Archive for the ‘SAG’ category

More Thoughts on SAG vs SAGe / What Does Your Resume Say?

July 24th, 2010

Check out this animated video I created on the Xtranormal site and let me know what you think about actors who put SAGe on their resumes? Is it right? Is it ethical? Is it even legal? DISCLAIMER: No one at Screen Actors Guild participated in the creation of this video. This video was created by one SAG member, me. So if you don’t like what the video has to say, blame me not Screen Actors Guild. Got it?

Austin Actors Conservatory Script to Screen Casting

April 26th, 2010

Austin Actor Conservatory Members,

We are currently casting for our next Script to Screen production. Please review the following breakdowns for BOTH pilots.

Actors for consideration YOU MUST BE A PAID-UP SAG/AFTRA MEMBER. Please submit your headshot and resume and the role(s) you are interested in to  sheila.cooper at sag.org.

Participation requires a commitment of one performance held at on Sunday, JUNE 6, 2010 and 2 rehearsals on Saturdays, MAY 15 and MAY 22, all in Austin. This is a live performed read by professional actors BEFORE INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS. DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS MAY 7, 2010. AUDITIONS BY APPT ONLY ON SATURDAY MAY 8, 2010 OR BY VIRTUAL AUDITION. (ask for details when submitting)
——————————————————————————————

AUSTIN ACTORS CONSERVATORY
SCRIPT TO SCREEN TEAM CASTING FOR “JAKEVILLE, USA”

JAKEVILLE, USA by Jamie Preyer, is a television series pilot. Country Music Legend, Jake Wilson, opens up his place to the reality show “World’s Greatest Stuntman” and all that comes with it.

CAST BREAKDOWN

JAKE WILSON – 50-60, Male, Famous Music Legend. Think Willie Nelson complete with pony tail and beard.

HARPER WILSON – 30’s, Female, daughter to the Jake Wilson, Business professional and stunningly beautiful.

RYAN BAINES – early 20’s, Male, Jake’s Nephew. Fun loving, all American guy

CHRIS JOHNS– 30’s, Male, Tall, handsome, Cowboy type (New York accept a plus)

BEN HAYGOOD – late 20’s, Male, thin, frailer Cowboy

LARRY PRIDE – 30s, Male, TV Producer

EUGENE – 60’s, Male, homeless man that Jack has taken under his wing

VICKY JOY – 30’s, Female, Country comedian with a body like Dolly Parton and a sense of humor like Minnie Pearl

JOSH HURLEY – 30’s Male, TV show host

HONDO – 50’s, Male, Jake’s long time friend and tour bus Driver

NARRATOR (reads all narration and set ups)

COWBOY #1 and COWBOY #2
FEMALE CREW MEMBER #1, #2 – 18-30’s, Female twins
COWGIRL CONTESTANT
CAMERA MAN – No lines but a lot of action
PRODUCER voice over

—————————————————————————————-
AUSTIN ACTORS CONSERVATORY
SCRIPT TO SCREEN TEAM CASTING FOR “TWILIGHT NATION”

TWILIGHT NATION by Philip Daay and Chris Engen, is a television series pilot. Set in the old west, William must choose how he will live his life and after life with the guidance of others.

CAST BREAKDOWN

WILLIAM MITCHELL – 50’s, Male, Gruff Cowboy
GAIL MITCHELL – 40’s, Female, William’s wife
JAKE MITCHELL – 20’s, Male, William’s Son
SHERIFF – 50’s, Male
NORMAN FLANNERY – 40’s, Male, Upscale businessman
BLACK KETTLE – late 50’s, Male, Native American
COMM. ALBERT BOONE – 40’s, Male, politician
MAJOR JOHN SEDGWICK – 40’s, Male
SHANE HARLAN 30’s, Male, Gunfighter
KANATI – 60’s, Male, Native American Elder
RAZIELLE – 20’s, Female, Red-haired beauty gunslinger
EVENGELINE – 40’s, Female, Blond bar owner in a buxom dress
DAIMON – 30’s, Male, Native American
NARRATOR – Reads all narration and set ups
TOWNSMAN #1, 30’s, Male
TOWNSWOMAN #1, 30’s, Female
TOWNSWOMAN #2, 30’s, Female
TOWNSWOMAN #3, 30’s, Female
CHEROKEE FEMALE – 20’s, Female
CHEROKEE CORPSES – 40’s , Male, Native American in a dream sequence.
MESSENGER RIDER – 20’s, Male
UNION SUPPORTS – 30’s, Male
CONFEDERATE SUPPORTER – 30’s, Male

We look forward to your submissions!

Sincerely,
Austin Actors Conservatory


Austin Actors Conservatory
c/o Screen Actors Guild
15950 Dallas Parkway, Suite 400
Dallas, TX 75248
(800) 724-0767, ext. 7 or (972) 361-8185

Texas Film Production – SAG Signatory Films

March 14th, 2010

With SXSW in full swing, I’ll take this opportunity to publish a recent list of current and future film productions slated for Texas.

The following is a list of POSSIBLE SAG signatory productions that are either already shooting or are considering production in Texas. Keep in mind that some productions begin the signatory process but don’t follow through, so before agreeing to participate in any film production, verify its signatory status with SAG. Check www.sag.org for online verification or to locate the appropriate phone contact number.

The start dates as listed below are not set in stone. For instance, the ULB (Ultra Low Budget) film, NATURAL SELECTION, has pushed back their start date to at least March 22, apparently due to the availability of their lead actress. Actual start dates of other productions may likely vary from the stated dates as well.

If you see something you’re interested in pursuing, be smart. The best method is to work through your agent. If you don’t have an agent or for some other reason don’t want to work through your present agent, be very careful about contacting production sources. Always be professional and to the point in any emails. Avoid phone calls to the production office, if the number is listed. Don’t get yourself put on someone’s ‘always ignore’ list.

This list is being published as a service to the Texas actors community. Use the information below wisely.

The list:

“Benavides Born” – 00257737
SDB, LLC – Low Budget
Location: San Diego/Benavides, TX
Start Date: March 15, 2010
Casting: Toni Cobb Brock/Sally Allen

“Beyond the Farthest Star” – 00233502
Pathlight Entertainment, LLC – Low Budget Modified
Location: Dallas/Ft Worth, TX
Start Date: March 15, 2010
Casting: Karen Armstrong

“Cash’n In” – 00256261
Lisa Norcia – Low Budget
Location: Dallas/Waco, TX
Start Date: To be determined

“Cherry Bomb” – 00246793
Strike Anywhere Productions, LLC – Ultra Low Budget
Location: Austin, TX
Start Date: To be determined
Casting: Garrett Hargrove at  contact at cherrybombfilm.com

“Cowgirl Chicks, The” – 00248526
Rodeo Films, LLC – Low Budget Modified
Location: Ft. Worth, TX
Start Date: March 2010
Casting: Judy Belshe-Toernblom, Los Angeles

“Friday Night Lights” – 00246956
NBC Studios, Inc.
Start Date: September 2009
Location: Austin, TX
Casting: Beth Sepko at  info at bethsepkocasting.com

“Limited Engagement” – 00252416
Rodeo Pictures, LLC – Low Budget
Start Date: Late April, 2010
Location: Tyler/Dallas, TX

“Mortal Vampire, The” – 00256260
E. W. Bradfute – Low Budget
Start Date: To be determined
Location: San Antonio, TX

“Natural Selection” – 00228417
Windar Productions, LLC – Ultra Low Budget
Location: Smithville, TX
Start Date: March 15, 2010
Casting: Karen Halford (TX), Meg Morman/Sunny Boling (L.A.)

“September Morning” – 00254521
Doki-Doki Productions, LLC – Low Budget Modified
Location: Texas and California, unspecified
Start Date: To be determined
Casting: Jacqueline Rush Rivera at  submit at chriseska.com

“Ten Days in County” – 00252746
Real Men Productions – Theatrical
Location: Houston, TX
Start Date: To be determined

“Theory” – 00258132
Aqua Foxx Productions, LLC – Internet/New Media
Location: Houston, TX
Start Date: March 23, 2010
Casting:  TheoryPilot at gmail.com

“True Grit” – 00257202
DW Studios Productions, LLC – Theatrical
Location: Austin, TX., Santa Fe, NM
Start date: March 15, 2010
Casting: Debbie DeLisi at  texascasting2010 at gmail.com

“Under the Western Sun”
Zobest Pictures
Start Date: April 13, 2010
Location: Austin/Smithville, TX

WHAT’S ALL THE FUSS ABOUT NEW MEDIA

March 9th, 2010

SAG Armadillo Day Poster

SAG Armadillo Day Poster


I’ll be moderating the panel at the event below on Saturday. Please join us and find out how you – Actor, Director, Producer can work with SAG in the rapidly emerging new media arena.

@ THE CROSSROADS OF NEW MEDIA

Saturday: March 13, 2010
Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Venue: 219 West
219 West 4th Street
Austin, Texas

Join new media gurus Mike Prasad, Co-Founder and CEO of GirlGamer.com; Mark Friedlander, SAG National Director of New Media; and Will Marshall, SAG iActor online casting coordinator for a compelling look at the phenomenal growth in new media production and distribution.

FREE and open to the public.

Seating is limited: RSVP to Sheila Cooper at  sheila.cooper at sag.org or (800) 724-0767, option 7 or (972) 361-8185 by March 10.

JOURNEY OF THE WORKING ACTOR – SAG LIFERAFT

February 6th, 2010

Tuesday, February 9th
LifeRaft Live Stream presents

JOURNEY OF THE WORKING ACTOR

Screen Actors Guild Foundation and Screen Actors Guild are delighted to continue offering innovative “business of acting” seminars to Guild members across the nation at no charge, via live video stream on the Internet!

LifeRaft Live Stream allows you to participate online and submit questions to panelists every Tuesday, 6-8pm (PT) through April 27, 2010. To learn more about the program, view the current 2010 LifeRaft Live Stream schedule and to participate in these events online, simply visit the SAG Foundation LifeRaft Live Stream show page at www.sagfoundation.org All LifeRaft Live Stream events are available for later viewing here as well.

The next LifeRaft Live Stream event is:

Journey of the Working Actor
6-8 p.m. (PT), Tuesday, February 9

Join accomplished Los Angeles actor/author Michael Bofshever  www.michaelbofshever.com), along with his stellar panel of familiar-faced working actors, as he discusses a variety of questions pertaining to the many aspects of what it takes to succeed and live the life of a working actor. Topics to be addressed include the Foundation to Having a Career, Audition Know How, Life on Set, Agents and Managers, and the Art of Perseverance.

Michael has taken “Journey of the Working Actor” to over half the SAG branches across the nation and has garnered wonderful feedback – now, LifeRaft Live Stream is happy to share his professional insights with Guild members everywhere.

Guild members who wish to attend LifeRaft seminars in person may visit www.sagfoundation.org to register for seating at the events held at:

SAG Foundation Actors Center
5757 Wilshire Blvd., Mezzanine Level
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(parking will be validated)

Celebrating its 25th Anniversary in 2010, the SAG Foundation is proud to assist, educate and inspire SAG members in their careers, lives and communities. See you online!

Please note: If you are receiving multiple SAG Foundation notices you may have indicated a preference for more than one Foundation email region list. You may review and adjust this option at any time by logging into www.sagfoundation.org and viewing the “Email Notices” setting on your User Account page.

The Real Deal on Actor Reels from SAG

January 31st, 2010

This is an excellent video from the SAG Foundation LifeRaft series that was originally available only to SAG members. Whether you’re putting together your first actor reel or getting ready to re-edit and add your latest credits, there is information here for you. Top industry guests including casting directory Gary Zuckerbrod and highly sought after editor Wayne Rawley of Secret Handshake Entertainment tell what they’re looking for in a demo reel and offer sage advice on how to avoid the most common pitfalls.

Dirty Bomb Diaries -Interview with the Creators

November 8th, 2009

Still from Web.Files interview with creators of BMB: Dirty Bomb Diaries

Still from Web.Files interview with creators of BMB: Dirty Bomb Diaries

Web Files’ host, Kristyn Burtt, interviews Sean Hinchey and Eric Tozzi, whose web series, Dirty Bomb Diaries, has gone where few series have gone before—into the millions-of-hits category. Like open books, they reveal the secrets to their success..
rai_1_TR

We’re at the beginning of a new age of ‘television’ and ‘film’ production and distribution. Some of the old models of content delivery are getting some competition and some are likely to fade altogether. For actors and all creatives this new model offers some great opportunities. No longer will it be absolutely necessary to live in one of the major markets in order to work in and hopefully, make a living in, ‘the business’. Take a look at this interview, check out some of the episodes of this and other web series on strike.tv or your favorite distribution channel.

ABC series ‘The Deep End’ films in Dallas

November 8th, 2009

Proposed ABC series ‘The Deep End’ films in Dallas | Dallas-Fort Worth Entertainment News and Events | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News

Posted using ShareThis

Austin Conservatory, SAG Script to Screen Team presents Returning Champion Film Script

August 28th, 2009

I’ll be serving as the narrator for the latest SAG AFTRA Script to Screen presentation this weekend by the Austin Conservatory. Here’s an announcement from Conservatory Chair, Pamela Weaver:

We could use your support in attending our next script to screen this
Sunday. As an experiment this time around, we are using audio and visual
cues:

SAG Script to Screen Team presents Returning Champion Film Script

TV Writers Michele Gendelman and Ursula Ziegler test the film waters

The Austin Script to Screen Team presents a LIVE film script reading
event with Michele Gendelman and Ursula Ziegler’s Returning Champion.

The general public is invited to join actors, writers, producers,
directors, and film aficionados at 4 p.m. Sunday, August 30, at St.
Edwards University Jones Hall, 3001 S. Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas.

Admission is free.

Returning Champion is an off the wall comedy about a college freshman
who is booted out of school and has to move back home to his has-been
game-show host parents. The only way out of answering relentless trivia
questions and guessing which door breakfast is behind is to get his
out-of work parents back on the air.

An ever-growing independent film market has enticed these two TV writing
pros to submit Returning Champion to area investors, directors and
producers.

Michele Gendelman has written for TV shows: Newhart and
Facts of Life and is the author of What the Other Mothers Know
published by HarperCollins and contributor to What Was I Thinking? -
Bad Boyfriend Stories from St. Martin’s Press.

Ursula Ziegler has written and produced TV’s Empty Nest and also written for Head of the
Class, Sister-Sister, and Larroquette. She has developed TV pilots
for CBS, Fox and Castle Rock when not appearing as a contestant on TV
game shows.

Where: Jones Hall in the Ragsdale Center, St. Edwards University

When: Sunday, August 30 – 4 p.m.

How Much: Free

Texas Tax Incentives Light Fire Under Film Production Slate

July 30th, 2009

Early signs that the recently improved Texas tax incentive program may be working are quite positive. Below is a list of POSSIBLE productions coming to Texas and for contrast, Louisiana. The productions listed may not all work out but all have inquired about becoming SAG signatory productions. The volume of production in Texas is up considerably with 22 projects listed. Those projects include more FRIDAY NIGH LIGHTS episodes to be shot in Austin. I did not see Garry Brown’s new series which is supposed to begin shooting in Dallas. Robert Rodriguez’ production of Machete is already underway. While the majority of the listed Texas productions are in the low budget categories, it’s very encouraging to see a number of films in the ‘theatrical’ category as well.

Texas


“Beyond the Farthest Star”
– 00233502

Pathlight Entertainment, LLC – Low Budget

Location: Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX

Start Date: October 1, 2009

“Breaking the Press” - #00246726

Pumpkin Seed, LLC – Ultra Low Budget

Location: Dallas, TX

Start Date: August 3, 2009

“Cherry Bomb” – 00246793

Strike Anywhere Productions, LLC – Ultra Low Budget

Location: Austin, TX

Start Date: September 16, 2009

Casting: Garrett Hargrove;  contact at cherrybombfilm.com

“Cowboy and Lucky” – 00247361

Red C Entertainment – Ultra Low Budget

Location: Waco, TX

Start Date: To be determined

Casting:  info at redctelevision.com

Epic – Low Budget

Start Date: September 2009

Location: Texas, Mexico (city not specified)

Casting:  epicmotionpicture at gmail.com

“Friday Night Lights” - #00246956

NBC Studios, Inc.

Start Date: 9/2/09

Location: Austin, TX

Casting: Beth Sepko  info at bethsepkocasting.com


“God Save the Red, Black and Blonde”
– #00246098

Ordered Productions – Ultra Low Budget

Location: Austin, TX

Start Date: To be determined

Casting: Dan Jimenez;  daj5757 at gmail.com

“Imago” – #00244751

Upstart Filmworks, LLC – Ultra Low Budget

Location: Houston, TX

Start Date: August 1, 2009


“Jacob’s Edge”
- #00246799

Long Distance Freestyle, LLC – Theatrical

Location: Dallas, TX; L.A. CA; Georgia

Start Date: September 15, 2009

Casting: Nick Anderson 310-422-5856


“Letter H, The”
– #00233247

GCP Film, LLC – Theatrical

Location: Houston/El Paso, TX

Start Date: September 3, 2009

Casting: Rodney Acevedo  racevedo at gutcheckproductions.com

“Machete” - #00246735

Machete’s Chop Shop, Inc – Theatrical

Location: Austin, TX

Start Date: July 29, 2009

Casting: Sonny Solomon  distraughtsound at wmconnect.com

“Minority Western” - #220674

FAD Productions – Ultra Low Budget

Locations: AZ & Dallas, TX

Start Date: December 2009

Casting Hernandez Agency 213-440-6288

“One Moon in Luck” aka “Shoot Out of Luck” – #00244805

Liz Destro – Theatrical

Location: Austin, TX

Start Date: October 1, 2009

“Player’s School” – #00238898

Nexus Entertainment and Greg Carter – Ultra Low Budget

Location: Houston, TX

Start Date: To be determined

“Pros and Cons” – #00246100

Going Bats Entertainment – Ultra Low Budget

Start Date: September 1, 2009

Casting: Scott Ross 972-877-6757

 stross at goingbats.com

“Rising Stars” – 00245871

Modern Verge, LLC – Ultra Low Budget

Location: Fort Forth, TX

Start Date: August 10, 2009

“Sodom: The Armageddon Prophecy” – #00246974

Trinity Films, LLC – Low Budget Modified

Location: Austin, TX

Start Date: To be determined

Casting: Michelle Millette;  douglasthemovie at yahoo.com

“Under the Influence – #00238358

Just Make it Happen – LLC

Location: Little Rock, AK;

Start Date: August 24, 2009


“Up & Down”
– 00236412

Potion Pictures – Ultra Low Budget

Start Date: 8/28/09

Location: Houston, TX

Casting: Johnette Duff  johnetteduff at aol.com

“Wilderness” – #00247393
Wilderness LLC – Modified Low Budget

Location: Central Texas

Start Date: August 17, 2009

Casting: Javier Bonafont –  WildernessFilm at gmail.com

Louisiana

“Battle Los Angeles” – 002458852

Battle Productions, LLC

Location: Louisiana

Start Date: September 10, 2009

Casting: Fincannon Casting

“Dead Whisper” - #00231285

Dead Whisper Productions – Theatrical

Location: New Orleans, LA; Big Bear, CA

Start Date: To be determined


“Hurting Kind, The”
- #00244310

TNC Shreveport, LLC – Low Budget Modified

Location: Shreveport, LA

Start Date: To be determined


“Snatched”
– 00247070

Film Flam Productions, LLC

Location: New Orleans, LA

Start Date: To be determined

“Somnambulist” – #00247071

TST Productions, LLC – Low Budget Modified

Location: New Orleans, LA

Start Date: To be determined

“Straw Dogs” – #00247196

Straw Dog Louisiana, LLC – Theatrical

Location: Shreveport, LA

Start Date: August 17, 2009