So You Want to be in Movies…

Famed producer Will Packer has a few tips if you yearn to see your name in bright lights.

Packer co-founded Atlanta-based Rainforest Films with his partner Rob Hardy in the summer of 1994 while both were engineering students at Florida A & M University. With three No. 1 films so far and box office receipts close to $3 million, his tips are surely worth a listen.

Packer advises aspiring thespians to make connections. Join organizations like WIFTA, GPP, SAG and AFTRA. These organizations will offer you crucial networking opportunities, as well as cast and crew information for upcoming productions. 

He also encourages actors to maintain self-confidence. “Be your No. 1 fan,” Packer said at a recent event at the  in West Midtown. “Tell yourself every morning how good you are. It may be the only time you hear it all day,” he added.

If you're not sure if you really want a career in the movies, consider being an extra. Experience, talent and good looks are not necessities for extra work and jobs are now plentiful in the metro area.                                                                                         

Cast/Crew Notices

• New Life Casting is hosting a casting call this Saturday for a film starring Shia LeBeouf. Filming begins at the end of this month and they are looking for various Caucasian and African American individuals. For more information, go here.
• Single in Atlanta is casting Atlanta singles and  a group of close girlfriends with a diverse dating background for a pilot. Ideal single candidates will have a very active dating life. For more information, go here.
• Morningstar Entertainment is casting for a new series that will be filmed in Atlanta. Creators of this new series are looking for the best Southern dance crews and big personalities. For details, go here.
• ABC Pilot Partners is hiring crew for an Atlanta production that films in March. Send resumes to abcpartners.resumes@gmail.com and include the position you're applying for in the subject line.

Stay tuned for information on more cast and crew calls, as well as the latest scoop on local filming and the big names they bring to town on Celebrity Beat, Midtown edition. You can also follow me on Twitter.