Discovering Your Inner Artist

Interactions between people are highly complex, and our imaginations couldn’t possibly fathom them all. The first step in understanding anything is through observation; making note of human emotions, watching reactions, recognizing cause and effect – all while being cognizant of your own actions. Just as art imitates life, emotional awareness and understanding can lead to an impressive skillset and the discovery of your inner artist.

Being Believable

A good performance can be identified when the audience believes the performer is actually going through whatever their character is going through. Partially the physical stuff (“She’s really getting shot!” “He’s really jumping off a moving train!”), but mostly the psychological stuff (“He really is scared!” “She really is in love!”). If it seems fake, the performer is not doing a good job. And if it doesn’t seem real, there’s no point in it. So how does one become believable? Developing a character with a convincing, yet complex backstory is what allows viewers to believe and separates the good from the great.

Character Building

This may be the most important, but most difficult aspect of performing, because it requires total vulnerability. In order to create character depth, one must dig deep and share the parts of themselves that most people keep hidden. Performers everywhere have Konstantin Stanislavski, the father of modern acting (and every acting technique created in the modern era), to thank for formulating seven questions to help actors build believable characters. When time and energy are put into answering these questions, a performer will inevitably have a greater understanding of their character and their personal acting technique.

Dig deep into what you love about your subject matter and find a way to express those innermost feelings. It’s this passion that will drive you to new experiences, challenge you in discoveries, and bring the greatest joy to you and your audience.

CGTV is a high level TV, film, and entertainment program designed to help connect talent with some of the top agents, casting directors, and managers in Los Angeles. Learn more about the services we provide by visiting the CGTV website or calling 818-284-6689.

Text Sources:

https://cgtv.la/

https://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/backstage-experts/how-discover-your-inner-truth/

https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2009/may/09/character-building-great-actor

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2507427/bio

http://www.dramaclasses.biz/the-stanislavski-system

Image Sources:

https://www.pexels.com/photo/light-people-white-black-11437/

Want to Land that Perfect Role?

Want to Land that Perfect Role? Here’s How You Give a Winning Audition!

There are few processes in this world that are as joyful, complex, and carefully crafted as the audition process. No aspect must be overlooked—every component is crucial for success. And you, as the aspiring performer, have left no detail unchecked. Your resume and headshot are perfect, your performance piece perfectly showcases your wide range of talents, and even your wardrobe reflects your distinct personality as an artist.

You have planned this so carefully, but, as is the reality of show business, so have the countless other people auditioning alongside you.

Don’t let the part of your dreams slip out of your hands. There are ways to stand out from the crowd and make your talent heard at every audition you attend! It’s time you take control of your destiny as a superstar—focus on these helpful tips to keep you feeling confident at every audition!

Let your Confidence Shine
Do you feel nervous before an audition? Don’t worry—it’s perfectly natural! But the most important thing is to not let it show. Approach the casting directors with your head held high and with a smile on your face! Standing up straight and making exceptional eye contact are wonderful, non-verbal ways to express that you are confident and capable.

Show Your Personality
The industry is looking for performers who are passionate, curious and engaged in their material. It’s okay to ask a few questions about the part you are auditioning for—it shows them that you care about the material and how you present it!

Understand the Character
It’s crucial to understand the motivations of your character before you step in front of the casting directors. Get a feeling for their personality, the impressions they make on the people in their lives, and what the author or playwright thinks about the character you are auditioning to portray.

A great way to do this is to not only be thoroughly prepared on the character’s dialogue, but to look beyond that. Think of what is being unsaid in a scene and how your character reacts to that. Think about if the character is getting what they ultimately desire in the scene, or if not, what obstacles stand in their way. It’s deep thinking like this that will make you stand out from the rest.

Never doubt or forget that YOU are a star—and we at CGTV know you have what it takes to make it big! Contact us at 818-284-6689 or by email at Hollywood@cgtv.la to see how we can make your dreams of stardom a reality.

We look forward to hearing from you, and remember, break a leg!

The Big Break: CGTV Actors Recall their Beginnings

CGTV creates real success stories, and our alumni are proof of that. CGTV alum Bex Taylor-Klaus was interviewed by Collider after scoring her “big break” role of Bullet for the AMC series The Killing. Collider asked Bex if she remembered the moment she found out she had gotten the role.

Bex said, “I remember that moment. I recently got asked what the best moment of my life was, and the first thing that popped into my head was getting the phone call from my agent.”

All aspiring actors hope to recall a moment like this. Another CGTV alum, RJ Cyler, has found fame starring in the new Power Rangers movie as the Blue Ranger. His first big break, though, was a smaller-budget indie film that became a Sundance darling, called “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl.” RJ played the titular Earl, who together with his co-worker befriend a classmate who has been diagnosed with cancer. RJ has said that the role of Earl has opened up many more opportunities for him, and was quoted as saying in an interview with Collider, “This is like the perfect launchpad for my career … now it’s only up and up.” A first acting gig is not only exciting for the actor who secures the role, but potentially life-changing as well.

Adrian R’Mante, co-founder of CGTV and long-time working actor in Hollywood, gained his footing in show business when he received a scholarship to the theater program at the University of Central Florida-Orlando. Adrian had the fortunate opportunity to work with some of the top-acting professionals in the country. During his training, he worked on Nickelodeon’s Gamelab, Slimetime Live, and the prestigious Orlando Shakespeare Festival. Adrian eventually decided it was time to move to Hollywood and live out his dream in television and film. After arriving in Hollywood, Adrian landed a co-starring role on the TV show Profiler. From here, Adrian met casting director Anthony Barneo who became the reason Adrian is where he is today. Adrian’s biggest and most recognized role to date is that of Esteban Julio Ricardo Montoya Dela Rosa Ramirez from the mega hit Disney Channel television show The Suite Life of Zack and Cody.

If you are an aspiring actor, you too can one day hopefully feel the elation that comes with nabbing your first acting role. If you’re looking for a foot in the door in Hollywood, CGTV can help! CGTV is a high level TV, film, and entertainment program designed to help connect talent with some of the top agents, casting directors, and managers in Los Angeles. To get started, register on our website to receive information about upcoming audition events.

How to Find an Amazing Agent & Manager

Agents are busy people in an already fast-paced industry. They work tirelessly to get their existing clients in roles and scout for new talent at the same time. While finding an agent takes time and effort, they hold the keys to the acting industry and are an important component of just about any actor’s career.

Network

Cold submissions to agents are rarely successful. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t send inquiries to your dream agencies. However, more importantly, cultivate contacts and connections within the industry. Many agents take interest in talent they hear about from trusted professionals and acquaintances in the field or from existing clients. Politely ask your friends, colleagues, and mentors who know agents for references, and to pass on your information too.

Do Your Research

Take the time to learn about which acting agencies are reputable and have a lot of client success. Find agencies that fit where you are in your career. Pay careful attention to professional standards in the industry about how to approach agents at events and on social media. The last thing you want to do is come off as an amateur or ruin your chances from the get-go. The agent-rep relationship is highly personalized and finding the right “fit” for your career, goals, and personality makes it work. For some great resources on this topic and research tips, see here!

Work, Work, Work

In spite of how busy agents are, they are also constantly on the lookout for new talent. It is, after all, how they stay in business! The best way to catch an agent’s eye is to keep perfecting your skills, and most importantly, keep acting. Agents not only attend tryouts and plays, they watch films and other videos, and frequent events where they keep an ear to the ground for new names. The more you put yourself out there, the more exposure you receive. The more exposure, the more people hear and talk about you. When you’re not on the set or taking classes, work on getting headshots, keeping an up-to-date presence on social media, and improving your website and resume.

If you are ready to take the first steps towards making yourself more marketable, preparing yourself for your breakout role, and finding an agent, CGTV’s success-driven curriculum includes

Developing confidence
Honing auditioning skills
Understanding how to market yourself
Preparing professionally and socially for stardom

all with the help and input of CGTV’s fantastic agency partners. Find out all about how CGTV helps young actors with training and networking on our site, or our Facebook page today!

How Do I Become a Working Actor?

Becoming an actor involves talent – but hard work, persistence, and industry knowledge are what moves talent into the spotlight. Although the road to being a professional actor can be long, if you have a positive attitude towards learning as much as possible, meeting new people, and loving what you do, the journey itself will often be filled with joyful moments and triumphs.

Perfecting Your Craft: Never stop learning

Actors and actresses work at expanding their skills, whether they are still waiting for their breakout role or have won multiple awards. One of the challenges (and benefits) of being an actor is that there is always something new to learn or improve upon. Whether you try your hand at improvisational acting, take voice lessons, or give a new type of theater a shot, just about anything you learn will come in handy at some point in your career. Taking summer acting courses, attending acting camps and auditioning are all learning experiences that also give you the opportunity to network with others in the industry.

Networking: Industry connections matter

Acting is a tough road to try to go alone. Making connections with other actors, mentors, agents, and teachers increases your knowledge of the industry, betters your craft, and boosts your chances of being put in touch with a high-quality agent or casting call. Just about everyone in the acting industry has worked hard to get where they are and has wisdom and experience to share.

Persistence Pays: Prepare for hard work and, yes, some rejection

Actors and actresses face rejection, no matter where they are in their career. Whether an agent says “no” to representing you or you’re turned down for a part, perseverance provides an actor with the will to move on and try again. The best way to become an actor is to keep acting, perfect your craft, and avoid becoming discouraged. Good actors treat each professional experience as a learning opportunity, knowing that their love for acting does not hinge on getting one particular role or landing a specific agent, but knowing that the next opportunity for success deserves their best shot.

For more tips and insights on becoming an actor, check out this article!

CGTV Grad Proves Persistence Pays!

CGTV could brag for days and days about the successes our students have seen in TV and FILM because of the CGTV program. Instead, we urge you to review the success stories that we have created from grads and parents alike. Listen to what one mom has to say below.

We had been hearing about CGTV from an acquaintance for years. Julian has been asking us to get him involved in acting since he was just five years old. We did not act on it right away, we assumed it was a passing phase and waited for him to move on to his next idea. But, he didn’t stop bugging me. He was very persistent and continually asking me to please look into it. I decided to sign up to receive emails. My husband and I finally made the decision that we would help Julian pursue his dream. The next day, CGTV sent out an email stating they were auditioning in LA. We took this as a sign, and we signed him up.

I didn’t think he was nervous at all, but I was! He was very excited but I had no idea how to prepare him so we did not prepare at all. We told him to do his best and hope for the best, but expect the worst. The last thing we wanted was for our son to get his hopes up only to be crushed by a Disney Star. We decided that if this was what Julian truly wanted to do, that we would figure out a way to help him succeed. We later found out that Julian was very nervous and that he had prepared on his own, practicing every chance he got.

When we arrived at the CGTV audition, Julian was very nervous when he saw that he would be auditioning for Hutch Dana, the Disney Star from Zeke & Luther. Julian did great under pressure and told me that he felt good about his audition no matter how it went. I tried to stay positive for my son, but also tried to prepare him for the potential of not being selected. Waiting was hard and definitely stressful.

Hutch thought Julian had real star potential and we got that callback. We were so excited for Julian, we were astonished as parents and made a decision that we would invest in our son. We have taught our children to follow their dreams and supporting them was never in question. More importantly, Julian made a commitment to attend the program, do his best and really put his heart into it. He was super grateful that we were willing to support him.

My favorite part of the program was watching Julian grow. Every day, he changed, in a good way. He was hungry for the notes given at the end of each scene and fought hard to improve every second, minute and hour of the day. While Julian had been on stage for years as a dancer, this LIVE show at the ACME theater was new for him. We wondered if the Hollywood Agents and Managers in the audience would see what Hutch saw in our Julian. We desperately tried to prepare ourselves and Julian for if they did not.

Did we get a callback? We got 4 callbacks the first time we did the All-Star Weekend and another 4 callbacks the second time we went back to CGTV. Eight callbacks from agents and producers that would have never given us the time of day without the association to Adrian R’Mante and CGTV. I was totally unprepared and blown away by the interest in my son.

Adrian and his cast of actor trainers helped Julian so much. So many doors have opened for him and he has learned so much. Truly, this is the fast track to Hollywood success, IF your child has a natural talent. This program truly lived up to everything we expected and more! Adrian truly is there for you…and I don’t know how he does it!!! The experience is completely priceless. Julian’s life would not have been the same without his CGTV experience.

From the mom of Julian Cardenas

Jackson Robert Scott Hits Prime Time TV

Finding a breakout role as an actor takes persistence. We know just how many hours of training, practice, marketing, and auditioning go into getting that casting call. That’s why, here at CGTV, we love to spotlight our graduates’ success stories. This month, we highlight a very talented rising star and CGTV graduate, Jackson Robert Scott.

How did Jackson Get His Start?

Jackson attended CGTV program from the age of 5 learning the craft of acting. He worked with actors from Nickleodeon and Disney as well as Adrian, the founder of CGTV. His favorite class was Improvizational Workshop.

It was a beneficial program and a start and foundation of his love for acting. It was such a positive experience for Jackson that he fell in love with acting and decided to make it his focus activity.

He was discovered by a top agency and manager from Los Angeles. The opportunities that he was given were amazing. He was able to audition for a multitude of projects on TV and film. His first project was a commercial for K Jewelers, followed by an episode of Criminal Minds, and Stephen King’s It remake where he will be playing the role of Georgie. Despite the fact that it is a horror film he had a great and positive experience on the set. Jackson really enjoyed being a part of this project. It was a team effort and he loved being a part of a team that created something exciting and special for everyone to enjoy when the film comes out in the theaters.

The tools that he has acquired during his time with CGTV and working on set will be useful in any career path that he decides to follow in the future.

Breakout Role: Criminal Minds

Jackson Robert Scott got his breakout role in 2015 on Criminal Minds, a prime time American TV series. Criminal Minds is a fast-paced crime drama about an elite squad of FBI agents who try to outsmart some of the nation’s most dangerous criminals before their next move. Scott was cast on Season 11’s fourth episode, Outlaw, as Cole Vasquez. The episode aired on October 21, 2015.

What is Jackson Robert Scott up to now?

Scott has been keeping busy in Hollywood! This past year, he was cast in the movie adaptation of Stephen King’s famous horror novel, It. Many know the story It as the original terrifying “clown” tale. Scott plays the role of Georgie, the younger brother of the story’s main character, who is the touchstone and starting point of the whole plot. It is now in post-production, and is scheduled to come out this upcoming year, in 2017. We will be watching for Jackson Robert Scott as soon as it hits the theaters!

By all accounts, this is an up-and-coming young actor to watch! Stay tuned: We’re sure we’ll be seeing a lot more of Jackson Robert Scott in the future!

You can read more graduate success stories, learn more about the CGTV program, and get insider tips by visiting our blog! Visit and “Like” our Facebook page for more great success stories from our alumni, as well as all the latest CGTV news.

CGTV is a rigorous curriculum designed to help connect young talent with some of the top agents, casting directors, and managers in Hollywood. Workshops include improv, audition techniques, marketing tips and more, for film, theater, television, and commercial acting. Students are guided by top celebrities from ABC, NBC, CBS, Disney Channel and Nickelodeon shows. For more information, please see our website, or call (818) 284-6689. “CGTV: We have people on TV!”

Levi Daniels books national commercial!

CGTV Graduate books national commercial! One of the things we tell our graduates is that this business requires you to be able to process rejection like a pro, be persistent and keep going. The truth is, 99% of actors are rejected way more than they win roles. So the most crucial part is persistence. Levi Daniels has become an expert on persistence and handling rejection. And now, he is an expert on how to land a national television commercial spot, the bread and butter of almost every actor’s life. Don’t take our word. Listen to Levi’s success story here.

Levi had heard about CGTV while submitting to acting classes online in attempts to find a good school to get his name, face and talent into the arena. He received an email from CGTV asking him to join an audition in his city. He was nervous and excited at the prospect of auditioning for a major Disney star. He prepared and he practiced his sample commercial to the point that he could let it roll off his tongue like second nature.

The day of the audition I felt I was more than prepared. He was told that I would be auditioning with someone that was on a Disney show, but he did not recognize the man in the room that he auditioned for. (Probably the beard!). That was great, because it helped calm his nerves. Later, he found out it was Jonathan Goldstein, the dad from Josh and Drake and let out a “whooooooa”.

As he left, he felt confident that he did his best but as usual was prepared to not get his hopes too high. That no matter what the result of THIS audition was, he would continue to pursue his Hollywood dreams. When he received the phone call later that night that he was one of only a few dozen out of a room of hundreds selected, he was stoked! He immediately thought “I will have to figure out how to balance this with my day job as an investment banker!”

That didn’t last long. He decided to give up his six figure career and pursue his dream and put all of his chips on the table. He received world class acting training at CGTV with Adrian R’Mante and his star studded cast. The final night at ACME theatre would prove to be a bit nerve wracking. Having just put his entire career on the line for his dream, what if he did NOT receive a call back from a Hollywood Agent at this live performance?

Levi received a call back from a well reputed Hollywood Talent agency. While he did not wind up signing with them, he continued to pursue his talents and has just recently scored a nationally televised commercial, the meat and potatoes of the acting industry. He credits his wins to working with Adrian, even after hours. Levi says that Adrian has always made time for him, always been there for him and continues to be his mentor outside of the program.

We will keep you updated on Levi’s impending successes!

1. I heard about CGTV because I was submitting online for acting classes trying to find a good school to get my name and face out there. CGTV emailed me.

2. I was a little nervous, more excited than anything. I prepared for my CGTV audition by practicing my commercial to the point I could say it like it was second nature.

3. I performed in front of Jonathan Goldstein. I wasn’t nervous in front of him because I didn’t recognize him haha. After the fact when I realized who it was I literally went “woooooooh”.

4. I didn’t want to get my hopes up so I just said to myself “keep on keeping on” and if the call you go for it.

5. I was stoked! I was also trying to figure out how I was going to balance this week intensive and keep my job as an investment banker.

6. I’ve always wanted to pursue acting and realized life is to short to not chase your dreams. I ended up quitting my job that was making close to six figures and put all of my chips on the table for my dream.

7. The hands-on training from celebs in the game already. Who better to learn from than the people who are successful in the industry.

8. I was very nervous for my performance at ACME. I’ve done auditions before but never a live stage performance. I invited a bunch of people because I didn’t think very many could make it that night. (they all came) haha

9. I received a callback from Maverick Artists Group. They didn’t end up signing me but it was good in the long run to get those at bats in!

10. Adrian until this day will respond to any questions I have or if I’m just nervous for a big audition will give me advice to calm me down. Great mentor and friend.

11. Life is to short and nobody is promised tomorrow. Go chase your dream no matter what that dream may be!!!

CGTV Graduate books national commercial!

CGTV Grad Making Waves In Hollywood!

Earlier in the year we wrote about an amazing talent we scouted in Arizona last October, Bailey Axen. You can read his initial article by Clicking Here. Bailey scored a multitude of offers from Hollywood Agents and Managers at his CGTV Live Performance showcase at the end of the training program.

After doing our homework, we decided on an agent and a manager from the CGTV Showcase evening. Since then, Bailey has been on numerous auditions for feature films with A list Hollywood actors attached to them and for many commercials. Bailey has auditioned for Nickelodeon and the Disney Channel. Recently Bailey has been put on hold by a producer for a national television commercial and Lisa London, one of the most influential casting agents in Hollywood brought Bailey in to audition to play a young Adam Sandler in his new Netflix Movie. Lisa London was an additional resource that Bailey picked up at CGTV. Her book from Start to Stardom is a great tool and resource for anyone pursuing acting seriously.

Bailey has quickly discovered that this profession is tough and requires patience, persistence and passion. Acting is hard work and to be really great, you have to continue to improve by taking workshops, classes and hiring coaches that can help you grow and be competitive in the market place. Just like an athlete or entrepreneur, an actor must put in the work to receive the rewards. Even through rejection, Bailey keeps a smile is grateful for the opportunity and moves on to the next shot. CGTV and Adrian R’Mante prepared him for this road, so it was not unfamiliar when he had to walk it alone.

Stardom is rarely an overnight success! Getting a reputable Hollywood Agent and Manager alone can take years and years of rejections. CGTV took years of pursuit out of our equation and put Bailey directly in front of the talent agents and managers that could launch his career. Now, it’s up to Bailey. One thing that has been crucial is celebrating the wins. Getting an audition is a win. Getting a call back is another. Being put on hold is a win. Booking the job is the prize and it’s not easy. But when you love acting as much as Bailey does, you pursue your dream relentlessly with all of your heart.

Bailey is extremely grateful and feels very fortunate to have been given the opportunity to work with Adrian R’Mante and CGTV and feels he received the tools he needed to start him down his true career path. Bailey has booked his first TV role, 6 months after graduating from CGTV. He is guest starring on an episode of Adam Ruins Everything called Adam Ruins the Wild West!

Pilot season is just around the corner and Bailey is super excited for the calls he expects to receive from his agent and manager.

CGTV

CGTV Creates Legitimate Success

In show business, there’s good reason to be wary of people who claim they can help you achieve your Hollywood dreams. There are a lot of scam artists and opportunists out there. Although it is wise to be wary and guarded, if you or your child have real talent and think you can make it in Hollywood, you can trust CGTV. There are talent programs out there that aren’t scams, and CGTV is one of them. CGTV is a high-level entertainment program with a multitude of success stories to prove that it is designed to help talent successfully navigate the show business industry.

At CGTV, we’re the real deal, and our young actors have achieved real-world success. Here are some of CGTV’s alumni who have gone on to be working actors and actresses in Hollywood and their success stories:

RJ Cyler

A graduate of CGTV and a wonderful success story, RJ Cyler’s acting career is currently blowing up. He starred in the 2015 film (and Sundance darling) “Me, Earl, and the Dying Girl” as Earl, and was also cast as the Blue Ranger in the upcoming Power Rangers film. We at CGTV could not be prouder of RJ Cyler!

Bex Taylor-Klaus

One of CGTV’s very own is a very successful television star. Bex is best known for her roles as Bullet on The Killing, Sin on Arrow, Lex on House of Lies, and is currently starring as Audrey Jensen on MTV’s Scream series, based off the popular horror films.

MacKenzie Dunne

MacKenzie was just 6 years old when she attended CGTV’s talent program in the summer of 2015. Now, she has a recurring role as young Shelby in the Disney Channel original series Best Friends Whenever. We can’t wait to see what else the future holds for MacKenzie!

These are just some of the CGTV graduates who have gone on to achieve their dreams. There are many more success stories, and we know there will continue to be more to come! If you know your dream is to make it as an actor or actress in Hollywood, and you think you’ve got the talent to take you there, attend one of our auditions to get the ball rolling (register here to stay in the loop). If you receive a call back, that means we see raw talent in you and would like to help hone your skills at our acting camp program and workshops.

Still think CGTV isn’t “legit”? We asked our past graduates and parents of children who attended CGTV to give us their honest, unfiltered opinions about their experience with us. You can read for yourself here. You’ll soon discover that we’re the real deal, and we’re looking to make you or your child into a big deal in Hollywood!

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