Scammers Get Jail Time

The staff at Star Search Casting isn't the only group of people cracking down scammers targeting the modeling industry. Recently the Norfolk Superior Court convicted two men found guilty of scamming more than a dozen models, ages 2 to 32, out of thousands of dollars. The men will both serve time in jail, and will complete community service upon their release.

The two men were the owners of Marvel Models. The men "scouted" aspiring models at malls and movie theaters and then after meeting with them, encouraged them to pay $595 to have their pictures posted on their website, as well as a monthly maintenance fee. Additionally they also charged models exorbitant fees for photo shoots and to participate in fashion shows.

Marvel Models used deceptive advertising strategies and made false statements in order to lure models and convince them to sign with Marvel Models. The owners of Marvel Models told prospective models that:

Marvel Models had offices around the world including Paris, Milan and Italy
Marvel Models had been in business for several years
Marvel Models supplied models for several high-end fashion magazines

None of these statements were true. Additionally, Marvel Models lied about the number of models that they actually represented in order to make their agency appear larger and more established than it actually was. After the investigation was under way, it was determined that Marvel Models didn't even have a license to operate a modeling agency.

The good news is that both men were forced to pay restitution to their victims, so the models were able to recoup funds that had been paid to Marvel Models. Not only is that great news for the models who were targeted by Marvel Models, but it's also great news for our industry! Hopefully as more scammers are investigated and prosecuted, the industry will become safer for aspiring models.

The Needham Police Department received several complaints about Marvel Models, which is what led to the men being investigated and charged. Therefore it's extremely important that if you are the victim of a scam in your area that you alert the police. Your complaint is important not only in building your own case, but it could also play a huge role in helping others targeted by the same person or company seek justice as well.

For more information on modeling scams, log in each day to Star Search Casting at www.StarSearchCasting.com and review our Modeling Scam Watch area.

Star Search Casting Is The Best Social Networking Site For Actors, Dancer, Singers & Models

Popular sites like Myspace.com, Friendster.com and Linkedin.com have revolutionized the way individuals connect on the Internet. From keeping in touch with friends to networking and establishing vital business contacts, social networking has quickly become apart of most web users’ daily lives. While Star Search Casting is most commonly known for maintaining one of the largest databases of audition and casting information, the website is also a popular social networking site for actors, dancers, singers and models. Each day talented individuals with the hopes of working in the entertainment industry visit the website to add friends, chat, post messages, rate photos and more.

Star Search Casting members rave about how the website helps them get auditions for coveted industry jobs without having an agent or manager. But just as often, members write in to the Star Search Casting staff about how many friends they’ve made on the website. Actors, dancers, singers and models with profiles on the site can add other members to their network of contacts and share tips and stories about their experiences trying to break into the industry. While the site’s audition information and industry resources are invaluable to its members, the social networking element that the website offers has turned out to be just as important to the actors, dancers, singers and models who use the site.

“Many of the actors, singers, dancers and models that use our site are fairly new to the industry,” says Jonathan Parker, founder and CEO of Star Search Casting. “Our members get really excited when they can connect with other aspiring entertainers who can relate to what they’re going through and also share information. In addition to giving our members an opportunity to network with other aspiring actors, dancers, singers and models, we’re also providing them with a support system.”

Similar to other social networking sites, Star Search Casting members can create a profile and add photos and information about themselves. Members can also write blogs, add other members to their network and leave messages and comments for other actors, dancers, singers and models. Another fun feature on the website is the Rate Talent section where members can rate other members’ photos.

Star Search Casting is an invaluable website for actors, singers, dancers and models in search of a social networking site that allows them to connect with other aspiring entertainers as well as casting directors, talent agents and other industry professionals. To join Star Search Casting, visit http://www.StarSearchCasting.com and register today.

Acting, Dancing & Singing Classes On A Budget

While training is ideal for aspiring dancers, singers and actors, it can also be expensive. Dance classes can costs hundreds of dollars per semester while acting classes at some schools can be well over $1,000. This can be daunting to dancers, singers and actors who have their heart on mastering their chosen craft.

If you are interested in acting and dance lessons or vocal training and you’re on budget, don’t become frustrated. There are lots of ways to overcome tight budgets and financial hardship. If you’re looking for ways to cut the costs of vital training, try a few of these ideas on for size.

Research classes at local community centers.

Did you know that many local community centers offer either free or deeply discounted singing, acting and dance classes? City and county tax dollars often fund many of these initiatives making it much more affordable for residents who may not be able to afford classes at privately owed studios. You’d be surprised how many types of classes are offered for free, or half the cost of classes at other schools you may have previously researched.

Inquire about scholarships.

Many performing arts schools offer scholarships to deserving individuals who express a commitment to hard work. If you have identified a list of schools in your area and you don’t see scholarship information on their website, feel free to call and inquire if there are any scholarships available.

Check out online message boards.

Use online message boards such as the community forum on the Star Search Casting website or Craigslist.org to inquire about classes within your budget. Others in your area may be able to point you in the direction of a school that has reasonable rates, or you may be able to find a professional who is willing to offer you lessons at a reduced rate.

If you’re serious about pursuing a career as a singer, dancer or actor, don’t let anything get in the way of your dreams! Would you like to talk to other Star Search Casting members about how they surmounted obstacles in pursuit of their chosen careers?

If so, visit http://www.StarSearchCasting.com and network with other members today!

When Record Deals Go Wrong, Pt 2.

Yesterday we began talking about how new artists can often lose their record deals based on a number of factors. In the first part of the blog, we talked about Tigah, an Atlanta based artist who lost his deal when his project was pushed to the back burner in favor of label mate Bow Wow, who was more popular at the time. Today, we’ll discuss other reasons why albums are placed on hold, or scratched all together.

Chris Standring is a contemporary jazz musician and the founder of A&R Online. He’s answered hundreds of questions from new artists on recording industry practices and standards. Chris was able to offer quite a bit of insight into why and how new artists’ dreams of stardom are deferred.

Here are a few of the reasons Chris offered:

- It can take a long time for a record company to court an artist or group, and then even longer for contracts to be negotiated. Once the deal is locked in, the label has to schedule the release and the band has to record their album. Therefore from the beginning of courtship to the time an album is slated for release could quite easily be two to four years, often to the disappointment of the artist.

- If the A&R representative that originally championed the singer or band gets fired or leaves the company, there’s a strong chance that the label will drop the artist unless they have a track record. Once a new A&R representative comes on board, he often has his own vision and is more interested cultivating talent that he or she has personally scouted.

- Bands sometimes fall apart during the courting/signing and scheduling periods. The label may determine that one member doesn’t have the right look for the band, or the personal problems or bad decisions of one member may chisel away at the band’s relationships. These changes and challenges can be difficult for a band to overcome.

- Sometimes artists that had potential simply deliver a poor final product. If the album does not contain any marketable songs (something radio stations can strongly get behind) then the label may decide to terminate their contract.

- Last but not least, the record company can go bankrupt, causing a band to be stuck in limbo until legal issues are resolved.

These scenarios are not meant to discourage you, but to give you a clearer picture of industry practices so that you’re prepared for the challenges that you may face.

To discuss this topic with other Star Search Casting members, visit http://www.StarSearchCasting.com and post a message to our community forum.

When Record Deals Go Wrong, Pt 1.

For many singers and bands, a record deal is the ultimate dream come true. But what many don’t realize is that unfortunately, there are hundreds of artists who get signed each year yet their albums never reach the shelves of record stores.

New artists face many challenges when first breaking into the recording arts industry. One challenge is that more established artists’ projects often take priority. For example, if a label goes over budget marketing label veterans, artists who are new to the label may find that their projects continue to get pushed back.

Recording artist Tigah moved to Atlanta to purse a career in the recording arts industry. He spent his days working at a local mall and his evenings working on his music. It was a struggle, but he was determined to see his dreams come true. And they did. After a lot of hard work and networking, he landed a meeting with producer Jermaine Dupri who’s responsible for the recent success of popular talents such as Usher and Mariah Carey. After a successful meeting with the industry mogul, who was a vice president at the label at that time, Tigah got his big break and landed a record deal.

Unfortunately, while this should have been the most exciting time of his life, things went downhill. First, he didn’t have a strong understanding of the business practices in the recording arts industry. He signed away his publishing rights because he didn’t know any better and in his excitement, he failed to consult with others in the industry that could have counseled and guided him. Secondly, there were changes at the label (Columbia) and he got lost in the shuffle. Because he hadn’t had the opportunity to complete his album and he wasn’t generating revenue for the label, his project was placed on hold.

While the label did release some of his music to DJs to help promote him, there was another talent at the label that was generating revenue and already had a substantial fan base. That artist was Bow Wow and his project became the label’s priority. Tigah watched his dreams go up in smoke, while Bow Wow became more and more popular.

Tigah eventually lost his record deal, but despite his disappointment, he is still focusing on his music. In fact he started his own label with a business partner. He advises other talents just starting out that once they secure a deal, they shouldn’t consider that the finish line. Instead, he urges them to work hard to keep the momentum going and surround themselves with people who can help guide them and assist them in making wise choices.

Stay tuned to tomorrow’s blog when we talk more about how new artists often lose their record deals. To discuss this topic with other Star Search Casting members, visit and our http://www.StarSearchCasting.com community forums.

Star Search Casting Member Spotlight – Adina Zenobia

Have you checked out our member success stories yet? If you’re feeling discouraged and wondering if you’ll ever get the big break you’ve been wishing for, reading our success stories can help lift your spirits and reassure you that success in the entertainment industry is within reach. If you have the talent, ambition and a little bit of patience, you’ll get there!

Because I honestly believe that hearing about the successes of others can truly inspire us to keep pursuing our goals, I like to spotlight Star Search Casting members that are making strides in the industry. Adina Zenobia is a Star Search Casting member and her profile has been viewed more than 4,500 times. She’s landed a lot of great jobs including being featured in MTV’s High School Stories and VH1’s Motor Mouth.

Adina is an experienced model and has landed tons of print modeling opportunities. She has more than 20 credits and has been featured in national publications such as Ebony and FHM. Additionally, she’s won several modeling competitions including the Super Model Sports World Championships and the Driven Marketing Group Model Search.

We’ve often talked about how there are lots of jobs in the world of modeling for individuals who are versatile and aggressive about going after opportunities. Adina is a great example of someone who has seized all of the opportunities that are available. In addition to her extensive print modeling experience, she’s also been featured in several fashion shows. Additionally, she’s landed a number of spokesmodeling and promotional modeling gigs representing a number of brands including Best Buy, Cingular Wireless, Russell Athletics, L’Oreal and Garnier.

In addition to her modeling experience, she’s also been featured in stage plays and is preparing herself for more acting opportunities. She’s taken several acting classes including Acting I, Improvisation and Drama.

I think Adina is a great example of Star Search Casting members who are going after every opportunity and making it pay off for them. We want to congratulate Adina on all of her success and wish her the best in her future endeavors.

Are you an aspiring actress and model interested in print modeling, fashion shows and spokesmodeling opportunities? Log on to http://www.StarSearchCasting.com today and check out all of the casting calls we have posted for aspiring models.

Is The John Robert Powers School A Scam?

Recently, when a Star Search Casting member attended the John Robert Powers School, he was shocked to learn how much it would cost to attend. According to the materials he was given, training at the school can range from $2000 to $10,000. While he did meet with a talent agent through the school, the exorbitant fees led him to question it the school might be a scam.

John Robert Powers founded one of the first modeling agencies in 1923 on the principle that there is no such thing as an unattractive person, just people who don't know how to make the most of themselves. Based on this philosophy, Powers went on to mold many new faces into working models.

The John Robert Powers School is one of the oldest schools for modeling, acting and social etiquette training. When Diana Ross was signed to Motown, she was sent to the school where she took modeling classes and learned to apply makeup. Another celebrity and model that attended the John Robert Powers School whom you may be familiar with is former supermodel Janice Dickinson (America's Next Top Model, Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency).

Modeling and acting schools can be expensive – however it doesn't mean that the school is involved in any fraudulent activity. John Robert Powers offers many classes where students can learn improvisation techniques, runway modeling, how to perform a monologue and more. Individuals attend schools like John Robert Powers for a number of reasons. Some want to gain self-confidence and poise, while others hope that the lessons they learn from the school will help them break into the entertainment industry.

You might be thinking, "Well that's all fine and dandy, but is it worth the money?" Honestly, it all depends. Just like with anything in life, you'll get out of it whatever you put into it. No modeling and acting school can magically transform you into a star. But if you have a great work ethic and you're a hard worker, you'll be amazed at what you can achieve.

I'll give you an example. Barbizon Modeling School is often accused of being a scam. Like John Robert Powers, it can be a bit pricey in some people's opinion. However, model and actor Sean Faris credits the school for much of his success. He took classes at the school and later was signed to an agency. Since then, he has won several awards, has booked nearly 20 film and television jobs and has appeared on shows such as Even Stevens, Smallville and One Tree Hill.

Modeling and acting schools are not required for success in the entertainment industry. But as you can see, examples like Janice Dickinson and more recently Sean Farris do prove that they are not scams, and that they have helped successful people reach their goals.

Log in each day to http://www.StarSearchCasting.com for more scam-related news and updates.

Record Industry Executives Use Star Search Casting To Discover Talented Singers & Bands

Each year aspiring singers audition for shows such as American Idol and America’s Got Talent for a chance at their big break. But now singers don’t have to hang all of their hopes on a network television talent show. Star Search Casting, the leading casting website, now offers once in a lifetime opportunities for singers and bands to be discovered and signed by record labels.

Star Search Casting has been providing dream opportunities for singers, dancers, actors and models for a decade. Noted as the #1 casting website, entertainment industry professionals use the site to post auditions for exciting industry gigs, as well as browse the talent database for new faces. In addition to casting directors, film producers and talent agents, Star Search Casting is highly trafficked by professionals in the recording arts industry. An increasing number of music producers, A&R representatives and managers use Star Search Casting to find the next reggae, hip-hop and pop music stars.

“Thousands of singers, dancers, models and actors have been discovered on our website,” says Jonathan Parker, CEO and founder of Star Search Casting. “While our website is visited daily by a number of entertainment professionals, executives in the recording arts industry especially like to scout talent on our website because members can post their headshot, resume and their music files to their profile. In just a few clicks an A&R executive can determine if the individual has the look and the sound that their label is searching for.”

Both major recording companies and independent labels use Star Search Casting to find new singers and bands. Music industry professionals who have used the website have worked with major artists such as Alicia Keys, and singers and bands on their labels have been featured on popular television networks such as MTV. Star Search Casting provides an opportunity for talented singers to connect with professionals who have a track record, and are experts at turning novices into stars.

Each week, Star Search Casting posts hundreds of auditions and other opportunities for singers, actors, dancers and models. Singers and bands looking for a chance to audition for producers or get signed to a label can log in each day to review current postings.

For more information, visit http://www.StarSearchCasting.com.

Should You Record Your Own Album? Pt 2

Have you ever considered recording your own album? Yesterday we began sharing tips from Melina RoChelle, one of the members of RoGue, an independent band that has produced three full-length albums. While RoGue has faced lots of challenges along the way, they have successfully produced and sold lots of music and they were even nominated for a major award.

When we talked to Melina RoChelle about tips she'd give to bands considering producing their own album, she had lots of advice to give. Because RoGue has produced three albums, they've spent a lot of time in the studio. Therefore she stressed that before a band decides to work with an engineer, they should make sure that they are comfortable in his or her studio. "It might sound trivial, but it's very important that you're comfortable in the studio because you're going to be spending a lot of time there," said Melina RoChelle. "If you're in a band, you're going to have multiple musicians performing on your album which means there will be times when you're in the studio, but not necessarily recording. It's important that the green room, which is the room where you will be waiting, is comfortable and clean. The studio we use has a television and lots of magazines to read which helps when we start to get bored."

Melina RoChelle also stressed the importance of budgeting. "It's important to create a budget before you start the recording process and stick to it," she said. "You may have 15 songs that you want to record, but once you create your budget you may discover that you only have enough money for nine songs."

Some bands and solo artists try to find the cheapest engineer possible, but Melina RoChelle advises against that approach. "Remember, you get what you pay for," she says. "So while you want to find someone that's affordable, you don't want to sacrifice the quality of your album." In order to find an affordable and skilled sound engineer and sound mixer, Melina RoChelle mentioned that her band has always relied on "word of mouth." She also suggests that once you get referrals, be sure to get samples of the engineer's work.

When asked what is one of the biggest lessons RoGue has learned about the recording process, Melina RoChelle said that RoGue often records their music at home before they go into the studio. "We have a small studio at home, and if you can afford it, it's one of the best investments you can make," she says. "If you record your material at home first, then you get a good idea of what the finished product will sound like and you can make any tweaks and adjustments before you go into the studio. Mistakes in the studio can be really costly."

If you want to talk to other musicians and singers about some of the challenges they've faced or get helpful tips and advice, be sure to log on to Star Search Casting at http://www.StarSearchCasting.com and post your questions and comments to our community forum.

Should You Record Your Own Album? Pt 1