The Successful Talent: Tips for the Actor & Model

NEED AN ENERGY BOOST?

The physical and emotional demands of working in entertainment can wreak havoc on your immune system and health.  Find yourself sneezing or coughing more than once or twice a year?  Add figs to your diet!

Turkish stevedores, famous for their strength, regularly dined on figs.  Today, they can be found in fresh, dried, boiled, or even in cake forms!  Known as part of a mediterranean diet, figs were introduced to the Americas by Spanish explorers.  They are still respected as a concentrated form of muscular energy, since they are easily digested.

Their medicinal value is a homeopathic remedy for the common cold, flu, or cough.  Packed with vitamins E, B6, B1 and B2, figs are also soothing to the bronchial passages and digestive tract.  Dried figs that are rehydrated by being boiled in milk (preferable non dairy) actually fight infections!

Load up on your vitamins and keep your body in optimum health so you can stay focused on what matters most - your career!  And now you can do that with a sweet treat.

TWINKLE TWINKLE LITTLE APRICOT

The industry always talks about what it calls the "it" factor -- that special something that no one can teach, but is so evident in talent who reach celebrity status.  It's also commonly referred to as a "twinkle" in one's eye.  It draws us all in effortlessly and could be responsible for what sometimes seems like someone becoming famous almost overnight.

Maybe you can't be taught the "it" factor, but that twinkle in your eye be found in your diet?  Perhaps! 

Apricots are one of the most widly traveled foods the world has to offer.  The apricot tree originated in China; was transplanted from Greece to California; and ended up with US astronauts in space.   

Despite the good things apricots have to offer in the diet, including being low in sodium and high in potassium and iron, the most imporant nutrient in the apriocot is provitamin A.  And this is where the apricot might give you an edge over your competition!  Provitamin A maintains good vision . . . and is credited with "giving the sparkle and beauty to the eyes that are characteristic of good health," according to The Encyclopedia of Foods and Their Healing Power.

That sparkle isn't the only benefit to consuming this fruit, though.  Ripe or dried, apriocots also help those suffering from anemia, night blindness, and loss of visual acuity, plus disorders on the skin (e.g., eczema) and increase resistance to infections in the sinuses.  Dr. Valnet is responsible for studies that show that apricots maintain equilibrium within the nervous system to help with depression and nervousness credited to it's trace elements, too.

The sweet taste of apricots is readily available in the summer, but can also be found in jellies and dried forms during the winter.  Add apricots to your regular diet . . . and twinkle your way right into that next booking!

CAN YOU PICK A PAWPAW?

Our childhood friend, Baloo the Bear, introduced us at a young age to one of nature's best kept tropical secrets - the Pawpaw!

Christopher Columbus, in contrast, was introduced to this secret by the Native American tribes who called it vanti, which means "feel well."  Papayas are the richest fruit in the B vitamin complexes (except for folates).  Papayas actually contribute to helping your body digest other foods -- especially proteins.  This fruit is also commonly used as a homeopathic option for clearing skin issues, including eczema and acne due to it's richness in provitamin A.

Eat enough Papaya, Papaw, or Pawpaw, and you'll be doing a healthy dance along with Baloo and friends!

 

THROUGH A CASTING DIRECTOR'S EYES

"Did she really just say that?"

A NY actress sent the note below to one of our casting directors describing her experience as a stand-in casting assistant.  Think being a talent is frustrating?  Try walking a mile in a casting director's shoes . . . and gain the perspective that will make them remember you as someone they want to see over and over again in the future!

"Last week I actually sat on the other side of the table for the first time. Yes, this actress was asked by a friend who is a filmmaker to help her with casting. For 3 hours I was a casting director.
 
I was astounded at how many actors were not prepared. Even though headshots were submitted online the filmmaker made it clear to the actors she wanted hard copies of photos and resumes when they came to audition. Several looked surprised when asked. One person said she didn't have it, but offered her "business card" which was - I am not exaggerating - no bigger than my pinky finger. There were a few black and white pics, several with untrimmed resumes and even resumes which were out of focus and unreadable. No wonder casting directors get so frustrated!"

LETTUCE BE CALM