Acting, Modeling, Singing, Dancing

About Me

My name is Jonathan Parker and I'm the Founder of Star Search Casting ( http://StarSearchCasting.com ). Back in 1998, after working in the entertainment industry for a number of years as a talent scout, I became aware of so many individuals with tremendous potential that just weren’t getting the exposure they needed to succeed. That’s when I first conceived of Star Search Casting as a way to help people be “discovered” by getting their faces and resumes in front of thousands of entertainment professionals who were in the position to hire them. Years in development, Star Search Casting became not only the most sophisticated casting site with the most advanced search engine, talent database, and tools to help you get maximum exposure, it also became the number one site where industry professionals go to find new talent!! I can’t tell you how absolutely thrilled I am that SSC has achieved the goal I had in mind when it was originally created!

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    Entries for May, 2008

    May 2nd, 2008

    Scam Watch: Beware Of Erick Kent & The Pembroke Recruitment Agency

    Posted by mrjpcool at 01:09 AM on May 2, 2008.

    Jonathan Parker - StarSearchCasting.com EliteCastingNetwork.com" alt="Jonathan Parker - StarSearchCasting.com EliteCastingNetwork.com" src="http://jbiel.tabulas.com/mrjpcool/pict0127.JPG" width="185" height="203" />Scams can cost aspiring models a fortune! Whether it’s a modeling school that requires you to take pricey modeling classes or illegitimate agency that sends you a fake check to cash, modeling scams in all forms can cost you both your hard earned money as well as your dignity.


    One of the latest scams that has come to our attention involves phone numbers that can drive your phone bill through the roof. If you get any emails with the phone prefix +4470 – do not call the number. Phone calls to these numbers will transfer you to an unpublished phone number and can cost you up to £2 per minute, which is almost four American dollars.


    A scammer using the name Erick Kent has been identified as one of the individuals using these high-priced phone numbers to lure unsuspecting models. See below for an example of the messages he’s been sending:


    "Dear **********

    Thank you very much for your quick reply.

    Pembroke Recruitment Agency is a free lance model recruiting agency.

    You were contracted for a part time or full time position depending on your options. Your photo was considered attractive enough so we decided to contact you. At the moment we are under obligation from DR modeling firm and we would like to hire you on their behalf.


    At the moment your area of content will be trade shows, Print, runway music videos. Location will be London, England.


    It will be necessary you send resumes , photos and any documentation that will properly describe you and explain better what you do.


    Thanks,

    Erick Kent

    Pembroke Recruitment Agency

    14d Blvd Westminster London UK.

    +447031899189"


    If you receive an email from Erick Kent or the Pembroke Recruitment Agency, do not respond. If you receive suspicious correspondence from any other individuals and you’re not sure what to do, post the email to the community forum for feedback and advice from the Elite Casting Network staff and other members.


    For more information on Internet scams targeting aspiring models, actors, dancers and singers, visit http://www.EliteCastingNetwork.com and log in daily to read our Scam Watch.

    Currently feeling: thankful

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    May 27th, 2008

    Are You Ready To Live On The Edge?

    Posted by mrjpcool at 01:50 AM on May 27, 2008.

    Jonathan Parker - StarSearchCasting.com EliteCastingNetwork.com" alt="Jonathan Parker - StarSearchCasting.com EliteCastingNetwork.com" src="http://jbiel.tabulas.com/mrjpcool/pict0059.JPG" width="170" height="176" />If you’ve been checking out our casting calls then you know that there are a variety of jobs out there available to aspiring actors and actresses. If you’re considering breaking into the entertainment industry, and you’re athletic, adventurous and you’re looking for a bit of excitement, then a career as a stunt person might just be the job for you!


    I don’t know about you but I love action films and I’ve always wondered what it’s like for actors like Jackie Chan (Rush Hour) and Matt Damon (The Bourne Ultimatum) who’ve starred in some of the most exciting films to hit the box office. I’ve always been even more curious to learn about the stunt doubles who’ve worked alongside them handling the more dangerous stunts – everything from jumping off of buildings to high speed car chases that end in a fiery crash.


    Mark Bedell is a Star Search Casting member who’s seen the action firsthand! Mark Bedell, like many of our members is a multi-talented actor who has really worked hard to make a name for himself in the entertainment business. He has worked as an actor in nearly 20 projects, including roles on the popular soap opera Passions. In addition to his acting work, he’s worked as a stunt coordinator and stunt performer on more than 20 projects. Talk about an adrenaline rush!


    While a career as a stunt person can be action-packed as well as lucrative, it’s important to point out that there are lots of dangers and risks involved. You may suffer from muscle strain, sprains, broken bones, concussions and other minor and sometimes major injuries. Serious injuries, in addition to being painful, can also lead to loss of current and future jobs.


    If you still think you might enjoy a career as a stunt person, then it’s important that you develop a list of skills to help you land a job. Stunt people often have taken classes to learn a variety of skills and talents such as martial arts, horseback riding, fencing and scuba diving among other useful skills. Stunt people also often spend a great amount of time in the gym because it’s important that they remain in shape to help them deal with the challenges of the job, as well as ward off injury.


    Even if you don’t think you’re cut out for the intensive demands of film and television stunts, it’s important that all actors and actresses stay in tip-top shape. While directors turn to stunt specialists for much of the stunt work done in films, you may still be required to throw a punch in a scene or engage in rigorous physical activity. Recently a friend of mine was required to perform a stunt in a pool in an independent film. He had a great time doing it, and was filled with pride once it was complete.


    To learn more about the variety of jobs that are available to you in the entertainment industry, whether you’re interested in becoming a stunt person, or something a bit less risky, visit our auditions page at http://www.StarSearchCasting.com today and explore jobs that would be perfect for you.

    Currently feeling: thoughtful

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