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Here are some examples:
Leading Light Productions |
Lew Carr, the president of Casting America, is also the CEO of Leading Light Productions, LLC. and Double Down Films. Leading Light Productions has just received a firm and final commitment of $10 million to be invested in the company for production purposes - with other funds to come in the near future as well. The funding is to allow the film "Double Down" and one of Leading Light's television series, "Casting America" (a national reality series), to be produced later this year. Further, the deal includes an assurance of world-wide distribution for these and three other projects that we will be doing: "Wing Man" (a romantic comedy), "Crimson" (a vampire film), and "Captain Traffic" (a goofy superhero spoof). It will take a few weeks for the financial transactions to be complete. Once everything is in place, we will be doing a Texas statewide search to identify and to set up the right location for the production facilities. We will aso be adding Casting America corporate offices in Dallas, Austin and Houston. By the end of the year, company-owned Casting America offices will be opened in eight major US cities outside of Texas and California to tie in with the television series. Very soon, we will be doing a nationwide search for crew and staff for these various productions, along with veteran agency staff for the various management company locations. Things are about to move in major ways. It has been a trying period, waiting for everything to come together - but it has definitely been worth it. One quick note: We have been hearing bizarre statements from people who have been previously signed with Casting America. We are referring to two primary groups. One group has either been banned by Casting America for lack of reliability or other cause and the other group, for whatever reason, chose to leave Casting America to sign contracts with other agencies. We are getting word that these people are being told by their current agencies that they will, despite our past problems with them, be allowed to audition for our films and television projects! What???? So let us be clear. People in these categories are considered by our company to either be a major reliability risk or utterly disloyal. Neither of these are traits we would want on our sets. We will NEVER allow any of these people, regardless of what agency they are with now to EVER audition for any project of ours. We indeed will call upon all licensed agencies throughout the US to provide talent to audition - but NONE of these people will be among them. Nor will agencies be allowed to send anyone if said agency was founded by raiding the talent that Casting America itself had scouted, trained and signed. You know who you all are. And we truly, genuinely wish all of you well - but we will not be working with you in any capacity whatsoever. What is the old saying? "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me!" Disloyalty comes with a price. Also, some actually had the audacity to leave and join other agencies because they did not like the fact that we insisted that they had to work on their craft as actors... Wanting them to give concrete proof that they were putting in several hours each week at practice... We do not give highly paid assignments to people who are too lazy to spend at least two or three hours in a whole, entire week working on their skill sets! Every partner of ours is 100% on board with this policy. So there are 2 agencies who will not be allowed to send people - even as extras - and there are roughly 70 people/actors who will not be allowed to audition or work with us. BUT... that leaves the other 6.5 billion people on this planet available to audition for any and all of our projects. So ruling out 70 is not bad |
San Antonio Office |
Due to the heavy production and development schedule for upcoming films that Lew Carr, the president of Casting America, will be involved with as of May, the Casting America office in San Antonio will only be involved with conducting two more workshops for its actors. This coming weekend, April 12th and 13th, will be the last time that Mr. Carr will be able to teach acting in television commercials there. The Thursday Night improvisation sessions will continue through May but will be phased out when the Leading Light production offices open at the American Airlimes Arena in Dallas. There will be one and only one more basic on camera acting and auditioning workshop for television and film on the last weekend in April. Helping our actors to get the fundamentals for film and commercial work has been important to Mr. Carr. But training will have to take a back seat to production. Those of you who have been trained by him, have worked on your craft, practiced, paid your dues by participating in low and no budget projects, and are above all reliable and loyal - now is the time to show it, as he will be looking at his own actors first for some of the supporting roles in these projects. |
Sasha Pena |
Sasha Pena, a beautiful dancer, actress and model who is part of the Casting America/IMG family, was recently sent by Josh Lopez, Casting America's Director of Marketing and IMG Manager, to audition as one of the three dancers for Fergie's Concert Tour coming up this summer. Competing against hundreds of others, Sasha and her talent won out. She will be touring with Ms. Fergilicious herself all summer. Congratulations both to Sashs and Josh. By the way, Josh has in the past few months booked dancers with Justin Timberlake and Ashanti as well. |
Feature Film |
Lew Carr, the president of Casting America, will be directing and producing the feature film "Double Down", a true story. The project will shooting in Texas during the fall, 2008. "Double Down" is a budgeted project, to be filmed at a $2 million minimum. In all likelihood the budget will go well beyond that level with the new infusion of funds. All roles will be paid. This is a true story involving two separate double murders that happened in Texas. It is very Hitchcock in nature. If you are interested in being considered for a role, contact our staff via email at castamer@aol.com. Put Double Down in the subject line and be sure to forward photos, a resume if you have it - and your age and location. |
To Team With For Additional Offices |
Casting America is actively expanding its operations throughout the United States and Canada. If you are an individual who would like to operate a model and talent agency or management company -- AND if you are highly ethical, have good business instincts, and solid people skills -- then you should talk with us about working together to open one or more locations. We are receptive to many of the markets throughout the U.S. and Canada, but are especially receptive to those who would want to operate in Dallas, Houston, Hawaii, Atlanta, Shreveport, Phoenix, Las Vegas or Chicago. To learn more about our Talent Manager Program, please go to the following link: |
"Listen to what Lew Carr and Casting America tell you! I started with them a few years ago and had no industry background at all. But with the training, mentoring and management of Mr. Carr and his company, I have now done over 100 film, tv, industrial, commercial, voice over, animation and corporate video projects, as well as another 40 modeling assignments. ALL of my original training and guidance came through Lew Carr and his company. Thank you, Lew! And to all of you out there who are serious about the entertainment field, pay attention to what he has to say! What he tells you is the truth! And if you're asking whether their Kickstart Program works, I landed nonexclusive contracts with 23 agencies through it. Having many different sources trying to find you work sure beats doing it all on your own. Casting America has the best approach that I have ever seen."
Wes Sainz
Wes Sainz Online Portfolio Page
"I recently took the Casting America On Camera Acting and Auditioning Workshop. I could not believe the volume of information that we received -- and how practical it was. To my amazement, the VERY FIRST audition I went to I won! It involved doing a cold reading for a commercial, and I had only fifteen minutes to prepare. I applied all of the techniques taught in the class to quickly break down the character and rehearsed the script out loud in the waiting room -- even though all of my competition thought I was crazy. I ended up winning the lead character role in Hyundai commercial, playing a People's Court type judge. This is great!"
Diana Fitzgerald
Diana Fitzgerald Online Portfolio Page
"Just a note to thank you for helping me get started in the business of acting by preparing me with all the basic essentials needed for my new career. Being prepared is probably one of the most important things you teach. By helping me to create a professional portfolio and spending extra time with me in both the photo sessions and your excellent workshops you have given me both the confidence and the tools I have needed to succeeded in reaching my goal. From my first audition with an agency (which signed me immediately) to my first audition for an Independent film (in which I landed a leading role), to a commercial shoot for a national restaurant, to having a featured role in an episode for "The New Detectives" you have been with me "In Spirit". Amazingly all of this has taken place in the last two months. I am headed to L A in January, obviously for more opportunity, and wanted to get some more of your good advice as to what workshops you would recommend and also what agents I might contact for representation. I am having a the time of my life and I owe a great part of that to you. I wish you continuing good luck in both your personal and business ventures and look forward to seeing you again soon.
Thanks again, Wade Haughton" "Dear Casting America... Lew Carr is without a doubt the most talented photographer I have ever worked with. My husband wants me to tell you that Lew did an AMAZING job photographing me. He absolutely loved all the pictures and so do I. Also, attending and studying the On Camera Acting & Auditioning Workshop for Film & Television, given by Lew, was one of the most important and smartest things I've done for my modeling/acting career. I would honestly suggest to any up and coming actor to take this workshop."
"Being the skeptic that I am, I never would have thought that just a few months after taking the Casting America 'On Camera Auditioning and Acting Workshop' and the 'On Camera Monologue Workshop' I would have been cast in three film projects! One of these films I learned about through the classes with Casting America, one project through the Casting America Auditions Board, and for one of these projects, a production company saw me on my Online Portfolio Page through the Actors Gallery on Casting America website, and contacted me. Success in all three avenues. For all three auditions, I used techniques taught in the classes by Mr Carr. 'Go Slow, Talk Low and Don't Say to Much' is a favorite saying of mine now....and it works. I've completed filming on one of these projects, 'The Sweet Bitters.' In this film I was the damsel in distress...actingwise it was both physical and emotional. This short film when completed will be submitted to several festivals around the country. This was a great experience. One of the shoots lasted 11 hours w/ just a few breaks. But the time flew by. With a small crew and cast, we were helping each other with everything...checking continuity, setting up shots, etc. In the movie, 'The Knowledge', I will be the damsel in distress...hmmm...I see a trend here. But this film will involve martial arts and special effects. Can't wait to begin this process.
In the film, 'Necrophobia', I have a small part as a low-income, working mother whose son is nearly killed by a carnival freak. By the way, during my photo shoot with Lew Carr at Casting America, I didn't just get my picture shot, but rather, I learned a lot about the business. It was almost like a workshop itself and I have benefited greatly"
Wade Haughton
Wade Haughton Online Portfolio Page
Karen Castleberry
Karen Castleberry Online Portfolio Page
We want to thank the businesses who sponsored Stephanie Wade in helping her to get her career started as an actress and a model, including:
FastHealth Corporation
2330 University Blvd. Suite 814
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
www.fasthealth.com
swade@fasthealth.com
and
The Pita Pit
Restaurant
Tuscaloosa, AL
We encourage anyone who could use the services of these businesses to do so. We appreciate their help for Stephanie
We want to thank the following business who sponsored Sharline Hernandez in helping her to get her career started as an actress:
Monterrey Iron & Metal
2300 Frio City
San Antonio, TX 78226
We encourage anyone who could use the services of this company to do so. We appreciate their help for Sharline
Karen Schlag
Karen Schlag Online Portfolio Page
The CBS News affiliate in the Tampa Bay area did a very positive special presentation on Casting America. The story was so unique that it was subsequently picked up nationally by other CBS and independent affiliates and shown throughout the US. The focus of the piece was upon the process that is involved with becoming a success in modeling, acting, singing or voice over work. Lew Carr, founder of Casting America, was featured prominently, along with appearances by Jack Amos, Helen Pugh, Janell Leow, Stephen Meyer and Nick Rondinelli. Among the advice offered by Lew in the story was:"If you want to model, act or sing, then do it because you have a passion for it, because you love it -- NOT because you are trying to be rich and famous. If you focus too much on wealth or fame, you put too much pressure on yourself, you do not do a good job, you do not enjoy it and you will get nowhere. On the other hand, if you do it for the passion, then wealth and fame have a way of taking care of themselves." |
"Wanted to give you an update (on my audition). I got the role of Elizabeth in this (tv pilot) project!
They just told me today that Archer Entertainment had offered me the role! The producer told me that their will be a photo shoot and after the shoot they will shop the pilot (to the networks). I have never never done this before, nor have I tried. I'm going to attach their email to me so that you can tell me what you think. Thanks for all your help. See below:
Archer has decided to offer you the role of Elizabeth. Once the pilot is sold we will
be ready to shoot it. Time is important so if you want this role we need to know. Bear in mind this
show is going to be major! RSVP ASAP
Lew, thanks for all your advice.
Jacquelene Dennis"
Jacquelene Dennis
Jacquelene Dennis Online Portfolio Page
"It was really great working with Lew Carr of Casting America. It was the first time I'd done a photo shoot in a couple years. He made me feel completely at ease. I didn't have to wonder when he was going to shoot. He was able to catch wonderful shots without me feeling like I had to pose. It was completely natural. The majority of the shots came off with superior quality with very little effort. I didn't realize how great our shoot actually was until I worked with some photographers after Lew. They weren't able to catch the natural essence of the art. I felt very stiff and posed. The direction I received was not inspiring me and I felt like an amateur. The majority of the photos from the other photographers came out terribly. The shoots were basically unusable. I was really disappointed when I won a fitness competition (I compete around the country) and won a free shoot for a fitness magazine as part of the competition. I could not believe the difference in photos! I wanted them to let me go find Lew and use him. I've learned that quality pictures depend greatly on the rapport you have with the photographer. Professionalism, fun, and natural ease are key to having a great shoot which will result in great pictures. I look forward to working with Lew in the future because the quality of the pictures will get even better as I keep learning. I never thought I would have flown cross country to get a portfolio done, but it was one of the wisest things I have done in a while. I plan to do the same for the on camera acting workshops." The following four emails came from Robbie Tittle, one of the Model/Actresses Casting America trained through our workshop intensives and packaged (shooting her portfolio and head shots, assisting with resumes and cover letters to agents and casting directors, legal guidance with contracts, and career guidance through Superstart). These emails, showing a series of successes for her shortly after getting under way, are not at all unique with the people with whom we work closely. Different people progress at different paces, but the opportunities are there for those who work at their craft, are packaged correctly for their pursuits, trained properly, and are patient. Robbie had never done any professional modeling or acting prior to working with Casting America.
Note #1 from Robbie:
"I wanted to take a moment express my deep gratitude and appreciation to you, Mr. Carr, for helping me get started in the professions of acting and modeling. From the moment I contacted you online, you began preparing me with all the critical essentials required for my new career without all the flowery fluff that you get from other companies. You gave me facts with no pressure. From helping me build a great professional portfolio, as well as spending a lot of extra time with me -- not only with the photo sessions -- but your exceptional workshops as well. I loved my photos and I learned a lot more in your 2 day on camera workshops than I learned taking a whole term of acting classes in college. You have given me both the self-confidence and the tools I need to succeed in accomplishing my goals. I would like to get more of your high-quality advice as to what workshops you would suggest for the future. It was certainly worth the trips from Oregon to work with you. I am having the time of my life and I owe a great deal of this to you. So far I have won the lead role Misty in a murder mystery and have been contacted for future films and modeling jobs that begin in Jan. I look forward to my date books continuing to fill up. I do wish you continuing good luck in both your individual and business ventures. I do look forward to seeing you again and I will keep you up dated on my successes… How could I not succeed I got the BEST!!!!!"
"In October of 2002 I attended an On Camera Auditioning Technique Workshop. Since my experience in the workshop I have been able to become
proactive with my acting career. I learned so much about the industry
and how important it is to have the right packaging. I was so amazed by
your technique that I decided to have my pictures done by you as well
which can be seen on my Casting America web page. Once I got my pictures
back that I loved so much, I began to send them off to agents and casting
directors here in Texas. I'm pleased to say that I have been casted in
two independent feature films since October. The first was called
"Hallow's End" and the second was called "Welcome to Neymoy". At the
last movie shoot that I went to, I met with a casting director for
Starling Films. The next day I was going to Las Colinas Movies Studios
in Irving, Tx to audition for thirteen more projects that are to be
filmed this year. Having the right pictures, training, and personality
paid off for me. I'm looking forward to the future as an actor and I owe
my thanks to Casting America and especially Lew Carr! Thanks a million!!" "I just had to write and tell you that I just landed two modeling jobs in one day!!! I have to admit that I was getting pretty antsy during the holidays when nothing much happened after I had started last fall. I landed three different agents within the first few weeks after having my comps and portfolio -- and one job. But then it came to a crawl from mid-December through January. Lew Carr reminded me more than once that patience is part of the industry, especially in the beginning, but I was getting concerned. I was in an on camera workshop at Casting America and several of the other students had already landed big roles in movies. but not me. Then, out of the blue, I landed two modeling assignments, one for a professional sports team and one for a bank -- and I learned I had won both on the same day. I want to thank you for the great portfolio that I got through Casting America. My photos and comp card really stood out against the competition. And the workshop helped me to focus better and present myself better during the auditions. It's only just the beginning, and I am looking forward to more great things to come!"
Nikki Giavasis
Nikki Giavasis Online Portfolio Page
Robbie A Tittle
Robbie Tittle Online Portfolio Page
Note #2 from Robbie: "I cannot believe what has happened in the past two days! I need to thank you once again! I am so excited. I was involved with auditions last week for a multimillion dollar film project called Instant Messenger. While I had recently won the lead in a small mystery project that I mentioned in my last email, I had no expectation of landing anything except a small role in a movie of this size. Yesterday, they called me to say that I had won the LEAD!!!! My God!!! We will be filming in LA, NY and Washington, DC. So much is happening so fast that I have already been making arrangements to move to LA. I cannot believe that you've helped me to get involved in so many things in such a short time. And I only live in a small town in Oregon. To top it off, I just got a call today and find that I am up for a role in an ABC TV miniseries. My head is spinning. My heart is beating like crazy! The only training I've had with acting for television and film has come through Casting America - and it was just a few weeks ago. But in each audition I've been to, they are doing things we covered thoroughly in class -- things I have practiced over and over on my video camera at home. Not one thing has been different. The technical things really do make a difference, just as you said. And boy am I am happy your class taught all ten types of auditions we go through. I bet I have been through half of them already! Thanks Casting America!!! Thank you Lew Carr."
Robbie A Tittle
Robbie Tittle Online Portfolio Page
Note #3 from Robbie:"Now my head is really, really spinning! I actually have to turn down projects now. I've just been offered several modeling assignments. One is to shoot in New York for an art gallery in Spain. It pays really well and I will get to go to Spain for the opening of the Gallery. Another is for a calendar that pays great. Another for print. I have decided to have Casting America, specifically Lew Carr, serve as my manager because I just cannot make the decisions that are coming my way. A couple of things overlap with others in terms of timeframes. I need your guidance to take the right direction with all of this. I've gone from no acting or modeling opportunities to many. But it is a nice dilemma to have! I know I always seem to be thanking you. I do not think I will ever be able to thank you enough."
Robbie A Tittle
Robbie Tittle Online Portfolio Page
Note #4 from Robbie:"So much has been happening that I have just completed my move to LA. I wanted to let you know that I just learned that I won the lead role in an independent film called "DISAPPOINTED". I am playing the role of Maddie. And following your suggestion that I only work with several different nonexclusive model and talent agencies (so that I can maximize my audition opportunities), I am now signed with an additional modeling agency called MAC Models...NO up front fees (as you preach)... Only 15% off the work I do...They are definitely nonexclusive... I have an audition today for 2 commericials for bathroom products and household cleaners....Pay is 100.00 + hr... I will keep on keeping you informed... This is really taking off! Take Care."
Robbie A Tittle
Robbie Tittle Online Portfolio Page
Erik W. Chase
Erik Chase Online Portfolio Page
Holley Lervik
Holley Lervik Online Portfolio Page
"I took the On Camera Acting and Auditioning Workshop for Television and Film... It was the best class I have ever had! I have taken a number of acting classes and seminars in the past. This was the first one that made sense. Everything was suddenly falling into place! I want my money back on the courses taught by the other schools! Thank you so much..."
Jerald Garner
Houston, TX
Jerald Garner Update 1:Jerald won his first audition after taking the workshop and within a month, won the lead role in the Independent Film "Suddenly Unexpected". Congratulations, Jerald!
Jerald Garner Update 2:"Just letting you know that I will be attending the premier of my film "Suddenly Unexpected" shortly. We shot the film in Texas and Utah." It is already getting very good early reviews from the critics. "I am also starring in "Through the Storm" in Austin."
"This is so great! I am 65 years old. Never thought I would be an actor. But as a lark I joined Casting America and attended a couple of their on camera acting and auditioning workshops. Boy were my eyes opened. And Casting America got me involved with three different movies almost immediately. When I walked onto the set for the first time, it was as though I had been there all my life. Thanks to the classes and Lew Carr's great guidance, I understood everything that was going on out there and why! Boy has it been fun! Thanks guys!"
Gene Nieto
"The concise detail and professionalism of the workshop held my interest and I understood these people (Casting America) know what they are talking about. Many myths about the business were brought into proper perspective enabling me to avoid many tragic mistakes and ruining future opportunities I otherwise would have learned the 'hard way'. The training I received was invaluable concerning my first audition for an independent film. I used the tools given me by Mr. Carr via the workshop and to my delight I landed the lead role for the film. Mind you this was my first audition after taking the workshop some two weeks before. I seriously doubt these results would have been possible had it not been for my training @ Casting America. I truly believe that I acquired more knowledge from the workshop in one weekend than I would have in a year of trying to figure it out on my own. Thanks to Casting America for helping me to do my best in this industry."
Lisa Lainhart
Lisa Lainhart Online Portfolio Page
"I joined Casting America as a member just over a month ago. Through your Jobs, Casting Calls and Auditions Board, I lined up 6 auditions and won two of them!!! One is a television commercial and the other is a print ad for a department store. Thank you Casting America! This is just what I needed. I will tell all of my friends about this."
Sarah Benton
Newark, NJ
"I'm a singer/composer. I have been trying to get a foot in the door of the recording industry for years. I just signed up with Casting America three months ago and have two serious recording offers. I cannot believe it. Your staff has been truly awesome in giving me advice that really makes sense. You are to be commended. My hat is off to you."
Jason Lawrence
Fresno, CA
"I took the On Camera Acting and Auditioning Workshop three months ago. I also joined the web site as a Kickstart member at the same time. I just learned today that I have won the lead role in a new film. I am stunned. I knew that the training had helped a lot. But this was so unexpected. Pay attention to what Casting America teaches you..."
Anthony Butler
Anthony Butler Online Portfolio Page
"I almost cried when I saw my photos! I could not believe it was me! I looked so good! People have always said that I should model, but when I had seen other photos of me, I certainly did not look like one. Casting America not only arranged to do the photography, but Mr. Carr's photo movement training while the shoot was actually going on made me feel so comfortable. So professional. Suddenly it all seemed so simple and clear, and fun. I am so happy!"
Rene Martin
"The two day On Camera Auditioning Workshop for Televsion and Film was excellent. Lew Carr is a great teacher. The class was very educational, informative, realistic, honest and truly helpful. The class seemed well-rounded to me. And the environment was very friendly, relaxing, ego boosting. The staff is wonderful. They have helped t