Jane By Design has been cancelled.
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ABC Family is now in production on a new drama series titled "Jane By Design", and the show's casting directors are auditioning talent for guest starring, day player, and under-five roles. Extras and stand-ins will also be hired throughout production on season 1, which will wrap on October 6, 2011. The series is being shot at Santa Clarita Studios.
"Jane By Design" stars the beautiful and talented newcomer Erica Dasher as Jane Quimby, a teenager who is mistaken as an adult and lands a job in a hip retail company - and must balance her high school life as well as her job while keeping her identity a secret. Andie MacDowell plays Gray Chandler Murray, Jane's employer at the retail company.
The series was created by April Blair, who is also executive producing with John Ziffren and Gavin Polone. Blair wrote the extremely successful and popular Disney Channel Original Movie "Lemonade Mouth". Ziffren's ABC Family executive producing credits include "Melissa & Joey," "Switched at Birth," "The Nine Lives of Chloe King" among many others. Polone is owner of the production company "Pariah".
Principal Actor Casting
See the post titled Headshot and Resume Information regarding how to submit for acting roles.
"Jane By Design" is under AFTRA contract. Actors please put your AFTRA membership number on your resume.
Please put your AFTRA membership number on your resume.
Note: Talent can join AFTRA online at www.aftra.org or at their local branch office.
Current costs to join AFTRA:
$1663.90 ($1600.00 + $63.90), covering initiation fee and the first payment of bi-annual dues.
Please submit photos and resumes by mail only.
No phone calls or personal drop-offs.
Barbara Stordahl
Angela Terry
"Jane By Design" Casting
5225 Wilshire
Suite 720
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Extras Casting
Central Casting:
220 South Flower Street
Burbank, CA 91502
Registration Information: (818) 562-2755
Do not send photos to Central, you must register in person.
Production Companies:
Do NOT send photos and resumes to the production companies, as they will most likely end up being thrown away. They do not cast the films, rather they hire casting directors who sort through the thousands of submissions.
ABC Family Worldwide
3800 W. Alameda Ave
Burbank, CA 91505
Prodco, Inc.
5135 Anza Drive
Stage 2
Valencia CA 91355
Pariah
9744 Wilshire Blvd.
Suite 205
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Shooting Location:
Santa Clarita Studios
5135 Anza Drive
Stage 2
Valencia CA 91355
Producers:
April Blair
Gavin Polone
John Ziffren
Directors:
Lev L. Spiro (Pilot Episode)
Michael Lange
Michael Katleman
Arlene Sanford
Note: Additional directors work various episodes. In television shows composed of individual episodes, the television director's role differs from that of a film director in that he or she may work only on some television episodes as opposed to the director of an entire film production. In episodic television productions, the major creative control resides with a producer of the show. The television producer with creative control is called the showrunner.
Starring:
Erica Dasher - Jane Quimby
David C. Rogers - Ben Quimby
Matthew Atkinson - Nick Fadden Andie MacDowell - Gray Chandler Murray
Nazneen Contractor - Ms. Rita Shaw
Nicholas Roux - Billy Nutter
Rowly Dennis - Jeremy Jones
India De Beaufort - India Jourdain
Meagan Tandy - Lulu Pope
Story:
Being raised by her slightly older brother after their single dad passed away. (their mother left when they were young), this go-getting high school student and budding fashionista Jane Quimby (Erica Dasher) applies for an internship at a fashion house. Mistaken for an adult applying for a permanent position, Jane is amazed when she's hired, not as an intern, but as an assistant to Gray Chandler Murray (Andie MacDowell) a bona fide dragon lady who is so demanding she uses up two assistants a month. It's a huge opportunity for Jane to help her brother cover the bills and get a leg-up in the industry she loves, but meanwhile, she has to live two lives, juggling her high school class load with her insanely demanding new job. So far, Jane is rising to the challenge of her schizophrenic, exciting new lifestyle, but just how long she can fool her guidance counselor (Nazneen Contractor), teachers, co-workers and new boss, remains to be seen.
ABC Family Auditions has casting calls and talent search information for the networks' shows and movies.
Pages
I have worked in the Entertainment Industry as long as I can remember. I have been a member of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists since 1985. I decided to create and maintain this blog in my spare time to help people who do not have an agent, who are interested in becoming a professional actor. I hope the information on this page can help you achieve your dream of working as an actor or extra on television shows and movies. I post this information absolutely free of charge, and try to verify all details as much as possible. I hope my websites continue to help talent obtain employment in the entertainment industry.
Note: All content on third-party advertisers' websites is the sole responsibility of the respective website publisher(s)/owner(s).
Sincerely,
Alan Baltes
Note: All content on third-party advertisers' websites is the sole responsibility of the respective website publisher(s)/owner(s).
Sincerely,
Alan Baltes
Table of Contents
ABC Family Auditions Blog Archive
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Talent Agents and Managers
For beginners, the best thing is to send your photo and resume to as many agents as possible. It is very very difficult to get an agent without being in SAG and/or AFTRA. I recommend any legit agent that will sign you. I also recommend reading all of the information on the following blog:
Talent Agents
Do I have to pay money to audition?
NO! Never ever pay someone to audition. If they ask you to pay, then it is surely a scam. Legit casting directors, agents, and managers never charge any up-front fees whatsoever.
You should never be asked or required to attend any specific classes, use any specific photographers, or pay ANY upfront fees.
Agents typically get 10% of your paycheck AFTER you work. Managers typically get 15%. Casting Directors get paid by the studio or production company.
The only fee you should ever pay for is legit extras casting agencies, such as Central Casting in Burbank, CA. They may charge a small photo imaging fee of around $20, this is because they must take a digital photo of all extras for consistency in their files, and to make sure that they know what the extra looked like when they registered.
So the answer is NO! It costs absolutely nothing to audition for television shows and films.
You should never be asked or required to attend any specific classes, use any specific photographers, or pay ANY upfront fees.
Agents typically get 10% of your paycheck AFTER you work. Managers typically get 15%. Casting Directors get paid by the studio or production company.
The only fee you should ever pay for is legit extras casting agencies, such as Central Casting in Burbank, CA. They may charge a small photo imaging fee of around $20, this is because they must take a digital photo of all extras for consistency in their files, and to make sure that they know what the extra looked like when they registered.
So the answer is NO! It costs absolutely nothing to audition for television shows and films.
Important information about uploading audition videos
A large number of casting directors and studios are now using Cast It Systems' ActorCast to allow people to upload audition videos for specific projects and roles.
When uploading audition videos, make absolutely sure to follow the directions exactly as stated. If they want it done a specific way, then do not disregard the instructions and do whatever you want.
Not following the instructions is a sure way to NOT get a call back. If you can't follow simple directions on how to tape and submit an audition video, then the casting director will assume that you may not be able to take direction well on set during filming. And that is not a good thing. So be very careful and follow the directions exactly as they are explained. Remember that not following directions can cost you the part!
When uploading audition videos, make absolutely sure to follow the directions exactly as stated. If they want it done a specific way, then do not disregard the instructions and do whatever you want.
Not following the instructions is a sure way to NOT get a call back. If you can't follow simple directions on how to tape and submit an audition video, then the casting director will assume that you may not be able to take direction well on set during filming. And that is not a good thing. So be very careful and follow the directions exactly as they are explained. Remember that not following directions can cost you the part!
What To Expect at an Audition
When you are called to audition, you are given "sides" which is a few pages of script to read. You can usually download these lines a few days before the audition. Sometimes they have you do a "cold reading" where you are given the sides right there and then.
When you arrive, you sign in at the receptionists desk, wait in the front office usually with several other actors. When they call you in, you sit down and have a brief conversation with the CD. It is best to ask them a few questions about the script, project, role, etc., before they bring it up! And that is it. If they like you, they usually call you back within a day or two to come back and read for the director and maybe writer, etc.
When you arrive, you sign in at the receptionists desk, wait in the front office usually with several other actors. When they call you in, you sit down and have a brief conversation with the CD. It is best to ask them a few questions about the script, project, role, etc., before they bring it up! And that is it. If they like you, they usually call you back within a day or two to come back and read for the director and maybe writer, etc.
Getting experience as 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. 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!
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. 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!
Advice For Auditioning
1. Always know what you are auditioning for.
2. Arrive thirty minutes prior to the audition time. This will allow ample time to check in and warm up, check out your competition.
3. Bring at least 2 photos and resumes. Photos should reflect current physical likeness (should always be updated!).
4. Do not chew gum ( all directors hate it).
5. When attending callbacks, always wear the same attire worn at audition. Try to do everything you did the first time because it has already worked during the first audition.
6. Be confident, smile, always have a positive attitude.
7. Act excited about everything you asked to do.
Actors/Improvisation:
Be prepared for improvisation.
Different voices and dialects are a plus.
Prepare a dramatic and comedic monologue no more than 2 minutes in length.
Note if the audition is going to provide sides (a portion of the script).
Singers:
Bring 2 selections of sheet music, 1 up-tempo and 1 ballad, in legible condition.
Be prepared to sing the best 16 bars.
Know your vocal range.
Sheet music should have full musical notation and in the key in which you will perform.
If audition requires movement, dress appropriately.
Dancers:
Wear appropriate dance attire.
Bring appropriate dance shoes.
If the audition requires singing, bring at least 2 selections of sheet music, 1 up-tempo and 1 ballad. Be prepared to sing the best 16 bars.
2. Arrive thirty minutes prior to the audition time. This will allow ample time to check in and warm up, check out your competition.
3. Bring at least 2 photos and resumes. Photos should reflect current physical likeness (should always be updated!).
4. Do not chew gum ( all directors hate it).
5. When attending callbacks, always wear the same attire worn at audition. Try to do everything you did the first time because it has already worked during the first audition.
6. Be confident, smile, always have a positive attitude.
7. Act excited about everything you asked to do.
Actors/Improvisation:
Be prepared for improvisation.
Different voices and dialects are a plus.
Prepare a dramatic and comedic monologue no more than 2 minutes in length.
Note if the audition is going to provide sides (a portion of the script).
Singers:
Bring 2 selections of sheet music, 1 up-tempo and 1 ballad, in legible condition.
Be prepared to sing the best 16 bars.
Know your vocal range.
Sheet music should have full musical notation and in the key in which you will perform.
If audition requires movement, dress appropriately.
Dancers:
Wear appropriate dance attire.
Bring appropriate dance shoes.
If the audition requires singing, bring at least 2 selections of sheet music, 1 up-tempo and 1 ballad. Be prepared to sing the best 16 bars.
Brand Yourself With Headshots
You should have two good color headshots (not "airbrushed", unless only to clean up a loose hair, etc), one "serious" and one "smiling". But it doesn't hurt to have 3-4 "looks". Try to portray the best possible image of your "brand". In other words, the type of personality and look that you would best portray.
Sometimes it is best to ask several other people who know you, like teachers, friends, etc. Parents often do not correctly see their child as portraying the "type" that they really should be. Here are some of the primary "types" for young actors:
Young Females:
awkward/gawky
artist
brain
bully
girl-next-door
ingénue/innocent muse
jock
princess
trendsetter
Young Males:
bad boy
boy-next-door
brain
bully
jock
nerdy kid/future genius
paste-eater/super uncool
quirky/trendy
smart-ass
Sometimes it is best to ask several other people who know you, like teachers, friends, etc. Parents often do not correctly see their child as portraying the "type" that they really should be. Here are some of the primary "types" for young actors:
awkward/gawky
artist
brain
bully
girl-next-door
ingénue/innocent muse
jock
princess
trendsetter
Young Males:
bad boy
boy-next-door
brain
bully
jock
nerdy kid/future genius
paste-eater/super uncool
quirky/trendy
smart-ass
How long does it take for a casting director to contact you if you submit a photo and resume?
It is just a matter of waiting. There are no time frames as to when they might get in touch. Sometimes they will keep a photo and resume for future consideration, sometimes they do not. It is all timing. You just hope that they are casting for a specific type when the photo and resume lands on their desk. Casting Directors do NOT contact you to let you know that they are not interested, they ONLY call if they want you to come in for an audition.
Important Safety Guidelines
I always recommend using a PO BOX instead of your home address when submitting. This is another good reason that getting an agent as soon as possible is of utmost importance. Then your agents contact information is all that is listed on the resume, cover letter, and envelope. There is an earlier post about how to get an agent in my blog archives (or table of contents).
Also, NEVER meet someone outside of a professional environment such as a studio or casting/agents office. Do NOT meet someone at a restaurant, private residence, etc. You should ALWAYS let someone else know EXACTLY where you are going, WHO you are meeting, and WHEN you are going there.
And a parent or guardian must ALWAYS accompany minors. A parent or guardian should NEVER be out of eyesight of the minor, whether it be at auditions or on set.
Also, NEVER meet someone outside of a professional environment such as a studio or casting/agents office. Do NOT meet someone at a restaurant, private residence, etc. You should ALWAYS let someone else know EXACTLY where you are going, WHO you are meeting, and WHEN you are going there.
And a parent or guardian must ALWAYS accompany minors. A parent or guardian should NEVER be out of eyesight of the minor, whether it be at auditions or on set.
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