- “From the dawn of mankind, the single idea we have all shared despite race, religion or background, the one vital concept that has endowed us with our humanity, has been the notion of storytelling.”

So what is KTA?

At some moment, all of us, whether as kids or adults, have dreamt we were a famous singer, actor or model, even if just for a fleeting moment.

The Kaback Talent Academy, designed equally for beginner as well as experienced talent, provides modern techniques, advice and most importantly the resources to go from novice to professional in the entertainment industry.  KTA provides a foundation of training rooted in the time-honored traditions of people who have been successful and who desire to give back by offering the next generation of entertainers a roadmap of what works and what doesn’t.

“The Academy” is a FREE service offering instructional video, up-to-the-minute access to real-time castings, as well as downloadable e-books and PDF guides on insider techniques.   KTA covers what both experienced and new models, actors, and musicians need to know to succeed with subjects such as, “How to be signed by an agent or manager” and “How to land your Dream Job” all written by a who’s who of A-list individuals actively involved in the entertainment industry in NY and LA.

Imagine a world without Arts and Entertainment

Any endeavor in life takes experience and knowledge. For the past five years we have interviewed thousands of truly gifted individuals and many of them lacked one key factor- the resources and circle of connections to support their dreams.  We used to say to those individuals, “Why swim with ducks, when you can soar with eagles.”

“Our concept is easy to master—Learn, perfect your ability and build relationships with those who can show you the way.”


At the same time we were saddened to see so many of these people spend hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars on products and services,  such as photos or classes, from companies all with good intentions, but that unfortunately could not guarantee success or even a shot at a legitimate job.  Thus you got just what you paid for– pictures and basic classes. So we asked, “What do the people with talent, looks and determination really need that’s not some false promise with a price tag to boot?

The Talent Academy was born.

http://www.kabacktalentacademy.com/

I hope you got to enjoy a day off after that marathon KMM workshop session Saturday night.  It was cool to see Robert Russell again (met him at the VIP Networking Summit back in Dec.) And it was good to see Ryan Colby spearhead an impromptu Q&A about fashion modeling, although I’m bummed I’m too old to work as one of his models…maybe some updated photos with my short hair will land me in his favor. C’est la vie, right?

Anyway, I really enjoyed getting to meet with Robert one on one at the KMM workshop.  We definitely have similar views on the art of acting and got nerdy talking about its existential nature and the cosmic instant of existence we’re afforded as humans in our one shot on this planet; a lifetime in the blink of an eye.  We even had a few common interests outside the arena of the acting (like distance running and white Chuck Taylors, haha).  We also riffed on how important it is that I continue working with the theater and improv groups I’m in and he suggested a few monologue books to check out to get my head spinning (in a good way, of course).  I’m excited to jump into them.

Speaking of exciting, I had a bit of a Sunday Funday yesterday at a cover party at Del Frisco’s for Dining Out Magazine.  A few months ago, a friend of mine became the assistant buyer for a menswear boutique in Northern Liberties called “His Exclusively (HE),” and she invited me to model a few looks during the runway show portion of the event.  It was a lot of fun and I got to meet the owners and designers involved in the show.  (The MC was fun too– Kept calling me Adam Levine whenever a girl was within hearing range.  My face probably matched the red pants I wore, haha.)  Vincent (the owner of HE) was extraordinarily positive throughout the entire process.  It’s great being around positive people getting things done.  I also met a few other designers that want to stay in contact with me.  I hope to be able to do more runway work soon…but I need to get my ass in gear and get my photos updated.  I apologize for slacking on that…theater rehearsals have been making it difficult to schedule things but I WILL get them done ASAP.

Ok, ok, I hear the orchestra signaling me to wrap it up so I’ll conclude with letting you know that I’m totally down for appearing on The It Factor with Alycia Kaback 1360 AM Radio to discuss my experiences thus far from the VIP Talent Connect Networking Summit this past December to KMM and all my theater shennanigans as of late as well as my future plans of global domination, haha.

Talk to you soon!

DJ

The “It” Factor Productions and KMM is currently casting and looking for a wide variety of looks and age ranges from kids to adults. To take the next step, fill out the following information by visiting http://modelingagenciesinpa.com/.

Alycia Kaback warns against trusting these ads. Here is a discription of what generally happens:

The young teens with their eyes fixated on stardom beg their parents to drive them to the audition, which turns out to be in a crammed hotel ballroom with 200 other attention-hungry kids. Each child takes their turn reading short monologues in front of a judge.

A representative from the company will tell the parents their children have talent and qualify to participate in a larger showcase at for example, Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, where they would meet top talent scouts as is the case with a company called, “The” (pronounced “tay”).

This talent scout competition, of course, isn’t free of charge and a host of other products will be offered in a package for about $6,000. Parents are pressured to buy packages of acting workshops and other services that they’re told will make the children more appealing to talent agents and casting directors. With airfare, hotel and professional photos you can end up paying about $10,000.

“My kids were really gung-ho, thinking they were going to get a chance at something,” said one father.

But when you get there, there are no meetings with agents or leads for auditions. All this father’s children got was disappointment.

They didn’t get to speak to the “world-famous agent” mentioned in the ad. To top it off children complained that the acting workshops, which were closed to parents, (eek!) were unruly and run by instructors who appeared poorly qualified. Alycia Kaback finds it particularly disturbing that parents were not allowed! Never, ever, under any circumstance, leave your child alone!

And of course, the dad said he never heard again from the woman who sold him the trip and promised to help his children break into Hollywood.

“It was a complete sham,” he said, “and a waste of money.”

Although “The’s” Orlando talent competitions are held within the Walt Disney World Resort, Disney says it has nothing to do with them. “Disney has no business relationship with ‘The’ and does not evaluate talent at these events,” said Michael Griffin, a spokesman for Walt Disney World.

Companies, such as “The” are marketing the dream in towns and cities across the United States over the radio and use names like Selena Gomez to draw children and their families to free auditions, offering children a chance to be discovered, but for a price.

Some parents end up spending their children’s college fund to make this dream a reality and have nothing to show for it.

“The,” which now goes by the name the Event, a privately held business, which does not disclose its revenue, paid $25,000 to the Connecticut state attorney general to settle an investigation in May 2009 and offered refunds to nearly 350 families.

The reason for this was that “The” appeared to use high-pressure sales tactics and charged excessive cancellation fees that were not disclosed.

Customers also said the company made false promises and used deceptive tactics. “The” is now careful not to guarantee that children will find agents or secure jobs. Alycia Kaback always warns against companies that offer any kind of guarantee. That is a sign to run. Remember– There are no guarentees in this business.

Alycia Kaback wants to warn parents from spending this kind of money on workshops and events that won’t be helpful to their children. Sure, education is important and your kids will have to learn the craft if they want to be successful in this business. But there is no reason to invest $10,000 to go to a weeklong workshop in Disney.

To combat these types of rip-off schemes, Alycia has started the Kaback Talent Academy, a totally free 12-month non-profit program that educates on all aspects of the industry, both online and in the classroom. Read more about Alycia Kaback and the Academy.

The “It” Factor Productions and KMM is currently casting and looking for a wide variety of looks and age ranges from kids to adults. To take the next step, fill out the following information by visiting http://modelingagenciesinpa.com/

VIP Talent Connect will be hosting Open Calls tonight and tomorrow  night, the 16th and 17th of November with a special guest from America’s Next Top Model- Angelea Preston!

Hailing from Buffalo, New York, Angelea Preston was 23 years old when she became a finalist onAmerica’s Next Top Model14. She had previously tried out for Cycle 12 but didn’t make the cut. On her second attempt, she showed that she had a lot to offer, like softening her tough attitude when it came to photos. She soon became one of the top competitors on the show, and made it to the finale. She left the show in third place and has since pursued modeling and acting.

After Cycle 14, she moved to New York City to continue the pursuit of her dream.  Angelea began earning her stripes as an editorial/commercial/runway model, walking for Richie Rich, LaureLux, and designer Willie Hall for NYC Fashion Week.  Her other Post ANTM credits include the expansion of her brand into acting, hosting and motivational speaking.  She continued to exude beauty and personality with television appearances such as her segment on The Tonight Show and a commercial for a Brazilian hair car product.  Angelea even has a movie credit to her name.  In 2011, she was cast as Adrenia in the film “Breathe” starring Robin Givens and Miguel Nunez, which was one of the featured films at the American Black Film Festival.  Angelea most recently served as a Red Carpet Correspondent at the AKOO 2011 Fashion Week Presentation.   She continues to prove how far determination and self-confidence can take you.  “I want people to know that your dreams are possible.  I can do it, you can do it too.  Just believe in yourself and don’t give up.  I don’t do what I do for me. I do it for my family and for Buffalo.  I love my city – 716.”

She also returned to America’s Next Top Model Cycle 17, also dubbed the All-Star Cycle. She joined other alums for another shot at the title. The winner will be receiving a special spread in Vogue Italia and a contract with CoverGirl cosmetics, in addition to joining the Express fashion campaign and a chance to become a correspondent on Extra.

The “It” Factor Productions and KMM is currently casting and looking for a wide variety of looks and age ranges from kids to adults. To take the next step, fill out the following information by visiting http://modelingagenciesinpa.com/

Follow this link to read about Angelea Preston and Kaback Model Management. 

The “It” Factor Productions and KMM is currently casting and looking for a wide variety of looks and age ranges from kids to adults. To take the next step, fill out the following information by visiting http://modelingagenciesinpa.com/

Alycia Kaback has always made big investments on educating herself.  Despite the superficial appearance of this industry, your brain is actually your biggest tool for success, make sure you nourish it well with good information.  To read Alycia Kaback’s book reviews visit alyciakabackbookreview.com. 

JHA has been managing actors, writers, directors and recording artists for the past 12 years.  JHA  clients can be seen in the Twilight Series, Brooklyn’s Finest, Sex and The City, Precious, Ugly Betty, Mercy, Gossip Girl, Kings, Cashmere Mafia, Lipstick Jungle, Rescue Me, all the Law and Orders, All My Children, As The World Turns, Guiding Light, One Life To Live, in addition to hundreds of films, commercials and Broadway shows.

After meeting all the great talent at VIP, Emily wanted to make a special trip to meet with our KMM Talent! Her clients work in film, television and theatre, so no matter your interest, she is an important person to know!

This week at VIP Talent Connect & Alycia Kaback we answer the question how do I become a talent scout? All the major agencies from Ford Model Management and Elite find new talent by hiring talent scouts. Talent Scouts work in New York, Miami, London all over the world.  In the music business, the talent scout is part of the Artists and Repertoire division of the record label. Their job is to find new talent and bring them to the company. Get started by scouting out talent where you are and perhaps even forwarding that information to a targeted person within an A & R department of a label. Make sure you have an agreement with the talent so that you’re not cut out completely. In this business it’s definitely who you know that matters.

What I do in my job as a Model Scout is look for potential model talent. Some models are Runway Models and need to be tall & thin, but most are regular sized people like you & me who have attractive features and are usually height/weight proportionate. Print models can be any shape & size depending on which catalogues are looking for talent. Promotional models usually appear at events and do public appearances.

What I like most about my job is the look on someone’s face when I ask, “Have you ever considered Modeling?” Most women & men never think their dreams could be realized in a few, short moments. I love to help people get where they want to be and to keep them motivated along the path of their dreams!

Now, I want to say that Modeling is a challenging career that is NOT like the movies and NOT just hanging around wearing nice clothes. It takes dedication and responsibility to be in a high pressure career such as Modeling.

I love my job and wouldn’t trade it for anything! From VIP Talent Connect and Alycia Kaback, we hope this answers your question.

Caiden, what do you like to do when you’re not at school or doing photo-shoots?

I like to play playdoh, go swimming, play with my friends and play Barbie’s.

What is your favorite movie and favorite shows on T.V?

Dorothy and Tangled are my favorite movies.  I like iCarly, especially Sam from the show, Victorious and SpongeBob.

Where do you see your future in T.V?

I want to be on Victorious, iCarly and SpongeBob as Sandy.

What is your favorite type of music?

I love Justin Bieber and want to meet him and Selena Gomez.

What do you think of the modeling so far?  Have you had a lot of fun?

It’s a lot of fun.  Both the Rachael Ray shoot and the Toys R Us shoot were my favorites.  I liked posing with the baby doll for the Toys R Us shoot.  It was yucky playing in the dirt on Rachael Ray, but it was still fun.

Did you get to keep anything from any of the shoots you did?

No, but there were a lot of toys.

Do you want to still do this when you’re older?

Yeah, I want to be a singer and sing a song with Justin Bieber, and be a model and become famous.

Dad:  and you want to be a doctor.

Who do you look up to?

Daddy

A true Daddy’s girl! Dad, what are your thoughts on this whole experience so far?

It’s very mood lifting and a whole different experience-a good experience.  We’ve never had the right connections until now, so it’s very good.

Have you had any issues in the past that might have made you skeptical at first?

Caiden was scouted at the mall once by another company and we paid a couple thousand dollars for pictures, but we are still waiting for a phone call for something to happen.  Kaback Models has been great though.

Being a single dad, has this been difficult for you?

No, I have a family business, so I can take off when I need to.  If I can’t, I have strong family ties, so someone can always take her if I can’t.

Is it a big time commitment?

It hasn’t been too bad.  It is short notice sometimes, but we haven’t had any issues.  Traveling isn’t an issue and I don’t mind having to go to either New Jersey or New York City.

Are you worried about her missing school?

I’m not worried about it yet, because she isn’t in Kindergarten yet, but I’ll worry about it when the time comes.

Caiden doesn’t have a favorite shoot, but do you have a favorite one that she’s done already?

The Just Like Home apron shoot she just did.

What are your hopes for her?

I want her to enjoy what she is doing; experience new things, new people and new places.   I don’t have to worry about what might happen in the future yet, regarding the pressures of models today.  In the future I’ll have to have a tight grip.

Here is a Picture of Caiden with CEO Alycia Kaback: