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FAQ
Check out our FAQ. Your questions are answered in regards to all casting director workshops, international programs and more. If you can't find the answer please contact us.
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What is The Hollywood InitiativeThe Hollywood Initiative offers in person classes and online classes for actors. The classes range from casting director workshops, acting classes, agents and managers showcases as well as Q&As.
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Does THI provide scenes for classes?Some Casting Directors prefer to hand out scenes during class, others will offer scenes in advance, but for those that require actors to bring their own, we have an online archive for members to dig through. For Agents and Managers showcases, you have the option to bring your own sides or monologue. Please bring a copy and highlight the readers sides. You must be OFF BOOK! This works the same for Online Workshops. If scenes are provided you must send over your headshot and age range as soon as you book.
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Are the Q&A's Mandatory to attend for the casting director workshops?Yes. Our Q&A sessions at the beginning of class are mandatory. You don’t want to miss the opportunity to ask those questions you’ve always wanted to know. The Q&A sessions are put in place so you can get an understanding of all the different types of things Casting Directors prefer. Every office is different so make sure you take note of each specific office requirements.
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Do I need to bring a headshot and resume? Do I get them back?For in person workshops: Yes, you must bring in a current headshot and resume. However, they will be given back to you at the end of class. Please note: In accordance with the law, workshops are only a learning experience. It is not an audition or an employment opportunity. When the workshop is over, the instructor will not take home nor be given access to your headshot, resume, or any other of your promotional materials. However, the guest will view your headshot and resume during your performance and will provide feedback, take notes, and give constructive criticism. Your material will be returned to you after your performance and before the class is over. For online workshops: Headshot's are sent to THI and sent to the casting director to assign scenes. They do not keep your headshots.
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How are the classes structured for all workshops?Casting Director Workshops: Each class starts off with a Q&A. The casting director/instructor will introduce themselves, productions they have worked on and exciting things that are coming up (if they are able to share.) After the Q&A’s, each casting director will run the workshops according to their preferred structure. You will know of the structure at the time of purchase. Agent and Manager Showcases: Each showcase starts off with an introduction to all the delegate. We proceed to the showcase section. Once everyone has had their turn, we then go into a speed round. Our speed round gives you a couple of minutes to chat with the agents and managers. This is your chance to shine so prepare and kick ass! Special Guest Q&A: This is a very chilled and relaxed environment. Grab your notebook and coffee. Sit back, relax and take it all in.
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What do I need to bring to each workshop or showcase?You are a professional actor. So, make sure you have the following. Casting Director Workshops: One headshot with your updated resume on the back. Please make sure they are stapled in all four corners. Two copies of the sides. Please highlight you readers sides. A notebook to write in. A USB drive. Water and snacks for your quick brake in between. (Please note we do have pens and USB drives for purchase in studio) Agent and Manager Showcase: FIVE headshots with your updated resume on the back. Please make sure they are stapled in all four corners. Two copies of the sides. Please highlight you readers sides. If you are doing a monologue, please bring in a copy. A notebook to write in. A USB drive. Water and snacks for your quick brake in between. Special Guest Q&A: Our special guests can be anyone from Directors, Producers, Writers, Celebrities and Filmmakers. This is a brilliant way to learn more and get all your questions answered. Please bring: A notebook to write in. Water and snacks for your quick brake in between.
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Do you issue refunds?No. We do not offer refunds. Our guests are extremely busy and in the event of a cancellation by them or by you, you will be issued with a THI credit. This will never expire, and you can use at your next booking. Please email us if you can’t attend the workshop at info@thehollywoodinitiative.com If you do not email us before the workshop we can not issue you a credit. Each workshop will state the conditions and terms.
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What if the workshop I want to participate in is booked out?If the workshop you want to attend happens to be booked out we can pop your name down on a waiting list, email us at info@thehollywoodinitiative.com . If a slot becomes available everyone on the waitlist will be notified. First to respond gets the spot. Please note: We do recommend booking as soon as the calendar is available. This is your career. Don’t wait to be put on a waiting list. Take charge and make things happen!
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What time should I arrive online or in person?Be it online or in person: Treat this as you would any appointment. Arrive 15 minutes early to allow for parking and check-in or be ready in the zoom virtual waiting room. Better to arrive early and relax, look over your sides. If you are running late contact us on +1 (818) 296-9684. If your workshop is in person and you do not let us know the door will be locked and you will not be able to participate.
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What is the address and contact details?Location 1: Online Location 2: The Melrose Lounge: 7551 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90046 Contact Number: +1 (818) 296-9684 Email: info@thehollywoodinitiative.com
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How to join a zoom class:Click the link that is provided via email. The link will either open up to zoom or it will need to be downloaded. It is preferable to use a laptop or desktop computer. If using a computer: When entering a Zoom meeting for the first time from a computer you will need to download and install a Zoom application. This process is easy. After you’ve clicked on the meeting link, the application will either be automatically downloaded or you will be asked to save a file. On a PC it will be an .exe file and on a Mac it will be a .pkg file. You should be able to install. just like any other computer program. If the download doesn’t begin, you can download the program here: https://zoom.us/support/download If using a mobile device: If you are joining from a mobile device (Android smartphone/tablet, Apple iPhone/iPad) then it will prompt you to download the Zoom Cloud Meetings app from the App/Play Store. For more, check out the help from zoom on getting started with a mobile device.
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Is zoom free?Yes. Zoom is free for students. You do need an account, but that is a free account.
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Can I record my scene?Pending on the class, you can record your scene unless the teacher states otherwise.
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Do you have any Privacy PolicyThis privacy notice discloses the privacy practices for TheHollywoodInitiative.com. This privacy notice applies solely to information collected by this website. It will notify you of the following: What personally identifiable information is collected from you through the website, how it is used and with whom it may be shared. What choices are available to you regarding the use of your data. The security procedures in place to protect the misuse of your information. How you can correct any inaccuracies in the information. Information Collection, Use, and Sharing We are the sole owners of the information collected on this site. We only have access to/collect information that you voluntarily give us via email or other direct contact from you. We will not sell or rent this information to anyone. We will use your information to respond to you, regarding the reason you contacted us. We will not share your information with any third party outside of our organization, other than as necessary to fulfill your request, e.g. to ship an order. Unless you ask us not to, we may contact you via email in the future to tell you about specials, new products or services, or changes to this privacy policy. Your Access to and Control Over Information You may opt out of any future contacts from us at any time. You can do the following at any time by contacting us via the email address or phone number given on our website: See what data we have about you, if any. Change/correct any data we have about you. Have us delete any data we have about you. Express any concern you have about our use of your data. Security We take precautions to protect your information. When you submit sensitive information via the website, your information is protected both online and offline. Wherever we collect sensitive information (such as credit card data), that information is encrypted and transmitted to us in a secure way. You can verify this by looking for a lock icon in the address bar and looking for “https” at the beginning of the address of the Web page. While we use encryption to protect sensitive information transmitted online, we also protect your information offline. Only employees who need the information to perform a specific job (for example, billing or customer service) are granted access to personally identifiable information. The computers/servers in which we store personally identifiable information are kept in a secure environment. Registration In order to use this website, a user must first complete the registration form. During registration a user is required to give certain information (such as name and email address). This information is used to contact you about the products/services on our site in which you have expressed interest. Orders We request information from you on our order form. To buy from us, you must provide contact information (like name and shipping address) and financial information (like credit card number, expiration date). This information is used for billing purposes and to fill your orders. If we have trouble processing an order, we’ll use this information to contact you. Cookies We use “cookies” on this site. A cookie is a piece of data stored on a site visitor’s hard drive to help us improve your access to our site and identify repeat visitors to our site. For instance, when we use a cookie to identify you, you would not have to log in a password more than once, thereby saving time while on our site. Cookies can also enable us to track and target the interests of our users to enhance the experience on our site. Usage of a cookie is in no way linked to any personally identifiable information on our site. Links This website contains links to other sites. Please be aware that we are not responsible for the content or privacy practices of such other sites. We encourage our users to be aware when they leave our site and to read the privacy statements of any other site that collects personally identifiable information. If you feel that we are not abiding by this privacy policy, you should contact us immediately via telephone at +1(818) 296-9684 or via email at info@thehollywoodinitiative.com.
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Are you a bonded company? And what does that mean?The Hollywood Initiative is in full compliance and BONDED (#810014372) with the Atlantic Specialty Insurance Company. You can check the database on https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/DLSE-Databases.htm under Fee Related Talent Service Bonds. You must have a bonded company in order to have Casting Director Workshops and Agent and Manager Showcases. If you don’t it is illegal. Please read the Krekorian Law for more information.
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Who can sign up to The Hollywood Initiative International Program held in Los Angeles?The Hollywood Initiative and affiliates created an eligibility criteria that actors must meet to ensure the efficiency of the program. The criteria is based on experience level, training and professionalism. It is not necessary to have an O-1 visa to attend. The application is free so take the initiative here. Apply now! The Hollywood Initiative 10-Day Intensive is open to actors based on their age range. How do I sign up? To Sign Up for L.A. Intensive , head to the website and fill in the sign-up form. Someone from our team will contact you so make sure to add us to your email contacts list otherwise it will go to spam: info@thehollywoodinitiative.com Please check your spam once you have signed up.
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Do I need a visa to do The Hollywood Initiative Week?You will need an ESTA visa in order to travel into the USA. You can purchase your visa online for under $20 at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/ The program is devised so that actors can test the waters in L.A. and see if it’s for them. The week is considered an educational, mini vacation. If the week proves successful, The Hollywood Initiative offers assistance in commencing the O1 visa process. For those that already have an O1 visa, The Hollywood Initiative Program, provides personal introductions through the educational meetings and workshops which may create further opportunities.
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Do actors get cast in a project or signed with an agent by doing The Hollywood Initiative week?The main objective of the of this program is to educate. Further contact between the industry professionals and actors is rare after workshops. Although there are exceptions, the most important elements to take from this program are education and exposure.
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How many people in each program?Each international program has a cap of 12 people. There is also a minimum to the program which is 6 people. For the program to go ahead we must have 6 people signed.
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Can we come in a group?Yes. We encourage to come with other actors so you all can experience this wonderful opportunity and really push each other. If you are coming on your own, no doubt you will make lifelong friendships here.
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Are flights, accommodation, transport and food included?"Unfortunately, not. You must book all the necessary arrangements. However, we will help you once you have signed up. You are not alone in this. The Hollywood Initiative has you covered.
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What do we need to prepare?Once you have signed up, we will then give you all the information and material needed to make sure you are well and truly prepared.
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What is the schedule for the L.A. 10 Day Program?Depending on the availability of the industry contacts, the schedule is created for each trip. Every day is divided between workshops, meetings and other activities. Other days will be dedicated to headshot and demo reel scene.
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Who do we meet during The Hollywood Initiative Week?During this intense week you will have the opportunity to meet key industry professionals ranging from known acting coaches, casting directors, agents, managers and many more
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Do we offer refunds?For the International Programs we offer refunds up to 10 days after purchase. If you cancel after the 10 days, you will be given a credit to use on a future program or any of our online classes.
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Have other questions?Please contact us on info@thehollywoodinitiative.com to further assist you with any queries.
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