'Untitled Spider-Man: Homecoming Sequel' auditioning talent for new roles


Walt Disney Pictures and Marvel Entertainment are now set to begin production on "Untitled Spider-Man: Homecoming Sequel" in July, 2018. Casting directors are setting up auditions for actors and actresses to be cast in lead and supporting roles in the film. Filming will be taking place at the Pinewood Studios in London, England. Anyone interested in being considered for these new roles in "Untitled Spider-Man: Homecoming Sequel" can sign up to be submitted, details are posted at the following - Feature Film Video Auditions.

Jon Watts will direct "Untitled Spider-Man: Homecoming Sequel" from an adapted screenplay penned by the Primetime Emmy Award nominated writing team of Erik Sommers and Chris McKenna. Publicists Guild of America Showmanship Award winner Kevin Feige is producing for Marvel Studios, along with Academy Award winner Amy Pascal. Executive producer is Eric Hauserman Carroll. DP is Primetime Award nominee Matthew J. Lloyd. Directors Guild of America DGA Award winner Josh Robertson is serving as 1st AD, with Tim Waterman as 2nd AD.

"Untitled Spider-Man: Homecoming Sequel" is scheduled to hit theaters on July 5, 2019.

Submission Information for Speaking Roles

Click here for information about being submitted to the casting directors for lead and supporting roles in "Untitled Spider-Man: Homecoming Sequel."



Production Companies:

Walt Disney Pictures
500 S Buena Vista Street
Burbank, CA 91521

Marvel Entertainment
135 W 50th Street
7th Floor
New York, NY 10016

Columbia Pictures
10202 W Washington Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90232

Distributor:

Sony Pictures Releasing
10202 W Washington Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90232

Director:

Jon Watts

1st Assistant Director:

Josh Robertson

2nd Assistant Director:

Tim Waterman

Writers:

Erik Sommers
Chris McKenna

Cinematographer:

Matthew J. Lloyd

Starring:

Tom Holland - Peter Parker/Spider-Man
Zendaya - Michelle Jones
Jacob Batalon - Ned Leeds

Talent search underway for Star Wars characters 'Mara' and 'Caro'


Casting directors are now setting up auditions for lead and supporting roles in "Star Wars: Episode IX." The film is using the working title "Black Diamond." There is currently a talent search underway for an actress between 40-50 years of age to play a character named "Mara," and also an ethnically diverse actress between 18-26 years of age to play a character named "Caro." Caro has a captivating naturalness, is a leader and problem solver, and also sports a sense of humor along with a strong will.

Numerous additional roles are also being cast, both males and females. Filming will be taking place beginning in July, 2018 at the Pinewood Studios in London, England and surrounding areas. Talent can be considered from all areas from video auditions and live Skype readings. Anyone interested in being considered for these new roles in "Star Wars: Episode IX" can sign up to be submitted, details are posted at the following - www.moviecastingcall.org/star-wars-episode-ix-auditions/.

J.J. Abrams will direct, and also produce along with eight-time Academy Award nominee Kathleen Kennedy and Michelle Rejwan. Film Independent Spirit Award nominee Callum Greene is executive producer. 1st AD is BAFTA Awards winner Tommy Gormley. Academy Award nominee John Schwartzman is DP. "Star Wars: Episode IX" will hit theaters on Dec 20, 2019 with Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures handling domestic and international distribution.

"Solo: A Star Wars Story" is set to begin filming in January, 2018. Lucasfilm will also start production on Obi-Wan Kenobi Star Wars spinoff in January, 2019. This will be Star Wars Anthology movie based upon the venerable Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi, with the studio reportedly tapping Stephen Daldry ("Billy Elliot," "The Hours") to develop the project with a view to directing.

Star Wars: Episode IX Casting Calls

Submission Information for Speaking Roles

Click here for details on signing up to be submitted to casting directors for Star Wars: Episode IX.



Production Companies:

Do NOT send photos and resumes to the production companies, as they will end up being thrown away. They do not cast the films, rather they hire casting directors who sort through the thousands of submissions (see above).

Star Wars: Episode IX Production Office
PLT Productions (UK) LTD
Pinewood Studios
Main Admin Building
Pinewood Road
Iver Heath, Bucks SLO ONH
United Kingdom

Carbonado Industries (UK) Ltd
3 Queen Caroline Street
Hammersmith, London
United Kingdom, W6 9PE

Lucasfilm, LTD
1110 Gorgas Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94129

The Walt Disney Studios
3 Queen Caroline Street
London W6 9PE
United Kingdom

Executive Producer:

Callum Greene

Producers:

J.J. Abrams
Kathleen Kennedy
Michelle Rejwan

Production Manager:

D.J. Carson

Writers:

J.J. Abrams
Jack Thorne

Director:

J.J. Abrams

Cinematographer:

John Schwartzman

Starring:

Daisy Ridley - Rey
Mark Hamill - Luke Skywalker
Andy Serkis - Supreme Leader Snoke
John Boyega - Finn
Oscar Isaac - Poe Dameron
Lupita Nyong'o - Maz Kanata

Story:

The upcoming ninth film in the Star Wars saga and the final film in the sequel trilogy.

Backstage now offering free casting director and talent agency submission labels


Are you serious about your acting career? Do you send postcards to casting directors to announce performances or to invite them to plays? Are you signed with a reputable talent agency? The majority of lead roles in films and starring roles on television shows are cast through talent agents. I can provide you with a completely free set of casting director and talent agent mailing labels, along with a free subscription to Backstage Daily. The labels have current addresses for casting directors and talent agencies, and are updated constantly. Backstage Daily lists casting calls, auditions information, and talent searches for feature films and television series, for all areas. If there is one good piece of advice I can give to actors, it is to take advantage of this opportunity. You can get the free mailing labels and free subscription exclusively by signing up with the following link - http://goo.gl/nX8qDn

If you have any questions, you can contact me at my Verified Facebook Profile - https://www.facebook.com/alanbaltes

You can also follow me at my Verified Twitter Page - https://twitter.com/alanbaltes

Still no 'Best Casting By' award at the Academy Awards

Why don't casting directors have a category for "Best Casting By" at the Academy Awards? To comprehend this issue, you have to have a deep understanding of how the casting process works. Casting directors are contracted by production companies and/or studios to cast specific projects. The casting directors (and their associate casting directors and assistants) filter through massive amounts of submissions for specific roles, mainly through talent agents. The casting directors then audition actors for the specific roles being cast. They then choose what actors that they personally deem "right for the role", at their discretion, and they subsequently advance those actors to a "call back", to audition for the director, writer(s), producers, and for major roles.. the studio executives. Eventually, the right actor for the role is hired. The actor is not hired directly by the casting director, but rather the director/production company/studio. Other than for small speaking roles on TV series, the casting director does not have the ability to hire actors, they simply select a certain group of actors to advance in the casting process. I am not talking about extras. Extras are cast directly by Extras Casting Directors/Companies. For there to be an Academy Award category for principal actor casting directors, the voting members of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences would have to be able to see all of the hundreds (and even thousands) of actor's auditions for each role by the "Best Casting By" nominee, to be able to judge whether or not each casting director nominee did the best job. And just to narrow down the casting nominees, there would have to be a massive amount of that material available to the Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences nominating committee. That is a logistical impossibility. Directors, producers, writers, and studio executives have the final say in who is cast in specific roles, not casting directors. The best casting directors do a great job, and they have a great collaboration with those who do hire the actors, however there is no definitive way to establish a criteria for an Academy Award category for "Best Casting By". I can elaborate much more about the casting process, however that would require much more than I can post here, it would be a complete eBook. I do want to elaborate about why casting directors are never credited in films as a Casting "Director", but rather credited as "Casting By". The Directors Guild of America does not allow, by contract, any other persons on a film being credited with the word "Director", unless they are actually a "director" i.e. 1st AD (First Assistant Director, etc). That includes the Cinematographer (widely called "DP" or "Director of Photography" on the set). Casting directors are some of the hardest working people in the entertainment industry, but there you go, that is why there is no Oscar Award category for "Best Casting By".

2017 Toronto Actors Resource Guide eBook is now available!

The brand new 2017 Toronto Actors Resource Guide eBook is now available! This is the 22nd location in the series, and the eBook contains the most up-to-date, accurate, and comprehensive resources available for actors in Ontario, Canada. There is now a very large amount of major studio feature films and network television series in production in Toronto. The Toronto Actors Resource Guide eBook includes the following information and documents for adults, minors, and foreign talent who would like to work as an actor or extra on film and television productions in Toronto, Ontario and in Canada:

• Toronto Casting Directors
• Toronto Extras Casting Directors
• Toronto Talent Agents
• Toronto Acting Schools and Coaches
• Toronto Headshot Photographers
• General Talent Agent Information
• Miscellaneous Toronto Actor Resources
• Audition Tips
• How to make an Audition Video
• Sample Actors Resume
• Sample Beginning Actors Resume
• Sample Cover Letter Casting Directors
• Sample Cover Letter Talent Agents
• Glossary of Entertainment Industry Terms
• Canadian Work Permit Overview
• Applying for a Work Permit outside Canada
• Canada Work Permit Information for Foreigners
• Canadian Document Checklist for a Work Permit
• Temporary Canadian Foreign Worker Program
• Canadian Application for Temporary Resident VISA
• Canadian Visa Photo Specifications
• Information for Parents of Child Performers
• Canadian Family Information Form
• Canadian Use of a Representative Form
• Guide To Canadian Child Labor Laws

You can now order your copy of the 2017 Toronto Actors Resource Guide eBook for $19.95 through Amazon Payments at the following - http://www.actorsresourceguides.com/toronto-actors-resource-guide-ebook.html

You can also now order using Square Cash (https://cash.me). My email address to send your payment through Square Cash is alan.baltes@gmail.com and my Square Cash username is $AlanBaltes. Simply enter "TORONTO" and your EMAIL ADDRESS in the "FOR" box when sending the $19.95 payment. I can also send a $19.95 payment request if you give me your email address or cell phone number. Contact me at alan.baltes@gmail.com if you would prefer a payment request with a link that you can use to pay.

Once payment is received, your eBook will be emailed to you.

Child Background Acting Information - "Being an Extra"

I personally feel that if a person does not have experience, doing extra work is a fantastic way to get used to being on a film or TV set. It gives you an idea of how things work and allows you to become comfortable on a set without risking "burning bridges" if you get nervous and a little stage fright. I myself did extra work in the beginning of my career and it helped me tremendously. I had terrible stage fright, but I became very comfortable after doing background work for a while. So the answer is yes, doing extra work will help you. It doesn't pay a whole lot, but the experience you get is valuable.

Acting is like any other job, the more training and experience a person has, the better chance of getting the job. But at the same time, we all have to start somewhere!

The following three companies cast the vast majority of child extras in the entertainment industry:

Kids Background
207 S. Flower St
Burbank, CA 91502.
www.kidsmanagement.com
(661) 964-0131

Studio Kids Management
Send Inquiries To Mailing Address
15068 Rosecrans Avenue #198, La Mirada, CA 90638
Office (562) 902-9838 / Fax (562) 902-0498

Screen Children's Casting
4000 W Riverside Dr
Burbank, California, 91505
(818) 846-4300

To get your child started doing extra work, you will need the following:

Work Permit
Coogan account
Social Security Card
Cell Phone (with text messaging) so you can receive your call time and location.

Background Acting Guidelines

* Buy a Thomas Brothers Map Book. The casting people will give you these map coordinates when giving you your call time and location.

* Bring a small folding chair, something to read, sunscreen, a couple of light snacks, a notepad, and two pens.

* Follow the wardrobe instructions and requirements, as you will be checked by the wardrobe department when you arrive on the set. Bring an extra jacket (even if it’s summertime). It's always cold on a sound stage, where you might be working. Ladies, take a pair of flats to wear when not on the set (your feet will thank you).

* ALWAYS show up at least 1/2 hour early. NEVER be late. Allow plenty of time for traffic, etc.

* When arriving at the location, immediately check in with the AD (assistant director), or whoever you were told to check in with. Fill in your name and address on the payment voucher. Make sure to fill in the hours worked and have the AD sign it at the end of the day.

* Never bring cameras or pets unless asked to do so. Also do not bring friends.

* NEVER take photos on the set with your cell phone. If caught, you will be fired and will most likely never work for that casting director again.

* NEVER ask for autographs or bother the actors. This is a professional work environment and not an appearance.

* Network with other background actors. If you obtain one good tip or referral, it could lead to a lot more background acting jobs. More work gives you more opportunities to get the necessary vouchers (three) to qualify to join SAG (Screen Actors Guild). Being a member of SAG gives you benefits you would not have as a non-union extra, e.g. double your pay and medical, dental and vision benefits.

* Always remain alert and ready to go to the set when asked. Do not leave the set unless you are given specific permission from the AD. Do not listen to headphones, as you will not be able to hear the AD when calling you to the set.

* ALWAYS be prepared to stay and work long hours (unless you are a minor, there are child labor laws which prevent minors from working too many hours).

* Pay attention when you are on the set being given your "marks" and "blocking". "Marks" are the spots where you position yourself on the set during filming. "Blocking" is the exact movements you will be making so as to remain in or out of the view of the camera.

* And ALWAYS remain quiet when in a sound stage, especially when filming. "Quiet On The Set" means "QUIET ON THE SET"! The microphones can pick up even the slightest whisper. Also, when the crew is setting up for shots, they need to be focused and hear each other. It can be loud enough for themselves, let alone the chatter of extras on top of it. So do not make noise or talk loudly in between filming.

* NEVER talk badly about anyone on the set, including the actors REGARDLESS of how you may feel about someone. Use tact when speaking about others. It is extremely poor character when speaking badly or disrespectful of or to others. If you hear someone else talking badly, ignore it. If someone speaks badly to or about you, just turn your cheek and do not return the bad character behavior, as the AD may end up only hearing YOU speak badly. Take this advice to heart if you wish to go far in the entertainment industry.

* When being fed lunch or dinner, ALWAYS let the cast and crew members get their food first. This is not because extras are less important, as many people who work on a film set may treat you. This is because the cast and crew need to get back to work as soon as possible, where the extras usually have by far the most "down time".

* And most importantly, HAVE FUN! There are huge egos on a film set. I mean gigantic monster stuck-up HUGE egos, and I'm not talking about just the actors! Take those people with a grain of salt... look at them as kind of like a cartoon character, then you can just smile at them. After all, isn't it pretty ridiculous to have a giant ego anyways? There are many people who will brag and brag about what they have done and what they are doing. There are long periods of standing and waiting. But hey, you are working on a movie or television set! How fun is that!! And you are learning about what happens on a set, becoming more and more comfortable in front of a camera. So enjoy the experience, as it can be VERY exciting.

* If you take my above advice to heart and give background acting your best shot, you'll enjoy it, make money at it and continue to work. And what's more fun than being with people, in the middle of the action and, later, seeing yourself on the silver screen?

Top 3 Acting Camps For Kids and Teens

The frenzy that many children face to get into the right acting school is acute for those who aspire to a career in the performing arts, and attending acting camps can be a steppingstone to Broadway or even Hollywood. The competition among these children, and among the camps vying for their tuition money, is more heated than ever.

According to the American Camp Association, the number of accredited performing arts camps grew to 804 in June 2007 from 527 in December 2001, a jump of 40 percent. Peg Smith, the organization’s chief executive, said the increase could be attributed in part to the elimination of school arts programs and the popularity of films like “High School Musical” and reality shows like “American Idol.”

Theater camp is pushing its way into mainstream pop culture. MTV recently filmed a documentary at the French Woods Festival of the Performing Arts, a camp in Hancock, N.Y. Last month, Disney’s made-for-TV movie “Camp Rock” opened to 8.9 million viewers; a sequel is under way. Not be left out, 19 Entertainment and Fremantle Media, the companies behind “American Idol,” founded Idol Camp, where series castoffs like Bucky Covington hold master classes.

To compete in this marketplace, camps are expected to offer top-notch facilities and professional staff. French Woods recently installed a second recording studio. Last summer, campers at Stagedoor Manor participated in a youth-friendly adaptation of “Sweeney Todd,” with Stephen Sondheim e-mailing changes to the score.


Stagedoor Manor is tops in Acting Camps for Kids

Considered the gold standard of theater camps. Stagedoor, founded in 1975, caps its enrollment at 288 children a session, and spots fill up nine months ahead; campers — from precocious West Virginians to Ron Howard’s daughters — are admitted first come first served (with returning campers getting a first shot). The program is for young performers ages 10-18. Stagedoor Manor located in Loch Sheldrake, New York.

Variety article about Disney and Stagedoor Manor

Playbill article about Stagedoor Manor

Movie Maker article

Notable Alumni:

Mandy Moore
Robert Downey
Natalie Portman
Jon Cryer
Zach Braff
Jennifer Jason Leigh
Amy Ryan
Bijou Phillips
Mary Stuart Masterson
Jennifer Rudin (Director of Casting and Talent Development for Disney Theatrical Productions)

Stagedoor Manor Website



French Woods Festival of the Performing Arts

French Woods, founded in 1970, enrolls at least twice as many children as Stagedoor; over 12 weeks some 2,400 will attend the camp. French Woods is located on a private lake in the western Catskill mountains of New York State near the Delaware river and the Pennsylvania Border.

Campers are able to focus on one particular area of interest, or they may choose to select a variety of activities. We are at the same time, a theater camp, an art camp, a dance camp, a circus camp, a horseback riding camp, a sports camp, a magic camp, and a camp that offers all the traditional camp activities, with world class programs that each child can choose a-la-cart.

Notable Alumni:

Zooey Deschanel
Jon Favreau
Adam Levine
Nat Wolff (The Naked Brothers Band)

French Woods Website



Interlochen Center for the Arts

Interlochen Center for the Arts is a privately owned, 1,200 acre arts education institution in Interlochen, Michigan, roughly 15 miles southwest of Traverse City. Interlochen draws young people from around the world to participate in intensive study of music, theater, dance, art, creative writing, and motion picture arts.

In addition to participating in artistic endeavors, campers also are able to take part in traditional summer camp activities such as swimming, canoeing, sailing, camping, crafts, ping pong, billiards, cook-outs, mixers, trips to Lake Michigan, and playing sports such as soccer and softball in organized leagues, as well as tennis and basketball. Campers live in rustic cabins with up to 16 campers and one or two counselors. Campers begin their day at 6:30 in the morning to listen to announcements for that day, and end their day with slumber tunes. Slumber tunes rotate, and each night a different cabin is responsible to put something together for their cabin mates to fall asleep to.

Notable Alumni:

Felicity Huffman
Tom Hulce
Norah Jones
Kim Kashkashian
Jackson Rathbone

Interlochen Center for the Arts Website


While the average overnight camp costs $400 to $700 a week, according to the American Camp Association, Stagedoor Manor and French Woods charge closer to $5,000 for a three-week session. “Parents want to get quality for their money,” said Jennifer Rudin, the director of casting and talent development for Disney Theatrical Productions (and a Stagedoor alumna herself).

Nothing brings out the self-imposed competitiveness of these campers like a visit from an industry professional. Ms. Rudin of Disney has scouted at Interlochen and refers to Stagedoor as “one-stop shopping.”

Safety Information For Child Actors

The most important concern a parent should have is the well being and safety of their child. Here are some tips that parents should keep in mind in regards to the safety of their child in the entertainment industry:

1. Stop using your child’s social security number on their resume.


It use to be commonplace to use a social security number on a resume so producers, directors and casting directors could refer to you as a number when you go in for an audition. This is no longer the case. When your child signs in for an audition, there will be a spot for their SAG number. If they are not in the Screen Actors Guild, leave the box empty or ask the receptionist if they can use another number.

2. Change your phone number.

Once your phone number is listed, it will remain in online directories and even print directories for a long time. Simply changing it to be unlisted will not stop people from finding it out and calling you at home. Obtain a new number and keep it unlisted.

3. Check your child’s fan mail carefully.


Once your child has appeared on a TV show or in a movie, they will start to get fan letters. While this may seem neat at first, you must be careful when allowing your child to read the letters that come in. Look over the envelopes carefully and notice strange addresses. Letters from prisons oftentimes are marked “Inmate Mail” or have a strange address that looks like a PO box.

4. Take your own digital cards to your photographer.


When it is time to get your child’s photographs done for their portfolio or comp card, ask if you can bring your own digital card for their camera. If the photographer still shoots on film, make sure that their session fee includes giving the negatives to you. By protecting the raw images of your child, you will help prevent their likeness from showing up on online auction sites tomorrow or in years to come.

5. Audit an acting class.

Instead of shelling out the full fee for an acting class you have heard about, ask the instructor if your child can audit their class. Most will say yes. You should be skeptical about those who will not allow your child, and a parent, to sit in on a class or two.

6. Don’t look for agents in the mall.

If you get a flyer asking you to bring your child to the mall to meet with a talent manager, run the other way. Many of these companies make their money by charging outrageous fees for photographers and showcases. They thrive on signing hundreds of kids, hoping one of them happens to make it big.

7. Do your homework.


Never stop learning about the entertainment business. Read books on child actors, auditioning, acting technique, and biographies of former and current child stars. Attend workshops and seminars in your area.

8. Provide a support structure for your child.


During the course of your child’s career, they will turned down many times for different reasons. It is important to have both internal and external support mechanisms for your child to turn to when they need to talk or vent their frustrations.

9. Avoid leaving comments on fan web sites.


While at first it may seem neat when you see the first web site dedicated to your child, but avoid contacting the maker of the site or leaving feedback in a guestbook or forum. Your computer information can be tracked fairly easily, allowing them to get even more personal information.

10. Register your child’s name as a web site domain name.


As soon as your child books that new commercial, TV show or movie, register your child’s name as a “dot com” immediately so somebody cannot steal it out from under you. Registration services are under $10/year at most places, so it will be a cheap investment in your child’s safety.

Most of these items involve common sense, but you will be surprised how easily they are forgotten when your child has a chance at stardom. Keep your wits about you and remember your number one priority is the welfare of your child, not booking the part.