions)
F. Stunt performers (with certain restrictions)
G. Specialty dancers and specialty acts (with certain restrictions)
H. Anyone whose voice is used off-camera except “omnies”.
I. Person appearing in stop action, squeeze action or still photos
J. Anyone operating puppets or marionettes (with restrictions)
K. Pilots (with restrictions)
L. Featured foreground performance by specialty acts, specialty dancers or stunt performers (with restrictions)
M. Certain performances that are not utilized in a commercial (with restrictions)
N. Members of public who appear in testimonial or hidden camera commercials, non-professionals, minors etc. (with restrictions)
O. Group dancers (with restrictions)

 

Charles Van Eman / SCENE STUDY WORKSHOP

New Session begins next Tuesday — JULY 1!!

Charles Van Eman / SCENE  STUDY WORKSHOP

7-WEEK,  ON-GOING  CLASS / TUESDAYS 7 – 10pm

Cost:  $210

Actors will:

- gain insight into their own strengths and weaknesses as actors

- receive thorough, detailed feedback

- increase their self-confidence for auditions and bookings

- be encouraged to take risks in their work

To reserve your spot now: 310-308-1868

Questions?: Contact Charles Van Eman – cwvan2@yahoo.com

 ——-

About Charlie:

With over 25 years as a film and stage actor in both L.A. and New York, Charles Van Eman brings a veteran – and working – actor’s perspective to this on-going workshop.  A partial list of credits includes: PRISON BREAK, CSI MIAMI, GHOST WHISPERER, ALL MY CHILDREN, and THE COLBYS.

Private lessons with Michael H. Cole

Private lessons with Michael H. Cole

 

Michael is a highly recommended instructor with nearly 30 yrs. of experience in acting, directing, instruction and stage design.  He uses a “hands-on” approach for his lessons, giving you the time to work in front of the camera for auditions and film techniques, and is capable of catering the lesson to your specific needs.

Cost is $75 for a 1 1/2 to 2 hour session. (cash or check) 

Video taping and playback with review included. Transfer to DVD also available upon request with minimal fee.

Location: 4650 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur Ga. 30034.  This is the location of The Renaissance Project where Michael is the Producing Artistic Director.

Availability: 24/7 to include short notice to prep for a next day audition or shoot.

Contact by email: mike.cole@mycathedral.org

——–

In the 2002 edition of Who’s Who of American Teachers, Michael was honored for his work as a high school theatre teacher. He is a principle actor in film and stage, with most recent film credits in Tyler Perry’s Meet The Browns with Angela Bassett, Lynch Mob with Tony Darrow from “The Sopranos”, Fate with Lee Majors as well as television in the One Tree Hill as Bevin’s Father and “A Second Chance” for PBS. He has been involved in over fifty theatrical productions, most recently in Georgia Ensemble Theatre’s Of Mice and Men as Candy and Scrooge in The Renaissance Project’s A Christmas Carol.   He also appears regularly in television commercials, industrial videos, and voice-over work for radio and television. Michael has written eighteen produced plays, and has directed the video production of nearly a dozen stage shows for television. He is currently the Producing Artistic Director of The Renaissance Project Theatre Company and has been an instructor for last eight years at The Professional Actors Studio in Atlanta for film and television. Michael teaches seminars for organizations to develop local theatrical organizations and support the arts in communities. It is Michael’s belief “that every actor deserves a chance.”

How bad do you want it?

It’s been awhile since I last posted. Today I want to address the overall preparedness of the actors I see when I run camera. Disclaimer: my posts are never directed at anyone in particular. They are based on numerous auditions, and trends that I see amongst all actors. So please do not take this stuff personally. Incidentally, if you do take it personally, this is probably the wrong business for you.

Lets first talk about acting in general. In a nutshell, you need to be crazy to pursue this as a career. You’re welcoming failure into your life. Lets face it, if you book 1 out of 10 auditions, you’re doing great. That means a 90% failure rate. What other industry celebrates that?

With that in mind, something drives you to keep trying. Maybe fame, or money, or the art. Doesn’t matter to me. What matters to me is that you have chosen to pursue this, but many of you sure aren’t showing it. If you’re booking like crazy, you probably don’t need to read on. But if you are at a point where you’re wondering why you’re either (a) not getting sent out, or (b) never booking, then read on. I’m going to address the three major categories we get sent on as actors: commercials, industrials, and TV/Film.

For commercials, preparing is generally the easiest. The copy is short, a lot of times the dialogue is less than 3 lines, and “look” has so much to do with your success in that area. Comedy is king, so having that inherent comedic timing will get you far. I’m not overly concerned with actors auditioning for commercials.

For industrials, things are different. You could have upwards of 2 pages of copy or more. Most of the time they want great memorization skills (in addition to great diction, presentation skills, warmth, professionalism, etc.). So if you see an audition notice that requires memorization skills or ear-prompter, don’t bother showing up with your script in hand (and don’t ask me for a copy of the script). Memorize it. Even if it’s 2 pages. Even if your internet broke last night. Even if your printer was out of ink. Even if you had a big meeting at work and had to rush to Houghton on your lunch break. Bottom line: How bad do you want it?

TV and Film is the big one. It’s not only what actors desire the most, but it’s also where they fall short the most. Within 5 seconds of the start of your read, I know your chances of a callback. And it’s not because I’ve learned some magical technique for analyzing actors. Instead, you have to realize that you can not fool a single viewer into believing your read unless you’re PREPARED.

Now, the word “prepared” has a more complex definition when it comes to TV/Film. I can take 5 minutes and be prepared for a Ga Lottery commercial. I can take an hour or two with a 2-page industrial and spend all that time memorizing and voila! I’m prepared. For TV and Film, though, that won’t cut it. First and foremost, get off script. Period. No excuses (remember: how bad do you want it?). Some casting directors may not mind if you’re on script. So what? Would you rather be handicapped by your script, or liberated from it so that you are free to make real, instinctual choices? Some casting people may prefer you hold your script. Great! Hold it, but still have it memorized.

Now, not everyone is perfect. Circumstances do arise to prevent you from having the time to memorize. Then you need to stop right now and check out my previous post about good and bad cold reads. Because if you walk into an audition that I’m taping, and you have your head buried in your script on the first line, your tape WILL NOT BE SEEN BY THE CLIENT. Not because I’m mean, but because it is impossible to create a connection with the reader (and therefore the audience) with your head buried in the script. As a side note, it may come as a shock that we don’t send every single read to the client. The reason is that if we feel you fell short, it not only hurts your chances of being requested by that casting director in the future, but it also hurts Houghton’s reputation.

Now that you’re memorized, the rest falls on your extensive training…wait…what’s that? You haven’t taken a class in years? You’ve never taken a class? Okay. No worries. You can’t afford classes, or they don’t fit into your schedule, or you took classes in college, so what’s the big deal? I mean, you audition 5 times a week, that’s real-world training! You don’t need a class, right! Hmmm…..interesting logic. If you trained for a marathon 10 years ago, could you wake up tomorrow and run 26 miles? Just because a basketball team may play 2 games a week, do they stop practicing? You need to realize that if you aren’t training regularly, your acting muscle has atrophied. Now think of the actors you’re up against at Houghton, AMT, People Store, and the other 45+ agencies in the Southeast competing for those roles. How can you ever expect to book consistently for TV and Film unless your acting muscle is in shape? Heck, it needs to be on steroids. So again, I ask you: HOW BAD DO YOU WANT IT?

Lastly, I do realize that the auditions at Houghton can be deceptively relaxed. That is, you feel like you can show up late, ask someone to print you a copy of the script, have 7 takes before getting it right, etc. But think about it for a second. It’s YOUR AGENT. If you show up late and unprepared for them, that puts a bad taste in the mouth of the very person you need to be impressing the most! The audition represents ONE JOB, but the impression you leave with me, Chase, Vince, Verda, Deb, Mystie, Sally, and Gail will affect EVERY FUTURE AUDITION. So being unprepared at Houghton sends a clear message that you really don’t want it bad enough…

15TH WOW FILM FESTIVAL

 

15TH WOW FILM FESTIVAL

Presented by Women in Film and Television (WIFT)

 NSW, Australia

 

15th WOW FILM FESTIVAL
presented by Women in Film and Television (WIFT) NSW, Australia

CALL FOR ENTRIES! 

Screening 1 & 2 October 2008 in Sydney, Australia
Travelling to over 20 locations in Australia & overseas

Earlybird entries end: 16th of June 2008 
Regular entry closing date: 16th of July 2008
Late entry closing date: 30th July 2008

Discounted ENTRY FEE for ALL WIFT MEMBERS around the World! 

Download Guidelines and Entry Form from www.nsw.wift.org/wow

********************************************************************************
Short films up to 55 minutes, any genre:

FICTION | DOCUMENTARY | ANIMATION | MUSIC VIDEO | STUDENT FILM  

with key creative input by women. Woman DIRECTOR OR women in any TWO of these roles: 

PRODUCER, WRITER, EDITOR or CINEMATOGRAPHER

Special Award for BEST INTERNATIONAL FILM!
Exciting prizes to the value of over $16,000 are being offered by our sponsors for category winners.

ENQUIRIES: Sil-Nyin Cameron, Festival Director
email: wowfilmfestival@nsw.wift.org or ph/ text 0402 246 601

ENTRY FEES & DEADLINES: 

                  DEADLINES    REGULAR    STUDENT    WIFT (all Chapters)

Early bird    16  June 08           $30                $20           $15

Regular       16 July  08            $40                $30          $25

Late             30 July 08             $45               $35           $30

Extended     6 Aug 08              $60                $50           $45

 

The 48 Hour Film Project

 

www.48hourfilm.com 

 

 

 

REMINDER - Make a Film Weekend: June 27-29, 2008

Entry is first come, first served, so check out the website and enter ASAP!

Top 10 Reasons why you should enter the Atlanta 48 Hour Film Project:

1) This is the Big One … Filmmakers in more than 70 cities around the world will participate.
2) Every year we take a select number of films to important film-industry festivals.
3) Films stream online in high resolution at www.48.tv.
4) Work with SAG actors … 48HFP has a special agreement with the Screen Actors Guild.
5) Our website provides all of the releases you’ll need for your film in perpetuity.
6) Our network provides chances to meet other filmmakers from around the world.
7) If your film wins the Best of Atlanta 48HFP, you get passes to Filmapalooza … our international festival of screenings, parties, and awards all rolled into one great weekend!
Because of our global presence, your film could play in other film festivals, in other countries, or be sold.
9) Your film team could compete in second round events where you can win cash or a Panasonic camera.
10)  If you win, you can say you won the world’s LARGEST INTERNATIONAL FILM COMPETITION!

Screenings will take place July 1st – 3rd, 2008 at the Midtown Landmark Art Cinema

For more information email Anjanette Levert, the producer, at atlanta@48hourfilm.com.

 

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS – WIFTA Newsletter Summer Edition

 

 CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS – WIFTA Newsletter Summer Edition

Members in the News updates, Article Submissions, & Business Card Ads

 

WIFTA members tout your recent accomplishments, submit an article on an industry topic or promote your professional services!  The next WIFTA newsletter is coming up soon and we are looking for interesting member stories.  
Were you just cast in a production?  Did your production just win an award or get distribution? Tell us about your latest professional achievement and we’ll include it in the next Members in the News update.  

Are you interested in covering a current industry related issue/topic?
Submit your article today for consideration. 

Send you Members in the News updates or article submissions to our VP of Communications, Elisabeth Andre at vpcommunications@wifta.org.  
Content Deadline is June 30th.

NEW FEATURE- BUSINESS CARD ADS!  We will now be including a section  designated for members/non-members to promote their services and are currently accepting business card layouts.  The cost is $25 per business card.  
If you would like to submit your business card and for ad spec information, please contact our VP of Communications, Elisabeth Andre at vpcommunications@wifta.org.  Deadline is June 30th.

 

2008 WIFTA PSA CALL FOR DIRECTORS

2008 WIFTA PSA CALL FOR DIRECTORS 
 

Women in Film and Television Atlanta is opening its call for directors for its 2008 Public Service Announcement campaign. 
 
This year’s recipient for WIFTA’s PSA Program is Girls Incorporated of Greater Atlanta, whose mission is “to inspire all girls to be strong, smart and bold.”  Girls Inc. serves girls age 6-18 with research-based programs such as “Operation SMART – Science, Math, And Relevant Technology, “ “Friendly PEERsuasion,” “Economic Literacy,” “Preventing Adolescent Pregnancy,” “Kid-Ability” (a child sexual abuse prevention program), and “Sporting Chance.”  For more information on Girls Inc, go to www.girlsincatlanta.org. 
This is an all-volunteer production, and director applicants must be members of WIFTA.  You may join WIFTA when you submit your application for PSA director.  
Please send us a resume, reel (preferably DVD), and one-page letter explaining why you should be considered for the position of Director by Monday, June 30, 2008. The director will be announced on or around July 7, 2008.  Creative concepting of the campaign will begin immediately, with the production taking place in mid-August.
  
Send your package to:

Women in Film and Television Atlanta
Attn: Widdi Turner, VP of Professional Development
2250 North Druid Hills Road, Suite 123
Atlanta, GA 30329 

If you have any questions, you may contact Widdi Turner, Vice President of Professional Development, atwiftavppd@gmail.com. 
 
For membership information, visit www.wifta.org.

update: Big Break Hollywood August 15, 16, & 17

From Della @ yourACT:

BIG BREAK HOLLYWOOD COMING TO ATLANTA AUGUST 15, 16, & 17TH!

REGISTER NOW: Houghton’s talent get’s 20% off so they pay $476 rather than $595.  They can also reserve their space with a $100 deposit and make payments.  If they refer a friend who signs up for the event, Big Break will reduce their cost an additional 10% for everyone they sign up—plus their friend gets 10% off as well.  

 

We have reduced the size of the event to 300 people, so the chances of winning the LA trip is greater and talent can enjoy a more intimate event.  We also provide complimentary breakfast, lunch and coffee breaks for everyone during the event.  We are working very hard to give Atlanta talent a weekend of excellent training as well as meeting, talking to and auditioning for top LA and Atlanta agents, managers and casting directors.  We appreciate your support and are very happy to have Houghton as a part of this event.

 ——————-

BIG BREAK HOLLYWOOD

 

To have a real film and TV acting career you’ve got to be seen by the right people.  People who are almost impossible to see.  Big Break Hollywood in Atlanta is a truly rare opportunity to meet, learn from, audition for and even be critiqued by some of Hollywoods most respected industry professionals.  During the weekend perform an assigned monologue and/or commercial for industry executives such as casting directors from “ER,” “iCarly,”“Hannah Montana,” “Drake and Josh,” and “Days Of Our Lives;” the manager of Halle Berry; and the agents who discovered Leonardo DiCaprio, Zac Efron, America Ferrera, Josh Duhamel, Naomi Watts and more. Plus you’ll learn from Hollywood’s favorite celebrity coach to Brad Pitt, Vince Vaughn and more. Reservations are limited, so go now to the Registration page of www.bigbreakhollywood.com to sign up.

Also, for participants staying at the Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead, there is admittance to the ‘Celebrity Welcome Party’, an opportunity to mingle with agents, managers, casting directors, television and feature film celebrities, including your favorite daytime soap actors! To make reservations for the Hotel and for the ‘Celebrity Welcome Party’ e-mail Sophisticated Traveller Inc at jkilb17071@aol.com 

 

 

 

Coming to Atlanta August 15, 16 and 17

 

 

 

To register go to www.bigbreakhollywood.com

 

 

 

 

Celebrities in attendance include actor Tim Daly, the series regular on Grey’s Anatomy and the spin off Private Practice; Nate Parker, star of Oprah Winfrey’s The Great Debaters with Denzel Washington and Forest Whitaker; and many more. For a full list see the Who’s Who at www.bigbreakhollywood.com.264 South La Cienega Blvd. Suite 452, Beverly Hills, CA 90211, Tel: 404.432.7905 or info@bigbreakhollywood.com

Alliance Theater Hourly Opportunity

The Alliance Theatre is celebrating our 40^th season in a big way – doing something that we hope will make the record books. And we’re looking to hire a group of local actors to help make it a success.

 

For six weeks, from July 4^th through August 17^th, the Alliance will be getting signatures for a 40^th Birthday Card in conjunction with events, sponsors, and promotional partners throughout the metro area. When we’re done, our hope is to apply to the Guinness Book of World Records for the most signatures on a birthday card, permanently immortalizing the Alliance and Atlanta in the record books in honor of this anniversary.

 

Panels of the card will be made into sandwich boards, and actors in these sandwich boards will work crowds at events, support Alliance staff and volunteers near festival booths, or be present at special events with our corporate sponsors. Every actor in a sandwich board will be paired with a ‘barker’ that will help facilitate the signing of the cards. The 40 panels of the card will be assembled at our season opening event September 6^th.

 

We are looking for a team of actors who are able to make a minimum time commitment of 10 hours over the course of those six weeks to participate in these events. Each event will range from a 2-4 hour time commitment. We will begin participating in these events over July 4^th weekend and will send a detailed schedule for folks to sign up once we have our team in place in the next week.

 

Actors will be paid $25/hour for their time. You will also receive a complimentary branded t-shirt and baseball cap to be worn at the promotional events, as well as a pair of complimentary tickets to your choice of Gem of the Ocean or Radio Golf opening, as part of our season opening event.

 

If you are interested in being part of the team to make this record-breaking celebration possible, please contact Andrea Gardenhire at andrea.gardenhire@woodruffcenter.org or 404-733-4711.

 

“Used” Casting Call – Independent

“USED”

Tagline:
Is this how it really goes down in the big city?

Summary:
USED takes an objective gaze upon the obscure connection between the law enforcers and the criminals they battle on a daily basis. It highlights a common belief among many Americans, which is “the law has no affect on the individuals with enough money and power”. Eddie Dice, a high profile career criminal, comps prominent city officials and lawyers in an effort to escape legal quarrels. As a result, some law enforcer such Detective Kroach, are forced to take the law into their own hands as a way of balancing the power between criminals and the law.

Director:
Eze Andrews hails from the Tri-State area and chose the Atlanta area to shoot his Senior Thesis.

What:
CASTING CALL
When:
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Where:
Savannah College of Arts & Design (SCAD)
1600 Peachtree Street. NW
Atlanta, GA 30309

TIME:              9:00 AM to 11:00 AM             ***SIGN IN***
TIME:             10:00 AM                         ***   CASTING CALL BEGINS***

CASTING SPECIFICS:

1.     BRING 2 PHOTOS  
2.    SIDES from the script will be available (You will be reading from the actual script)
3.    Character Breakdowns will be provided
4.    Bring bio/acting resume

Payment:
Deferred/Travel Included

Shooting July 18, 2008
Filming Location Savannah, GA

LOOKING FOR DIVERSE ETHNICITIES

CHARACTER BREAKDOWNS

Eve is a young woman in her early to mid twenties, recently released from prison for being an accomplice in a robbery homicide. During her rebellious high school years, Eve was was romantically involved with an ego driven career criminal by the name of Eddie Dice. As a way to repay her debt to society, Eve is forced by an outlaw cop (Detective Kroach) to help bring Eddie Dice down. She sees this as a way of mending her past.

Eddie Dice is a flamboyant career criminal in his mid to late twenties with a thirst for the spot light. Although he grew up in a hard working middle class family, Eddie’s idolatry of famous gangsters such as Bugsy Siegal and John Gotti, led him to a life of crime.

Detective Kroach was once a treasure to the streets but has recently turned cold as a result of his partner being killed in the line of duty. He blames himself for his partner’s death because he was there to back him. Presently, Kroach makes and plays by his own rules because the death of his partner opened his eyes to the corruption in the system which he risks his life to protect on a daily basis.

Spoon is a childhood friend of Eddie Dice, and long time crime crony. Although he is often manipulated by Eddie, Spoon is perfectly content with his role as a behind the scenes as the man with all the information. He informs his crime buddy Eddie Dice as well as law enforcement (Detective Kroach).

Vadik is a Russian born immigrant who continued his life of crime when he migrated to the states as a teenager. Although he spent over thirty years in America, Vadik still bares a thick Russian accent. He is a vicious boss who is out for revenge after being doubled cross by one of his soldiers, Eddie Dice.

Vouchers – Who Needs Them

For SAG bookings, we need a copy of the contract that they give you on set.   But for non-union jobs, we need the yellow copy of the 3-part Houghton voucher.  Why??

We are getting busier and busier & really need the vouchers as a double check on the non-union work we’re booking. We trust you and we trust the client, but the voucher is a vital part of a necessary paper trail.

When there is a lost invoice or an additional use or whatever down the road, the vouchers have provided the necessary proof for new billing etc…

If the client is too busy or you don’t want to have the client sign, fine, just fill in your time, sign your line & send us the yellow copy. You may drop it by (even after hours in the drop box), you can mail it, you can scan it and email it, or you can fax it 404-603-9456. We just need it as soon as possible. We don’t start the billing process until we receive the yellow copy so not sending your copy delays things considerably on our end.

A good point to remember is that we don’t need vouchers for every non-union job you work…JUST THE ONES YOU WANT TO GET PAID FOR!  Thanks for your help!

Master Class Almost Full

I know there are some of you out there who may be waiting until the last minute.  Don’t wait much longer – we only have two weeks and a few spots left to sign up for the Master Class Workshop!!  George and I have been prepping to make this a truly unique weekend that will help you take great leaps forward in your work.  Don’t miss out – claim your spot!

 

Go here for more info:  www.masterclassworkshop.com

 

Hope to see you there.

 –
Mike Pniewski / Actor, Speaker, Author / www.acttowin.com / www.mikepniewski.com / ph 404-863-6768 / fax 770-926-5881

Barbara Beneville in Atl to shoot July 21-28

This just came in today from Barbara Beneville, Photographer –

I am finally on my way back to Atlanta in July.  I will be there ready to shoot on July 21 thru the 28.   

818-763-3553.

All the best,

Barbara Beneville

www.benvilphotography.com

Variety Article – Georgia offers juicy tax credits – New deal applies to video games, other media

From GPP this morning, this article from Variety:

Georgia is seeking to reclaim its position as a major film production locale with the 2008 Entertainment Industry Investment Act, which Gov. Sonny Perdue signed last month.
The ceremony was held at the Turner Broadcasting System studios, where the governor was joined by TBS chairman-CEO Phil Kent; state Sen. Greg Goggans, who carried the legislation in the Senate; and state Reps. Ron Stephens and Rich Golick.

“We know that our excellent talent base and outstanding locations make Georgia a very desirable place to film,” said Perdue. “This legislation puts in place the economic cornerstone that will encourage producers to convert that desire into action.”

The act offers a 20% tax credit with a $500,000 annual minimum spend and applies to videogame productions in addition to film, TV, commercials and musicvids. The state has devised its own product placement by offering an additional 10% tax credit to productions including an animated Georgia promotional logo within the finished product.

“Georgia is one of the few states whose entertainment incentives support the videogame industry, and we’re the only commission that has a dedicated videogame business development person,” said Bill Thompson, deputy commissioner of the Film, Music and Digital Entertainment Office, a division of Georgia Dept. of Economic Development.

Georgia’s vidgame industry has grown exponentially since 2005, with more than 50 vidgame companies in operation generating a three-year economic impact of $180 million.

Film and TV, however, remain the state’s showbiz focus.

“This new incentive allows Georgia to once again compete for an industry we used to be famous for,” state Sen. Mitch Seabaugh said.

Georgia considers Louisiana and North and South Carolina its biggest competitors for film productions.

Georgia boasts diverse locales, with 150 miles of coastline and over 100 barrier islands, in addition to its mountains, lakes, rivers, marsh and swamplands as well as urban looks.

The state has seen success in the past with competitive incentives. The 2005 Entertainment Industry Investment Act, signed by Gov. Perdue in 2005, led to a record-setting economic impact in 2006 when film, TV and vidgame companies contributed a hefty $475 million to Georgia’s economy, up from $124 million in 2004.

But while the state’s economy reaped a substantial $1.3 billion in production revenue from 2005-07, Georgia witnessed a recent decline in film activity as other states, regions and countries boosted their competitive packages.

The state’s music industry continues to thrive, generating nearly $2 billion annually.

The Location Managers Guild of America has announced the results of its annual officer elections. The 2008-09 officers are Dave Berthiaume, president; Lori Balton, first VP; Stevie Nelson, second VP; Kim Crabb, secretary; and Carole Segal, treasurer.

Balton and Segal return in their respective positions, while Berthiaume was upped from VP. Crabb is new to the board, while Nelson, who served on the prior board, did not hold office.

“The board has worked diligently for four years to build the LMGA into a solid, stable organization of location professionals and supporters,” said Kayla Thames-Berge, who is exiting after three years as president. “I am confident we have accomplished for the guild what good location professionals do, which is to leave the scene better than we found it and set the next crew up for success.”

The guild, which has members across the U.S. and has begun to expand internationally, plans to mount its first national project in 2009.

.

 

 

Should you drive to see the Fincannon’s?

I know gas prices are high and that’s certainly a factor but for any talent wondering if it’s worth the trouble to drive to Wilmington or New Orleans to audition in person for the Fincannon’s, I asked a successful Atlanta talent for an opinion.  Here’s what I got back.  mb

 

13 round trips…

 

10,920 miles total….

 

182 hours spent in the car, and that is being conservative…

 

lost count of how many auditions on tape…

 

From one liners to recurring roles to films with major hollywood

stars…That’s how long, how invested I was, in landing my FIRST role

thru the Fincannon’s.

 

I started auditioning for them early in my career (mid 90’s) and didn’t

land my first role till 1999.  Since then, they have given me every

chance they can to shine, and I appreciate every single opportunity.

Lisa Mae, Craig and Mark LOVE actors.  They are advocates of our

process, they want us to do well, they take great pride in what we do.

They are the kind of casting director that really cares about us and

what we do in that small world of an audition room.  They remember us.

 

If people want to hang it up after one trip, please tell them to do

so!  I will be happy, willing and honored to take their place and get

in the car right now.  And you can tell every living soul I said this.

 

 

 

 

 

New film studio may move to Floyd County

We received this notice today from GPP:

06/06/08
From staff reports 

The founder and CEO of a film studio apparently hopes to build a facility north of Rome, according to a news release from the company.
Travis Ware, CEO and founder of Silver*Ware Studios Inc. was apparently attracted to Rome through a Forbes
Magazine article about the city, the news release indicates.
Ware, CEO of SWSI; Andre Joseph, Vice President of SWSI; and William Joseph, Andre Joseph’s father, toured the ap-
proximate 485.5 acres of land in north Rome with co-owner Tom Berry.
They have placed a contract on the land, according to the news release, although an exact location was not indicated.
Brooke Brinson, with Hardy Realty, said the contract on the sale has not been closed, but they hope to have the deal complete within the next few months. He declined to provide the location of the property.
Click here to see more information about the company, links to a site plan and photos.

update on traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial replica in Roswell

Marine Colonel (Retired) Mike Boyce is the contact for the Roswell name reading at the traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial replica in Roswell, July 4, 5, and 6.  Anyone who has not visited it in Washington should see it in Roswell–it may be the next best thing until they do.

Mhboyce49@aol.com

Here is his description:

Judy and I are helping the team that is bringing a traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC to Roswell on 4,5, & 6 July.  The wall is 240 feet long and 8 feet high and contains the names of more than 58,000 servicemen and women who died or are missing in Vietnam. 

 

We are looking for volunteers to sign up for 1 hour blocks of time on the above dates to read names that are on the wall.  Our thought was the volunteers would bring family and friends and divide up between themselves the 1 hour time block and read the names.  You do not have to be in the military or any way related to the military other than your support of our country and troops to do this.  If anything, this memorial brings a sense of awareness and much needed reflection to those who have not served in the military about the sacrifices that are made by our warriors and their families.

 

Again, as is so often the case, we who have been associated with the military will carry the responsibility for this worthy project.  I would be glad to work with you on a time if you are available. 

 

Look forward to seeing you on Monday.  Semper fi

Hole in the Wall (gameshow) Casting

There’s a casting in Atlanta on June 13 and 14 for “an amazing new game show for FOX called Hole In The Wall (aka Human Tetris). The network has ordered 26 episodes to air during primetime in the fall.  Talent must assemble a team of three (the show requires teams of three people who know each other).  Our actors should contact Verda to schedule an audition time for the pre-booked auditions on Friday, June 13.  Talent not listed with Houghton can attend Open Call on Saturday, June 14, where you just show up anytime on Saturday without booking an audition time.  We encourage everyone to watch the YouTube clips of the show before auditioning.

 Liz Mack  -  FOX’s”Hole In The Wall” Casting Department
FremantleMedia North America / Krasnow Productions

 

 

 

more calls for entry

 

Other Calls for Entry:

Atlanta Underground Film Festival, Docufest & Animation Attack!              Final Deadline: June 9, 2008

For more information visit: www.auff.org 

  

Rome International Film Festival                                                     Late entry Deadline: June 1, 2008         

For more information visit: www.riff.tv or www.withoutabox.com 

  

The 9th Annual Atlanta Jewish Film Festival  (Jan. 14 – 25, 2009)             Deadline: August 29, 2008

For more details visit: www.ajff.org or www.Withoutabox.com

The International Black DocuFest (IBDF)

Deadline: May 30, 2008 (reg.), July 11, 2008 (late)

The International Black DocuFest (IBDF) is still accepting documentaries for the 2008 festival. IBDF is a 3-day film festival devoted to showcasing the most innovative and compelling
documentaries on the lives of people of African descent.

DEADLINES: Regular – May 30th, 2008 (Entry Fee $25 US); Late – July 11th 2008 (Entry Fee $30 US)

The 2008 award categories are:
- Human Rights Watch Award                            – Best Documentary Feature Award
- Best Documentary Short Award                       - Best Student Documentary Award

- Audience Choice Award

Download the official 2008 IBDF submission form on the official website at www.internationalblackdocufest.com/submit.html.

For more information regarding festival submissions, please call (678) 687-9149.

Looking for volunteers to sign up for 1 hr blocks of time to read names on the Vietnam Memorial Wall.

We received this today from Jody Feldman and The Alliance:

Thought some of you might find this rewarding.  No need to reply to me.  Thank you for taking the time to read.  I hope everyone’s summer is off to a good start.

Jody Feldman / Associate Producer / Alliance Theatre – Recipient of the 2007 Regional Theatre Tony Award® 

 

Ric Woroniecki, a long time supporter of the Alliance Theatre, ask us to invite anyone interested to (A) come view the Vietnam Memorial, and (B) to volunteer to read name for the wall during the display.

 

We helping the team that is bringing a traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC to Roswell on 4,5, & 6 July.  The wall is 240 feet long and 8 feet high and contains the names of more than 58,000 servicemen and women who died or are missing in Vietnam. 

 

We are  looking for volunteers to sign up for 1 hour blocks of time on the above dates to read names that are on the wall. Our thought was the volunteers would bring family and friends and divide up between themselves the 1 hour time block and read the names.  You do not have to be in the military or any way related to the military other than your support of our country and troops to do this.  If anything, this memorial brings a sense of awareness and much needed reflection to those who have not served in the military about the sacrifices that are made by our warriors and their families.

 

Again, as is so often the case, we who have been associated with the military will carry the responsibility for this worthy project.  I would be glad to work with you on a time if you are available. 

 

You should contact Staff Sergeant Kristine R. Spoerl, U.S. Marine Corps Recruiter regarding the July 4th, 5th, and 6th event.  She is at the Recriting Sub-Station Atlanta, 878 Mansell Road, Ste. D2, Roswell, GA  30076, (770) 993-2362/6312/6315. Please reference me (Richard C. Woroniecki ,Office: 770-451-5598 Cell: 770-331-9324 woroniecki@bellsouth.net) & Roger Wilson & Team Ivy (The Ivy League alumni group). 

 

The International Black Film Festival (IBFF) of Nashville

Deadline: July 31, 2008

The International Black Film Festival (IBFF) of Nashville announces its dynamic four day event highlighting the newest work in independent cinema, will take place October 15 – 18 in the heart of downtown Nashville , Tennessee .  IBFF is now accepting submissions until July 31, 2008 and is dedicated to discovering emerging filmmakers and promoting their work.  Submit your film today!  IBFF is open to independently produced national and international films in the following genres: Short Narrative, Feature Narrative, Documentary Long/Short and Animation. Also accepting faith-based, health & environment and sports-related films.  For more information, visit: www.ibffnashville.com

Kingdomwood Christian Film Festival deadline: June 15, 2008 Deadline: June 15, 2008

Many of you know Liquid Soul Media as the faith-based marketing agency behind the hit films, The Gospel, Stomp The Yard, This Christmas, First Sunday and the upcoming Mama, I Want To Sing.  We are strong believers in promoting the Kingdom’s message on the silver screen.  In this spirit, we have teamed up with Driven Films and EJA Communications, Inc. to present the Inaugural KingDomWood Christian Film Festival.

     

The KingDomWood Christian Film Festival will take place October 9th – 11th, with the mission of providing a platform for faith-based independent filmmakers to showcase films that promote and inspire Christian teachings and values.  We believe that there is an audience for family friendly entertainment in the film industry, and The KingDomWood Christian Film Festival can fill this void.   Are you an upcoming filmmaker? We are now accepting family-friendly spiritual based submissions for the following categories:

 

 

    “Family Christian Film Viewing” (for the entire family)

    “Keep it Real Christian Late Night” (mature themed content)

    “Christian Documentaries”

    “Gospel Music Videos”

Eligibility Criteria:

    Accepting feature length and short films, documentaries and gospel music videos

    Filmmaker must be 17 years of age or older.

    Films must have been produced after January 1, 2006, in English.

    Competition is open to US and international filmmakers.

    Entry Fee: $25 until June 15th

For more details visit: www.kingdomwood.com 

CALL FOR ENTRIES: 2008 TO THE POINT: Women Telling Stories Through The Media

TO THE POINT:  WOMEN TELLING STORIES THROUGH THE MEDIA will host a screening of short films made by Women In Film and Television members from around the world at the 16th Annual Hamptons International Film Festival, this October 15-19, 2008.A joint venture of the Hamptons International Film Festival (HIFF) and New York Wome In Film & Television (NYWIFT), To The Point is in its sixth year of screenings. This series gives voice to the creative visions of women through film and video, including narrative, documentary, animation and experimental works. 

NYWIFT invites its members, as well as members from our Women in Film U.S. and international sister chapters, to submit their short films, no more than 20 minutes in length. Please download, print and fill out the application and forward two copies to our office in New York along with either a DVD or VHS copy of your work. The deadline for submissions is July 14, 2008.
 
Here’s the link to the application: http://www.nywift.org/documents/HIFF%20APPLICATION%202008.pdf 

 

 

*Special Note: This is the qualifying festival by which official selectees for next year’s
4th Annual WIFTI International Short Film Showcase are chosen.
If you would like to be considered for the honor of joining the ranks of the esteemed women directors whose work is screened globally by other WIF chapters, you must submit your film to this festival to qualify. 

for talent in or visiting los angeles

 

We have more and more talent in los angeles at various times so we’ll be posting L.A.News although it will be pretty limited.  this came in today from Greg Thompson…

I am teaching an on-going workshop here in L.A. and the response has been great and the work we’re doing is really inspiring. So, if you know other “Atlanta acting immigrants” who might be looking for a great place to study, please them the info. The class is designed to be on-going, focuses on Cold Read/Audition technique with a little scene study mixed in and it is uber-affordable. Affordability was a major reason for creating the class. You can see the info at -

www.myspace.com/actorslabla