Are you looking to get famous? In this digital age, with websites such as YouTube and MySpace (News - Alert), it’s a little easier for aspiring artists to get noticed. It’s clear that after the success of artists like Justin Bieber, Sean Kingston, Colbie Caillat, and Lily Allen, artists can become major stars just by posting music videos and songs online.
Now, Gary Beer, former founding CEO of Robert Redford’s Sundance Group, wants to give the same opportunity to undiscovered actors trying to get their big break. Beer has started a new project called StarCast Auditions, which is an online platform allowing for actors to submit online auditions to top casting directors and receive feedback on their performance. It gets up and coming actors in front of directors to showcase their talent.
“Basically there was nothing other than standing in line for an open call that would give people the opportunity to be seen,” said Beer. “We set out to build a new kind of platform with the idea that professional casting directors could look at.”
This new platform also helps actors that might not live in major cities such as LA or NY to still be given a chance to audition. This type of platform would be the first of its kind and Beer acknowledged that he feels it will be successful because he has no direct competition.
Although the site has been live for some time now, no one has landed a major commercial, movie, or television role. However, Beer said he is confident that by providing a new outlet for people to be seen it is just a matter of time until someone gets that opportunity they have been dreaming of.
Beer continued by saying that although he wants this platform to become a major resource for directors, he doesn’t assume this new platform will change the entire audition process.
“We are helping provide fresh faces,” said Beer. “StarCast may eliminate the need for open-call auditions for minor roles, but it will more likely be supplemental to the casting call rather than a replacement.”
Edited by Jennifer Russell