When On a Casting Call…..

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We recently discovered this great article written by Khara Hanlon about the 10 Things Casting Directors Want You to Know. We thought that our  talent as well as prospective  talent would find this information very useful so we figured we would share.

  1. Don\’t worry about the words. The script is not the most important part of a role. It’s the personality of the character and if you can nail that, then you will be one step closer the role.
  2. Ask questions – but only if you really need to. Before your reading begins, most casting directors ask if you have any questions. Unless you are very lost on a certain aspect of the character, it is best you say `no\’ and jump right in – wowing them with your audition. It is your responsibility to be as prepared as possible for your audition.
  3. Listen and react. When in an audition, don\’t make it about you, make it about the other person you are interacting with. This way you will best ‘listen` and ‘react` properly.
  4. Get it right the first time. Blow them away in the very first audition. If you are great on take one, then the casting director will have no reason to question whether or not to hire you.
  5. Be flexible. If the casting director wants you to try again with some direction from them, be sure to take what they say and run with it. Being about to take direction well is a very important attribute for an actor.
  6. Know what you look like on the monitor. A lot of the time, your normal movements are magnified by the camera. Borrow a camcorder from someone and video tape yourself doing a monolog. This way you will be able to pick out the nuances everyone else sees and can fix them.
  7. Know where to look. When finding what to act towards, do not look into the camera or the reader. The best thing to do is to let your eyes wander slightly, but find a focal point to always come back to. Think of it like a conversation. When you are talking to someone, you are not making complete eye contact the entire time. You retreat, and then come back.
  8. They ARE paying attention to you. Generally, the person who makes the final decision on casting is not the person who is in the actual audition with you. There is usually someone who watches the video at their best convenience, which means even if you think you are out of the game, there is great possibility that your chance is not over yet. The final say could be by someone who is not even present.
  9. Keep the moment going. Be sure to not stop the action before it is done. After the last line, keep the emotion going all the way through until the casting director says cut. A lot of times, they like to make you wait to see how you are when you aren\’t talking and just reacting.
  10. You\’re a person first, an actor second. We really think this point by Khara is very important. A lot of times, it is a close call of who to hire between two actors. Who wins? The one with the better personality. People want to work with people who are easy to get along with, you want to be that person.

These ten ideas from Khara Hanlon are very useful and should be taken into account with every audition. Hanlon also mentioned Tiny Tidbits of Truth from the Pros in her article. We will be tweeting those periodically on our Twitter account here over the next week. Feel free to take a look!

For more information from The Diamond Agency, call 407-830-4040.

The Promotional World

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By : Melanie Novy

 

The Promotional World

As many of you may already know, Diamond has started a Promotional Division. We have top notch actors, models, and voice-over experts, so why not expand, and show the nation how well our promotional models can change the face of businesses nationwide?

If you are looking to get in to the Promotional World, then this entry will help you understand what you need to do, and what you can expect.

There are a few types of models in the Promotional World:

1. Promotional Model – is a person hired to drive  consumer demand  for a product, service, brand, or concept by directly interacting with potential consumers. A promotional model can be female or male, and typically is intended to be attractive in physical appearance. They serve to provide information about the product or service and make it appealing to consumers. While the length of interaction may be short, the promotional model delivers a live experience that reflects on the product or service he or she is representing.

2. Spokes model – A spokes model is a  spokesperson  whose physical appearance contributes to brand equity. They are oftentimes the “face” of a company.

3. Tradeshow Model – Trade show models work a trade show floor space or booth, and represent a company to attendees. They are hired for several reasons. Trade show models make a company’s booth more visibly distinguishable from the hundreds of other booths with which it competes for attendee attention. Also, trade show models are articulate and quickly learn and explain the information about the company and its product and service, and can assist a company in handling a large number of attendees which the company might otherwise not have enough employees to accommodate, therefore increasing the number of sales or leads resulting from participation in the show. Trade show models can be skilled at drawing attendees into the booth, engaging them in conversation, and at spurring interest in the product, service, or company. Trade show models may be highly skilled at screening the mass of show attendees for target consumers or at obtaining attendee information so that they may be solicited after the show.

4. Convention Model – A convention model is an assistant that works with a company’s sales representatives at a trade show exhibit. They are used to draw in attendees and provide them with basic information about product or services. Convention models may be used to distribute marketing materials or gather customer information for future promotions.

Why Companies attend Promotional Events:

Companies can attend a Promotional Event at a cheaper rate that traditional marketing media (such as print ads, radio, and television). It also allows the consumer to see their product and often experience it first hand. Typically, the Consumer’s perception of a brand, product, service, or company is profoundly affected by a live person-to-person experience. Promotional Models interact with numerous people at once. They maximize the influence of consumer demand. Promotional Models obtain the following for companies that utilize them:

  • increase product awareness
  • provide extensive product information
  • create an association in the consumer’s mind between the product or brand and a particular idea (natural beauty, classic heritage, edgy sex appeal, reliability)
  • hand items to consumers, such as a sample of the product itself, a small gift, or printed information

Attract consumers that may not ever try or be interested in a product, to try it and oftentimes, this leads to many more consumers.

Marketing campaigns  that make use of promotional models may take place in stores  or  shopping malls, at  tradeshows, conventions, special promotional events, clubs, concerts, sporting events, or even at outdoor public spaces. They are often planned at high traffic locations to reach as many consumers as possible, or at venues at which a particular type of target consumer is expected to be present.

How to become a Promotional Model

First and foremost, to be a promotional model, you must have an extremely outgoing personality. If you are a shy person and crowds make you nervous, this is definitely not something for you.

Send your resume and at least 6 photos (3 professional and 3 candid) to melanie@thediamondagency.com. DO NOT send photos that are: Blurry, a picture of a picture, you in your Halloween costume, you making a “kissy face”, taking a picture of yourself in a mirror, etc. I need QUALITY photos that show what you look like. Have your hair and make-up done, smile. Please if you don’t have a quality photo have someone you know take a few snapshots. DO NOT take the picture yourself. Oftentimes, they turn out fuzzy.

Diamond Agency Recognizes DME Studios

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The Diamond Agency wishes to recognize DME studios as well as many of our talent involved in creating such realism, presented with a humorous spin in a National commercial for Viverae. Viverae (viv-AIR-ā) is a national provider of comprehensive health management solutions that help corporations reduce health care costs through improved employee health.

Thanks for a job well done to our amazing talent who booked principal and extra roles: Adrianne W, Randy M, Adam S, John W, Patricia F, Pearl I, Dawn B, Marcy H, Elisha B, John R, Irma M, Murial F, Cindi T, Keith T, Rocco D, Vanessa A, Andrea A, Stephanie M, Amber W, Dawn B, Leah H, Matthew G, Toye W, and Larissa K.

How to Find a Talent Agent

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By NewOrleansGirl, eHow Member

An excerpt from an article on eHow.

Finding a talent agent can an exhausting task for the industry new comer. There are many scams and fly-by-night “agents” out there; one may wonder how to tell the real from the scam artists.

Remember, just as they will interview YOU, you have the right to interview THEM. Check out different agencies and get a feel for the industry.

Before you start, remember:

Fees: A Legit agency will NEVER charge fees for a consultation or to register. The agent will make a commission (10-20%) by booking you (getting you jobs).

Classes: Agencies may offer classes, but legit agencies will never REQUIRE classes. Again, you should never have to pay ANY fees (this includes class fees) to join an agency and get bookings.

Headshots: All adults need a current headshot (Sorry, the one you took in high school, 22 years ago, doesn’t count). Your headshot should not be “glam,” it should be a natural photo of the real you. Agencies have different requirements, some require black and white, others want colored photos, some have no preference. An agency may ENDORSE a photographer (many agents work with a photographer so much, that their talent benefit with discounts), but legit agencies do not REQUIRE the use of a specific photographer. You do not need a comp card (also known as a ZED card) unless you are pursuing modeling.

Children do NOT need headshots, especially when they first start out. They change so quickly, agents usually request you update photos every three to six months (until they’re in their mid-to-late teens). Shoot a roll or two of your child- show her playing in the backyard, or on the porch: shoot close ups, full lengths, smiling, serious, dressy, casual, etc.

To find local agencies, look online and in the phone book. Most agencies will NOT accept walk ins (even if it’s just to drop off a headshot).

READ FULL ARTICLE >>

Actor’s Guide to: SELF TAPING (…the right way)

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In the entertainment industry of TODAY, its become quickly obvious that actors are no longer just going to the ever so typical “in-person casting session”. Especially, when it comes to film and television projects. Casting directors are expanding their reach to find just the perfect talents for each individual project by allowing for video taped submissions per. role, or what we call “actor’s on-tapes”.

The downside for actors in regard to this change is that the pot has become even more full. A co-star role for “Bob Smith” on an episode of “XYZ” series sitcom casting in Atlanta, Georgia may, in the past, have only seen 35 seasoned actors who would have auditioned in-person. Today, thanks to on-tapes, the role will see those same 35 at the director’s  initial  casting session, plus upwards of 100 who may electronically submit.

With so many submissions to view, the casting directors have no time to waste, and MUST find a way to  funnel  through and get only the best for top consideration by studio executives. This makes it essential,  absolutely  TOP PRIORITY that the actor make his/her taping  extremely  quality. Agents on the  receiving  line of the tapings will not send through poor quality product to the casting directors. If less than perfect does happens to slip through, be assured that there the taping will find its death bed. Actors can be certain that the casting department will, like a strainer, let drip through any tapings that would not represent well.

If you are a serious film actor and you really want your tapings to be recognized, you need to get serious about your set-up. Just like your headshots/comps cards/ portfolio/ acting training, this is going to be an investment. However, it is not something that needs to be a major expense.  Take a look at some of the suggestions below:

Video Camera

Any trusty, small in size camera should work well for what we are trying to do. Some think that they need to run out and drop $500 – $1000 on an HD device. Instead, think about something like the Flip Ultra HD Camcorder. You can find these gems for as low as $150.

The FLIP is a fantastic tool which not only takes very quality HD video, but is packed with a powerful microphone providing sound quality that is on spot for audition taping requirements. The device also allows for instant playback so you can review your audition seconds after you finish the take. Uploading, as well, could not have been made more simple. The actor simply clicks a button and out comes a USB connector to plug-in to your computer.

Tripod

It is crucial that your video is not shaky. Never have the camera held by hand, as that is an instant stamp of “AMATEUR”. Pick up an inexpensive tripod for around $20-$30.

Blue or Green Sheet or Paint

Professional castings for film/TV or commercial are typically done on a blue or green background. You can create this same great backdrop at your home or in your office in the blink of an eye. The best way to do so is to either run out to a discount store such as ROSS, or Home Goods, and pick up a single flat bed sheet (size depends on how big your wall is, but remember it doesn’t need to cover a huge space since your taping frame won’t be too expansive), or run to somewhere like Home Depot and pick up a can of  blue or bright green paint (enough to cover a single wall — you’ll probably need a double coat). Either way, this should cost more than $20.

AVS Video Converter

AVS Video Converter is an  exceptional  program for every film actor to have on their computer. With a couple clicks you can edit color, cut and slice your video, run mutliple videos together, and also convert one file type to another.

When taping a  sizable  role, you are going to probably have to accomplish something like: the slate, scene one, scene two, scene, three, and then a full body scan. To make this look most professional, you will want to stop the camera in between each portion. AVS will allow you to load in all of those pieces and thread them together to make one seamless video.

AVS is also excellent when file sizes are too big. Often agents/casting directors can only accept videos that are 10mb and under and either in .mov or .wmv formats. Say for example your camera spits out a video that is 16mb and in .avi format. Easy to fix!  Go to AVS, load in your .avi video, make sure “to WMV” is selected at the top, and make a customized profile (this must be done so that the program knows to condense the video size).
The profile settings known to work the best in this case are as follows:

Frame Size: 352X28
Frame Rate: 25fps
Audio Codec: WMA
Channel: Stereo
Sample Size: 16bit
Sample Size: 44100 HZ
Bitrate: 96kbps

Reader

Obviously, the actor cannot be ON CAMERA and taping BEHIND THE CAMERA at the same time. Very important is to find a person, preferably another actor, that will agree to run the camera for your taping. The reason another actor is  preferred  is because they will be able to convey emotion/feeling when feeding you the other characters lines and giving cues. Just like a shaky camera or an  inappropriate  backdrop, the reader can kill your tape. The actor needs someone to play off on the other end. Casting needs to hear that organic connection.

Taping Instructions

Now that you have everything you need for your taping space, it’s time to try it all out. You want to make positive that you are creating your tape just the way the casting director would like to see it. If not already provided, ask your agent to send you a list of specific taping instructions specific to that individual casting director. Make sure to note these wants in a booklet and keep them for the next project that comes around.
If you are totally in the dark and needing to get your taping done ASAP, the following is a good, safe idea of what is usually needed:

*** Frame should be top of head to right below shoulders ***

1.) Slate (name, agency, role)

2.)  Act role. Do not look into the camera. You will want to direct your focus off to the side, either looking at the reader or directing your eyes in other places, naturally, as the character would do.

*** When you are finished with the role DO NOT look back into the camera. HOLD your place and wait for the camera to be stopped ***

3.) Full length body pan up and down. Back the camera tripod up, start a new take, and give your name and height. The person running the camera should then run a scan of your, unless the camera is far back enough where it is captured in one shot.

The Diamond Agency is the top modeling agency in Orlando, as well as the top talent agency in Tampa. The agency has booked film actors on hundreds of film and television projects through-out the United States. All methods noted above are used in office and have been  successful  in booking top talent.

How do we learn to do the words?

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An excerpt from soon to be released book by Michael Ray Davis

How do we learn to do the words?
For film you\’ll have several days if not weeks to learn words.
For TV you\’ll have a couple weeks, usually.
For commercial you\’ll have 48 hours max, frequently less.
How do we learn the words?

First thing is attitude.

Don\’t concentrate initially on the words and don\’t think about memorization. Find out who you\’re thinking you\’ll be when you get in front of the camera, either for audition or for shooting. Try to channel the character when you’re in the shower, brushing your teeth, or when you’re eating your hamburger.

Sample file from client:
Vernon/Sherry breakdown:

All genders/ ethnicities accepted. Vernon/Sherry is a disappointed 40 year old who has not accomplished anything in his/her life. Been fired at least 10 times in life. The big job interview is coming up for the job of a lifetime. 20 grand a year to be assistant manager at the franchise shoe store.

Store Owner
I see you\’ve had quite a few jobs over the years.

Vernon/Sherry:
Yes, but I haven\’t really been given a fair shake at any of

Store Owner:
How do you describe a fair shake?

Vernon/Sherry:
I just never got treated fair!

Store Owner:
That’s fairly. Your education listings look like you haven\’t really tried to learn new skills over the years.

Vernon/Sherry:
I didn\’t have any time to pursue more education with the kids to raise and keeping the bills paid.

Store Owner:
You haven\’t been able to keep a lot of jobs. Were these your decisions or were you separated with cause?

Vernon/Sherry
Well, I can see you\’re just like every other uppity boss I apply to. I\’m just trying to earn an honest living, doing anything I can to support my family. You guys are all alike, you don\’t want to give anybody a break! I knew coming in that this was a mistake. You missed a good chance, mister!

Vernon/Sherry storms out the door, the store owner shakes his head and shrugs.

So, here’s what you do, as the   character, Vernon/Sherry.

You look at these words, you realize this is a loser, angry because he/she thinks the world owes he/she a living. Read the words, make yourself a loser, find a character in your background that reflects this losing attitude if you can and channel that character.

Then start living with the script. Carry it around with you, sleep with it, have it by the plate when you eat breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Read it, read it, read it!!

And most importantly, folks, SAY THE WORDS OUT LOUD!!!

Just saying them to yourself does not guarantee they will come out right when you open your mouth and speak! Promise!

And remember, in this example, you\’re angry. You can\’t be wondering what are your words when you deliver that last dialogue!

That takes 15 seconds or less. You need to be spitting them out, no hesitation, no limitations.

Say these words everywhere you go!!!

And above everything else, you are Vernon/ Sherry the biggest loser of all time. Everybody hates you and it’s not your fault!!!

Nothing else can exist for the time you are saying these words. If the water for your pasta is boiling over, say the words like Vernon/Sherry. If the baby is crying, say the words while you’re changing the diaper!

If you are able to do this, at home, naked on the toilet, in a normal environment, you will be able to do it in front of camera!

You have to believe that nothing else is happening in the world when you are doing this dialogue.

Find a friend to read with you for timing, preferably a semi trained actor so you get the timing down.

Or learn the other actor’s words and talk to yourself.

Will Smith stayed in trouble all the time on that dumb butt show that made him famous, Fresh Prince of Belaire. He knew not only HIS words but the other actor’s words and continually would lip them while his opposite would talk. They have a lot of two shots (that’s when the camera is looking at you and the other actor) that show him mouthing the other actors lines. You don\’t want to do that, but it’s great to be that prepared.

Video yourself if you can. You can put a lot of pressure on yourself just doing this. Get your wife/husband/kids/brother/girl friend/boyfriend to watch it. Just knowing that they will be watching will you put in the same frame of mind you will need for the set. (There’s no peer pressure worse than hearing from your wife or best friend that your performance sucks!)

Now remember this!!!!

When you are on the set or audition saying a half page of dialogue and you blow a line, Keep going! Plow through it! Don\’t ever stop until the end of your words unless you hear “cut”. If you stumble on a word, wait two beats and go back to the start of the sentence. The director will tell you when to stop!

So, in summary, find the character, assume his/her attitude and practice, practice, practice. (Oh, if you are supposed to have a prop carry something around while practicing, props can distract if you\’re not familiar with them. If your prop is a gun, don\’t practice too much in a convenience store or bank.)

Aside from that, remember that you will not be first or last to cause the producer to have another take, but if you are prepared, know your character and can get through it, you will be a highly respected and valued talent. Directors and Producers love and cherish professional, prepared talent and they will use you again and again.

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The Diamond Agency maintains a sterling reputation for upholding the largest roster of talent, understanding the needs of our clients, delivering excellent service, and competitively pricing each project. With over 2,000 talent from all ethnicity’s and genders the Diamond Agency is your One-stop talent resource.   We specialize in models for print, catalogs, promo models, and runway.   Actors, spokes models, as well as hosts for trade shows and conventions. Select from a wide variety of Voice -over talent for any size project.   We recognize the value of our client’s time and budgets, and facilitate your needs as well as exceeding your expectations. The Diamond Agency is your full-service talent agency. We look forward to an opportunity to earn your business!

BOOKED: Muscle Milk National Commercial Campaign

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The Diamond Model and Talent Agency was thrilled to be the supplier of quite a number of the actors on the new national Muscle Milk commercial campaign.

Talent Ashley V. , Ben M., Adam H., Rochelle T., and Avery C. were booked by casting director Mark Mullen and were features between three different,  witty  spots.

       

Muscle Milk is a leading line of protein packed energy bars, energy shakes, and protein powders. Aside from athletes, actors and models looking to keep their bodies in toned shape might look into the companies stellar enriched products.

Take a look at the spots produced by the the commercial actors on the two day Florida  shoot.

Actors and models on roster with The Diamond Agency have produced over 100 commercial spots already  in the year 2010. Diamond talent agency  is pleased to represent the top talent in the southeastern U.S.

Actors and Voice over talent. . . a way to increased booking opportunities!

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Ginny Kopf is renown throughout the Southeast as one of the best voice, speech, and dialect specialists.   With 2 Masters Degrees in Voice and Speech coupled with 20+ years experience, Ginny’s improved the speech, voice, and accents for thousands of individual talent as well as talent and executives within the following:   Walt Disney, Universal Studios, TV channels 6, 9, 35 and 13 (anchors and hosts), and United Telephone, where she trained 700 operators, and that’s just the short list.

Many  Actors and voice over talent  lose out on auditions because they are limited to one accent. Further, they don\’t know where to go to get training or help!   Ginny’s put together a short video demonstrating some tips on a variety of accents.     Check out her website, www.voiceandspeechtraining.com for additional information and help.

Looking for a Talent Agency?

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Are you an aspiring actor, model, or talent? How do you know what to look for or expect when considering a talent agency to submit to? Here are a couple of key points.

1). There are different type of agents for different types of talent. (Television & Film, Commercial, Print, Voice-Over, etc). Luckily, The Diamond Agency can represent you in all talent aspects listed above, as well as those looking for bookings in runway, hosting, promotions, & conventions.

2). Do you have head shots, comp shots & a resume? Your head shot / comp shots should be professional and in good taste. An actor’s resume should outline previous work in film/TV, commercial, industrial, and theater. An actor’s resume never includes modeling jobs. Your head shot/ comp shots & resume are your single most important marketing tool, so make sure you do them right the first time. Make the investment of booking a reputable and strong photographer. Don’t take the chance of having a friend or family member take the shot/s, as it is likely you will have to have it/them redone if the agency would want to represent you.

3). Locate a reputable talent agent in your area. The Diamond Agency is currently representing talent throughout Florida and in Atlanta, Georgia (print only).

4). Now it’s time to submit. Submitting to a Florida or Atlanta Talent Agency via mail is the most common. Your submission should include one – two high quality snap shots, comp card, head shot and/or resume.   Allow (8-10) business days to receive response. We will ONLY respond if interested. Talent may resubmit with additional photos after a period of (6) month. It is a requirement that actor’s head shots and model comp cards be obtained if representation is offered. The Diamond Agency offers two methods of submission. We prefer that submit via email by emailing the above information to submissions@thediamondagency.com. If you don’t have access to a computer, you can mail your submissions in to the office. Click here to obtain our Submission contact information. Again, The Diamond Agency will only contact you if we are interested.

5). You received notification that we are interested, now what? Actors will always be called in for an interview or asked to submit demo reel for evaluation. When coming to the office for an appointment remember to be yourself, be delightful and be charismatic. Models may be offered representation strictly from their comp card submission. Being that model booking is 95% how you photograph, we are able to do this. However, it is important to The Diamond Agency to meet every talent they represent. If you would like to drop off your completed paperwork in the office and meet the agents, we welcome the idea.

6.) Talent on board The Diamond Agency roster are expected to be available for castings, and bookings. This is a job. Talent are expected to fit in   life around agency work. If you do not plan to devote yourself to the industry, do not submit.

We are excited to work with the most phenomenal, top booking talent in the southeast.

Congrats to Paul A. for His Work in “The Blind Side”

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The Diamond Agency would like to congratulate Paul A. (one of our brilliant young actors) for his work in the Academy Award  nominated film “The Blind Side“.

We are thrilled for Paul, as he worked tirelessly on this film to bring his film acting skills to an even more advanced, organic level.  Paul has trained privately in Los Angeles with Marnie Cooper (Studio City, CA), and also studied improvisation techniques with coaches, Joey Paul (Hollywood) and Karen Storms, when in FL.

You probably recognize Paul as Stephen Hamilton who was the   good friend of Michael (played by Quinton Aaron) in the “The Blind Side”.

Here Paul is with Tim McGraw who played Oscar winner Sandra Bullock’s onscreen husband in the movie. We are so proud!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Diamond Agency is a full service model and talent agency booking print models, hosts, spokes-models and various other talent. Orlando models and Orlando actors represented by The Diamond Agency are some of the most revered in the southeast United States.