S: Is for ShowBiz!

So you are or have always wanted to be in film, TV or theatre? Are you clueless at how to get started? Have you always wondered who your peers are? The Film, Stage & Showbiz Expo ("ShowBiz Expo") (www.TheShowBizExpo.com) is a FREE five-star event that brings everyone in the Entertainment Industry (performers, producers, directors, designers, company/general managers, crew, musicians, etc.) together under one roof. This event is FREE to attend if you register by Saturday and then is $10 at the door. ShowBiz Expo is the only event of its kind that simultaneously offers great exhibitors, industry workshops (ranging from producers panels to casting directors to festivals), HeadShot Lane, Movie Reel Showcase, Designer’s Showcase, Project Boards, Focus Groups, actual casting calls (Telsey + Company conducting talent searches for Wicked, Rent, Hairspray, Spider-Man, Legally Blonde, High School Musical, and more…), and networking opportunities in a professional all-entertainment related trade show venue.

MOVIE REEL SHOWCASE: Offers Film Makers, Cinematographers, Directors, Editors an ability to showcase your film/video/movie reel for Producers and Production Companies. Providing you with a private screening area all day during the Expo your video reel is on a repeating loop so it plays all day long.

DISCUSSION/FOCUS GROUPS: Are you a Producer and ever wonder what goes on in a Director's head? Directors, do you ever wonder what goes on in your writer's head? No need to wonder any longer. Discussion groups bring together particular professions and give you the opportunity to talk and discuss the industry as a whole and the best ways to interact with one another.

BROADWAY AUDITIONS: Telsey + Company is conducting an open talent search for some of the hit Broadway shows they represent including: Spider-Man, Wicked, Rent, Legally Blonde, Godspell, Hairspray, In The Heights, South Pacific, The Color Purple, Catch Me If You Can, Addams Family, Ever After, Leap of Faith, Minskie's. ANYONE MAY AUDITION AT THE EXPO!
However limited audition slots are available so the lines extend down the street. My advice get their early!

HEADSHOT LANE: Performers: Reach out to casting directors, producers and other decision-making professionals. Get a personal 'mailbox' for the day at the Expo with your headshot posted for producers, casting directors, & directors. Casting Directors, Producers, & Directors will be able to drop business cards and/or notes in your mailbox for you to contact them if they are interested in you. This is a great opportunity to gain exposure to thousands of Entertainment Industry professionals in person.

DESIGNER'S SHOWCASE: Are you a Designer and want to showcase your work to thousands of Producers and Production Companies? Designer's Showcase is perfect for Costume, Graphic, Lighting, Set, and Make-up Designers. This is an excellent opportunity to showcase your portfolio and get your name out there to interested parties. You are provided with a 3' x 3' table to showcase your work and provide business cards.

SHOWBIZ PROJECT BOARD: You may post projects that you are working on and any cast/crew/additional help that you may be needing along with your contact information. Need a writer, composer, editor, photographer, actor, etc? Leave your project description and information on the ShowBiz Project Board for attendees to contact you.

VIP CYBER LOUNGE w/ Computers, Internet & Lounge Seating: The VIP Cyber Lounge has accessible computers, printers, internet access, food and lounge seating. Need to print important documents (i.e., Resumes)? Need to check your business or personal email? Food and beverage is also available for purchase along with comfortable and private seating and tables. This is also a great place to conduct production meetings, network with other industry professionals and get away from the busy Expo.

There are also panels with industry experts. Topics include: Financing Independent Feature Films - The Landscape & New Opportunities, PR: What is it? How do I get good Press Coverage for Me and/or My Project?, The Secrets to Getting your Film Accepted into Film Festivals, Screenwriting: Writing the Next Blockbuster, Producers Open Forum: Q&A With Successful Theatrical Producers, Lights! Camera! Tracking! - Performers, learn the Submission, Audition and Booking secrets to propel your career!, Get Your Movie Distributed: Exploring Your Options, How to Get an Agent in 30 Days or Less, How to produce Flying and Special Effects for your own production, Licensing Footage & the Digital Era for Your Movie, Working with a Camera: What you need to know after the director calls ACTION!, Acting Success Now Workshop! When Living Your Dream Means Everything, Filming in New York State: What Every Filmmaker Should Know (Presented by the NY State Governor's Office), Insider Secrets to Auditioning: Open Q&A with Broadway Casting Directors and I HATE INSURANCE!....but it can be a producer's best friend (Insurance 101)

There is a lot of info here, and the good news is it is all found under one roof. As it has been said there is no business like show business but what most people don't understand is it is a business. This event is designed to help and to clarify and that is a F.A.C.T.