Actors to get tips from Hollywood pros

Actors to get L.A. tips from Hollywood pros

Seems like the way to L.A. is being paved by the pros.

Over the Aug. 23-24 weekend, Star Caster Network hosts a workshop with L.A. casting director Ricki Maslar and actor Jay Michael Ferguson, geared to actors who want to go west.

Then on Aug. 24, production pro/author Laurie Scheer’s workshop will describe L.A. studio and job functions and how a newcomer can fit in.

Cynthia Tinervia, herself a broadcast and software expert, runs the new Chicago office for L.A.-based Star Caster Network.

Star Caster offers proprietary software that electronically provides receiving script breakdowns, disseminating them to casting directors and talent agencies and making talent submissions.

Maslar and Ferguson’s first day will delve into the acting craft, building business tools and the nuts and bolts of the L.A. talent business. Scene study and camera work is covered the second day.

Tinervia got her broadcasting start as a coordinator with Turner Broadcasting in Atlanta and rose to broadcasting planner for other Turner networks. Warner International Channels hired her and she worked in its London and Caracas offices until the Turner-Time Warner merger eliminated her job.

Tinervia managed on-air scheduling and promos at Fox SportsNet and from there she teamed up with Oediv (“video” spelled backwards), a producer of Webcam-enabling software.

“We got the first run of $2 million in funding,” she said, “but missed the gold rush.” That’s when she decided to return to her home town.

The Star Caster workshop will be held at Star Caster’s offices at 770 N. Halsted, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. Fee is $225/$200 for Network members. Phone, 312/327-2415.

Extra.On Friday, Aug. 22, 6-9 p.m., Maslar and Ferguson hold a workshop for parents and children on the best way to approach a child’s acting career, followed by a session with the children. At 770 N. Halsted. Fee is $75/$50 for Network members.