Universal Seeking New Talent for Pitch Perfect Music Video

Universal Pictures announced today that it has begun the search for new talent to appear in “Starships,” the official music video for Pitch Perfect, the studio’s upcoming musical comedy that hits theaters on October 5. With the chance to join the film’s cast and Internet music sensation Mike Tompkins in the video, amateur musicians and dancers are encouraged to submit their best vocals; signature moves; beatbox; and/or guitar, bass, synth and back-up sounds to accompany this cover of Nicki Minaj’s worldwide smash.

With multiple options for participation, fans may submit their entries at www.pitchperfectmovie.com/musicvideo. Those selected for the project will have their video showcased on both the Blu-ray DVD of Pitch Perfect and Tomkins’ YouTube channel, which currently has more than 550,000 subscribers.

“Pitch Perfect celebrates everyone out there who is following his or her true passion,” said the film’s director, Jason Moore. “Mike Tompkins embodies passion for music, and we’re thrilled to be able to partner with him on this project. I can’t wait to watch the undiscovered talent that I know we’ll find.”

“When Universal approached me with the idea to make a video for Pitch Perfect, I knew it would be a fun partnership,” noted Tompkins. “Making music has driven me since I was a kid, and I know there are many others out there who love it as much as I do. I’m looking forward to seeing what we are able to create together.”

This is the first time Tompkins has collaborated with filmmakers, talent and a studio on the official music video for a movie. Tompkins, represented by Maker Studios—a next-generation talent-first music company—is best known for creating his own unique twist on music covers using only his voice and mouth. As his popularity rose, he was noticed by some of the biggest names in entertainment and has since collaborated as a producer and writer with Timbaland and been featured on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, NBC’s TODAY show and PerezHilton.com, among others. Tompkins and Alana Da Fonseca arranged this new a cappella version of “Starships,” which was written by Nicki Minaj, RedOne, Carl Falk, Rami Yacoub and Wayne Hector.

All submissions must be received by August 22, 2012. Please visit www.pitchperfectmovie.com/musicvideo for entry details and terms and conditions.

About Pitch Perfect

Beca (Anna Kendrick) is that girl who’d rather listen to what’s coming out of her headphones than what’s coming out of you. Arriving at her new college, she finds herself not right for any clique but somehow is muscled into one that she never would have picked on her own: alongside mean girls, sweet girls and weird girls whose only thing in common is how good they sound when they sing together, in the new out-loud comedy Pitch Perfect.

When Beca takes this acoustic singing group out of their world of traditional arrangements and perfect harmonies into all-new mash-ups, they fight to climb their way to the top of the cutthroat world of college music competitions. This could wind up either the coolest thing they’ll ever do or the most insane, and it will probably be a little of both.

Loaded with new takes on old favorites to hits of right now that are seamlessly mixed together, mashed-up and arranged like you’ve never heard before, Pitch Perfect is directed by Jason Moore, who opened our eyes to the very misbehaved life of puppets in the surprise Broadway sensation Avenue Q. www.pitchperfectmovie.com

ABC Disney Diversity Casting

This issue of THE COMIC BIBLE MAGAZINE has an article about the major networks diversity programs which includes some important dates to remember in order to apply. One of the dates quotes is July – when ABC Disney Talent Program opens up.  To read the article pick up a copy at your local newsstand or buy it online at www.thecomicbible.com In the meantime, here is the information about the program directly from the ABC/Disney website; Launched in October 2001, Disney l ABC Television Group’s highly coveted Casting Project identifies/develops culturally and ethnically diverse talent and actors with disabilities by hosting a talent showcase each year in New York and Los Angeles. Former participants include ABC talent such as Jorge Garcia (“LOST”) and Carrie Ann Inaba (“Dancing with the Stars”). Selected participants perform one-act vignettes for casting directors, talent agents, managers and other industry professionals who view a series of live, one-act vignettes performed by the actors.  The showcases are produced in partnership with AFTRA /SAG  and Actors’ Equity Association. About The Program Actors selected to participate in the Casting Project work with veteran directors for an intensive, two- to three-week rehearsal process in preparation for the East Coast or West Coast showcases. Each showcase spotlights actors performing one-act vignettes for invited casting directors, talent agents, managers and other industry professionals. Selected participants will be assigned a network executive from the Casting Department who will act as their mentor for one year. Additionally, participants will have access to various ABC and ABC Studios executives. Various workshops also will be scheduled throughout the year for the actors to further hone their craft. As a direct result of the Casting Project, 90% of our showcase actors have either auditioned for, or were cast as, a series regular, recurring or guest role on primetime and/or daytime television, as well as being cast in film and commercial roles. What’s more, 60% have either met or signed with agents. When To Apply The annual submission for the New York and Los Angeles Casting Project showcases varies.  [This year’s calendar for submissions is July and the L.A. program is scheduled for September.] How To Apply Actors must submit their headshot and résumé during the submission period.  No material will be accepted outside of the designated submission period. About The Selection Process After receiving submissions from across the country, each year the ABC and ABC Studios (New York and Los Angeles) primetime casting departments narrow down the search by selecting more than 1,200 actors to move into the audition process. Requirements Participants for each talent showcase must be at least 18 years old. Previous acting experience/training is required of all, but professional representation is not necessary.

Submit Headshots & Resumes only to:

Disney/ABC Talent
500 S. Buena Vista Street
Burbank, CA 91521

For all comedy news – read THE COMIC BIBLE MAGAZINE www.thecomicbible.com

New Comedy TV Shows?

 Pilot season is still going as the Networks decide which comedy will move into their TV line-up.

At NBC
Already picked up for a series is the single-camera comedy GO ON, starring Matthew Perry. staffing orders were given to several other comedies.  The single-camera comedies, THE NEW NORMAL and SAVE ME. Another NBC comedy hopeful is 1600 PENN, which just began making staffing offers, moving it closer to a series pickup. Greg Daniels’ comedy pilot FRIDAY NIGHT DINNER was given the same green light. Rumor has it that the Jimmy Fallon-produced multi-camera comedy GUYS WITH KIDS was given a go.

At FOX
The UNTITLED MINDY KALING comedy pilot may be in Fox‘s schedule as a companion to New Girl. Other series orders MAY be, NED FOX IS MY MANNY, and  Steve Levitan-produced REBOUNDING. Other Fox comedy pilots may get in the line-up; LITTLE BROTHER and GOODWIN GAMES, as well as EL JEFE and PRODIGY/BULLY.

At ABC:
Pick ups should include MODERN FAMILY, THE MIDDLE and SUBURGATORY. ...APT. 23 has gotten great reviews and ratings so it'll be picked up by another network if ABC does the unlikely and passes. Tim Allen’s LASAT MAN STANDING has a fan base that will most likely assure it's return as well. COUGAR TOWN isn't set but has other networks flirting with it too, so it will be on - if not ABC - a cable channel.
 New comedies in the mix at ABC.  MALIBU COUNTRY starring Reba McEntire, AMERICAN JUDY, HOW TO LIVE WITH YOUR PARENTS, UNTITLED MANDY MOORE, ONLY FOOLS & HORSES, RED VAN MAN, PRAIRIE DOGS and UNTITLED DAN FOGELMAN are all vying for pick-up.

At  CBS
CBS ordered the MARTIN LAWRENCE comedy and it's getting some buzz. In the running at CBS are the Max Mutchnick and David Kohan’s PARTNERS, the NICK STOLLER comedy, and BERLANTI/MALINS.

AT CW
No new comedies set but word is the network plans to let out several project on an off-season schedule.

In general...
It's a scramble to the small screen and we can only hope the best comedies get on!
PS Also looking promising are the  Louis CK/Spike Feresten project and NBC’s Kari Lizer project.

For all comedy news order The Comic Bible Magazine www.thecomicbible.com

COMEDY CASTING

NY:

Seeking dog owners with BIG personalities, who have stories where their dogs are causing high drama in their lives! Email ASAP: NYDOGSHOW@GMAIL.COM Full name age, phone email (ALL members of the home) Location (Must live in NYC areas) Brief Bio about you and your dog! Photo of you and your dog. For more information please contact nydogshow@gmail.com.

MN:

Looking for “real” parents, not professional actors, ages 27-45, who are price driven shoppers. If selected to participate, it is a half day commitment, and the compensation is over $600.
The audition process simply consists of a 20 minute interview, followed by a 2-5 minute video submission. Interview takes place in Maplewood, MN.  Very casual and can be fun!
Email nikki.carbone@gmail.com with your name, age, recent picture, and contact information, and I will give more details and get you booked. Casting through June.

CA: Open Mic
Magnet is seeking performers for Smack Dab, a music, comedy, and poetry open mic. Kirk Read & Larry-Bob Roberts, hosts. Performances are the third Wednesday of each month, 7 p.m. at Magnet, 4122 18th St., San Francisco, CA.

NV: A Large Cat, LLC is casting immediate subs and replacements for the long-running Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding. an interactive Off-Broadway show that spoofs an Italian-American wedding. Matt Remington, casting dir.

More? order COMIC BIBLE MAGAZINE 

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