BackStageMom

The Verge: Chloe Moretz

admin — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:54:19 +0000

In her role as Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s little sister in (500) Days of Summer, the joke was that Chloë Moretz is wise beyond her years. We’d all better get used to it. The 13-year-old actress has lined up a series of challenging, mature parts over the next several months: She’ll first be seen as the ultraviolent Hit Girl in Matthew Vaughn’s Kick-Ass, then star as a child vampire in Let Me In (a remake of the recent Swedish sleeper Let the Right One In). In between, a more G-rated audience might catch Moretz in Diary of a Wimpy Kid, though the actress herself is no pushover.

As Moretz prepares for the release of the already controversial Kick-Ass, she talked to Movieline about her suddenly high-gear career.

You so often get cast as these young characters who are mature for their age. Do you feel that way in real life?
In real life, when I’m around my friends and family, I’m basically like a three-year-old. [Laughs] When I’m on set, I’m “Actor Chloë,” but when they say, “Cut,” I turn into a three-year-old. Read More

‘Second Position’ TV Casting on the Rise

admin — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:16:29 +0000

Casting actors in “second position” on pilots has been on the rise during the past few years.

The process — in which actors in on-air series are cast in pilots — also has become increasingly aggressive, with broadcast networks even going after actors whose shows have not yet premiered.

This pilot season, Kyle Bornheimer and Alyssa Milano, stars of ABC’s upcoming comedy series “Romantically Challenged,” and Tyler Labine, star of Fox’s upcoming comedy series “Sons of Tucson,” were pursued for pilots. After fielding several offers, Bornheimer signed on as the lead in CBS’ hot comedy pilot from “How I Met Your Mother” creators Carter Bays and Craig Thomas.

Overall, more than a dozen actors on existing series already have been cast in pilots this year.

Casting executive Marc Hirschfeld, who cast one of them — “Numbers” star Rob Morrow, in ABC’s drama pilot “The Whole Truth” — is not surprised.

“I think this is probably the most competitive pilot season in about eight years,” he said, pointing to the number of broadcast pilots (83) and increased competition from original series on cable.

Casting already-committed actors has gone on for years, focused primarily on talent from “bubble” shows, but increased competition in the past couple of years has been driving the number of second-position pilot castings up. Read More

Emily Rose Everhard joins ‘How to Be a Better American’

admin — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 03:57:19 +0000

HOW TO BE A BETTER AMERICAN (ABC) - Emily Rose Everhard (”Jack and the Beanstalk”) has joined the cast of the comedy pilot, about a father (Jason Jones) who embarks on a journey to be a better person and drags his family kicking and screaming along. She’s believed to be playing Lola, the man’s prickly daughter who “has purple lipstick, straight jet black hair over her eyes and purple and black striped stockings.” Johnny Sneed and Missi Pyle co-star in the ABC Studios-based half-hour, which has tapped Adam Bernstein (”Worst Week”) as director. Brian Bradley and Steven Cragg are the co-creators.

The Verge: Alice Eve

admin — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 14:35:03 +0000

In the new film She’s Out of My League, actress Alice Eve’s looks are evaluated on a ten-point scale, and they almost break the system. Certainly, Eve is a blond bombshell in the Christie Brinkley mold, but there’s more to her than just that; for starters, the 28-year-old actress has a lovely British accent in real life (and among Brits attempting to emulate a sun-kissed blonde aesthetic, she’s unique in her ability to not resemble an orange gorgon). She plays American in League, and she’ll play Irish in the upcoming Sex and the City 2, where her pretty nanny has the potential to play spoiler in Charlotte’s marriage.

So how does Eve feel about her coronation as one of the most beautiful starlets in Hollywood? Conflicted, as she told Movieline.

I first saw you in Starter for Ten playing James McAvoy’s dream girl, and now in She’s Out of My League, you play Jay Baruchel’s dream girl. Do you enjoy that sort of typecasting, or does it make you feel a little self-conscious? Read More

Anna Maria Perez de Tagle: ElleGirl Model Search Spokesperson!

admin — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 03:38:10 +0000

Anna Maria Perez de Tagle is the new face of ELLEgirl’s Model Search!

Do you think you have what it takes? Here’s how you can enter to win the grand prize which includes a contract with top NYC modeling agency and a walk-on role in feature film, Admissions, starring Meg Ryan and Kevin Bacon:

You never know when you can get discovered. Get Started.

Get insider modeling tips and advice from our panel of Model & Talent Agent Professionals, gain insight from a fashion community. Access national casting calls, get industry exposure, free promotions and giveaways from brand partnerships such as Invisalign™, Cutler™, Modern Salon™ and more.

Look Out For Matt Dallas in ‘Beauty and the Briefcase’

admin — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 00:38:00 +0000

Matthew Joseph Dallas was born on October 21, 1982 in Phoenix, Arizona. Matt is the oldest with 3 younger brothers. Ever since the age of 12, Matt wanted to become an actor. After his high school graduation, when he was 18 years old, he moved to Los Angeles. Matt got his big break after 5 years in LA, when he got the lead role as Kyle from Kyle XY.

Matt’s film credits include Way of the Vampire, Camp Daze, The Indian, and Babysitter Wanted.

Matt’s TV credits include a guest-starring role for an episode of Entourage. Matt is the title character and lead for Kyle XY.

In Matt’s spare time he enjoys going to the movies, camping, skiing, and hanging out with his friends.

Megan Boone to Star in CW Drama

admin — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 17:09:47 +0000

Megan Boone has landed the central role in the CW’s untitled Amy Holden James drama pilot, with Sarah Jones and Tasso Feldman also set for lead roles.

Additionally, Ben Lawson is in talks to star opposite Sarah Chalke in ABC comedy pilot “Freshmen”; Sarah Roemer and Scott Patterson have been added to NBC drama pilot “The Event”; “The Office” alum David Denman will co-star opposite Nelson Franklin in Fox comedy pilot “Traffic Light”; Kelly Hu has boarded CBS’ drama pilot “The Odds”; and John Carroll Lynch, Windell Middlebrooks and Geoffrey Arend have been cast in ABC’s drama pilot “Body of Evidence.”

CW’s untitled Holden James drama, co-exec produced by Hayden Panettiere, revolves around the freshmen class at Harvard Medical School and centers on Nell (Boone), a first-year HMS student intimidated by her new surroundings. Jones (”Sons of Anarchy”), repped by Greene & Associates and Luber/Rocklin, will play another freshman, a super-rich aspiring surgeon. Feldman, repped by Don Buchwald and Jackson-Medavoy, will play an arrogant first-year student.
Boone is with Gersh and D/F Management. Read More

Backstagemom recommends Robin Lorraine Photography

admin — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 17:03:03 +0000

Backstagemom Exclusive Interview with Photographer Robin Lorraine

admin — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 17:02:29 +0000

Backstagemom got a chance to visit with photographer and mother of two successful child actors, Robin Lorraine. She shares her insight on what agents and managers look for in a headshot and gives us tips on how to get the most out of your child’s photo session.

Backstagemom: How did you get your start in photography?

Robin Lorraine: Once my son was born I went crazy taking pictures of him. Then his sister was born and he finally got a break! After seeing some of my work, friends began asking to hire me. Shortly after, things snowballed. About the same time my son started acting, so he became my first headshot client.

BSM: What do you enjoy the most about working with kids?

RL: I love their natural beauty, their playfulness and that they want to have fun–they don’t get too serious about things.

BSM: How do you put the child at ease in order to bring out their personality?

RL: I’m interested in them and I give them freedom to be themselves. I never limit the time and try to keep it playful. Often I let them do whatever they want for the camera & many times that’s when we get their best stuff.

BSM: What do you recommend parents bring with them to the photo shoot?

RL: Bring a large selection of wardrobe, hair products and chapstick/lipgloss. We don’t use props, but you can create character looks with wardrobe choices that slightly hint at that type. For example a 13 year old boy may be photographed as a skater dude, a geeky type, an all-american boy next door or as the bully or tough kid. Of course we are mostly going to get that in his expressions, but the wardrobe can very slightly suggest this. With the ease of posting photos online, agents and managers are using additional looks and personality shots in addition to the main headshot, so having a good assortment of wardrobe is important.

BSM: What can a parent do at home to prepare the child or teen for the photo shoot?

RL: One important thing is not to give them direction on how to smile and pose. You can suggest they practice different faces & emotions in front of the mirror, just don’t tell them “No, not that smile”. You want them to be relaxed at the shoot and for it to be a fun experience. If they are confident and having fun, it will show in their eyes–which is the most important element of the headshot and what a casting director will spot. If they are concentrating on smiling a certain way, they won’t look natural. Just having them practice expressions as if they were in front of the camera can be extremely helpful because they’ll be working their imagination, gaining confidence and improving skills which you can see in an experienced actor. If your learning to play the violinyou practice even when not at class–the same is true for actors. Being in front of the camera (still or moving) and working the camera will improve with practice. It’s important that you don’t mind getting your picture taken if you are an actor– not only will you often need headshots but once successful you’ll be shooting on the red carpet and a host of other publicity shots.

BSM: What’s your feeling on hair and makeup for kids?

RL: In general agents and managers are saying “No make-up for kids”. There are little tricks you can do to highlight the eyes, lips and cheeks if needed and a little gloss or tinted ChapStick is fine. The trend right now in Hollywood is “very natural, real looks”. As for teens, I like to see them first without make-up and then as we go along we may apply light, natural looking make-up. On young girls heavy make-up can make them look older and in Hollywoodit’s an advantage if you can play younger then your age. As for hair, I like to see different styles throughout the shoot, braids, gel spiked, etc. As long as you use hair clips and such that don’t attract attention–no frill, bows and pageant looks. Keep in mind the number one headshot rule is the headshot should “look like you on a good day” (not overly made up or glamorized).

BSM: Should pictures be different for actors, singers, and dancers?

RL: Basically actors need a commercial headshot–great smile, warmth & friendliness. and a theatrical headshot–more serious and showing confidence or strong emotion. As for dancers, an important element is to show off the neck, posture and body type. Dancers usually have 3 separate images printed on one page as opposed to a single headshot. With musicians often they are portrayed with their instrument, but it could be just a portion of the instrument to get the message across. Also, a particular style of music is usually shown by their wardrobe for example rap, country etc.

BSM: You are an industry pro. Any advice for parents getting their kids started in this business?

RL: Teach your kids to persevere and stay positive. I often hear parents question “How do you deal with the rejection?” It really isn’t rejection unless you look at it that way. The glass half empty, half full scenario. Instead you can see it as a positive note that you got the audition and then keep at it. Your child may have to go through many, many auditions before landing a part, but don’t get discouraged about any of that. Just keep going, improve your craft with training or theater, continue learning from casting seminars & resources like BSM, find out what is needed from the agent or manager and keep a willing. professional attitude. Oh and definitely get great headshots!

For more info visit www.robinlorraine.com

Anna Sophia Robb Starring in ‘Soul Suffer’

admin — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 15:35:21 +0000

RED-hot one-armed surfer Bethany Hamilton was cooling her heels in Sydney as she waited to compete in her final tournament before filming starts on her remarkable tale of survival.

The 19-year-old from Hawaii shot to fame as the 13-year-old who managed to make it to shore after a tiger shark tore off her left arm.

Hamilton said rising Hollywood star AnnaSophia Robb would play her in the film, which traces the horrific attack and her brave journey back to the beach.

Speaking yesterday on a lay day at Sydney’s North Narrabeen beach - where she is a front-running contender at the Billabong world junior surfing championships - Hamilton said the film would begin production towards the end of the month and she would be doing most of the surfing and other stunts in place of Robb.

Titled Soul Surfer, the film takes its inspiration from Hamilton’s biography. READ MORE