Universal Pictures and Original Film are full steam ahead on the fifth installment of The Fast and the Furious franchise and auditions are underway in Los Angeles. Shooting will run from June 28, 2010 through October 15, 2010 in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Puerto Rico and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Vin Diesel and Paul Walker will reprise their roles and an offer has been made to Dwayne Johnson to co-star. Fast Five is scheduled to be released in theaters June 10, 2011. Local extras will be hired in all filming locations. Open calls will be posted here as they become available.
See the post titled Headshot and Resume Information regarding how to submit for acting roles.
Please submit photos and resumes by mail only.
No phone calls or personal drop-offs.
Principal Actor Casting:
Debra Zane
5225 Wilshire Blvd.
Suite 536
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Extras Casting:
Sande Alessi Casting
13731 Ventura Blvd.
2nd Floor
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
Registration Info Line: (818) 623-7040
Production Companies:
Do NOT send photos and resumes to the production companies (they will most likely end up in the trash can), they do not cast the films. They hire casting directors who sort through the thousands of submissions.
Fast Five Production Office
100 Universal City Plaza
Bldg. 9128, Room D
Universal City, CA 91608
Universal Pictures
100 Universal City Plaza
Universal City, CA 91608
Original Film
11466 San Vicente Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90049
Producers: Neal Moritz, Tania Landau
Director: Justin Lin
Starring:
Vin Diesel
Paul Walker
Tego Calderon
Dwayne Johnson (negotiations)
Story:
The story finds Dom (Diesel) and Brian (Walker) as fugitives being pursued by legendary lawmen.
Universal Pictures "Fast Five" currently casting actors in Los Angeles
How to get Talent Agency Representation
There are two types of talent agents, theatrical (television and film) and commercial (for television commercials). Being with the same agency for both is called being "signed across the board," but many actors prefer to have separate agents for different types of work, become some agencies can be better commercially, but not as good theatrically, or vice versa.
Agents get information about auditions for roles, either directly from casting directors and producers calling them asking for client submissions, or from a service called "the breakdowns," a daily list of roles being cast, sent only to agents and managers.
Agents work for you, but they only get 10% of what you make, so that means you need to do 90% of the work - especially when you are getting started. That means always be professional, be skilled in acting, network and let casting directors, producers and directors know about your work & upcoming performances by sending out postcards & invitations, know your "type", and make sure you and your agent have an understanding about what kinds of parts you will be submitted for.
The Strategy:
Do not randomly stop by agents offices unannounced, they do not accept personal drop-offs. Avoid calling the office for now. Simply send in your 8" X 10" color photo and resume, along with a brief cover letter. Show the agents that you understand how valuable their time is by keeping the cover letter short and sweet. Far too many actors end up writing a long cover letter, and the agents end up just trowing it in the "circular file" aka trash can.
This is a sample of a good cover letter:
________________________________________________
Savannah Starlet
4321 Superstar Street
Beverly Hills CA 90210
savvystar@email.com
555-986-6754
Attn: Mr. Agent
Enclosed you will find my photo and resume for your consideration. I am currently seeking theatrical (and/or commercial) representation. Please feel free to contact me at the above phone number or email address.
Sincerely,
Savannah Starlet
_________________________________________________
Now the agent even has a few moments to actually look at the photo and resume!
Then after about a week, give them a quick call and just say your name, tell them that you sent in a photo and resume, and that you are calling back as a follow up. They will usually write your name down, and say that they will give you a call if interested, or we are reviewing it, etc. Again, just keep it short and show them that you value their time. They will be pleasantly surprised.
Say something like.....
"No problem, I don't want to take up your time, but wanted to make a quick call to see if you are interested".
They'll either be impressed (and relieved) at the brief conversation, or will be so caught off guard that they'll try to explain further. If they haven't said goodbye, then just repeat a variation of your previous words (always offering them a chance to end the conversation and reinforcing that you know their time is valuable). Agents get tired off so many actors calling and somewhat begging, "can I come in for an interview", or "I am very talented and would be a great addition to your roster". If you follow these steps, keep your letter and conversation brief, the agent will most likely appreciate it.
Many agents these days do not track submissions and will merely inform you of this when you call. Also, several of the top agencies do not accept unsolicited photo and resume submissions, they only accept new clients through industry referral.
Tips & Warnings
● Agents making their living by earning a percentage of each job they book for a model. Do not pay any up-front fees to an agent.
● If you're not happy with the number of auditions or bookings you are getting, set up an appointment with your agent and discuss what you can do to generate more jobs.
● If the agent lies to you, makes outrageous promises or asks for up-front money (to cover phone calls or mailing expenses on your behalf), keep looking. Legitimate agents do not ask for expense money.
How To Avoid Talent and Modeling Agency Scams
From my extensive experience in the Entertainment Industry, I have determined that the common denominator in almost all acting and modeling scams is upfront fees.
Research into U.S. laws to protect consumers has shown almost every acting and modeling agency law, regulation or rule ever enacted in America prohibits upfront fees. Precedent lawsuits against acting and modeling companies by federal and state government as well as individuals have invariably been filed against those which charged upfront fees.
One of the most recently enacted entertainment industry laws was drafted by a former child actress, who introduced the Advance-Fee Talent Services law. Sheila Kuehl did so at the request of Los Angeles City Attorney James Hahn, because his office had prosecuted modeling/talent scams cases in which "hundreds of parents paid millions of dollars in advance fees to frauds that promised that their children would become stars."
The legitimate talent agency does not charge a fee payable in advance for registering you, for resumes, for public relations services, for screen tests, for photographs, for acting lessons, or for many other services used to separate you from your money. If you are signed as a client by a legitimate talent agency, you will pay such agency nothing until you work and then 10 percent of your earnings as a performer — but nothing in advance.
The importance of securing legitimate and responsible representation cannot be emphasized enough. Agents who ask you for money up front, whether it be for a photo session, composite, head sheet or any other promotional tool, should be avoided. A reputable agent will not ask you for money until you are making money - booking work as a result of the agency has made for you. That is the time to invest in a composite and in the agency book and head sheet. Even then you will probably not be asked for funds up front. These promotional expenses will be deducted from future paychecks.
Things to Remember When Trying to Recognize a SCAM:
Agents do not advertise!
According to the indusrty's EIC Code of Ethics, talent and background agents cannot advertise to the general public.
Agents do not provide photographic services or give classes!
A reputable agent may suggest specific photographers or classes to you but cannot require you to use them.
Children and extras do not need professional-quality photos!
Babies and toddlers never need professional photos. Extras need to provide a snapshot to their agents. Children under the age of ten do not need professional photos unless they are working regularly.
An agent cannot guarantee work!
An agent who tells you that they have work for you must give you a copy of the signed contract along with the details of the job (who is hiring you, what you will be paid, etc.)
Agents are not casting directors!
Agents earn commissions when their clients work. Casting directors are paid by the production and never take money from performers for any reason.
Agents specialize!
Agents usually represent actors, extras or models. Be wary if the agency claims to represent all of these categories.
A principal agent will rarely represent you if you have no experience or training!
Legitimate talent agents usually require actors to have some professional training and some theater or film experience. Only background agents will represent inexperienced people who have no training and will generally try to get them non-speaking roles as extras.
