Pray for Christians in the Entertainment Industry

Here is an excerpt from a post I just read on Actors Access (a reputable website that posts legitimate auditions):

DRIVING ME CRAZY Reality TV Non-Union Pilot Pay Rate: meals, transportation, and copy of the final demo.
The development department at Vinnie Kralyevich’s new production company Pipeline 39 is casting for a new hybrid Scripted/Reality TV show demo. We are seeking actors (preferably with improv experience) for the following roles:

[ HUSBAND 1 ] (Male: age 21 - 40) Just had a planned threesome with his wife, but showed too much interest in the third wheel, and is now in hot water. [ WIFE 1 ] (Female: age 21 - 40) Just had a planned threesome with her husband, but is upset by her husband's overt interest in third wheel. [ MALE ESCORT ] (Male: age 21 - 40) A veteran in the male escort business, on his way to visit an elderly female client.

Last month I received an invitation to the Lehigh Valley Prayer Breakfast. I was skeptical as to what it would be like and if it would be more political than spiritual in nature. I must admit that I was encouraged and blessed by the entire morning.

At one point during the morning, we spent time praying aloud at our tables. The prayer time was broken into four sessions, one of which was a time to specifically pray for the arts and entertainment industry. Our table prayed for Christians who are already involved in the arts to remain strong and continue to let their lights shine in their respective vocations, as well as for more positive role models to be raised up, and more quality film and television programming to be produced.

After reading the above audition notice, it is clear to me that we need to continue to pray for this industry. Pray that people will not support such programming and it will be replaced with shows more glorifying in nature. Believe it or not, it is not impossible (Luke 1:37 says it, right?!) Just take a look at a clip from this new internet show that I believe can have a positive impact in our lives and in our society.

See Missions In Action for additional episodes.

So, continue to pray, protect you heart and mind as you make daily decisions as what to watch, read and listen to, and be blessed.

Tiffany

To God Be The Glory

As I was writing a submission for a guestpost on www.lisawhittle.com, I was reminded of the importance of glorifying God in everything I do, and that includes blogging. It is my desire to more consciously integrate my faith into my blog, as well as represent Him well in my endeavors in the entertainment industry.

 

Having said that, here is a thought for today...

My 9 year-old son is a model. Right now he can be seen in the Estee Lauder Beautiful print and tv ads. I get lots of questions as to how he got started, and the truth of the matter is he initially got started because I am an entertainer at heart. But over the past few years, it is clear to me that his success in the industry has little to do with me and all to do with God.

Right off the bat, let’s be honest and call a spade a spade; the modeling industry is all about looks. 1 Samuel 16:7 says "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." (NIV)

It has been my experience, and culture supports the fact, that  many people in the modeling world have holes in their lives; holes that they are hoping to fill with things like fame, fortune, and affection to name a few. But even those who find that fame and fortune, are surprised to find they still have an emptiness in their lives. 

Jesus is the only one who is going to fill that void and truly make us whole. This world’s definition of beauty will always leave me feeling inadequate, and that is why I must look to Him for the truth. So, as God continues to provide Will with opportunities in this field, it is my prayer that we utilize them to glorify Him.

Our Connection to the VW Darth Vader SUPER Super Bowl Commercial!

By now I'm sure you have seen or heard about this commercial that aired last night during the Super Bowl:
VW Superbowl Commercial

I actually watched it February 3 because the production company (Park Pictures) posted it on Facebook and it was not only Park Pictures who produced, but Lance Acord, the director for the commercial who also directed Will for the Estee Lauder Beautiful commercial!
Will's Estee Lauder Commercial

Just a neat connection, in my mind.

Getting Started on a Shoestring Budget

I just got this question from a friend of mine, "How would I get [my children] started [in modeling]? I don't work, so we don't have a lot of money to put into it. Thanks for any advice."
Can models and actors get started without putting a lot of money out up front? Absolutely! In fact, if anyone asks you for money to get you started, please go elsewhere. Most likely, it is a scam. Having said that, there are some agencies that also have classes (which you do pay for) to teach you the basics. I must admit some people really do need this. But realize there are many people who go through the classes and do not get any work after that, and there are also many people who do not do classes and get a lot of work. I just saw an email from Kathy Wickline Casting in Philadelphia who is offering a 1 hour basic class on 2/19/2011 entitled The Acting Basics - Getting Started .
For $25, it would be worth your time.

So, to even get an agent, what do I need you might ask?
Answer: Great pictures.
But isn't a professional photographer expensive?
Answer: Yes, they can be but you may not need a professional photograph right away and there are some other, lesser known possibilities you may not be aware of.

My son, Will is a great example. I paid to have some photographs done locally but when we met with the agency in NY they wanted us to go out in our backyard and shoot some digital shots of our own. They picked the ones they liked and I had 50 5x7 prints made. That is what we used to get started:

Finally, some photographers do what they call "test shoots".  In most cases the models do not get paid BUT (and this is a big but) they usually get the photographs for free. This is a fantastic way to build a portfolio. In fact Will, Zach and I all recently modeled for a photography seminar in Bethlehem, PA. We were not paid, but look at some of the fabulous photos we got (some to use for their portfolios and some as cherised keepsakes for me!)

Looking for more information on photographers in the Lehigh Valley? Feel free to email me for suggestions.

Blessings,
Tiffany

It's a Job, Just Like Anything Else

As I was pondering what topic to tackle for this post, it just struck me...I honestly didn't want to write at all. I have been playing Angry Birds on the Ipad and I would much rather continue to do so on this icy, snow day.

SO, what I'd like to address is the question of whether or not modeling and acting is a full-time job. In my opinion, the answer is unequivically yes. Although the actual work, the majority of the time is sporadic, it is your "job" to be promoting yourself at all times. For example, I took some time this morning and created a Facebook Fan Page.
Here are some ideas of what else you can be doing:

• Research agencies online who you can submit your pictures to
• Find out when the agencies are holding open calls and attend them
• Research photographer websites and portfolios to get ideas of what you like in a headshot
• Read acting blogs to get a sense of what you can expect

Finally, for those of you who are working, how about sitting down and working on your taxes? Most actors and models are considered independent contractors and as such need to keep detailed records of their earnings and expenses. Yes, even my 8-year old has to pay taxes. That being said, I am off to work on them...

My Beginning Blog...and some basics

So I have been saying I am going to start a blog for some time now. Well, here goes...bear with me!

Over the past few years I have been getting more and more inquiries from parents as to how to get their children into the all-so-fascinating worlds of acting and modeling. My oldest son Will (age 8) has only been working in "the biz" for three years now, but has modeled for the likes of J. Crew, Boden, Macy's and Brooks Brothers to name a few. He also can be seen in the current Estee Lauder Beautiful perfume campaign (print and television).

What many of you may not know is that I, too have been working as a professional actress for over 15 years now. Although I did a few print ads (remember when Jr. Colony and Fashion Colony were around? I modeled for them with Elaine Irwin who went on to be a famous Victoria's Secret model, marry, and recently divorce John Mellencamp, and now stars in the Almay cosmetics ads among other things!), I primarily was involved in live theater, and local/regional commercials.

So, as a first post I thought I would start with the basics.
Q: Can someone who does not live in NY or LA even have a successful modeling or acting career you might wonder?
A: Absolutely. But remember, even actors who live in NY and LA usually are not able to make a living solely on their entertainment wages. According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics website, "Annual wage data for actors were not available because of the wide variation in the number of hours worked by actors and the short-term nature of many jobs, which may last for 1 day or 1 week; it is extremely rare for actors to have guaranteed employment that exceeds 3 to 6 months." NYC and LA are considered major markets, but plenty of work happens regionally as well. For me, in addition to being represented locally by Image International (http://www.imageintl.com/), I am also with The Bowman Agency in Lancaster PA (http://www.thebowmanagency.com/) and Greer Lange outside Philadelphia (http://www.greerlange.com/) Will is also represented by MMA (http://www.mmaagency.com/). Working locally, then regionally is the best way to get acclamated to the industry, and the local agents often have connections to the bigger city agencies. Will is a perfect example...It was Image International that introduced Will to Generation (http://www.generationmm.com/) in NY and it has been through Generation that Will has booked the majority of his jobs.

I'd love to know what specific questions you might have...feel free to email them to me and I'll answer one in my next post.

Blessings,
Tiffany