Thursday, November 20, 2014

Industry Moment with President of Carolyn’s Model & Talent, Carolyn Nikkanen!


Carolyn Nikkanen, President of Carolyn’s Model & Talent, has been in the Entertainment Business for over 50 years . Her talent agency, Carolyn’s Model & Talent, remains one of the leading and one of the most successful Model & Talent Agencies in the business for over 30 years.






eBOSS: What Was Your Journey To Becoming An Agent?
 
Carolyn: My Dad was really involved in the entertainment business, and the industry has always been a passion of mine.  Growing up in a family that was in the modelling industry combined with the challenges faced throughout my life brought me to this amazing path. My varied background, which includes teaching self-esteem through the Peel Board of Education, teaching acting and modelling, and studying Psychology in College and the University of Toronto has given me the ability to know what clients are looking for when casting a project. I myself have casting experience, from years ago, so I pay close attention to the needs of casting directors and their clients when I submit talent. My experience working as an actor in films, documentaries, TV, and commercials has helped me understand the industry from a performer's viewpoint. I love being an agent!  It gives me so much pleasure to see a performer's joy when they land a role. The people I represent are like family to me.   

eBOSS: What Are The Challenges Associated With Running An Agency?Carolyn: Running an agency is like being a single part of a multi-level corporation, as I deal with casting directors, directors, producers, agents and print clients. We have to work well together and establish a mutually beneficial and successful relationship. The challenges are similar to owning and operating any business. There are no drastic differences, as with all businesses there are obstacles and challenges. The obstacles make us wiser! We are fortunate to have a full-time bookkeeper and an all-around amazing staff. We work hard, and our team is at it 7 days a week; our commitment has a huge role to play in our talents' success.

eBOSS: What Do You Look For In Talent When You’re Adding People To Your Roster?
Carolyn: A grounded individual! Excellent personality and a flexible schedule, so that they can attend auditions (‘sometimes’ at a moments notice)! An agency is only as good as their talent. It is our job as an agency to seek out the best talent that are easy to work with. They should be polite, and have a positive attitude. Training is essential to their success, and we play a role in steering them in the right direction. The effort is split 50/50 between the talent and agency.

eBOSS: How Important Is It For Talent To Have A Demo-Reel?
Carolyn: Talent should have a demo reel so that they can show casting directors and clients their abilities and their unique range as a performer. A demo reel is a great asset to have. A demo reel is a compilation of your work. It is something that builds as your experience/resume builds over time.

eBOSS: What's The Biggest Mistake That Performers Make When Auditioning?Carolyn: “Can I do it again?” Biggest mistake! Wearing logos, flashy jewelry, and talking too much? Also big mistakes! Casting Directors and their clients don’t have time. First impressions are everything. Don’t be late!

eBOSS: In Your View, Is It Okay For Performers To Promote Themselves With Their Agent’s Name On Submissions?
Carolyn: If a performer is submitting themselves for something, it is important for the performer to make the agent aware. This way agents can help with decision-making and can oversee the audition and perhaps booking process. A performer must work with their agent, not against. Trust your agent!

eBOSS: What Advice Do You Have For Anyone At The Beginning Of Their Performance Career?
Carolyn: For anyone beginning their performance career, walk with your passion but be able to take rejection as a form of constructive criticism. Don’t take anything personally.

eBOSS: What Can Performers Do To Help Their Agents Help Them?
Carolyn: Performers must always keep their photos and resumes up-to-date, have consistent bodily measurements, etc… Always work on honing your craft! Don’t sit back and wait for phone to ring. Agents love talent who are go-getters and who are proactive. Even if you’re working on a short film, always work on your craft. Never stop training; never stop doing!

eBOSS: What Can Our Industry Do Differently In Order To Grow?

Carolyn: The talent industry is a very stressful industry! It’s important to show respect for your fellow industry colleagues and talent. It takes an entire team to create successful results. We work 7 days a week, around the clock.
It is important for everyone in the industry to remember that it is a TEAM EFFORT between talent, agent, casting director, photographers, clients, etc. to produce a great final product. We’re all in this together! Our success is your success!
In this business, we have the creative advantage of bringing characters and moments to life, that people of all ages can relate to and enjoy across the world!

Motivation and passion is the key to success. There’s always a way!” -- Carolyn Nikkanen

CAROLYN'S MODEL & TALENT AGENCY
 We Represent Canada's Greatest Talent
 1965 Britannia Rd. West
Mississauga, ON 
L5M 4Y4
 10 am- 5 pm

Thursday, September 18, 2014

OPEN CASTING CALL

OPEN CASTING CALL: Have you ever wanted to model or act? Wan to be in TV commercials, print ads, feature films and TV shows? Here's your chance! 

Carolyn's is looking for BOYS Ages 8-10 of all sizes and ethnicities as well as MEN ages 30-50 of all ethnicities. 

If you or someone you know is interested in getting into modeling or acting we are looking for new faces in the categories listed above of all different abilities - new and experienced. 


Please attend our OPEN CALL next THURSDAY September 25th, 2014. Walk in, no appointment necessary.

Thursday, July 3, 2014

CMTC 2015: BE DISCOVERED!



Interested in Modelling, Acting, Singing or Dance!?
If so, don’t miss your BEST opportunity to BE DISCOVERED! 


UPCOMING
CMTC AUDITION & INFORMATION SEMINAR

* Mississauga *
If you are interested in reserving a spot, please see below!

Sunday August 17th at 12:00 noon
Hilton Garden Inn Toronto/Mississauga

100 Traders Blvd., Mississauga ON

Why Attend the Canadian Model & Talent Convention!?

EDUCATION!

Nowhere else can you gain this much education about the industry over 4 days! We had 15 Seminars & Workshops scheduled at the 2014 CMTC which were presented by the World’s Top Agents, Scouts, Managers & Casting Directors!
EXPERIENCE!!

Why do new models/talent have such a hard time breaking into the industry?
Clients & Casting Directors want to book models/talent that have experience!
Only at CMTC can you gain true industry experience
through our numerous competitions & events!
EXPOSURE!!!
Where else can you meet OVER 50 of the
World’s TOP Modelling & Talent Agents, Scouts, Managers & Casting Directors
all in ONE weekend!?
CMTC makes the connection between new faces & the career makers in the industry!



Click here to check out CMTC’s video & learn more about Canada’s Premier Model & Talent Showcase Event!

If you have what it takes, don’t miss this ONCE A YEAR opportunity
to be showcased and, ultimately, BE DISCOVERED!
RSVP TODAY TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT!!

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

CASTING CALL: MODELS WANTED!


Models interested in collaborating on the photo shoots should know they are being submitted to one of two Canadian fashion magazines, either 1968 or PRESS the Fashion magazine. There will be full credit if the editorials are selected and published. Anyone interested can contact Amanda with a headshot, measurements and shoe size, at amandafoxstyling@gmail.com, or www.facebook.com/amandafoxstyling

Monday, May 26, 2014

Carolyn's Kids Talent Writes Speech About Acting

ESRA R.'s SPEECH FOR SCHOOL ABOUT CAROLYN'S

"LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION

Scene 1 take 2

"Is this really santa"?

CUT....

everyone to thier positions,

oH no not again, retake...

LOOK here comes the robocops , watch out run!!!!

stop you  are under arrest, you must be scannned.....



scanning .......the bombs go off!

cut!

Take break!

Lets get started ... Carolyn's kids Toronto, Ontario. Carolyn .... owner and model! Kristin, my agent and manager.

Carolyn has devoted her career, and life, though through her most difficult times dealing with Cancer and as a survivor of breast cancer "WOW! My mom has always told me  'what a lady"!

My first photo shoot....

The hair, the make up, the shoots.... a lot of work and patience

My mom devoted all her time for me from a fast growing industry with many competitors...

long days, long drives, sometimes 5 days week on the road...


I'm very fortunate to have had and still have the opportunity of having to do commercials, behind the scenes in film and acting, and just photo shoots for different magazines. The industry is a tough one ....when audition time comes I get anxious and wait to hear for the callbacks...bookings are different , it's when the client wants you. I've learned that whatever job I get is meant to be.

I've met many famous people such as Jackie Earl Haley, Jessica Biel, Enrico Colantoni, and many more and famous directors, and producers...

The most exciting part I've enjoyed playing was on Flashpoint a tv series, as well as Crash and Burn...

I can tell you this, everyone says your so lucky... but I look at  it in a different way,  I look at it as an experience, I was once really shy... and its helped me to be a better and confident person, and when you make a mistake you learn how to correct it in a positive way.

Its not so easy, you always need to be prepared awake, and always listening to your director..... and agent for your call times.                                                                                                                                  
There have been long days of working hard and then of course I complain, but then I think wow I've really accomplished a great experience of acting or just a plain photo shoot.

My favorite part is when its break time, mmmm all the delicious foods, Desserts not to mention I'm a part of Actra. Actra is a union and its very hard to get into Actra,  how I got into actra was I had a booking for a Walmart commercial when Kristin called me and wanted on set and you need to be with the union. Union means you have to go by their guidelines and they are very strict. Thanks to Kristin for her hard work for landing me the role.

Examples are break times and you cant work past a 9 hour shift and you can ask for food anytime.

The best part of being with Actra is you get paid a certain rate of hour or salary, and you can get full benefits if you choose to do so.

Toronto is a fast growing industry and they are now calling it the 2nd California state in filming.

The most funniest experience is when I was booked for a Harlequin novel  Photo shoot,which is for adults romance novels. The little boy who was to be my little brother was a bit younger then me and we had to pretend to open presents and that there was a pretend Santa Claus behind us but, the little boy kept running back and grabbing all the pretend christmas presents underneath the tree and opening them, it was a long day...

Another experience was filming for it was "The night before christmas" with Jessica Biel and you can see it every Christmas holiday on tv being apart of the cast in order for us to stay up until 3 am I was fed all kinds of candy! WOW THAT WAS THE BEST!!! But my mother didn't think so! we had no choice..... but after the shoot driving home back to London I slept like a baby my mother said....

Yes, being a part of Carolyn's has gave me great experience, obedience, and patience. I want to thank Carolyn the owner of Carolyn's model and talent and Kristen my manager and talent agent that without them both I would have never gained the experiences that I have had!

A word of advice, if your thinking of being a famous actor or actress, Its tough, its a lot of hard work to get recognized and to live the dream, but if you want it as a career go for it ! Live your dreams and you can accomplish anything. Carolyn has given the most great opportunity to being apart of their family business and this is a part of my life now. Thank you Carolyn for giving me the chance in my life you truly make a Difference to me and to be continued!"



Thursday, May 15, 2014

Carolyn's Talent: CMTC WINNERS

CONGRATS TO ALL CAROLYN'S TALENT WHO WON AWARDS AT CMTC!


Devonyea M. won 2nd for singing in the 4-11 division.

Isaiah Y. won 2nd for dance in the 12 and over division. Monologue 12 and over 2nd. Commercial Print talent/actor 3rd.

Isabella D. won 1st for runway 4-11

Aurelia won 3rd for runway 4-11.

Anthony Timpano won 2nd for male runway. 2nd for for male photography. 1st for male swimsuit.

Sierra P. won 1st in child photography 4-7. Child cover 4-7 1st place! Monologue child 4-11 3rd. Kids casting 4-7 2nd place. Commercial Print child 4-7 1st place! And overall 4-7!!

Emma B. won 3rd in child cover 4-7.

Teegan W. won 2nd in child cover 4-7.

Griffin Lennie won 2nd in cold reading 12+

Stephanie Wong won 1st in tv commercial female. And 2nd commercial print female teen.

Hana Danielle won 2nd in commercial print female teen.

Elizabeth K. won 1st in commercial print ingenue.

Allison Jaworski 1st Runner-up for Commercial Print Talent

Adrianne Brock won 1st in commercial print female adult.




Tuesday, May 6, 2014

CASTING CALL: CANADIAN COLOUR BLAST

MODELS NEEDED:


Canadian Colour Blast will be having a photo shoot this weekend and need models who would like to volunteer and add some colourful and unique photos to their portfolio. They will be using the photos on their Facebook, promo material and Instagram. 

The shoot will be outside, at 5:00pm this Saturday. 

Arrive dressed prepared - it is for a running/walking event so shorts/workout clothing. They will be blasting models/ talent with coloured powder (corn starch) and will be supplying you with a white colour blast t-shirt. 

They are looking for mainly girls ages 13-28. 

IF INTERESTED PLEASE CONTACT: 

Rachel Cuschieri
Follow us on Twitter: @ColourBlastRun

Friday, April 25, 2014

CASTING CALL: HGTV Canada

HGTV Canada Targets GTA Homeowners

Do you have a custom project or room renovation that you want done - right now? HGTV Canada's Paul Lafrance - a popular judge on Canada's Handyman Challenge and the host of Decked Out - is looking for homeowners for his new TV series Custom Built.

Lafrance has been designing custom indoor solutions for over fifteen years, building everything from kitchens to basements to entire houses from the ground up. He is currently looking for projects that require one-of-a-kind "custom" elements.  This could be a hidden storage space for the kids’ toys; a repurposed barn door crafted into a unique dining room table; or a vanity with an integrated iPod dock and speakers.  The custom elements that work best have a real "wow" factor.  You don't need to know how to make the ideas a reality… that's Paul’s job.

To apply for the show, email casting@architect-films.com with the following information:

- Where you are located
- Approximate dimensions of the room or object
- Your budget 
- What custom work you want to do (approximate figure or range)
- Photos of the space of object 

Friday, March 21, 2014

CASTING CALL: Verve Fashion Show 2014

Date: Saturday March 29th, 2014
Time: 10am to 4pm
Address: 160 Kendal Avenue, Toronto, ON M5R 1M3 
Fourth Floor, C461


MODEL REQUIREMENTS:

MEN
  • Age: 17 to 25 Tall, lean build.
  • Height: 5'11 to 6'3
  • Measurements: Waist 32” - 34”, Inseam 32” - 34”, Chest 38” - 42” 

WOMEN
  • Age: 14 to 25, tall, well defined bone structure
  • Height: 5'8 to 6'0"
  • Measurements: Bust 32" - 36", Waist 24" -25", Hip 34" - 36"


If interested in attending our casting please email the Model Coordinator, Andrea White, at andrea.white8@icloud.com with your name and agency. 


ADDITIONAL NOTES:

PLEASE ARRIVE 10 MINUTES EARLY FOR MODEL CHECK IN

*Female Models are to wear black skinny jeans or leggings as well as a white tank top. Bring black closed toe pumps with a minimum 3" heel. Wear minimal makeup -light foundation, no eyeliner*

*Male Models are to wear dark wash denim jeans or black dress pants. Bring black dress shoes. Clean shaven or maintained facial hair*


Compensation: Professionally edited photos & video of show and luxury "Thank you" gift bags

Monday, March 3, 2014

CASTING CALL: MALE MODELS NEEDED!


Mass Exodus 2014!

Looking for:  5 new face male models who are willing to walk on Mass Exodus 2014 runway

Why: To showcase contemporary menswear collection on Mass Exodus 2014 runway

This will be a great opportunity for new-face models to display their talents and receive high volume of media exposures.

More about the event itselfMass Exodus is the largest student-run fashion show in the world. On April 3rd 2014, Mass Exodus will open its doors to 3,000 spectators over the course of two shows. The event will be held at the Mattamy Athletic Centre, in the historic Maple Leaf Gardens hosting an afternoon show at 12:30pm and an evening show at 6:00pm. The event will present the creative talents of both the graduating Fashion Design and Fashion Communication students at Ryerson University, attracting a broad audience of industry professionals, media and the Toronto community.” -www.massexodus.ca


Models must be available on:
  • April 2nd (the day before the show, as there MAY be a rehearsal),
  • April 3rd (the day of the show, for both 12:30 pm show and 6:00 pm show)
  • And for fitting (arranged with the student designer) 
Requirement: Male models
  • Height: 5'8+
  • Chest: 38-40"
  • Waist: 31-32"
  • Inseam: 32"
  • Shirts: S/M
  • Age: 19-30
  • (All race and ethnics models welcome. Although runway experiences are not necessary, we do want the models to have some experience walking on the runway


Please contact Jessica at lagominhee@gmail.com if you are interested or have any questions! Thank you

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Carolyn's Kids Models in French Recipe Book



Take a look at Carolyn's Kids talent Saskia W. and Giselle-Rose W. in this great photo shoot for the French recipe book "Le livre qui se lit jusqu’à la faim". Great job girls!







Monday, February 10, 2014

Carolyn's Kids Child Model in Sears Ads


Take a look at Carolyn's Talent and Child Model Nethuki W. in these ads that can be found in Sears stores near you! Great job Nethuki, you look amazing! She's the one with dark hair and dark skin - isn't she adorable?




Friday, February 7, 2014

CASTING CALL: MALE ACTORS WHO CAN SING

Make It Happen: The Musical

Now holding auditions for lead and supporting male roles in a Trebas Student short film.
For more information, and to set up your audition date and time,
Looking for all ranges in vocal technique

Character Breakdowns


Main 

Jordan

            Comes from a very strict religious family that believes the man of the house gets a job and provides for his family.  He is gay.  His father finds this hard to believe and thinks that allowing him to go away to an art college has brainwashed him into liking men.  His mother, whom follows his fathers every word is of no help.  Jordan went to school for fashion after discovering his love of the needle and thread when he would help his mother sew when younger.  While in school, he met up with a designer who now passes Jordan’s original clothes off as his own promising Jordan that the next show will be his.  Because of this, Jordan works in a coffee shop to make ends meet with the little cash he receives from selling his designs.  He still sews a few pieces by hand when he meets a person to inspire him.

Winston

            Comes from a rather poor family, he is the oldest out of five, and helps his mother in raising them.  He didn’t finish high school and would rather use his time looking for a better paying job that doesn’t involve a produce.  Winston secretly thinks that he hates his mother because of the choices she made; he believes that it has ruined his life.  He doesn't want to take care of his younger brothers and sisters, and thinks that his mother should stop with the constant boyfriends and focus on other things.  All of this had made him not care about anything other than making money.  He goes to interview after interview with self-taught knowledge, or with hopes of working in a company mailroom where he could at least get benefits.  He is very nonchalant and laid back about life.  He puts on a smile, but is so sarcastic that no one could ever tell that he is serious.

Supporting

Mark

Has realized at a young age how to manipulate people into doing things his way, he has perfected the art of pushing to the breaking point.  Always ready to talk over someone and disregard their opinion, he believes that he is deserving of what ever someone else has.  Naturally a horrible dresser, who doesn't seem to understand human nature, Mark believes his way is the only way.

Dan

He has such an asexual personality that the people around him forget that he is the epitome of classic disgusting male chauvinistic behavior that its borderline nazi in it quirkiness.  Dan works for the company in the Web Design department.  He believes that if he can identify with someone of the opposite sex, he can get "closer" to them to a point where they will eat out of his hands.

 Dick


At the age where it seems like he should be retired, he is very old fashioned.  Never in a rush to talk, or pay attention, he goes at his own pace.  He feels entitled due to his age to act any way he sees fit.  Always the first to voice his thoughts, he saunters around with his chin held high.

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Lapset Magazine Photo Shoot - Carolyn's Kids


Check out some great photos of Carolyn's Kids talent Avery G. and Sofia C. from a shoot done last weekend by Controlled Chaos Photography's talented Emily Kornya.  This was for submission to Lapset Magazine, a Ukrainian Magazine for their February edition.





Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Canadian Model & Talent Convention

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!
LAST CHANCE!

Audition to attend the 22nd Annual Canadian Model & Talent Convention
Four Days That Could Change Your Life!

Compete nationally as a new face in modelling & acting competitions including Runway, Photography, Cover, Swimsuit, TV Commercial, Monologue, Cold Reading, Improv, Singing, Dance & many, many more!

If you successfully audition, why attend the Canadian Model & Talent Convention!?

EDUCATION! - Nowhere else can you gain this much education about the industry over 4 days! We had 15 Seminars & Workshops scheduled at the 2013 CMTC which were presented by the World’s Top Agents, Scouts, Managers & Casting Directors!

EXPERIENCE!! - Why do new models/talent have such a hard time breaking into the industry? Clients & Casting Directors want to book models/talent that have experience! Only at CMTC can you gain true industry experience through our numerous competitions & events!

EXPOSURE!!!
- Where else can you meet OVER 50 of the World’s TOP Modelling & Talent Agents, Scouts, Managers & Casting Directors all in ONE weekend!? CMTC makes the connection between new faces & the career makers in the industry!

If you have what it takes, don’t miss this ONCE A YEAR opportunity to be showcased and, ultimately, BE DISCOVERED!

UPCOMING CMTC AUDITION & FREE INFORMATION SEMINAR
* Mississauga/Toronto *
Sunday February 2nd
10am to 12 noon (you must be in attendance the entire two hours)
Hilton Garden Inn Toronto/Mississauga – Ontario Room
100 Traders Blvd., Mississauga ON
If you are interested in auditioning and reserving a spot, please reserve through CMTC’s website: www.cmtc.ca

We are auditioning and looking for children ages 4+, tweens, teens and adults. Please do not bring babies or children under the age of 4 to the audition/seminar. For models and talent under the age of 18, a parent must be present.

Canadian Model & Talent Convention, CMTC Inc.
t: 613 967 5972 | f: 613 967 1544 | w: www.cmtc.ca | twitter: @CMTCInc

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

OPEN CASTING CALL: Horror Film

SEEKING:
Males and females ages (15-30)
 
Requirements:
- Prepare own monologue (bring two copies) - 2-3 minutes
- If you are unable to create your own monologue contact this email and one will be provided for you.
(Contact@Hypetoronto.com)
- Bring head shots and resume
- Dress casual but appropriate

Auditions will be held inside of the 401 Mini Indy Entertainment Complex on January, 25th, 2014 at 5pm! 
This is a open casting call! First come! First serve! 

 This film is a "Hype Toronto" production. If you would like more information email contact@hypetoronto.com please include in the "subject" section - "Casting Cal"

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Carolyn's Kids Talent on Irwin Toy Packaging

Take a look at Carolyn's Kids Talent Jayden R-C. on this Irwin Toy Packaging for the Skwooshi Toy! Great job Jayden! 








Carolyn's Kids Model Saskia W. in Creative Shoot

Take a look at some of these great photos of Carolyn's Kids Talent Saskia W. in this creative photo shoot she took part in. She looks amazing and the photos turned out great! So cute, great job Saskia!