NABFEME leaders Zina Brown, founder of Life Dreams Entertainment; and Jennifer Nash, founder of Enmasse LLC have produced “60 Seconds to Stardom” a platform for aspiring artists to “mingle with industry execs, have direct access to decision makers, sharpen their craft and network with peers.”
Read what they shared with rolling out.
Take us on a brief tour of 60 Seconds to Stardom. What can a talent look forward to?
At 60 Seconds to Stardom actors have one-minute to perform their best monologue in front of directors, producers, filmmakers, playwrights and casting directors looking for talent for upcoming productions. Names are pulled from a bucket and once our host, Ebony Steele, calls their name, it’s time to perform live in front of an audience of 200-250 guests. Once 60 seconds has passed the mics are muted and the featured industry executives provide valuable feedback on each performance. Actors also have an opportunity to network with the industry executives, share head shots and contact information before and after the showcase. After the showcase, 60StS retains head shots and actor’s resumes for future inquiries from industry executives looking for talent.
At the Dec. 8 60 Seconds to Stardom, actors can look forward to meeting four highly reputable industry executives which include Brett Dismuke, president and COO Swirl Films; Carolyn Jenkins, owner of Carolyn Jenkins Castings; Chrystale Wilson, veteran actress and producer; and Saptosa Foster, communications strategist and public relations guru.
Why do you believe the Atlanta is a good market for 60 Seconds to Stardom?
Atlanta needs 60 Seconds to Stardom because major productions filmed in Atlanta are still featuring actors brought in from Los Angeles and New York for speaking roles. 60 Seconds to Stardom provides the platform for actors to showcase their skills in front of a live audience and get feedback from industry executives with decades of experience. With Atlanta being coined the “Hollywood of the South,” 60 Seconds to Stardom is the right connection place for acting talent and talent seekers to meet outside of auditions and casting calls.
Who should sign up?
60 Seconds to Stardom is open for any actor ages 18 and up. They can visit www.60SecondStardom.com to purchase $10 advance tickets or pay $20 at the door. Performances are only guaranteed for those who purchase the Guaranteed Performance tickets for $50, which also gives the performer two minutes of performance time.
What have been some of the success stories?
Several actors from past events have been cast in local area productions, including the most recent filming of Barbershop 3. Many of the performers are full-time working actors involved in current productions of television, film, web and theatrical productions.
How often do you have the program?
60 Second to Stardom is a quarterly showcase with the next show on Tuesday, Dec. 8 at Elleven 45 Lounge (2110 Peachtree Rd, Atlanta 30309- Formerly Frank Ski’s Lounge). In 2016, actors and industry professionals can look forward to a March, June, September and December showcase and can follow us on social media for updates: Twitter: @60StS IG: @60Seconds2Stardom or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/60SecondstoStardom/
What programming can we look forward to from NABFEME in 2016?
The National Association of Black Female Executives in Media & Entertainment is a strategic partner of 60 Seconds to Stardom. The Atlanta Chapter rebooted in 2015 and is planning an explosive start to 2016. The Atlanta chapter will be hosting its long-standing Women Who Jam music series, quarterly mixers for members and professional development opportunities for professional women. For a limited time, NABFEME is offering free associate membership and women in all industries are encouraged to join at at www.NABFEME.org.
