Breaking Into Hollywood – Who Should I Pay To Get Paid?
Breaking Into Hollywood - Who Should I Pay To Get Paid?
I'm going to keep this short, but not at all sweet! Who should you pay to make it in show biz? You should expect to pay any professional whose products or services help you break into the industry if that person will NOT otherwise directly financially profit from your income.
YOU NEED START-UP FUNDS. Whatever area of entertainment you're driven to thrive in, do yourself an important favor before you begin - or continue - that pursuit. Stop for at least 1-3 months and work as many jobs as you can to raise real seed money. You're shooting for 00 - unless you're moving to New York or Los Angeles, in which case, you're shooting for ,000 (don't come to L.A. and not have a downpayment for a car). Believe me, it will change your experience when you can pay for what you need rather than wait for people to do you favors. And a favor is what someone is doing for you if you have no experience or contacts to help them out with in return!
Okay, let's start with the models. As you get started, you SHOULD PAY photographers, make-up artists, hair stylists and fashion stylists for your test shoots. You don't have to, of course; there are many rising photogs and set artists who are looking for models for their book. But if you are just starting out, you don't want to work exclusively with other newbies. A paid professional with a solid portfolio and good references gives you not just more experience (and when it comes to lighting, that counts), but more contacts s/he can turn you on to. You SHOULD NOT PAY any agent or talent scouts upfront. The scouts get paid by the agency if you're signed, and the agency takes 20% of what you earn. That's all they get - it's enough!
Next up, actors. Follow everything I wrote for the models (except your agents only get 10% of your earnings). Now add that you SHOULD PAY acting coaches, dialect trainers and other instructors. May I add that that includes casting directors who hold casting seminars? If they are teaching you something you don't know and giving you a front row audition for their critical services, why wouldn't you pay them for that? They aren't going to profit directly from your income! You won't be mad about it if you've saved up the cash to pay for training at the beginning of your career.
Singers and songwriters, you're next. Read everything for the models and the actors (except the casting directors). Now you're going to add that you SHOULD PAY for studio time, an engineer, possibly a producer and a vocalist for you non-singing songwriters to get your demo CD made (with mp3 files if you can't convert tracks at home). In this modern day of Cakewalk and ProTools, you should be able to find a very talented arranger with a home studio to lay your tracks down with you, and many of them need vocalists for their cuts, so do your homework and partner up. But when it's time for a demo, you want a professional environment, and not all composer/arrangers are producers. A real audio booth, a mixer who really gets the boards and knows how to make the vocals shine and a producer who has a trained ear for your genre (and for pitch!)...that's invaluable. Pay for it! That money isn't just buying you experience, it's buying you a guaranteed session (free connections love to flake) and, once again, industry contacts if you show them you're as good as you believe you are. You SHOULD NOT PAY for people to shop your deal; they are going to get a management commission for that, usually 15% of your overall deal.
Writers and producers, you're the lucky ones because you're behind the scenes. You SHOULD PAY for professional memberships and seminars to learn your trade - and because contacts are the only way you'll get a job! You also need some good coffee, lunch and giftie money because you SHOULD PAY to treat professionals who share their expertise with you. Thank people! A Starbucks card does wonders. You SHOULD NOT PAY anyone to shop your projects. They get a piece of your sales pie.
For everybody in the biz, the most important person you SHOULD PAY...is an experienced entertainment attorney. Now we're talking 0-500/hour. But the money s/he will save you by reviewing and negotiating your deals...priceless. Don't you dare sign even the simplest contract without a lawyer looking over it. A real one. Not your ex-boyfriend, the divorce attorney. Or your best friend's mom who went to law school. An attorney who has done many, many, many of the same deals that you are about to sign is the only one you're going to work with, okay? Why wouldn't you protect yourself with the most informed, well-connected professional you can find?
Well, it turns out that wasn't even short, but it's important information! Trust me on this: you won't mind paying people if you're actually approaching your career as a business, not a DREAM. Do you see the difference? If you were opening a bakery, you wouldn't be looking for people to work for you in exchange for exposure to customers, or bartering for ovens, or expecting to get a license from the County for free! And you sure wouldn't sign a 5-year, million lease without a contracts attorney looking it over. It's only in the entertainment industry that people throw their good sense to the wind and let pride and entitlement and panic take over. It's show BUSINESS. Accept it, embrace it, and watch your experience in this game change once you do.
DMA is a former film story analyst, international runway model and stage performer who is now the executive producer of a new media and reality TV production company in Los Angeles. Learn more about how to sell a reality show from her book, "The Show Starter Reality TV Made Simple System: Ten Steps to Creating and Pitching a Sellable Reality Show." She also offers reality production instruction seminars through her company's Show Starter services.
For DMA's national speaking schedule and more insider resources for breaking into Hollywood, please visit Planet DMA.
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Breaking Into Hollywood – When Should I Just Shoot A Project Myself?
Breaking Into Hollywood - When Should I Just Shoot A Project Myself?
If you're excited about your latest TV or film project and are hitting a pitching wall, you may be tempted to grab a camera, call in some favors and shoot the whole thing yourself! Is there ever a right time to do that? Well, yes. And there also are right times to not even consider it. Let's talk about the truth and consequences behind shooting your own reels.
Presentation Reels
For filmmakers, you'll often want to shoot a presentation reel to convince funders to come aboard. That actually is a terrific idea. But not always a necessary one. Start with a solid screenplay first. Shopping a screenplay is far easier and certainly wholly acceptable as a means to get financiers, key team members and even vendors on board. If you're not getting any action from the script, put your next budget dollars towards a professional script analysis. Make sure your script is truly shootable and worth shooting. It costs only a few hundred dollars for detailed development notes from The 1-3-5 System, for example (for info on this system, visit my website listed below). It will cost you a few thousand, at the least, to shoot a reel and hope you can do with pictures what you haven't yet done with words.
EXCEPTIONS: The big exception here is when you have a challenging, non-CGI visual, setting or performance that repeatedly is questioned by script readers. If you keep hearing "Can that be done?," it might be time for a presentation reel.
RULE: Once you commit to doing a reel, hire a professional staff and crew. A shoddy-looking reel may cost you credibility, while excellent production value can really boost it.
Sizzle Reels
For reality producers, your show's demo tape is called a "sizzle reel." And your battle cry is all too often, "I'll just produce the show myself!" Slow down. I had an interesting discussion last weekend with two major reality production and network execs, both of whom were happy to get sizzle reels since they feel reels help them sell an idea to others on their team. But I have often heard exactly the opposite from execs: "Sizzle reels can kill a deal." One concern is that reels often don't match the vision your pitch was building in an exec's mind. Bye-bye sale. Another concern is that a good producer conforms a pitch to work with the brand of each partner s/he meets with. So a sizzle reel you shoot that satisfies one prod co's brand may completely violate the mission of another company, etc. How many reels do you plan to shoot?
For more detailed dissection of when to sizzle or not, read my book, The Show Starter Reality TV Made Simple System, Vol. 1: How to Create and Pitch a Sellable Reality Show (for info, visit my website listed below).
FYI, the general consensus at the end of last weekend's debate was, if at all possible, be sure to ask the exec you plan to pitch how they feel about sizzle reels.
EXCEPTIONS: If something in your show is visually electrifying or conceptually challenging in words, a demo reel of just that portion of your show is a big help.
RULE: Don't cheap out on the shoot! Make it look great; it's also your calling card to show what you can do if they keep you attached to the show.
Performer Reels
No disagreement here. Any time you are presenting unknown talent to an executive, a reel that showcases their ability and brand is a winner. For fiction, that's a casting tape; for non-fiction, that's a talent reel. For a casting tape, invest in real audio, and choose sides that sell your talent in his or her strongest part of the script. For a talent reel, you can include a brief personal introduction (interview set-up is fine), the talent in action in their natural environment and even testimonials. Whatever project you're doing, light this reel beautifully and edit it professionally - this is the face of your project!
Professional Reel
If you are a director, producer, DP, editor or other B-T-S professional, you often will be asked for a demo reel of your work. Note that there is a huge difference between a professional reel...and a professional anthology. You don't/shouldn't/can't put absolutely everything you've ever done onto a tape. Take the following advice - even though it challenges everything you believe in. Make a branding statement with your demo reel. Choose shows and selects that all accent your point-of-view as a content creator. Or that highlight your particular visual style. Or that showcase your big league clientele. Decide what impression you want your reel to leave, what makes you special as a project hire, then play the rough cut for people and ask them to share their gut reaction. If their feedback doesn't match the kind of projects you most want to get - get back in there and re-cut that reel.
All Reels
You have 5 minutes at the most for a reel, but know that an exec really will only look at the first 2-3 minutes. Don't get carried away! If studios can get you to pay .00 for a film by showing only a 30-second trailer...well, you get the picture. Now go get that deal!
DMA is a former film story analyst, international runway model and stage performer who is now the executive producer of a new media and reality TV production company in Los Angeles. Learn more about how to sell a reality show from her book, "The Show Starter Reality TV Made Simple System: Ten Steps to Creating and Pitching a Sellable Reality Show." She also offers reality production instruction seminars through her company's Show Starter services.
For DMA's national speaking schedule and more insider resources for breaking into Hollywood, please visit Planet DMA.
What You Should Know About Secure Residential and Commercial Public Self Storage Rental Services and Facilities in Pembroke Pines, Hollywood
What You Should Know About Secure Residential and Commercial Public Self Storage Rental Services and Facilities in Pembroke Pines, Hollywood
In recent years, more and more residents of the United States, including those in Pembroke Pines, Hollywood and Miramar, FL, have been in dire need of even more extra storage space, both for home storage space and commercial storage space. This is why the demand for secure residential and commercial public self storage rental services and facilities has continued to increase.
We see how families continue to form and grow throughout the country. Household sizes are increasing, too, as more babies are being born and the elderly are enjoying better health care and extended life expectancies. The rise in consumerism across all classes means that as the number of people increases, the amount of possessions of each individual also increases. Households find themselves lacking home storage space. Even when people move out of households, moving also creates need for more extra storage space. New residential and commercial spaces are much smaller than older ones and people often find that their belongings exceed the space available for them. It is always difficult to decide which things need to be discarded and people usually seek even temporary storage solutions in terms of a holding storage space.
The increase in a country's population is inevitably followed by an increase in the number of businesses being established. Commercial spaces, have, however shrunk like their residential counterparts. Most businesses, therefore, could no longer accommodate their inventory in their existing areas. They need additional storage space for their stocks.
Both commercial businesses and private families facing lack of storage space turn to secure residential and commercial public self storage rental services and facilities. The more established secure residential and commercial public self storage rental services and facilities have also realized that they have another niche among people who are either moving residence or moving offices, and are therefore now offering special storage and moving service packages. Clients can purchase various moving supplies such as boxes from them. They also provide moving u-haul trucks rentals. Storage and moving services may also be availed of separately.
You will most often find urban secure residential and commercial public self storage rental services and facilities in modern storage buildings with multiple storeys. They offer clients storage rental in various sizes of storage containers. There are mini storage units that are locker sized. There are also large storage units that can be used for RV, boat or motorcycle storage. These range in size from that of a closet, a bedroom or a garage. Each of these public self storage units look very similar to garages, too. They feature metal roll up doors and they have no windows. Only the renter of the unit is allowed access to it. Even the facility management cannot open up a rented unit without authorization from the renter.
In order to be able to provide truly secure storage round the clock seven days a week, the most reputable residential and commercial public self storage rental services and facilities equip their buildings with computer-controlled electronic gates for individual storage units, accessible only with the use key cards, proximity cards or biometric solutions like fingerprint scanning. This is further augmented by strategically placed surveillance cameras and protection from professional security personnel.
There have been reports of burglaries in some other residential and commercial public self storage rental services and facilities in certain parts of the United States. This is not surprising. It just emphasizes the need for consumers to be more vigilant in choosing only truly reputable secure residential and commercial public self storage rental services and facilities in Pembroke Pines, Hollywood and Miramar, FL, as elsewhere. Make sure your valuable belongings are kept protected while getting the best quality of service at the most reasonable prices.
Pembroke Pines Self Storage
10806 Pines Boulevard
Pembroke Pines, FL. 33026
Office: (954) 435-6885
Fax: (954) 435-2258
Email: contact@pembrokestorage.com
Website: www.pembrokestorage.com
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Top Ten Hollywood Wedding Movies You Should Know
Top Ten Hollywood Wedding Movies You Should Know
Surprise, sorrow, sweet, fun, frustration, hopes and luxury, all the emotions can be vividly expressed in the movies. Hollywood is indeed DreamWorks, since just a wedding ceremony can reflect the various aspects of life by the gifted directors.
Hereinafter are top ten classic and romantic movies that everyone should know which will help you know more about love and marriage.
TOP1 It Had to Be You (1947)
Recommended reason: Acted by Ginger Rogers, Oscar winner and accompanied by beautiful theme song, the film undoubtedly attracted much attention. More importantly, it is a movie about true love, and has been regarded as classic version of The Runaway Bride. For me, the screen writer definitely believes that love is destined, and he tries to tell us even though your eyes betray you, your inner heart will guide you to your Mr. Right. Also, series of gorgeous wedding dresses designed by Louie and the dazzling diamond wedding rings will even astonish you to death.
Synopsis:Life holds much promise as Victoria (Ginger Rogers) stands beautifully gowned in her wedding dress next to her chosen mate for the big moment of saying "I do." But for three times, she had run away before the big day. And just when she decided to be serious with her No. 4 named Oliver, a dream broke the wedding again. After that, when she recalls an old sweetheart from childhood days, Johnny, who is now a fireman (also played by Cornel Wilde), she realizes he's the one for her.
Then what's the end, you can guess.
TOP2 My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)
Recommended reason: A luxury wedding ceremony includes dark-blue limousine, two ice sculptures, ten bridesmaids with emerald-studded bridesmaid dresses, a five-layer wedding cake and fountain-like champagne. A family with 27 cousins, a stubborn dad who thinks all the words originated from Greek vocabulary will surely bring you into Greek humor, chaos family yet quite sweet.
Synopsis:30- year- old Greek girl Tula working in a small family restaurant upset the whole family with her marriage, since she always appears in a dirty image. Until one day, a non-Greek middle school teacher steals her heart. After a total change, Tula and the teacher fall into love. Yet, the story just begins.
TOP3 The Wedding Planner (2001)
Recommended reason: The heroine Jennifer Lopez, top actor and Latina beauty shining in Hollywood will surely seize your heart with her beauty and wonderful acting. What's more, the heroine was just the wedding planner, so I am convinced that you will be inspired after various creative wedding ceremonies.
Synopsis: Mary is an expert wedding planner, competent and dedicated to working. She had planed various successful wedding, but one day deeply loves a gentleman. Unluckily, the gentleman is one of her guest, bridegroom of others. What's the next plan for Mary?
Top 4 The Wedding Singer (1998)
Recommended reason: An early cooperation of Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler, which is equal to the famous movie 50 First Dates, is full of romantic feeling and humorous plot. The theme music in The Wedding Singer is typical 80s, perfectly matched with the film. Although the movie is quite successful, you will still see the worst bridesmaid dresses, so next time at your wedding, you should never forget your bridesmaids.
Synopsis:Robin, a wedding singer, who has witnessed many happy moments, yet he is abandoned by his wife-to-be. Quite sad as he is, he is so luckily to be invited by the waiter Julia to prepared Julia's wedding. Next, you may guess, Robin fell in love with her, but Julie is carried away in the happiest. What Robin will do?
Top5 Runaway Bride (1999)
Recommended reason: As for the theme of the movie, love is much more proper. I am convinced that many people will feel confused about wedding just before wedding. The movie just raises the question for us, but it depends on you to find the answer, to know clearly whether he/she is your Mr. Right.
Synopsis:Ike, a columnist, who feels quite unhappy in career and marriage, once wrote a column about a runaway bride named Maggie, acted by Julia Roberts. However, Maggie feels quite angry about Ike's writing, and run away in her fourth wedding, deciding to take revenge to him.
Top 6 My Best Friend's Wedding (1997)
Recommended reason: A play full of laughter and sorrows, which is still starred by Julia Roberts, impressed us with her efforts in saving her love. But still she fails, because of her losing youth, because of the beauty of her rival. In the end, you may feel so pity that what has been missed will never come back again. A luxury wedding, charming Julia Roberts with most beautiful wedding dresses, you will like the movie.
Synopsis: Julian, played by Julia Roberts and Michael (Dermot Mulroney as the actor) are lovers in college years. Yet just as the most lovers, their love developed into friendship. So they make a promise that if both of them are single before 28, they will get married. But it is until the wedding news of Michael that shock Julian. So she decides to destroy the coming wedding of her ex-boyfriend.
Top 7 Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994)
Recommended reason: The movie full of British humor, you may understand that a proposal is not just declaration of love, maybe it is the best way to break silence that insure you topics in the life. Also, for those in pursuit of love, why not attend more wedding ceremony, maybe your Mr. Right is there waiting for you.
Synopsis: Charles, a frequent in wedding, yet he is terrified of wedding. On a wedding, he meets an American girl, and fells deeply love in her. However, the girl leaves him after they spend a beautiful night together. Two months later, they meet again on the wedding of the girl, what will happen in the end? You should discover it yourself.
TOP 8 The Wedding Crashers (2006)
Recommended reason: The bridesmaid should pay more attention, as the movie is the best caution for bachelor party. From the every details of wedding ceremony to some notes on wedding, this movie can be called a comprehensive wedding movie, and also with the excellent performance of Christopher Walken, The Wedding Crashers is suitable for leisure.
Synopsis: John Beckwith (Owen Wilson) and Jeremy Grey (Vince Vaughn) are business partners and lifelong buddies. They crash any and all weddings and pretend to be brothers working as venture capitalists. Surprisingly, they win the hearts of young beauty on each wedding, and then they just leave. Then, at the wedding of the daughter of Treasury Secretary William Cleary, both of them fell in love with a woman. Yet, will the two playboys find true love?
Top 9 Father of the Bride (1991)
Recommended reason: Is it necessary to hire a wedding planner? This classic movie answers the old topic in a new look angle. Although Martin Short's gorgeous performance does not satisfy the father of the bride, yet in the end, the noblest wedding ceremony is presented. Also, you will be moved by the ice sculpture swan and the tennis shoes designed by the old father.
Synopsis: Some believe that daughters are the lovers of the father in the prolife. Well, it is true on Steve Mattin. Seeing her daughter bring a boyfriend from Europe, he has quite complex feeling towards his son-in-law, what will happen between two men in the end?
Top 10 Bride Wars (2009)
Recommended reason: Two beautiful women also best friends Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson fight the war against each other because of a wedding ceremony. Of course, the movie will include charming bride dress, shining diamond rings and ancient church.
Synopsis: A good sister often attend various wedding since their childhood and wish to celebrate their own wedding 9 clock at Century Luxury. When they grow up to beautiful lady after 20 years later, the clergywoman should arrange their wedding at the same date. So you will guess, a vehement wedding arena opens the curtains.
For more wedding dress information, http://www.sevenyearitchs.com/, wedding dresses club aims to provide you latest news on wedding trend, wedding collection, what's more, useful wedding tips can be found here.
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Hollywood Weight Loss Secrets You Should not Follow
Hollywood Weight Loss Secrets You Should not Follow
The clamor for ultra thin body has made many people lead unhealthy and unhappy lives. Too much preoccupation in being wafer thin has brought a lot of celebrities to the brink of eating and psychological disorders, and even death. It seems that Hollywood has never learned from the experiences of those who met their demise, like Karen Carpenter, by trying to look slim as a twig.
Nowadays, yo-yo dieting, extreme medical procedures, and other bizarre diets are still popular among many Hollywood A-listers, celebrity wannabes and even aspiring actresses and models. What's ironic is that when asked what they do to maintain their super thin bodies, they would usually say that they have good genes, great trainers, or are simply too busy to gain weight. Yeah right.
Here are some of the things people in Tinseltown do in order to look good in front of a camera:
Parasite Infestation
Some of you might have heard about celebrities who have asked for parasite infestation, such as putting tapeworm inside their colon, just to make sure that they will continue to stay slim without having to sacrifice their favorite foods like burgers and fries. Although nobody has really admitted to going such lengths to lose weight, there have been rumors about it several years back. Regardless of the veracity of this urban myth, the important thing is to never try such a thing. Getting infected with parasites, much less a tapeworm, is very dangerous and can lead to more serious conditions.
Coffee And Cigarettes
Since makeup and very expensive lotions and creams can make a person's skin and face beautiful and free of lines, many celebrities do not mind feasting on nothing else but coffee and cigarettes. Their skin won't suffer that much from smoking because of new technological advancements in the field of cosmetic surgery and dermatology. Drinking four Venti-size ice-blended coffee everyday can be filling, while cigarette smoking can help lower the desire to munch.
However, this can be a very lethal combination. First, feeding on nothing but coffee will not provide you the right amount of nutrients your body needs. Although coffee is rich in antioxidants, too much coffee can actually make a person jittery and malnourished. Next, cigarette smoking is bad for the health. Smoking can actually lead to various serious illnesses, such as cancer, emphysema and even heart ailments.
Laxative Tea Binging
These products were created to help people lose weight or ease constipation and other gastrointestinal problems. However, relying on them for a long time to ensure that your waistline will not double even if you eat plenty of fries and dozens of bagels can be potentially dangerous to your health. Aside from vomiting, nausea and cramps, laxative tea abuse can damage natural functions of your internal organs. Your intestines' ability to move bowel can be impaired as well.
Obsessive Exercise
Another weight-loss regimen that you should never follow is obsessive exercising. Brisk walking for an hour a day, going to the gym three to five times a week, and participating in sports activities are perfectly alright if you want to lose a couple of inches and build muscles. However, visiting the gym for six times a day, never-ending run on the treadmill, and 3,000 repetitions of sit-ups or abdominal crunches daily are a bit too much. Believe it or not, there are actually a number of celebrities and starlets who are doing these just to look good. However, too much exercise can harm your ligaments, muscles and bones. The impact of chronic strenuous activities can hurt your knees, back and joints.
Instead of following each of the abovementioned weight loss craze, it would be best for you to just follow a sensible diet, which is composed mostly of vegetables, fruits, fish and other healthy foods. Combine that with regular exercise regimen, an active lifestyle and a moderate consumption of all-natural diet aids, such as Zylorin. If you want to know more about this weight-loss supplement, simply visit http://www.zylorin.com/.
Janet Martin is an avid health and fitness enthusiast and published author. Many of her insightful articles can be found at the premier online news magazine. http://www.thearticleinsiders.com.
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Hollywood Weight Loss Secrets You Should not Follow
Hollywood Weight Loss Secrets You Should not Follow
The clamor for ultra thin body has made many people lead unhealthy and unhappy lives. Too much preoccupation in being wafer thin has brought a lot of celebrities to the brink of eating and psychological disorders, and even death. It seems that Hollywood has never learned from the experiences of those who met their demise, like Karen Carpenter, by trying to look slim as a twig.
Nowadays, yo-yo dieting, extreme medical procedures, and other bizarre diets are still popular among many Hollywood A-listers, celebrity wannabes and even aspiring actresses and models. What's ironic is that when asked what they do to maintain their super thin bodies, they would usually say that they have good genes, great trainers, or are simply too busy to gain weight. Yeah right.
Here are some of the things people in Tinseltown do in order to look good in front of a camera:
Parasite Infestation
Some of you might have heard about celebrities who have asked for parasite infestation, such as putting tapeworm inside their colon, just to make sure that they will continue to stay slim without having to sacrifice their favorite foods like burgers and fries. Although nobody has really admitted to going such lengths to lose weight, there have been rumors about it several years back. Regardless of the veracity of this urban myth, the important thing is to never try such a thing. Getting infected with parasites, much less a tapeworm, is very dangerous and can lead to more serious conditions.
Coffee And Cigarettes
Since makeup and very expensive lotions and creams can make a person's skin and face beautiful and free of lines, many celebrities do not mind feasting on nothing else but coffee and cigarettes. Their skin won't suffer that much from smoking because of new technological advancements in the field of cosmetic surgery and dermatology. Drinking four Venti-size ice-blended coffee everyday can be filling, while cigarette smoking can help lower the desire to munch.
However, this can be a very lethal combination. First, feeding on nothing but coffee will not provide you the right amount of nutrients your body needs. Although coffee is rich in antioxidants, too much coffee can actually make a person jittery and malnourished. Next, cigarette smoking is bad for the health. Smoking can actually lead to various serious illnesses, such as cancer, emphysema and even heart ailments.
Laxative Tea Binging
These products were created to help people lose weight or ease constipation and other gastrointestinal problems. However, relying on them for a long time to ensure that your waistline will not double even if you eat plenty of fries and dozens of bagels can be potentially dangerous to your health. Aside from vomiting, nausea and cramps, laxative tea abuse can damage natural functions of your internal organs. Your intestines' ability to move bowel can be impaired as well.
Obsessive Exercise
Another weight-loss regimen that you should never follow is obsessive exercising. Brisk walking for an hour a day, going to the gym three to five times a week, and participating in sports activities are perfectly alright if you want to lose a couple of inches and build muscles. However, visiting the gym for six times a day, never-ending run on the treadmill, and 3,000 repetitions of sit-ups or abdominal crunches daily are a bit too much. Believe it or not, there are actually a number of celebrities and starlets who are doing these just to look good. However, too much exercise can harm your ligaments, muscles and bones. The impact of chronic strenuous activities can hurt your knees, back and joints.
Instead of following each of the abovementioned weight loss craze, it would be best for you to just follow a sensible diet, which is composed mostly of vegetables, fruits, fish and other healthy foods. Combine that with regular exercise regimen, an active lifestyle and a moderate consumption of all-natural diet aids, such as Zylorin. If you want to know more about this weight-loss supplement, simply visit http://www.zylorin.com/.
Janet Martin is an avid health and fitness enthusiast and published author. Many of her insightful articles can be found at the premier online news magazine. http://www.thearticleinsiders.com.
Breaking Into Hollywood – How Much Should I Ask People To Pay Me?
Breaking Into Hollywood - How Much Should I Ask People To Pay Me?
If you're starting out or moving up in the entertainment industry, knowing what pay rate to ask for is particularly hard, so here are some guidelines to go by.
In general, it's very important not to sell yourself too short OR price yourself too high. What determines this is not just the "market rate" for the services you're delivering. When you're setting your fee for a job, take the following into consideration - every time:
RATE "CALCULATOR"
1) What the market rate range is for the gig;
2) What experience you'll gain;
3) What contacts you bring;
4) What contacts you'll gain;
5) What relationship(s) you'll form with whom;
6) What credit you'll receive;
7) Who is issuing that credit (it matters!);
What experience you bring to the table;
9) When you will be paid.
Seems like a lot! Believe it or not, ALL of these are monetized in the entertainment industry. So do that 9-point checklist on every offer and adjust accordingly. Let me quickly break down how to use the list:
1) Market Rate. This is your opening number. You can always start with Guild tables; for screenwriting and teleplays, for example, the Writers Guild posts a Schedule of Minimums for payments. If you AND your potential employers are novices, this quote will probably be too high for you, for the reasons on the rest of the list. So beyond the various guilds and unions for your industry, a great way to research the market rate is to ask someone who recently was promoted past the position you're considering. They'll be happier to quote their former rate than reveal their current one! How to find them? Get online on the industry forums and boards! Join a Yahoo! Group in your field and post away.
2) Potential Experience ("-"). If you'll get important professional experience from the gig, this is worth lowering a quote in negotiations with someone who cannot pay much. The new work experience will help you get better jobs (and pay) as you rise. If the employer is a complete newcomer, however, be realistic about what kind of training you'll actually receive. The key question to ask is, "What are the credits and background of the most experienced person I'll actually be working with?" That will let you know how much you'll learn in the process of doing the job.
3) Your Contacts ("+"). If you are bringing key industry names to the project, and that is part of what you are expected to contribute, that's a bump for your fee.
4) Potential Contacts ("-"). There's nothing worth more money in this business than personal contacts. If you'll walk away with a great database of vendors, staff, crew and other industry contacts you connected with, take that into consideration as you set your price.
5) Potential Relationships ("-"). Beyond contacts, if the gig has you working closely with major players in your field, it's worth flexibility on your fee. This isn't just who will be on set with you. Which legitimate agents, managers, designers, network execs, bookers, casting agents, etc. will be part of the project and seeing you shine? Relationships are worth MORE than money in Hollywood.
6) Your Credit ("-"). If you have to choose between money and a better credit, in the beginning, go for the credit - as long as it is an accurate one! In other words, don't trade a writing credit for a "co-producer" (meaningless) or "producer" credit if you only wrote the script. Your producer credit will be vetted and tossed out in any credit dispute if the project goes anywhere. But if you're working on a TV pilot and they can't pay well, but you can get an Associate Producer rather than a Production Assistant title, that is worth money in the bank on your next job. So work with them on your fee.
7) The Credit Source ("-"). A credit only means as much as the person who gives it to you. If a major company offers you a lesser credit, don't dismiss it outright. That company's good reputation and position in the industry might give you more heat when you go to your next gig - and it certainly can open that next door a lot faster.
Your Experience ("-"). If you're new in the game, this is where you'll potentially shave quite a bit off of your quote, and that's a wide open range. If you'll be working for an established company, there still are minimum expectations for rates (again, check with outside people at the level above where you're being hired). Established companies are offsetting the lower rate with a list of career and future financial benefits. Newcomers are not. So if you are providing a real product or service to a fellow industry newbie, you must be paid for it. And not on the "back-end" (where unicorns and Bigfoot and other myths live)!
A producer who can't shoot a film without your script...can't shoot a film WITH your script - because they don't have money. It costs money to make a movie, and part of that should go to compensating the writer, especially since, unlike the crew, you are getting no other tangible experience in the process, and your writing credit will be skeptically received on an indie film that never saw the light of day. But if you've never had a script produced or done a modeling shoot or been in a play, and a newcomer wants to hire you, don't even think about holding fast to union minimums. Work with them on a fee or some tradeoffs, per the list above and the tip that follows.
9) The Pay Date ("+"). The later someone is going to pay you for your work, the more you can bump (slightly increase) your fee. Almost everyone reading this has been approached by someone who wants them to do work for free (on "spec"), with promises of payment "on the back end." That's meaningless because you're pretty much never going to see a back-end payment (it's possible; just not likely!). So here's a rule. If you are doing physical work for someone (writing a script, walking a runway, doing a photo shoot), you must arrange to get physical "payment," of some sort, when you do the work.
If the employer is an established company and you are a working professional, do not do spec work for them. Once you do it for free, you will always be expected to do it for free - or at least for too little. Thank them for the offer of employment, let them know you don't work for spec but are excited to work with them, then work out a deal memo through your lawyer, offering them an introductory fee for this first project and establishing a minimum "floor" for any projects that follow. Established companies are never shocked to talk to lawyers (that's how we do things in Hollywood), and they are more than used to paying for people's work.
Newbie employers can offer you "deferred payment" - but also request a guaranteed in-kind benefit you can leave that gig with (and sign that in a deal memo, too). If you're doing a fashion show for someone, ask them if they will at least hire a professional digital photographer (or let you bring one) so you can get shots (free clothes aren't enough - those won't get you your next gig!). Ask the designer to alert the photographer that you'll be bringing a laptop or memory stick to download your images before you leave, and bring a thank you note and truffle for the photographer. If you're writing the script for someone's film, ask them to buy a copy of professional screenwriting software and turn over one of their access codes to you. Work with strapped newbie employers to see what they can offer you in exchange for your labor - since they're not offering you entrée to the contacts, relationships and respected credits that would otherwise make a lower rate worth it.
ONE LAST WORD. As you work more steadily in this industry, your "rate" transforms into your "quote." Your ""quote" is what you were paid on your most recent gig(s), and it's the magic number everyone expects to pay you on your next gig. So once you begin working more steadily, you must be very protective of your quote, regardless of the additional benefits a certain gig would offer. Be particularly wary of being asked to accept a lower rate in exchange for a higher credit because that sets a ridiculously low quote for your new credit level. Sounds pretty sticky and uncomfortable? That's why people have agents.
DMA is a former film story analyst, international runway model and stage performer who is now the executive producer of a new media and reality TV production company in Los Angeles. Learn more about how to sell a reality show from her book, "The Show Starter Reality TV Made Simple System: Ten Steps to Creating and Pitching a Sellable Reality Show." She also offers reality production instruction seminars through her company's Show Starter services.
For DMA's national speaking schedule and more insider resources for breaking into Hollywood, please visit Planet DMA.
7 Things You Should Not Talk About On The First Date
7 Things You Should Not Talk About On The First Date
First dates are nerve-wracking and if you don't know that topic to talk about, you might end up in an awkward [if not embarrassing] situation with your date. Women should be tactful when going out on dates may it be the first or the 3rd date with the same guy. The first date is an important time to get to know each other to establish the initial trust and openness. A wrong impression will always last, especially if it was made verbally.
Here are 7 stingy topics you should avoid:
1. Don't talk about your exes
It is downright rude and insensitive when a woman talks about her ex for comparison's sake on a first date. The guy would feel bad about having to date you because your mind is obviously still fixed on a past relationship. Even if you want to compare your ex to your current date, just keep the thought to yourself and talk about a more significant topic like your date's hobbies and interests.
2. No politics, please!
Even if politics can be a good topic to discuss, it's better left off alone or discuss any political issues vaguely without elaborating you opinion. A first date is not the best time for debacles and debates about political issues and views. Keep the atmosphere casual and inviting in order for your date to remember you better.
3. Let's talk about sex...Not!
Even if sex may be inevitable on a first date for some women, but please, try not to talk about this sensitive topic. You may look and sound desperate when doing so and you could lose a potential long-time relationship if you talk about sex right away. It may be normal to have sex when you're already dating him steadily and for a long time, but talking about it as early as the very first date is a major turn off for most guys. You'll either lose his respect or you may end up together briefly just because of physical reasons.
4. Avoid talking about religious faiths
Although religion or faith is an important matter to both man and woman, talking about it on a first date can either make or break a possible relationship. Religion is an important factor and most couples need to be compatible with this aspect of their lives in order to keep the relationship harmonious.
5. Don't talk about showbiz gossips, most men hate it
No matter how much you love Brangelina, your date won't get it. Talk about those celebrities with your gal pals since they can understand where you're coming from. He might even think that you're out-of-touch with reality if you keep on thinking and talking about Hollywood celebs instead of your hobbies. So keep it real and let him know the person that you are instead of talking about other people's lives.
6. Avoid talking about marriage at this stage
You don't want to send your date running off with topics like marriage, wedding planning, engagement and things associated with marriage. You only talk about marriage with a guy who has been with you for a long time. Don't ruin your initial meeting by bombarding him with this very serious topic.
7. Money may be an interesting topic, but it's a big NO-NO during a first date
Even if it's tempting to ask for his salary or how much credit limit he has or how much debt is he in, it is best to discuss this once you end up in a relationship with this guy. The first date should be a fun and social way of getting to know him as a person.
Remember that when you out on a first date, the guy you're with may also be stressed and anxious about the things that you might ask him. Put him in a more comfortable position by talking about topics that are beneficial to both of you such as your interests, hobbies and life experiences. Giving your date this initial favor can garner you a second, third or even more dates to come because he will find you a wholesome, trustworthy and fun lady to be with.
Harrison Fray is an experienced and expert wedding planner who specializes in groomsmen gifts and wedding gifts buying. His advice can help you to buy groomsmen gifts cheaply but with unique style. Drop by Go Wedding Gifts to see what Harrison recommends.
Shows Emerging Celebrities Should Appear On
Shows Emerging Celebrities Should Appear On
Do you want to climb the career ladder and land a job in L.A? Are you trying to be a Hollywood star? Do you picture yourself sitting in a diner or on a bar stool and getting noticed by everyone passing? Do you want your picture taken and your name remembered? Well, you need to start pursuing some TV talk shows if you want to be remembered and gain fame. Here are three shows that every emerging celebrity should appear on at one time or another.
Saturday Night Live!
This show is the perfect gig for a debut. Not only is it a great way to meet and work with respected actors in the business, but it’s a great bullet point on your resume. The show is filled with humor, surprise, and of course, improving. Nothing is more wild than SNL. And it’s live! This gig can be a challenge and a hoot, and you will win the hearts of America once you’re on it. There’s also the possibility of meeting your favorite musical act and becoming as big as Adam Sandler or Tiny Fey. This is a great chance to make people laugh in an entirely new way and show off your skills as an entertainer. Basically, SNL is a definite must for all the new talent on the market.
The Ellen Degeneres Show!
The Ellen show is fantastically energetic, and very welcoming. Nobody is more cordial than and as corky as Ellen Degeneres. The show is filled with dancing, games, and spontaneity. Ellen usually has some kind of present and she always has something fun and embarrassing to surprise you with. Maybe she’ll ask you to dance, perhaps she’ll want you to grind on an audience member, or you might just play the infamous “Celebrity Game.” This show is fun stuff and gets lots of press, every new star will get a breath of fresh air from this lively talk show. And tons of people tune in!
The Jay Leno Show- Prime Time!
Jay Leno has a lot of followers. His show is fun and good for any career. Jay has a way of making you feel comfortable and asking questions that really matter. You can even call him ahead of time and let him know what you’d like to discuss. Being in Burbank, California is a great way to meet and network with other stars, producers, and talk show hosts. Get your schedule show and appear on at least one prime time talk show. The Tyra Show is okay, Conan is great, but Jay Leno is where it’s at.
Good luck and dream big!
Four Rules Celebrities Should Follow
Four Rules Celebrities Should Follow
We live in a celebrity obsessed culture. There are news programs devoted exclusively to the lives of stars, and weekly publications that report every facet of their lives both professional and personal. They are not allowed any measure of privacy. Camera people follow them on the most mundane of tasks, await them outside their homes to take photos that can be worth thousands of dollars and even rifle through their trash to find any snippet of information.
Common sense would tell someone in this situation that they must behave in a very respectable manner at all times living in the proverbial fish bowl. Yet, most celebrities don't seem to learn. Therefore I have compiled a list of tips that celebrities on the A, B, or even D list may want to follow.
Do Not Cheat On Your Spouse
This is not to say that they are supposed to be morally superior, or that they need to set an example. The simple truth is that with the increased level of scrutiny it is likely that they will get caught. Celebrities such as Brad Pitt, Ben Affleck, and Ryan Phillippe to name a few can attest to this. It is not a good idea of your spouse to learn of your wandering eye through the pages of Star Magazine.
Do Not Commit Any Crimes
Celebrity mug shots are the dreams of publishers of celebrity weeklies such as Star Magazine and The National Enquirer. There are websites devoted exclusively to embarrassing pictures of entertainers. Some favorites are those of Nick Nolte, Robert Downey Jr., Hugh Grant to name a few. Before the desire to pick up a prostitute, buy illegal drugs, or drive under the influence takes hold, remember every interview going forward will discuss the lapse in judgment and show the less than flattering photo provided in public records.
Do Not Lose or Gain Drastic Amounts of Weight
Most of us know that it is incredibly easy to gain weight as we age. Celebrities have no such luck. Every morsel that they consume must be monitored. A mere five pounds of extra weight gain can easily lead to false pregnancy or depression rumors. On the opposite end of the spectrum it is not unheard of for celebrities to be shamed into shedding pounds only to be questioned about their weight loss methods or about having an eating disorder once the weight loss becomes too drastic.
Do Not Marry Kevin Federline
This should be self explanatory; however, it appears that Britney Spears never got the memo. The level of criticism she received once she started to date the former back up dancer reached epic proportions. Though you should be able to date or marry whatever person you like, the same rules do not apply in the entertainment industry. Marrying Federline made Spears become a punch line. In this case the bad publicity did not bode well for her career. The rule in Hollywood for women seems to be that it is best to marry someone who has the same amount of power or more than you. In the case that your career takes off it is essential to upgrade to a more desirable spouse. Jennifer Garner and Katie Holmes are a great example of this.
Though it may seem unfair that those who choose the entertainment industry for a living have to live by a different set of rules, they do reap the rewards of their profession. Celebrities earn large amounts of money, often more in a year then many achieve in their lifetimes. They receive preferential treatment much of the time, receive complimentary expensive items when they can afford to pay. Perhaps it is fitting that they get themselves into such crazy situations. It makes life a bit more fair.
Lisa James reads Star Magazine
and is a writer for Suscriba, seller of Star Magazine Subscriptions and other discount magazine subscriptions.