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
