Show Notes - Writer Julie Chibbaro

Julie Chibbaro is the author of Redemption (Simon & Schuster, 2004), a novel of love and betrayal set in pre-colonial America. In 2005, Redemption won the American Book Award. Julie Chibbaro’s stories have appeared in The Prague Revue and Slingshot, and her articles in The Montreal Gazette and The Prague Post. Her next novel, about the search for Typhoid Mary in New York City, will be published by Simon & Schuster in early 2011.

I enjoyed this interview a lot. Julie talks about making the transition from literary to YA fiction, her changing career ambitions, and being accepted - or not - by the literary fiction circle.

Click below for the interview.

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Show Notes - Independent Filmmaker Kely McClung

After a 20 month journey, independent filmmaker Kely McClung is wrapping up his latest feature film, "Kerberos." He's a veteran of the film festival circuit, where his feature film "Blood Ties" garnered several awards. We'll talk to him about his films and his life of making movies.

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Show Notes - Literary Agent Michael Bourret

Michael Bourret has been a literary agent with Dystel & Goderich Literary Management since 2000. He now works out of DGLM's Los Angeles office, representing clients and actively seeking new film and television opportunities. We talk to him about what he's looking for right now, the type of query letters that grab his attention, and how writers should go about the business of being a professional writer. We also talk about the new age of e-books and the Kindle.

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Show Notes - Ayelen Liberona

Dancer, choreographer, filmmaker, free spirit. We'll talk with Ayelen Liberona.

You can find Ayelen's website here, and find out about her film production company here.

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Show Notes - Writer/Editor Chris Gray Faust

Chris Gray Faust, December 3, 2009:

But what bothers me the most is what my firing represented. See, I’ve been learning all the tricks that a modern multi-platform journalist is supposed to know. In the past 22 months, I’ve blogged, tweeted, shot photos and videos, and handled speaking engagements. I edited my section, managed my high-personality staff and then in my spare time, I wrote cover stories – something that very few other editors at USA TODAY do. I hustled and I cajoled and I ended up out on my ass anyway.

We'll talk to former USA Today writer/editor Chris Gray Faust about how media has changed so drastically in the last ten years, and what writers can do going forward with their careers.

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Show Notes - Producer Larry Allen

Larry Allen has been a TV and film producer for over ten years. He recently moved to NY after an 18-month stint in Iraq, where he was hired by the US Department of State to open the first independent production facility for the Iraqi people. Larry Allen has produced several films, including Watercolors, an award-winning favorite of the 2009 festival circuit. His clients include NBC, Discovery Channel, PBS, and ESPN.

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Show Notes - Actor/Director Jonathan Robbins

Jonathan Robbins drops in to talk about acting and directing. He's appeared in numerous commercials and independent films, and received the Best Actor award at the New Voices Film Festival for his role in the WWII film Broken Lines. Behind the camera, Jonathan's shot and directed several productions and received Best Director honors. We'll talk with him about what it's like being an actor/director navigating the film festival circuit.

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Show Notes - Independent Filmmaker Dan Eberle

Dan Eberle was a premiere jazz guitarist who decided to take a run at film. We're glad he did. It's been a great sprint right out of the gate. He's written, directed, edited, and starred in his own independent pictures, earning instant recognition and praise as a force to be reckoned with. We'll talk to him about his career as an independent artist, and discuss his latest film The Local (trailer below), a gritty crime drama filmed on the streets of Brooklyn.

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Show Notes - J. Elaine Marcos

J. Elaine Marcos has appeared on Broadway in such shows as A Chorus Line, Sweet Charity, Miss Saigon, and Wonderful Town, among others. You recently saw her in the movie Every Little Step, which chronicled the audition process for A Chorus Line. J. Elaine will tell us what it's like working in the most competitive city in the world of theatre.

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Show Notes - Director John Banovich

We talk with John Banovich, an award winning director and cinematographer. His documentary and commercial work has taken him all over the world. In 1997, John survived a horrific car wreck that almost killed him. It took him months to get back on his feet. Doctors said he would never walk again. They were wrong. John eventually picked up where he left off. Still working hard, John has released a new feature film, "Sharp As Marbles."

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Show Notes - Freelance Writer Lisa Collier Cool

Lisa Collier Cool is one of the most prolific writers working today. She has penned hundreds of articles for such diverse publications as the AP, Glamour, Cosmo, Oprah Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Harper's Bazaar, Penthouse, and Writer's Digest. She has received 18 journalism awards along the way, and has also written a dozen books. We talk to her about the freelance writing business, and how she stays on her game.

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Show Notes - Author Marsha Moore

Marsha is a Canadian writer living in London, England. Her first book, 24 Hours London, has recently hit the shelves. We talk to Marsha about what it's like publishing her first book, and discuss what to do in London at any hour of the day or night.

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Show Notes - Independent Filmmaker Dominic Perez

40-year-old investment banker Dominic Perez watched as the recession tanked the jobs of the people around him. Then it was his turn. Jobless and unsure of the future, he asked a friend what he should do. "Make a movie," the friend replied. So Dominic did. Months later, his horror movie Evil Things was completed. It is now being seen at film festivals around the world, and Dominic's life has a whole new direction.

Click below to hear the interview. Scroll down for some stills from the movie.

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Show Notes - Director Sabina Vajraca

Sabina's first documentary, "Back To Bosnia," has appeared in over 30 film festivals. She tells us about this emotional journey to her homeland, and the challenges of making a first film. She also tells us about her new film "Apparition."

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Show Notes - Filmmakers Tara Platt & Yuri Lowenthal

Tara and Yuri are writers, actors, producers and voice-over artists. You've heard their voices on TV and in countless video games, radio spots, and advertisements. They recently won an award for their first feature film "Tumbling After." Their new book "Voice-Over, Voice Actor - What It's Like Behind the Mic" is now available. We talk to them about the entertainment biz, and how to be a successful voice artist.

Click below for the interview. Scroll down for a look at their new book. Click on the cover to check out their site.

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Show Notes - Award-Winning Author Wendy Orr

Wendy Orr drops in from Australia. She has written several award-winning books, including Nim's Island, which was turned into a film starring Jodie Foster (pictured with Wendy below). We talk about her life and career as a writer, and look ahead to the books she has coming out next year. An excellent interview for book lovers, writers, and aspiring scribes.

Click below for the interview.

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Show Notes - Bill Gorman from TV By The Numbers

Will your favorite show get the axe this year? Is Conan tanking next to Letterman? Will Desperate Housewives take a powder? Which shows are making the studios sweat? Bill Gorman from TV By The Numbers joins me to give you the heads up.

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Show Notes - Jessica Stuart

Jessica Stuart from the Jessica Stuart Few swings by the Casting Couch. Fresh from recording some new tunes in the studio, Jessica gives us a sneak peek at a couple of new songs, talks about how to make your own album, and what it's like to make it in the music business. We play a couple of new tracks from the band, and she lets us know about her tour coming up in the spring. A great chat, and I know Jessica's got big things ahead of her.

You can find Jessica's MySpace page here. The band also has a website with a free song for download here.

Click below to listen to the interview.

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Show Notes - David Gale

David Gale stops by to talk about acting and ACTRA. If you're an actor and want to know what an actor's union does for you, tune in.

You've seen David on television as the host of Loving Spoonfuls, for which he won a Gemini award. He is also a director, producer, writer and choreographer.

Click below for the interview.

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Show Notes - Dance Competition Director Lynette Heavener

Lynetter Heavener, dance competition director, stops by to talk about So You Think You Dance and Dancing With the Stars' impact on the current dance culture. She goes over what competition judges want to see, and gives advice for anyone interested in dance.

Lynette is the owner and operator of StarCatchers Dance Festival, a competition which sees thousands of dancers perform each year.

Click below to go to the interview.

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Show Notes - Audio Issues

The radio program was going fine when it was conducted over regular hard phone lines. Naturally I tried to make things better, and ended up with worse audio. Lesson: wireless headsets ain't all they're cracked up to be. Lesson: Skype plays hell with audio when used through a third party.

Going back to hard lines.

Show Notes - Casting Director Dino Ladki

An interview with Dino Ladki, Casting Director. I'm going to edit this one down a bit because there was an audio glitch in the middle that knocked us out for about 60 seconds. Bad phone lines for the radio in the last few days, but nothing that can't be sorted out with an edit. I'll edit it later on.

Dino's got good advice for actors, and gives us a look at how casting decisions are made.

You can hear the interview by clicking below.

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Show Notes - Leila Canon from B&M Models

Interested in becoming a model? Wondering what's real and what's a scam? Don't know how to get a reputable agent to represent you? Agent Leila Canon from B&M Models give us a no-nonsense interview about what it takes to make it as a model.

It was a great chat. Unfortunately the audio cut out just as we were saying good-bye. Bad phone lines that day on the radio. But enjoy the interview and catch what Leila has to say about the modeling business. Good stuff and great tips.

Interview length is 30 minutes. Click below to listen to Leila's interview.

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Show Notes - Adam Rave

We're going to be talking to a lot of singers and bands in the future, so if you're a musician be sure to check in often.

Adam Rave is the lead singer and front man of Adam's God. He stops by the Casting Couch to talk about rocking the music business. We'll play a couple of the band's great tracks and get Adam's take on playing the scene and making it as a musician.

Interview length is 30 minutes. Click below to listen to Adam's interview.

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Show Notes - Second City's Paul Constable

This show is great for aspiring actors and those already in the game.

Second City's Paul Constable drops by the Casting Couch. You've seen him at Second City and as the face and voice of Breyer's Ice Cream. He just finished shooting episodes of The Ron James Show and Dan For Mayor. This fall you'll catch him in The Twelve Men of Xmas on the Lifetime network. You will also recognize Paul Constable from numerous television commercials, as well as Monkey Toast, a recurring show in Toronto.

Paul talks about the ins and outs of auditioning, and what it takes to cut it as a working actor. Paul actually had to rush from an audition to make it to this interview, so he's got lots of good advice for those wondering what it's like in front of a casting director.

Interview length is 30 minutes. Click below to listen to Paul's interview.

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Show Notes - Model Leah Logan

If you're considering life as a model, this show is for you. Leah Logan dropped by the Casting Couch to give us the lowdown on being a model. She has some great tips and advice for aspiring models, and provides an inside scoop on what the life is like in the modeling business.

Do you really need to spend a ton of money on a photographer to become a model? Should agencies be charging you big fees in order to represent you? What's it like going to a casting call? Leah answers these questions and more.

Interview length is 30 minutes. Click below to listen to Leah's interview.
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