Mail Bag
Friday, November 29, 2002
It's been an interesting week, with Thanksgiving and meetings with several independent actors. A few days ago, one of our sponsor companies, a Passinault.Com company named Dream Nine Studios, posted an audition call on the Internet, and their posting included a plug for us. Well, since that happened, it's been busy, and we have discovered that our weekly hate mail is indeed in the vocal minority. This week, we've had some great compliments, and actors are making themselves at home with what is turning out to be the best Internet resource for the independent actor, Tampa Bay Independent Actor.For those that hate us, you can get mad now. We aren't going away.-Brian
The first of many compliments pour in
FROM: EdwinSUBJECT: Great site!
I just found out today about your website and must say that I am very impressed with your content. I am just a beginner and it is very refreshing to be able to tap into a resource that will help me walk through the "mine field" of scams and shady agencies. I have been interested in pursuing acting for a long time but on the same token been, discouraged by the many horror stories of people falling prey to scammers. Even though I'm just a beginner I feel that your site will be a valuable source of information that will help me get started on the right track. I would also like to know if you have any references on quality acting schools in the Tampa Bay area. I am interested in both stage and film acting. If you have any information as to where I could get quality education on these I would really appreciate if you could forward it to me. I am sure that your web site is an answer to many people's prayers. It is to me. Thanks again and I wish you the best.
Sincerely,
Edwin R Alicea Tampa, Fl
Hello Edwin,Thank you for the compliment. We are here to help the independent actor. As a new actor, our advice is to beware of most of the agencies in the Tampa Bay area (most of our actor advisors recommend Alexa in Tampa, and we have heard no complaints about them). In regards to acting schools, we are looking in to them at this time, and have no recommendations. Most of the time, we hear complaints about schools. There is an alternative, however. Most of the actors that advise us got their start doing community theater, and worked with several theater companies. Other actors in those companies can teach you a lot, and you might even meet a great actor that might be willing to teach you. Acting is a skilled profession, and, of course, it takes talent. That talent can be turned into skill through experience.If we find any schools that actors recommend, we will put them up on this site. With this site, feel free to give your input from time to time. This is your site, as well as the site of many other actors. We have an free actor section that you may be interested in. Send us a head shot and a resume, and we'll be happy to post it.I know exactly what you mean by prayers. I was one of the independent actors who, after seeing how much of a difference Tampa Bay Independent Model, IndependentModeling.Com was making in the industry, pushed to have this site created and developed. Because acting is a more complex profession than modeling, you can see the potential for this site to have some breathtaking content in the near future. I'm looking forward to the industry reviews, the enhanced job board with the industry contact list, and an article about DIY CD Demo Reels.-Brian
A two front conflict
FROM: Michelle SUBJECT: Which fight will you fight?
I have been an avid fan of Tampa Bay Independent Model since it launched over a year ago. The site is amazing! After finding out about this site and going over it, I'm even more excited. I talk to entertainer friends of mine all of the time, and they are all aware of you guys. I know people in the agencies, too, and I get reactions ranging from indifference to open hostility. The good agencies, for the most part, like you guys. I have a question, as I really want to see the impact that this site, combined with Tampa Bay Independent Model, will have on the local industry. Now, I realize that Tampa Bay Independent Model is targeting scam agencies, and is hoping to put most of them out of business. What will this site be targeting in your war?
Hello Michelle,While I wouldn't dwell too much on the terms "target" and "war", we're going after unethical agencies just like our sister site is. As a matter of fact, this site was designed to work with Tampa Bay Independent Model to form a duality resource in the market, helping to educate both models and actors.From what I gather at staff meetings, we will be gunning for independent film companies in Florida that are exploiting actors. I've known a few actors that have pretty much ruined their careers by working with these companies, and have no desire to see any more actors professionally raped by these people. See the next E-mail for more on this subject, and more on this answer.-Brian
Independent films exploit actors
FROM: RachelSUBJECT: Exploitation of actors
You guys are great, and I love this site! As an actress, I have a favor to ask you. Can you do more to tell what's going on with the independent film companies here in Florida? I had a bad experience with one when they tried to get me to shoot a scene nude. There are a lot of film makers here in Florida who are bad people, and think that making movies is an excuse to make what amounts to be soft porn films.Please be careful when you do so, though. I've been told that a lot of these companies are watching this site to see if they are slandered or defamed. They are itching to sue anyone who says anything truthful about them. I guess that's how they plan to get their money.Thanks, and good luck!
I agree that independent film in Florida is filled with bad companies, and it is a big problem.We are going to be doing articles about things to look out for, as well as reviews on these companies. We will be careful, as we know that hostile parties are reading our sites.-Brian
Rich articles
FROM: BoomerSUBJECT: Site articles
I've been an actor for many years, and I've never seen articles as excellent as those on this site. The targeted self promotion piece was especially great!Keep it up!
Thank you! You should see what we have coming up in the next few weeks!
-Brian
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
More Tampa Acting Archives
Friday, December 6, 2002
Another week flies by. I actually got some calls from some actor friends about that "film festival" last weekend. One of them attended, and he is still laughing about some of the films that were shown. Those poor, lost actors that are tricked into working with fanboys who think that they are directors. I guess that there is a niche for everything. If you think of it, porn films sell well, and that industry has festivals, too, that draw a crowd. It doesn't make it right, though. The independent film industry here in Florida needs to purge itself of all these companies. So far, Florida films aren't highly respected or known for their high quality (stories, acting, directing, sound, editing, etc), and that reputation is well deserved.Actors need to start picketing these companies rather than audition for them. Actors need to use common sense and safeguard their professionalism.If it would make a difference, I would be the first one to picket the next film festival these idiots have. I think that a web site should be made such as "Floridafilmsareajoke.Com", with a link to each of these companies. That would work much better, but then you'd have them crying "slander", "defamation of character" and "you'll be hearing from our attorney!". Some of these sad little companies can't handle the truth, and the truth is that they make bad films with no entertainment value which have to be marketed with exploitive tactics to sell.Actors that work with such companies need to go through life with bags over their heads, and legitimate production companies need to boycott such actors from working with them. Those actors give us all a bad name, and it's really a shame in the rare instance that the actor actually has talent. -Brian
Pet Tricks
FROM: ZanaduSUBJECT: Gerbil Power
I'm trying to teach my gerbil acting. Do you think that I can get him cast in a role? How about head shots?
I let this one through because it might be real (might, just might- odder things have happened in this industry).While rodents don't possess the capacity of true acting, it is true that there is market for animal trainers in films. Animals, from spiders to rats to grasshoppers, are sometimes called for in a script, and can be made to cooperate by understanding their behavior and applying the appropriate stimuli. Weirdly enough, crap companies such as horror film companies are the ones that use the most animals (and I'm not referring to their named talent, either, although the shoe fits quite well).I don't know of any legitimate photographers that will do head shots for your gerbil, but I do know of a certain modeling agency in the Tampa Bay area that pitches head shots for dogs and cats. There are pet photographers that you might try, as paying talent photographer rates for a rodent are just insane.I don't know about gerbils, but I could imagine a teddy bear hamster in a head shot. The 8 X 10 black and white glossy would show the little guy with his cheek pouches full of food. The thought is so cute that it's funny. I would pay to see that, although I'd probably mistakenly send those head shots out for my own, and the casting directors would think that I was nuts. Actually, That's a good idea for a prank. I could make a head shot like that and mail it to one of these crappy horror film companies. It would be made up for a hamster actor though, with such credits as a featured extra in "sewer rat party IV", or something like that. I might just do that! Could you imagine the look on the horror film people's faces when they get a great head shot of a hamster with a resume and a professional cover letter that outdoes 90% of what human actors send out? Ha ha!!!!!!!!! By the way, I'm wondering how you are teaching the little guy acting. It sounds interesting. I'm sure that little hoppy can out act those actors in this market that work with the independent film companies that do those festivals, though.-Brian
A sip of hemlock
FROM: Amanda SUBJECT: Beauty
Hi. I am an older actress who wants to be more marketable to casting directors. I am considering taking botox injections to smooth my wrinkles. Do you know of many actors who do this, and, if so, does it work for them?Sincerely,Amanda ScottSAG-AFTRA
Botox is a toxin, and it works by paralyzing nerves in the face. While it is a short term beauty solution, it is problematic at most for actors. In order to act well, actors need to control the slightest expressions in their face and body. I can't imagine an actress doing well when she can't move parts of her facial muscles.I don't know of any actors who have benefitted from having poison injected into their skin, and non actors don't benefit from it, either. Professional people need to be secure enough to be comfortable with their looks instead of changing them, and learn to market themselves within the limitations of their looks.What a world we live in.-Brian
Blinded actor finally sees
FROM: Jane SUBJECT: Film festival in question
I went to that film festival last Saturday to try to network with some of the film companies. Boy, were you guys right! All that these directors want to do is drink, hit on actresses, and watch terrible films. It reminded me of a roach hotel. I pray to God that these companies go out of business.Talk about false advertising. I went to see directors and film makers that were starting a revolution. What a bunch of no talents.
Don't worry, Jane, things will change. This situation reminds me of the old story about the emperors new clothes, when a bunch of cons made the emperor a new suit of "invisible thread". No one said a thing until a child screamed that he had no clothes during a parade.As a professional actor, I see these companies for what they are, and I won't work with them. I weep for the actors who are tricked into accepting roles in their films, though.In the short run, these people will make it. In the long run, however, they will never be anything special, and they will leave a trail of wrecked careers in their wake.I trust that you won't bother attending again?-Brian
Casting couch
FROM: MelisaSUBJECT: Casting couch actress
I've come to the conclusion that my career has been a fraud. I'm one of those actresses who gets roles by seducing casting directors and sleeping with them. In the past, I've done anything and everything to get the part. In Florida, this works well, and it's worked for me, but it recently backfired when I got pregnant and still did not get the part after all that trouble. I want to act for real. Is there any way that I can start over?
Wow. Starting over is up to you. I looked over the list of films that you have had roles in, and I have some things to say. First off, I'm not surprised that those casting directors cast their films like that. All of those films were horror, or badly made, independent films. Since those films are better left off of your resume to begin with, I don't see any reason why you can't start over as long as you can act. Good luck!
Well, that's it for this week. It's been crazy! I wish actors would start caring more about their careers, though. Hey, here's a topic for next week- What does it mean to be a professional actor? Send me some E-mails!-Brian
Another week flies by. I actually got some calls from some actor friends about that "film festival" last weekend. One of them attended, and he is still laughing about some of the films that were shown. Those poor, lost actors that are tricked into working with fanboys who think that they are directors. I guess that there is a niche for everything. If you think of it, porn films sell well, and that industry has festivals, too, that draw a crowd. It doesn't make it right, though. The independent film industry here in Florida needs to purge itself of all these companies. So far, Florida films aren't highly respected or known for their high quality (stories, acting, directing, sound, editing, etc), and that reputation is well deserved.Actors need to start picketing these companies rather than audition for them. Actors need to use common sense and safeguard their professionalism.If it would make a difference, I would be the first one to picket the next film festival these idiots have. I think that a web site should be made such as "Floridafilmsareajoke.Com", with a link to each of these companies. That would work much better, but then you'd have them crying "slander", "defamation of character" and "you'll be hearing from our attorney!". Some of these sad little companies can't handle the truth, and the truth is that they make bad films with no entertainment value which have to be marketed with exploitive tactics to sell.Actors that work with such companies need to go through life with bags over their heads, and legitimate production companies need to boycott such actors from working with them. Those actors give us all a bad name, and it's really a shame in the rare instance that the actor actually has talent. -Brian
Pet Tricks
FROM: ZanaduSUBJECT: Gerbil Power
I'm trying to teach my gerbil acting. Do you think that I can get him cast in a role? How about head shots?
I let this one through because it might be real (might, just might- odder things have happened in this industry).While rodents don't possess the capacity of true acting, it is true that there is market for animal trainers in films. Animals, from spiders to rats to grasshoppers, are sometimes called for in a script, and can be made to cooperate by understanding their behavior and applying the appropriate stimuli. Weirdly enough, crap companies such as horror film companies are the ones that use the most animals (and I'm not referring to their named talent, either, although the shoe fits quite well).I don't know of any legitimate photographers that will do head shots for your gerbil, but I do know of a certain modeling agency in the Tampa Bay area that pitches head shots for dogs and cats. There are pet photographers that you might try, as paying talent photographer rates for a rodent are just insane.I don't know about gerbils, but I could imagine a teddy bear hamster in a head shot. The 8 X 10 black and white glossy would show the little guy with his cheek pouches full of food. The thought is so cute that it's funny. I would pay to see that, although I'd probably mistakenly send those head shots out for my own, and the casting directors would think that I was nuts. Actually, That's a good idea for a prank. I could make a head shot like that and mail it to one of these crappy horror film companies. It would be made up for a hamster actor though, with such credits as a featured extra in "sewer rat party IV", or something like that. I might just do that! Could you imagine the look on the horror film people's faces when they get a great head shot of a hamster with a resume and a professional cover letter that outdoes 90% of what human actors send out? Ha ha!!!!!!!!! By the way, I'm wondering how you are teaching the little guy acting. It sounds interesting. I'm sure that little hoppy can out act those actors in this market that work with the independent film companies that do those festivals, though.-Brian
A sip of hemlock
FROM: Amanda SUBJECT: Beauty
Hi. I am an older actress who wants to be more marketable to casting directors. I am considering taking botox injections to smooth my wrinkles. Do you know of many actors who do this, and, if so, does it work for them?Sincerely,Amanda ScottSAG-AFTRA
Botox is a toxin, and it works by paralyzing nerves in the face. While it is a short term beauty solution, it is problematic at most for actors. In order to act well, actors need to control the slightest expressions in their face and body. I can't imagine an actress doing well when she can't move parts of her facial muscles.I don't know of any actors who have benefitted from having poison injected into their skin, and non actors don't benefit from it, either. Professional people need to be secure enough to be comfortable with their looks instead of changing them, and learn to market themselves within the limitations of their looks.What a world we live in.-Brian
Blinded actor finally sees
FROM: Jane SUBJECT: Film festival in question
I went to that film festival last Saturday to try to network with some of the film companies. Boy, were you guys right! All that these directors want to do is drink, hit on actresses, and watch terrible films. It reminded me of a roach hotel. I pray to God that these companies go out of business.Talk about false advertising. I went to see directors and film makers that were starting a revolution. What a bunch of no talents.
Don't worry, Jane, things will change. This situation reminds me of the old story about the emperors new clothes, when a bunch of cons made the emperor a new suit of "invisible thread". No one said a thing until a child screamed that he had no clothes during a parade.As a professional actor, I see these companies for what they are, and I won't work with them. I weep for the actors who are tricked into accepting roles in their films, though.In the short run, these people will make it. In the long run, however, they will never be anything special, and they will leave a trail of wrecked careers in their wake.I trust that you won't bother attending again?-Brian
Casting couch
FROM: MelisaSUBJECT: Casting couch actress
I've come to the conclusion that my career has been a fraud. I'm one of those actresses who gets roles by seducing casting directors and sleeping with them. In the past, I've done anything and everything to get the part. In Florida, this works well, and it's worked for me, but it recently backfired when I got pregnant and still did not get the part after all that trouble. I want to act for real. Is there any way that I can start over?
Wow. Starting over is up to you. I looked over the list of films that you have had roles in, and I have some things to say. First off, I'm not surprised that those casting directors cast their films like that. All of those films were horror, or badly made, independent films. Since those films are better left off of your resume to begin with, I don't see any reason why you can't start over as long as you can act. Good luck!
Well, that's it for this week. It's been crazy! I wish actors would start caring more about their careers, though. Hey, here's a topic for next week- What does it mean to be a professional actor? Send me some E-mails!-Brian
Tampa Acting Blog Online
Friday, December 13, 2002
Greetings and salutations! Ever since we've been promoting the crap out of Tampa Bay Independent Actor a week ago, this web site has been slammed with E-mails! That's great, but it's been a mixed bag, and some of these senders don't seem to know where they are sending E-mails to. Either that, or actors are really eager to work. Speaking of work, some of these "job" companies send us offers that are unsuitable for posting for one reason or another. I would list the specifics of a proper job post here, but since it is outlined in our Job Board section, why bother? People need to read and take the time out of their form letter campaigns to pay attention to what they are doing. Specifically targeting inquiries work much better than shotgunning the whole industry with spam. Now that I'm thinking of theJob Board, I'm happy to report that we will do what our big sister site Tampa Bay Independent Model is doing. We're going to be expanding it, with daily web searches to find the jobs to post, as well as adding tutorials on finding jobs and posting contact lists.-Brian
Distant Relative
FROM: Michele PassinaultSUBJECT: Related
Hello, I was trying to find my brothers website and I came across yours and ironically enough the founder of the company has the same last name as mine ( which is not a common last name ). Can you please forward this e-mail to Mr. Passinault regarding my request? I am wondering if we are related in some way. My boyfriend was a D.J. at a nightclub here in the area and browsing through your website, I saw that they were looking for Disc Jockeys. What kind of experience would he need to be qualified for a position? We live in Michigan and please send information of your company to my home address, because I am e-mailing from my work. Michele Passinault Midland, MI
Hello Michele,It is true that C. A. Passinault is one of our founders, and it looks like you are related to him, although by marriage and not by blood. On the Internet we are not going to go into details (security reasons, of course, but we can say that his Great Grandfather on his mother's side is John Barrymore, who is possibly one of the greatest actors of the 20th century. It also means that he's related to Drew Barrymore, for those trivia fans out there. Ironically, he inherited their talent, but none of the alcohol or drug vices; C. A. Passinault does not drink at all, and calls beer "yeast water"). The name Passinault is Canadian French, although Mr. Passinault, being German and Irish, acquired the last name as a child through marriage. As the name Passinault is becoming synonymous with quality, groundbreaking entertainment here in Florida, C. A. Passinault is the only Passinault in his entire family who is into entertainment. We've forwarded your E-mail to him.-Brian
Acting Challenge In Florida
FROM: FredSUBJECT: Challenge
Hello, My name is Fred Leksche. I live in Dunedin, Florida. I am in need of a new head shot and wondered if you could help me in this? I am interested in doing some acting in the Tampa/St.pete area.I went to school for acting at St. Pete college and was in a play called "Bus stop". I played the part of Virgil. I am currently going to school at the Asolo theater in Sarasota. I have 2 classes left. I'm looking forward to furthering my acting career some where in Florida because my childeren live in Engelwood, FL, and I visit them every other weekend. I'm excited about any next acting challenge that I come upon.I'm hoping that you can help me in this endeavor.Thanks, Fred Leksche.
Hello Fred,It is great that you are doing what you were meant to do with your life. In regards to head shots in Tampa Bay, I recommend Aurora PhotoArts, which offers high quality head shot photography and head shots specifically designed for targeted self promotion. Their prices are good, too.For more on acting challenges, check out our job board. This section will be expanded in the coming weeks. In the meantime, stick to those stage plays, as they will help you grow as an actor. In this market, movie and independent film roles are scarce, with most of the jobs being cheapo exploitative work that good actors need to stay away from. The only company in the Tampa Bay area that I could recommend would be Dream Nine Studios, found at DreamNineStudios.Com, which is currently working on several projects. First up is the two hour independent feature film called "Reverence", which will conclude casting in January and is scheduled to film the Spring and Summer of 2003. Reverence is a psychological thriller with dramatic and comedic elements, and has a well rounded line up of interesting characters. I have read the script, which was written by C. A. Passinault and Rachel Eaglin, and it is excellent. It ought to be, as it took a good year to write it. The second and third films are also casting, Rachel Eaglin's "Inducing Manic" (another great script, with a premise that you have to see to believe), and C. A. Passinault's romantic drama "Serenade". The second round of films due for production in late 2004/ early 2005 include Net Worth, Invisible Ink, Realms, and Born Beautiful.I know C. A. Passinault and know his team. Mark my words: These films will set a new standard for independent films, as the quality alone blows away any other project that I've seen. Believe it.
-Brian
British Connection
FROM: AnnetteSUBJECT: Help
Hi, I've read your site and you guys seem to know what you are talking about. I'm a UK based actress, but because of my mixed heritage I have a lot of problems getting TV work over here. I would love to be in a film and was wondering if you ever did castings in London for any of your productions?Annette Hamilton-Crooks ThirtyThree Ltd London Hello Annette,We are glad that actors are reading our articles and such, even if it is on the other side of the pond. Although you are in England, what he have on this web site is universal, and can be used just about anywhere there is commerce and marketing.What you are describing is known as typecasting, and it happens all of the time. While you did not specify what race you are or what particular look that you possess, regardless, there is always a market for what you look like (see our sister site, Tampa Bay Independent Model, for more on look type marketing). Companies have been known to rearrange roles to suit actors that their casting directors are impressed with, so work on targeted self promotion and audition techniques. We will have an article on typecasting soon, too. I'm wondering, though, is your lack of a British accent the thing that is hampering you (I'm guessing, as I've never heard you talk, but this is the only thing that I can think of that a casting director could have an issue with. I've known of actors losing roles becasue they were stuck in an accent, and could not break it)? If that's it, then a speech dialect course might help. In regards to casting projects in London, well, we are not an agency or a casting company. We don't work for the film companies that post in our job board, either, but to our knowledge all of the film companies here in Florida are too small to be doing much of anything out of state, not to mention out of the country.You have found a great resource with this site, however, and you may use it as much as you want to. Good luck, and keep us filled in.-Brian
Newbie.......
FROM: BethSUBJECT: No experience
HELLO BRIAN,I JUST FOUND OUT ABOUT THIS WEBSITE. IT SEEMS LIKE THIS WEBSITE HAS EVERYTHING . I JUST SEEN YOUR AD FOR ACTORS ON EXTRAS ON CALL. DOES YOUR COMPANY ACCEPT PEOPLE WITH NO EXPERIENCE ? PLEASE GET BACK TO ME.THANKS BETH
Hi Beth, Thanks. This web site does have a lot. Tampa Bay Independent Actor will continue to grow, with more editorials, an enhanced job board, and tons of articles. Of course, weekly mail bags such as this are archived, too, so you'll always be able to find any E-mail that we've ever posted. I'm a bit confused ont ot what ad you're referring to. We don't cast anyone, and are not an agency. "Extras on call"? Never heard of them. You might be referring to ads for auditions that are on our job board, and we aren't those companies. If you wish to be put into our ACTOR SECTION, experience is not required, as long as you send us a head shot JPEG and resume text. As an FYI, good casting directors look for talent, and not necessarily experience. We have an article on targeted self promotion and audition tactics that may help you get established, and land roles, too.-Brian
....And Established
FROM: RussellSUBJECT: Jobs
Greetings to the Independent Actors Website! My name is Russell Hess. I am an actor and voiceover artist. I have been working full time in the business for the last 5 years and have had some considerable success in film, television, stage and voiceover. Please find my resume attached as well as some other interesting tidbits! I am completely comfortable with digital blue/green screen effects as well as prosthetic makeup, squibs etc. I also do 95% of all my own stunts. Please find voice list enclosed. I do more than 40 different vocal impressions and many characterizations. I have worked on animation projects and developed voices for cartoon characters. You may recognize me as the voice of the Toys R Us "ToyFinder" TM or maybe you caught my voice connect with the Space Program!Please contact me at your convenience. Best Regards, Russell Hess
Hi Mr. Hess,Sounds like you've had quite a career. I am curious, however about whether or not you book your roles independently or through agencies. I'm guessing that you've figured out that independently is the way to go. Otherwise, you've been working with at least a half dozen agencies. Commercial work is the bread and butter of this market, theater are the vitamins, and films are the cake. Well, you know what I mean.If you would like, send us a head shot JPG and a resume, and we'll be happy to put you in our job board section. If you're looking to be cast in something, check out our JOB BOARD.-Brian
Relaxation
FROM: HankSUBJECT: Relaxing
Hi Brian,I'm wondering what you do to relax. You work a hectic schedule. You need to find a way to unwind.Hank
Lately, Hank, I've been playing Metroid Prime to relax. It's incredible, and blows away any movie. I also get into Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, which has awesome acting and a great story. Equally incredible is my girlfriend Emily, who doesn't like Metroid Prime nearly as much as I do. When she does play games, though, she loves Animal Crossing and Monkey Ball. Besides games, Emily and I make time to go out to the movies, dine, and we even go away on the weekends to camp next to a campfire.-Brian
Reverence Role
FROM: KarenSUBJECT: Roles
I would like to audition for the role of Serena Perez in Reverence. I also noticed that the role of Amanda Emerson is now available, when it was previously cast. What happened? Can I audition for that role, too?-Karen
Hi Karen,For audition audition information, you'll have to go to Dream Nine Studios' web site at DreamNineStudios.Com. We don't cast, and have nothing to do with that project. We do know, however, that the next audition is set for late January. I also know that the role of Amanda became available after the actress who was cast had other commitments conflict with her role; something about investing in hamburger instead of waiting for the steak.-Brian
Greetings and salutations! Ever since we've been promoting the crap out of Tampa Bay Independent Actor a week ago, this web site has been slammed with E-mails! That's great, but it's been a mixed bag, and some of these senders don't seem to know where they are sending E-mails to. Either that, or actors are really eager to work. Speaking of work, some of these "job" companies send us offers that are unsuitable for posting for one reason or another. I would list the specifics of a proper job post here, but since it is outlined in our Job Board section, why bother? People need to read and take the time out of their form letter campaigns to pay attention to what they are doing. Specifically targeting inquiries work much better than shotgunning the whole industry with spam. Now that I'm thinking of theJob Board, I'm happy to report that we will do what our big sister site Tampa Bay Independent Model is doing. We're going to be expanding it, with daily web searches to find the jobs to post, as well as adding tutorials on finding jobs and posting contact lists.-Brian
Distant Relative
FROM: Michele PassinaultSUBJECT: Related
Hello, I was trying to find my brothers website and I came across yours and ironically enough the founder of the company has the same last name as mine ( which is not a common last name ). Can you please forward this e-mail to Mr. Passinault regarding my request? I am wondering if we are related in some way. My boyfriend was a D.J. at a nightclub here in the area and browsing through your website, I saw that they were looking for Disc Jockeys. What kind of experience would he need to be qualified for a position? We live in Michigan and please send information of your company to my home address, because I am e-mailing from my work. Michele Passinault Midland, MI
Hello Michele,It is true that C. A. Passinault is one of our founders, and it looks like you are related to him, although by marriage and not by blood. On the Internet we are not going to go into details (security reasons, of course, but we can say that his Great Grandfather on his mother's side is John Barrymore, who is possibly one of the greatest actors of the 20th century. It also means that he's related to Drew Barrymore, for those trivia fans out there. Ironically, he inherited their talent, but none of the alcohol or drug vices; C. A. Passinault does not drink at all, and calls beer "yeast water"). The name Passinault is Canadian French, although Mr. Passinault, being German and Irish, acquired the last name as a child through marriage. As the name Passinault is becoming synonymous with quality, groundbreaking entertainment here in Florida, C. A. Passinault is the only Passinault in his entire family who is into entertainment. We've forwarded your E-mail to him.-Brian
Acting Challenge In Florida
FROM: FredSUBJECT: Challenge
Hello, My name is Fred Leksche. I live in Dunedin, Florida. I am in need of a new head shot and wondered if you could help me in this? I am interested in doing some acting in the Tampa/St.pete area.I went to school for acting at St. Pete college and was in a play called "Bus stop". I played the part of Virgil. I am currently going to school at the Asolo theater in Sarasota. I have 2 classes left. I'm looking forward to furthering my acting career some where in Florida because my childeren live in Engelwood, FL, and I visit them every other weekend. I'm excited about any next acting challenge that I come upon.I'm hoping that you can help me in this endeavor.Thanks, Fred Leksche.
Hello Fred,It is great that you are doing what you were meant to do with your life. In regards to head shots in Tampa Bay, I recommend Aurora PhotoArts, which offers high quality head shot photography and head shots specifically designed for targeted self promotion. Their prices are good, too.For more on acting challenges, check out our job board. This section will be expanded in the coming weeks. In the meantime, stick to those stage plays, as they will help you grow as an actor. In this market, movie and independent film roles are scarce, with most of the jobs being cheapo exploitative work that good actors need to stay away from. The only company in the Tampa Bay area that I could recommend would be Dream Nine Studios, found at DreamNineStudios.Com, which is currently working on several projects. First up is the two hour independent feature film called "Reverence", which will conclude casting in January and is scheduled to film the Spring and Summer of 2003. Reverence is a psychological thriller with dramatic and comedic elements, and has a well rounded line up of interesting characters. I have read the script, which was written by C. A. Passinault and Rachel Eaglin, and it is excellent. It ought to be, as it took a good year to write it. The second and third films are also casting, Rachel Eaglin's "Inducing Manic" (another great script, with a premise that you have to see to believe), and C. A. Passinault's romantic drama "Serenade". The second round of films due for production in late 2004/ early 2005 include Net Worth, Invisible Ink, Realms, and Born Beautiful.I know C. A. Passinault and know his team. Mark my words: These films will set a new standard for independent films, as the quality alone blows away any other project that I've seen. Believe it.
-Brian
British Connection
FROM: AnnetteSUBJECT: Help
Hi, I've read your site and you guys seem to know what you are talking about. I'm a UK based actress, but because of my mixed heritage I have a lot of problems getting TV work over here. I would love to be in a film and was wondering if you ever did castings in London for any of your productions?Annette Hamilton-Crooks ThirtyThree Ltd London Hello Annette,We are glad that actors are reading our articles and such, even if it is on the other side of the pond. Although you are in England, what he have on this web site is universal, and can be used just about anywhere there is commerce and marketing.What you are describing is known as typecasting, and it happens all of the time. While you did not specify what race you are or what particular look that you possess, regardless, there is always a market for what you look like (see our sister site, Tampa Bay Independent Model, for more on look type marketing). Companies have been known to rearrange roles to suit actors that their casting directors are impressed with, so work on targeted self promotion and audition techniques. We will have an article on typecasting soon, too. I'm wondering, though, is your lack of a British accent the thing that is hampering you (I'm guessing, as I've never heard you talk, but this is the only thing that I can think of that a casting director could have an issue with. I've known of actors losing roles becasue they were stuck in an accent, and could not break it)? If that's it, then a speech dialect course might help. In regards to casting projects in London, well, we are not an agency or a casting company. We don't work for the film companies that post in our job board, either, but to our knowledge all of the film companies here in Florida are too small to be doing much of anything out of state, not to mention out of the country.You have found a great resource with this site, however, and you may use it as much as you want to. Good luck, and keep us filled in.-Brian
Newbie.......
FROM: BethSUBJECT: No experience
HELLO BRIAN,I JUST FOUND OUT ABOUT THIS WEBSITE. IT SEEMS LIKE THIS WEBSITE HAS EVERYTHING . I JUST SEEN YOUR AD FOR ACTORS ON EXTRAS ON CALL. DOES YOUR COMPANY ACCEPT PEOPLE WITH NO EXPERIENCE ? PLEASE GET BACK TO ME.THANKS BETH
Hi Beth, Thanks. This web site does have a lot. Tampa Bay Independent Actor will continue to grow, with more editorials, an enhanced job board, and tons of articles. Of course, weekly mail bags such as this are archived, too, so you'll always be able to find any E-mail that we've ever posted. I'm a bit confused ont ot what ad you're referring to. We don't cast anyone, and are not an agency. "Extras on call"? Never heard of them. You might be referring to ads for auditions that are on our job board, and we aren't those companies. If you wish to be put into our ACTOR SECTION, experience is not required, as long as you send us a head shot JPEG and resume text. As an FYI, good casting directors look for talent, and not necessarily experience. We have an article on targeted self promotion and audition tactics that may help you get established, and land roles, too.-Brian
....And Established
FROM: RussellSUBJECT: Jobs
Greetings to the Independent Actors Website! My name is Russell Hess. I am an actor and voiceover artist. I have been working full time in the business for the last 5 years and have had some considerable success in film, television, stage and voiceover. Please find my resume attached as well as some other interesting tidbits! I am completely comfortable with digital blue/green screen effects as well as prosthetic makeup, squibs etc. I also do 95% of all my own stunts. Please find voice list enclosed. I do more than 40 different vocal impressions and many characterizations. I have worked on animation projects and developed voices for cartoon characters. You may recognize me as the voice of the Toys R Us "ToyFinder" TM or maybe you caught my voice connect with the Space Program!Please contact me at your convenience. Best Regards, Russell Hess
Hi Mr. Hess,Sounds like you've had quite a career. I am curious, however about whether or not you book your roles independently or through agencies. I'm guessing that you've figured out that independently is the way to go. Otherwise, you've been working with at least a half dozen agencies. Commercial work is the bread and butter of this market, theater are the vitamins, and films are the cake. Well, you know what I mean.If you would like, send us a head shot JPG and a resume, and we'll be happy to put you in our job board section. If you're looking to be cast in something, check out our JOB BOARD.-Brian
Relaxation
FROM: HankSUBJECT: Relaxing
Hi Brian,I'm wondering what you do to relax. You work a hectic schedule. You need to find a way to unwind.Hank
Lately, Hank, I've been playing Metroid Prime to relax. It's incredible, and blows away any movie. I also get into Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, which has awesome acting and a great story. Equally incredible is my girlfriend Emily, who doesn't like Metroid Prime nearly as much as I do. When she does play games, though, she loves Animal Crossing and Monkey Ball. Besides games, Emily and I make time to go out to the movies, dine, and we even go away on the weekends to camp next to a campfire.-Brian
Reverence Role
FROM: KarenSUBJECT: Roles
I would like to audition for the role of Serena Perez in Reverence. I also noticed that the role of Amanda Emerson is now available, when it was previously cast. What happened? Can I audition for that role, too?-Karen
Hi Karen,For audition audition information, you'll have to go to Dream Nine Studios' web site at DreamNineStudios.Com. We don't cast, and have nothing to do with that project. We do know, however, that the next audition is set for late January. I also know that the role of Amanda became available after the actress who was cast had other commitments conflict with her role; something about investing in hamburger instead of waiting for the steak.-Brian
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