"The Secret to Creating Real, Exciting, Authentic Characters that Resonate"
By Seymour Englander, Professional Behavior Analyst & Writer
Watch and listen as professional Behavior Skills Analyst & Writer, Seymour Englander of TheBehaviorFactor.com, discusses what is needed to create GREAT CHARACTERS....

"6 Lies of Film Distribution"
By Jerome Courshon, Film Producer & Distribution Expert
In this FREE report, Film Producer & Distribution Expert, Jerome Courshon of lists the "6 Lies of Film Distribution" and tells you the TRUTH you need to know....

Red Carpet... Ready?-?-? (Part 4)
By Holdon Log
Red Carpets can be fun. They can be a great way to meet the media, let your fans know what you are working on, and gather your cast and crew to celebrate everyone’s contributions... but if the event is produced by someone new to producing these types of events, Red Carpets can quickly become a...

5 Ways To Check Yourself
By Holdon Log
Ice Cube once rapped: "You better check yourself before you wreck yourself." We’d like to apply this to your performing business...

Going Indie? - Phase 1: The Audition
By Holdon Log
Are you considering submitting to, auditioning for and working on “no” or “low budget” pilots, spec commercials, shorts or features? Well, without passing judgment too quickly on these opportunities...


Why Writers Get Stuck... And How To Break Through!
By LA Writers Lab
In this audiocast Alan Watt discusses how to use your fears as a way into...


Rent The... Red Carpet?
By Holdon Log
Press Junkets, Red Carpets, Networking Events and Film Festivals are fun! But stressing out about what to wear can be daunting if you don't have a designer dressing you or a stylist assisting you...


3 Essential Ingredients To Writing A Screenplay
By LA Writers Lab
Watch and listen as Alan Watt, founder/creative director of LA Writers Lab, quickly explains the "3 Essential Ingredients To Writing A Great Screenplay"...


Be the CEO of Your Business (a.k.a. Your Performing Career!)
By Shawn Tolleson, Founder & Career Coach Strategy Coaching
As performers, most of us view ourselves as individuals looking to get a job, get a “break”, or find someone who can “help” us. Suppose that paradigm were turned on its head…


Crowdfunding - How Not To Sound Like You're Begging
By Holdon Log
So you want to produce a project... that’s great! However, are you are hitting the proverbial wall of not having the funds to create your LLC, to rent a space for auditions, to get your...


Gifting With Impact
By Holdon Log
Gifting agents, managers, the assistants, etc. is always a hot topic at this time of year...


A Coogan What???
By Holdon Log
Occasionally, when showing PerformerTrack's unique and user-friendly Coogan Account/Child Trust Tracker parents ask these questions: "What the heck is a Coogan Account?"...


Finding Work In... "Slower Areas"
By Holdon Log
We get this question a lot in emails, at seminars and during the Q&A portions of our live webinars. Finding work in "slower" areas is actually easier than you think...


Don’t Leave Home Without... A Parent’s Checklist for Surviving Interviews, Meetings & Auditions
By Heather Broeker, ChildrenInFilm.com
Are you the type of person that makes a list before you start your day? Chances are, if you’re the parent of a child performer (or two or three child performers), you can’t live without checklists...


Self-Submitting: It's NOT a Numbers Game - Part 1
By Holdon Log
Do you feel like these obstacles are staring you in the face?... I am not getting in the door of Casting Directors! I can't find a way to get auditions without an agent! I'm not being brought in for the right roles! My agent doesn't get me out enough I need to get more auditions/interviews!...


Self-Submitting: It's NOT a Numbers Game - Part 2
By Holdon Log
Watch out with all these submission resources! It seems like there is a new submission service popping up every other week with some fancy name that indicates stardom is just a click away...


Performers: The Sob Story Study
By Scott Powers
"I'm Sorry..." Here's a quick exercise, complete the above sentence with one or more of the following: "I'm sorry...I didn't get your message"...


MFA? Finding The Graduate School The Right Way
By Scott L. Steele, Executive Director, University Resident/Theatre Assn.
Earning an M.F.A. in acting is the graduate degree of choice for aspiring stage or film performers who are looking to...


Red Carpet... Ready?-?-? (Part 3)
By Holdon Log
More questions... Of particular interest has been about others on the red carpet with you (i.e. - friends, spouses, significant others, cast members, etc)....


Red Carpet... Ready?-?-? (Part 2)
By Holdon Log
Since our last 'Red Carpet Ready' article in the series, we've had some questions and concerns e-mailed into us. We want you to...


Red Carpet... Ready?-?-? (Part 1)
By Holdon Log
With Holiday Festivities come Parties, Charity Fundraisers and of course the beginning of Awards Season! What do these 3 event types have in common? Ah yes, the Red Carpet...


Pageant Contestant Networking Tip
By Holdon Log
The world knows you are multi-talented, but telling other pageant professionals everything you do can make them dizzy. While you prepare for a pageant, make a list of....


Pageant Contestant Business Tip
By Holdon Log
Be professional from day one when filling out applications online or through your email correspondences. If your e-mail is...


Pageant Contestant Safety Tip
By Holdon Log
Instead of using your home address on your pageant application or when you send out your autograph requests, consider getting...


Pageant Contestant Wardrobe Tip
By Holdon Log
Never wait until the pageant to break in your news shoes. First make sure you are really...


3 Steps To Sure Success
By Wendy Haines, Illumine Education
If you knew HOW to have the life and success you want, you’d already have it… Wouldn’t you? You’ve got to stop the habit of sitting around waiting for “it” to happen or continuing to do what you’ve always done. Because...

Can Your FEELings Get In The Way Of Your Performing Business?"
By Holdon Log
Have you read well-meaning "advice" like this from "Industry Experts" online? In a blog? On Twitter? Or, maybe you've heard it while in acting class?...

Giving Back: Do It Now... Not When You Are "Famous"
By Kristina Hughes
I'm no Angelina Jolie or world ambassador (yet) but I wanted to share this quick story with you in hopes that you might take action where you live or when you go on tour. It was summer of 2008, the early stages of Twitter...

Stock Photography: Short Term Gain, Long Term Pain
By Holdon Log
Stock photography seems like a good way to make some fast cash on some idle afternoon, pay some pressing bills, get your face out there and maybe walk away with some new images "for free". However, when you do a stock photoshoot the photographer will ask you to...

How To Star In A Beautiful Short Film This Month
By Elizabeth Browning
Elizabeth Browning Studio, NYC
Imagine a world with just three major television networks, a handful of cable channels, few independent feature films being completed and NO internet...

It's SLOW?
By Holdon Log
Imagine a world with just three major television networks, a handful of cable channels, few independent feature films being completed and NO internet...

The Most Important Thing a Parent Can do for Their Child Actor’s Career
By ChildrenInFilm.com
Breaking in to the Entertainment Industry is not easy, and no matter what some may try to tell you, there is no shortcut or magic bullet.  Yes, occasionally child actors are...

Sick of Working For Free?
By Holdon Log
Whether it is a student film, web series or some other type of freebie are you a performer who is sick, tired and broke because you seem to always be asked to WORK FOR FREE...

14 Self-Submission Tips (From 2 Production Companies) - Part I
By Holdon Log
Avoid mistakes...read this article to assist you in making the most of your self-submissions!

14 Self-Submission Tips (From 2 Production Companies) - Part II
By Holdon Log
The two production companies are back to give us performers more insight as to what to do and what NOT to do when self-submitting for projects...

5 Actions For Obtaining Your Goals In 2010
By Holdon Log
Do you want to run a more focused, smarter perfoming career? Then, as a routine, schedule daily or weekly...


Red Carpet... Ready?-?-?
By Holdon Log
With Holiday Festivities come Parties, Charity Fundraisers and of course the beginning of Awards Season! What do these 3 event types have in common? Ah yes, the Red Carpet...


4 Steps To Goal Setting (Step 1)
By Dallas Travers
Setting goals is one thing, but getting them is another. The act of goal setting provides a platform for success. It allows us to examine and articulate our dreams and desires. Yet goal setting alone will not guarantee success...


4 Steps To Goal Setting (Step 2)
By Dallas Travers
Creating an action plan first requires distinguishing the goal itself from your To-Do List (TDL). Goals result from passionately connecting your...


Casting Directors: To Thank, Or NOT To Thank?
By Holdon Log
This has been a hot topic as of late: “Should I send a ‘Thank You’ note/postcard to the Casting Director after my audition?” We have heard some Agents and Managers say...


6 Tradeshow To Do's For Performers
By Holdon Log
Tradeshows offer lots of education, job leads and networking opportunities (that is, for those who take advantage of them). Sadly, some performers roam the aisles and later post online that they didn't get anything out of attending...


Going Indie? - Phase 1: The Audition
By Holdon Log
Are you considering submitting to, auditioning for and working on “no” or “low budget” pilots, spec commercials, shorts or features? Well, without passing judgment too quickly on these opportunities...


Going Indie? - Phase 2: Rehearsals & The Shoot
By Holdon Log
If the production you are cast in has pre-production meetings with the cast, why not offer to get involved? Roll up your sleeves and offer some creative and business input when you feel it is appropriate. Consider helping out in ways that will assist you in getting...


Going Indie? - Phase 3: That's A Wrap! Now What?!
By Holdon Log
You hear the 1st Ad say, “and that’s a good night to you”, or you take your final bow on stage. Either way, your performance in this production has come to an end...


5 Tips To Photoshoot Success
By Chef Mary Payne Moran
Are you about to take new headshots or modeling pictures? If you haven’t taken the time to make sure that your body is ready before your photoshoot, don’t waste your money....


How PerformerTrack Helped Me Get My Visa
By Véronique Pierre
Recently I was granted my O-1 performer visa. For those who deal or have dealt with the visa issue, you all know how much work there is to put into it. I am so grateful I had...


The Business Of...'You, Inc.'
By Holdon Log
Most performers scoff when they are asked this simple question: “Do you have a performing business or a performing hobby?” The answer is usually a vociferous - “I have a...


Making The Most Out Of Being A Background Artist - Part 1
By Holdon Log
If you are starting out with goals of working on commercials, or in TV or Film, then a good place to start is on the set as a Background Artist. You’ll receive a paycheck and you’ll learn....


Making The Most Out Of Being A Background Artist - Part 2
By Holdon Log
Respect the allotted times! It’s important to be aware of and adhere to the times Background Casting Company or Calling Services specify for in-person registration so that you aren’t ....


Top Three Holiday Gifts for Actors
By Jonathan McLelland, Associated Content
The holiday's are coming, and one of the most stressful things about it is trying to find gifts that are perfect for the receiver. I have always been baffled when trying to buy gifts...


To Sit Or Not To Sit...That Is The Question!
By Sean Pratt
I thought it would be a good idea to share a little nugget of wisdom I learned when I was a company member with The Pearl Theatre, an off-Broadway classical repertory company....


Vocal-cises! Q & A
By Carolyn Fallin
Questions & Answers with vocal technique, dialect and voiceover coach Carolyn Fallin...

Performer PR Tips: Stop Apologizing...For Doing Your Job!
By Holdon Log
It's becoming a recurring mistake on message boards, in e-mail invitations, at our Meetups, and during our seminars. Performers are working...but they are afraid to tell anyone about it or they are incredibly timid in their approach....

Performer Safety Awareness - Part I
By Holdon Log
Did you know that it is "Performer Safety Awareness Month"? Ok, not really...but now that we have your attention, let's talk about some important issues concerning safety during the submission process, at auditions, and on the job...

Performer Safety Awareness - Part II
By Holdon Log
The following scenario is based on a VERY similar situation that happened to one of our staff members here at Holdon Log in 2005. Had this actor been a newcomer, she might have just been “thankful” for the audition and who knows what could have happened! So, let’s put you in the same situation...

Performer Safety Awareness - Part III
By Holdon Log
We are back with some NEW Performer Safety Tips! If you’ve recently watched the news you may have come across headlines about two performers who have had innocence taken away from them...

Performer Safety Awareness - Part IV
By Holdon Log
In this article we are going to focus primarily on you, the performer who must travel out of his or her home area, to an unfamiliar location...

Performer Safety Awareness - Part V
By Holdon Log
Many performers are graduating the next few months with hopes of making the move to (one of) the BIG cities to pursue their career and so we wanted to make sure that...

Performer Safety Awareness - Part VI
By Holdon Log
Recently one of our PerformerTrack members was on an international tour and lost their wallet! He's asked to remain nameless but alerted us to how...

Headshot Tips!
By Holdon Log
Tips on finding a photographer, what to look for & what to ask! Your headshot is very often your first introduction to casting directors, agents and other Industry professionals who are...

5 Things Every Actor Must Do
By Holdon Log
Following the advice presented in this highly-informative report will put you lightyears ahead of the masses who ignore this aspect of showbusiness, and will give you a solid foundation upon which to build...


New Product: Events & Training Holdon Log
By Holdon Log
Our Holdon Log and ActorTrack users, PerformerNation Newsletter readers and “Lights! Camera! Tracking!” Seminar attendees have asked for a portable way to get the most out of the Classes, Coaching Sessions, Networking Events, Seminars and Workshops they attend....


Rocket Fuel For Colds
By Saro Solis
As an artist, whether an actor, voice-over or host, your instrument is very important and if you don't take care of it, you may lose out on some great opportunities...


PerformerTrax: Vol.1 - iMix
By Holdon Log
PerformerTrax: Vol. I is a compilation of 50 songs submitted to us by performers from around the world who are part of Holdon Log’s PerformerNation Newsletter Community. PerformerTrax: Vol. I is the ULTIMATE PERFORMER PLAYLIST...


"How To Be A Working Actor" [EXCERPTS]
By Mari Lyn Henry & Lynne Rogers
From now on you are responsible for overseeing your professional expenditures. The job can be made easy with ActorTrack, career management software for actors that...


An Open Letter To Say...Thank You!
By Holdon Log
Here at Holdon Log we have lots of people to thank. There are amazing people in our Industry who have invited us to come and speak to their students and memberships, who have passed out our...


#1 ~ What Not To Do! Things That Peeve, Perturb & Pester A Casting Director
By Stuart Stone, Commercial Casting Director
This one irks me! Coming late to your call then saying: "I have another audition to get to...can I jump ahead of everyone else?"...


#2 ~ What Not To Do! Things That Peeve, Perturb & Pester A Casting Director
By Stuart Stone, Commercial Casting Director
Before the audition even happens, you have most likely posted photos online with the guidance of your agent. Then you were submitted for the audition, the casting director spent time going through the hundreds, possibly thousands of submissions and...


#3, #4 & #5 ~ What Not To Do! Things That Peeve, Perturb & Pester A Casting Director
By Stuart Stone, Commercial Casting Director
It’s true! How you look and smell can matter when it comes to commercial casting (or pretty much any type of casting). Here are #3, #4 & #5 of Stuart Stone's "What Not To Do!" series where he offers some valuable tips that you think you might know, but unfortunately...


To Do Or Not To Do --- Organizing The Life Of An Actor
By Yi Lin, Flow Organizing
As actors we often feel there are too many things to get done in too little time. Chances are you have to juggle between your day job and your career, and having a schedule that varies week-to-week (or even day-to-day) only makes it even more challenging to be on top of things...


6 Common Open Mic Mistakes
By Shayne-Michael
#1 - Not Being Prepared: Even if you are delivering new material you should already know it well enough to work without notes. The minute you begin looking down at your notes...


Your Bio: Know Thy Self ~ So You Can Promote Thy Self!
By Holdon Log
In the past we wrote about Obtaining Your Goals, Growing Your Database and now we’d like to address Creating Your Bio. Nowadays, it is very common with personal Web sites and online listings that a performer can expect to be asked to provide a BIO. Having a bio (or even a rough draft of one) to initially show your publicist or manager will allow you...


Grow Your Industry Contacts
By Holdon Log
Creating “Career Buzz” is essential in letting your contacts know that you are working and it is helpful in reminding them that you are available for work! Many successful performers make staying in touch with their contacts a priority and that’s why...


"Vampingo"
By Kristina Hughes
Thinking of putting on your own one person show? Then check out Vampingo (and the Actors Art Theatre). A great show performed at a charming location...it's a win-win experience! If you aren't thinking about doing a one person show ~ then chew on this...


"The Movie Extras Guidebook"
By Holdon Log
Back to Ones’ The Movie Extras Guidebook is a great addition to Holdon Log for Background Artists. Are you a theatre actor who wants to transition into act in film, TV and commercials? Are you looking to qualify for health insurance in your acting union?Are you new to Acting?...


"Reaction To Performer Safety Awareness"
By Holdon Log
Since our two-part article on Performer Safely Awareness was included in ActorNation and re-posted all over the Web, we’ve been receiving loads of e-mails from performers and other Industry professionals who have expressed their comments and offered additional situations where safety has been embraced, compromised, or all together ignored....


Tales From The Mailbag - "Your 'Copy Provided' Agreement Form Probably Saved Me "
Since we here at Holdon Log introduced the "Copy Provided" Agreement Form last year, we’ve had many performers ask us how it’s working for others and what the response has been from producers….


Industry Insight - "Actors Working: The Actor's Guide "
Review By Holdon Log
The front cover depicts the look of the familiar “Men Working” construction sign, but this time it reads “Actors Working”….


Financial Education for Actors: Do You Have an Acting Business or an Acting Hobby?
By Miata Edoga of AbundanceBound.com
There are two major elements to your life as an actor. There is the artistic side – probably the part that you love – the thing that made you decide to become an actor in the first place. The second element is the fact that you are also running a business. Or is it a hobby? The biggest question of all is – do you know the difference?...


Talent Tax Tips: Can Business Gifts Be A Tax Deduction?
By David Rogers of ActorsTaxPrep.com
Despite the IRS reputation as hard-nosed realists, when it comes to deductions for business purposes, business gifts are often an allowable deduction. As is true with almost anything having to do with the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), there are numerous qualifications. But you don't want to miss out on a perfectly legal deduction, so let's take a look...


Stand-Up Comedy: How To Get Started
By Gerry Katzman
Every night there are producers, directors, casting directors, managers, and agents, out at comedy clubs looking for talent. Where else can they see actors, performing material that was specifically developed for them...


"The Nerd"
By Dava Renee White
The sold out hit is now closed, but a review is still in order for the Actors Co-op and their production of Larry Shue's comedy, The Nerd. Having never read or seen the show, or any other production by this membership theatre company which “exceeds 60 professionals”, I was going in with no expectations...


Success For Your Infants & Toddlers In Pageantry - Part I
By Holdon Log
Pageants can provide your child with some wonderful introductions into the Entertainment Industry. They can also assist in building self-esteem and create an outlet for your child to express themselves through the various phases of competition. Here are a few suggestions for making your pageant experiences more positive....


Talent Tax Tips - "Are You a QPA?"
By David Rogers of ActorsTaxPrep.com
There are not many provisions in the 45,444 pages of the Internal Revenue Code which were designed to assist and benefit Performing Artists--but there is one, which is called Qualifying Performing Artist (QPA)...


"Acting Out"
By Holdon Log
If you are looking to work as a successful actor in commercials, or perhaps you already are and are in need of a brush up, we’d like to point you in the direction of Acting Out...


20 Theatrical/Commercial Audition Points To Remember
By Info4Actors.com
This is a segment from the "Tips & Guidelines" section found on the Info4Actors.com Web site.


Actor Misconceptions-Part I
By Holdon Log
ACTOR MISCONCEPTION #1: “My agent (or manger) does this for me.”
Ahhh, if only this misconception were true! Agents and managers don’t do such things as...


Actor Misconceptions-Part II
By Holdon Log
ACTOR MISCONCEPTION #2: “I don't get out enough to track anything.”
Okay, so there may be times that you find yourself auditioning less frequently, but that’s the perfect time to be proactive and CREATE CAREER BUZZ! Use “career lulls” to...


Actor Misconceptions-Part III
By Holdon Log
ACTOR MISCONCEPTION #3: “It's too much work to log and track my career."
Aside from our programmers, everyone here at Holdon Log is a working actor or has been one and we can’t understand what “too much work” is...


Your Home Office
By Mari Lyn Henry (printed in Back Stage East)
If show business is your life, behave like a CEO and set up a home office ASAP. First check out websites-Staples, Office Depot, Ikea-to find a desk and an ergonomic chair that fits your space...


The Top Ten Actor Tools
By Katherine Lippa
Whether you’re a novice in the Entertainment Industry or making your living as an actor, there are certain tools you can use to help up-level (or create) your career...