Spot The Difference!

Ever wondered how TV and movie directors ensure their child stars settle in to film on cue? Well the truth is, there usually isn’t one baby playing the role. Our twins Griffyn and Nedrick know the industry tactics first-hand. The identical dynamic duo has just wrapped up filming the third and latest season of Channel Nine’s House Husbands.

House Husbands is a warm, fuzzy and amusing take on the everyday lives of four modern families, focusing on the one thing they all have in common, men! House Husbands has had two successful seasons with the third soon to be aired on our televisions.

Why do they need two babies for one character? Simply because children are unpredictable, their temperament can change depending on time of day etc. It is also by law in Victoria that a child under 3 years of age can only work for 4 hours a day, meaning the director can achieve more in the short time limit.

The bubbly, loud and happy boys have made us proud at Bettina for their recent work with House Husbands.  Mum Kristy shared with us that the boys love to play with their cars and trains and often had challenging times on the set, but also had many rewarding moments too. Who wouldn't have a shy moment when you’re in the spotlight?

A huge thank you to the boys’ parents for making it all possible, our fingers are crossed for further opportunities for them both.

Keep your eye out for the new season and see if you can spot the difference!

Left: Nedrick

Right: Griffyn

Flashback Friday!

For this Flashback Friday, we present two of our longtime favourite Bettina brothers - John and Luke! 

John and Luke have been with us since 2010 and over their 4 years with us have cast and worked for a long list of iconic brands including: Myer, Daily Telegraph, McDonalds, Kmart, Studio Bambini, Nutrigrain, Qantas, Cadbury, Bonds, Jeep, Speedo, Glen20, P&O Cruises, Just Jeans, Ksubi, Target, OPSM, GIO Insurance, Aldi, Best and Less and Toyota.

So congratulations boys, to your persistence and wonderful work over the past 4 years - here's to many more successful castings ahead!

John 2010 - current 

Luke 2010 - current 

Industry Lingo

Booked - This means talent have been confirmed for a job with one of our clients. Congratulations!

Brief - A brief is a notice the casting department receives from a client. The brief is an outline of roles the client are looking to cast. This is how we know who to put forward, e.g. 4 year old girls or 10 year old boys of Asian descent. 

Call-sheet - A call-sheet will be sent to talent the day before a job, usually for film and TV. It is generally sent late in the afternoon and it will have all the details about where talent need to be, what time and what scenes need to be shot on the day. 

Call-time - A call-time is what is found on the call-sheet. It will have talent name, role, agent and what time talent will be required. 

Cancellation - Unfortunately the client, for a variety of reasons, is no longer is able or willing to proceed with the scheduled booking or shoot. 

Casting call - This means talent have been confirmed to attend a casting (meet and greet) with one of our clients to check suitability for a role they have in mind. 

Chat to camera - Usually popular in an audition for TV or film work, the client will ask talent to speak directly to the camera either saying a few lines or an introduction. This gives the client a good idea about confidence and speaking ability on film. 

Checking availability - Checking availability means that a client is interested in a child, but has not confirmed them for a job. In order to start organising the schedule, they often check to see if potential talent are available on the shoot dates.

Client -  A person or organisation using the services of Bettina Management to book talent, e.g. Target.

Fitting - A fitting is a paid job where a client requests a model to try on various outfits who meets specific sizing requirements. 

Show reel - Advanced artists usually have a show reel to 'showcase' their previous TV commercials and work they have featured in. They collate all the work together to put into one short video so a client can quickly see them acting in different scenarios. 

Member - A member is a person who is signed with Bettina Management for representation. 

On hold - On hold for a shoot or booking means that a child has been shortlisted for the role, and must be available - if required - for the shoot dates. 

Self-test - A self-test is an audition filmed from home. This must be sent to us so we can pass onto the client. All relevant details would be supplied. 

Wardrobe call - A wardrobe call is generally for film and TV. This is when you are called in to try on outfits and costumes before shooting or filming. You are paid for a wardrobe call. 

Weather check - If you are booked for a job, a client may let us know that the shoot is booked *weather permitting*. This means that the shoot will be outdoors, and they will need to check closer to the date to ensure the weather is suitable. If it isn't - the shoot will be rescheduled. 

Flashback Friday!

Our first Flashback Friday for the year!

Between them, superstars Dominic and Jasper have worked on campaigns for the likes of Melbourne Football Club, Strike Bowling, Westfield Shopping Centre, Cengage Learning, SpotJobs, Australian Education Union  and various short films.

A big congratulations to the boys and a warm thank you to both Mums (incidentally both named Joanne!) for their dedication over the past few years. 

Dominic 2009 - current

Jasper 2011 - current

Important Posts

Welcome back to all of our members and their families!

We hope everyone had an enjoyable and relaxed festive break.

As we launch into the New Year, we want to remind you of some handy blog posts that will help you along your journey. Whether you are a seasoned member, or new to the Bettina group, it is always helpful to refresh your memory when it comes to casting tips and etiquette, AT2 and membership advice.  

AT2
A Fool Proof Guide to AT2: Part 1

A Fool Proof Guide to AT2: Part 2

A Fool Proof Guide to AT2: Part 3












Rewards Card
Let your Bettina Rewards Card reward you







Castings
Casting 101: Part 1

Casting 101: Part 2

Casting 101: Part 3











General Advice
Why didn't I get the job?

6 Key Casting Attire Tips

First Casting Jitters













While we are on the topic of reminders, it would be handy if everyone could please make sure all SIZES on AT2 are accurate and recent photographs are uploaded to the profile.

If anyone needs any help with this, please don't hesitate to contact us - we are only a phone call away! xx

Flashback Friday

It's that time again! 

We take a look at some of our most dedicated Bettina talent over the years and thank them and their parents for all their hard work!

Between them - Jameson, Chloe and Isobelle have cast for and worked with brands such as Four and Twenty, Uncle Toby's, The Today Show, Sofitel Hotels, New Idea, Deals Direct, Adidas, Microsoft, Winners and Losers, Disney, KFC, McDonalds, Salvation Army, Expedia, Meadow Lea, LCM bars and Kirks!

An applause is in order for these 3... 

Jameson 2005- current

(Our longest member to date!)

Chloe 2010 - current 

Isobelle 2006 - current 

6 Key Casting Attire Tips

In a previous post, 'First Casting Jitters' we guided you through overcoming nerves for your first casting. We want to recap on the most important tips regarding a casting and appropriate clothing, whether it's your first or not! 

1. Bright colours - Bright colours are a must. Most casting agencies will want to take a photo of your child against a white wall. You want the photo to stand out, not blend in!

2. Clean shoes - Never underestimate the importance of clean shoes! Simply giving them a quick scrub over or wipe before a casting makes all the difference in your child's overall presentation... and it only takes a few minutes! 

3. Brand appropriate - Think of the brand you are going to cast for (if known) and try to dress your child in similar attire depending on the genre, e.g. sporty, high fashion, casual, professional. This will give the client a clearer image of what your child would look like in the campaign or advertisement. 

4. Age appropriate - It is essential to ensure your child is dressed to an age appropriate standard. This means no inappropriate language on clothing and for girls 14 and under: no make-up, excessive jewellery or high heels. Clients always want talent to be natural. 

5. Comfort - Don't dress your child in anything that they may feel uncomfortable wearing, this will minimise their ability to speak easily and they may not feel relaxed during the casting. 

6. School Uniform - Many castings occur after school hours, but we encourage parents to take a spare outfit to put on before the casting. There can be occasions where children are required to wear school uniform, generally if the casting is for a Government or School campaign - however you will be notified by us if this is necessary. Put simply, if we don't mention anything about school uniform - don't wear it! 

You can also check out or other posts on castings if you want more information:
Casting 101 Part 1 of 3
Casting 101 Part 2 of 3
Casting 101 Part 3 of 3

Brisbane & Perth Modelling Classes

We had a peek at our Perth and Brisbane members in action at their complimentary modelling class!

Members in Sydney, Brisbane and Perth receieve a modelling and acting class with their membership to ensure they are taught the basic skills required for photo shoots and castings. It's also a beneficial opportunity to gauge member's abilities while interacting with other children. 

Perth Modelling teacher and talent scout Gloria, says that her favourite part of the class is the fashion parade at the end. 

'To see the transformation and the look on the kids faces, the difference in the posture, and their confidence.. to me, is very satisfying.'

Children are taught Modelling 101 from stance, posture, gestures, walk, footing, turns to an array of poses and facial expression techniques. While scrubbing up on these essentials are crucial to display confidence in a casting, they are also skills that can be practiced at home and shared with friends. 

Gloria says the children 'come in shy and walk out with excitement and new friends, the parents love the fashion parade - it shows how much their child has learnt.' 

With a teacher and assistant present, stand out performances and unique skills are noted and passed over to the casting department to assist with the casting process. It's also a great way for us to meet with members and parents again to discuss new developments or extra-curricular activities. 

If you are a member and have not yet booked in for your complimentary class, please do so by emailing amg@bettina.com.au or calling us on 1300 888 611. 

Tom Morgan wins a trip to Hollywood

                            TOM MORGAN | 15 | MELBOURNE

 IF YOU WERE AN ASPIRING TEENAGE ACTOR, WHAT WOULD BE YOUR BIGGEST DREAM?

Sixteen days shy of his 16^th birthday, Tom Morgan became one step closer to his.

On an unsuspecting Saturday morning, Tom and Mum Jo-Anne attended a Casting Seminar presented by Lilly Dawson under the impression they were due to attend an audition afterwards. The ‘audition’ was cleverly crafted to ensure Tom’s attendance at the event amidst a planned presentation by Lilly and Bettina.  

Lilly Dawson, from Lilly Dawson Casting and Hollywood Immersive, said Tom was chosen for the prize based on his brilliant attitude, talent, great look and ability to take on a challenge. ‘He is not afraid and tackles everything with enthusiasm and excitement regardless of his limited experience. It was a very emotional moment for Tom and his Mum and I think I may have even shed a tear or two myself!'

Hollywood, in the district of Los Angeles and globally renowned for its thriving entertainment industry and cultivation of celebrity careers, will be Tom’s destination in January as he packs his bags to jet off for a week long intensive Hollywood Immersive Acting course. The all expenses paid trip and course is courtesy of Bettina Management, the Kids in Showbiz Program and Hollywood Immersive. The experience will thrust Tom in the limelight to meet with key Hollywood agents, producers and directors.

Mum Jo-Anne, Bettina, Tom and Lilly

Mum Jo-Anne told us yesterday that 'it was absolutely surreal, this is a dream come true for Tom.'

We caught up with Tom after the excitement of the weekend to find out more about him and how he was feeling about the looming trip and future acting ambitions.

How are you feeling about Saturday, was it anything you could have ever imagined?

‘No, it’s not. I was completely surprised and shocked at what happened.’

How did it feel telling your family and friends?

'It felt good, mum told all my family but I told all my friends and most of them didn’t believe me so I had to show them proof!'

When did you first realise you wanted to be an Actor and Model?

'I’ve always loved acting because I love watching movies and TV shows, and I also realised that modelling leads into acting and if I was to be in the modelling industry it would improve my chances of being in the acting industry as well.'

Being an Aspire Entertainment student, Tom says that participation in professional classes have helped with his confidence in reassuring him that putting in the hard yards will ultimately be rewarding.  

A seasoned rover, having travelled to New Zealand, Thailand, Indonesia, Fiji, South Africa and Hawaii already, Tom will be making his debut on the American mainland. He says he is most looking forward to see how professional actors go about things and also being able to experience what it would be like living in LA. 'My biggest goal is to become a professional actor, similar to actors like Angelina Jolie who do humanitarian work for underprivileged people.'

Tom’s advice to aspiring actors and models is to ‘not be put off by the thought of being rejected in order to get where you want to go, you will most likely be rejected many more times than you are accepted.’ While acknowledging many dream big and large, Tom says that exposure to the American acting industry would be an ideal outcome, but says he is happy to simply come back to Australia knowing much more about what it takes to be a professional actor.

Tom exudes calmness and determination even when wrapped up in the excitement of this life changing prize. Lilly admits ‘Tom wants this dream – there is no doubt and it shows.'

Look out, Hollywood!

Happy Father's Day!

It's Father's Day in 2 sleeps!

We spoke to some of our young members and found out what special plans they have for Sunday...

Zahra and Dad Alhaji:

'Father's Day plans for Sunday are to make Daddy a cup of tea in bed and give him a suprise present and 

a handmade card I made...We will then take him 

out for breakfast and go for a walk at

Warrandyte river with my new baby brother

who is only 2 weeks old! I will ride my bike and

Mummy and Daddy will push my baby brother in his pram'

Sienna, Dylan and Dad Robert:

'First we are going to wake Daddy up with a cup of coffee

in bed, then spoil him rotten with his presents. 

Then go and enjoy a beautiful afternoon

with Daddy and our Grandfathers!!

After all that we are going to have Pizza with Daddy

because he loves Pizza' 

Thomas and Dad Michael:

'We are having lunch at my grandparent's house because it's a Father's Day tradition for Grandpa to cook a BBQ lunch for us' 

                    Hunter and Dad Lawrence:

'Hunter will be taking Daddy out for lunch and then to see the footy together. Their favourite team is Carlton. Then they will have a kick of the footy at home in the backyard. Go Blues!'

We hope all of the Dads enjoy their Sunday! XX

Flashback Friday!

Another Flashback Friday for some of our longest standing members! 

Between them, Harry, Georgie and Emmaline have worked for campaigns such as Moose Toys, Target, Myer, Smith Family, L'Oreal Fashion Shows, Bossini, Bardot, Russell Athletics and Lincraft! 

Again, a big thank you to the parents for being a huge help over the years, now for our favourite part - the flashback photos!

Harry 2007 - current

Georgie 2009-current 

Emmaline 2006 - current (7 years of membership, wow!)

Let your Bettina Rewards card reward you!

As Bettina members, you become the new owner of a shiny black, white and purple card with the words 'Bettina rewards' splashed over it. Your Bettina Rewards card is exclusive to you. It offers benefits and savings with thousands of retail outlets and service providers throughout Australia. So how much power does this new addition to your wallet actually have? Where are the rewards and how can you use them accordingly?

Let's look at the boring stuff first: logging in. (NB. You will receive this card in the mail with a welcome letter)

Above is a picture of a rewards card. As you can see there is a Card Number and an Expiration date.

Go to this website:

https://bettina.clublifestyle.com.au/auth/login

Enter username and password as follows:

Username: BTM12345 (your card number)

Password: CITIZEN (your surname in capitals)

Once done successfully, this discount filled page should appear:

So where to from here?

As you will be able to see, the opportunities are endless. There are theme parks, electronics, automotive, fashion, fitness, health, beauty, travel and many more outlets to get serious discounts and serious savings from.

What can get kind of confusing though, is whether you need to pre purchase the product on line to redeem the savings or if you can simply wave it at the cashier as you casually stroll out of the shop.

The difference is clearly defined in the product that you choose, for example if you wanted the Speedo 15% off deal; you can see that it says: 'Present your membership card displaying the Club Lifestyle logo to receive 15% off full priced merchandise. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer.'

Similarly, to redeem  your 25% discount for Phillip Island Nature Parks - it states: 'To receive 25% discount on 3 Parks Pass present your member card at Churchill Island, Koala Conservation Centre or Penguin Parade to redeem your discount'.

Now, for purchasing online - it is also quite clear on how/when to do this. Let's look at movie tickets (yay) and in this case Village Cinema discounts:

As you can see, the 40% discount (how great is that?) is only redeemable by purchasing online and then printing off and presenting to cashier.

Some of the bigger brands on the site are: Coles, Ishka, OPSM, Sydney & Melbourne Aquarium, Gold Coast theme parks, Bras & Things, Bevilles, Hairhouse Warehouse etc. etc.. The list goes on!

Please be aware though, that these brands are susceptible to change and you must adhere to the terms and conditions before purchasing to ensure that you fully understand the limits of the purchase (such as how long it is valid for, if there are designated stores, when it is exempt and so on).

Also, Club Lifestyle has gone mobile! You can download the app from the App Store for easier deal searching for free. You can follow this link to download it here if you haven't already: Download App You can purchase deals, enter competitions, search hot offers and check out what's new.. a really fun (and maybe dangerous) way to shop, no matter where you are.

We want you to benefit from the rewards card as much as possible. As usual, contact us with any issues or you can contact Club Lifestyle directly. Call the Rewards Customer Service Centre on 1300 886 787.

Thanks everyone x

Happy Mother's Day everyone!

We are all getting very excited here at Bettina HQ to shower our mums with some extra (and much deserved!) love and attention on such a special day. I asked around the office to see what a few of the girls had in store –

Our receptionist Amelia is one step ahead of everyone, probably winning first prize for the delightful daughter gig by having a bouquet of red roses delivered to her mum at lunch time today!
 
Our talent scout Jo says that her husband has a ‘surprise’ planned, and by ‘surprise’, she states she has a pretty good idea that it will be something winery related but has kept the lid shut on her source!

Our assistant manager Tallulah probably wins first prize for most creative present. When asked how she will be spoiling her mum – she informed us that her mum will be enjoying a three course meal while listening to the soothing voice of none other than Tallulah herself singing at the restaurant! Now that’s a good present!

Our national manager Ronel will be cooking homemade lasagna for her mum, followed by a delicious dessert that is ‘yet to be confirmed’, and in typical Ronel style, will probably be confirmed an hour before show time!

Our class coordinator Brodie will be spending the day baking gluten free goodies for both mum and office, hopefully enough to last us the week!

Talent coordinator Eloise and I (Jade) will be attending the Mother’s Day Classic which is a walk/run (depending on fitness abilities which in our case, aren’t too exceptional!) to support and raise awareness for breast cancer. 

Our casting manager Anna and talent booker Jayne will spend the day absorbed in food and chats at family lunches, enjoying both of these things in equal and healthy measure!

Lastly, our talent coordinator Henrietta will be spending the day missing her mum and sending virtual hugs and kisses all the way to rural South Australia!

So everyone, wherever you are and whatever you are doing – enjoy!

Here is Brodie's mum about to devour aforementioned home backed gluten free goodie!

A Fool Proof Guide to AT2 - Part 1

The Basics

Part 1 of 3

AT2 is an integral part of the casting/entertainment industry and Bettina membership alike. 

This is the start of a 3 part series to guide you through all the ins and outs of AT2. 

Let's start with the basics, sometimes even the initial step of logging in can seem harder than necessary if you haven't received your log in details. Let's clarify why - firstly, you should receive an email sent to you directly by AT2 with your log in details. Depending on individual privacy settings, this email could automatically be delivered to the 'Junk' folder due to the fact that the email is not from an individual person, but rather 'AT2' as a name.

If you fail to receive this in accordance with the time frame set out by us initially, do call the office and we can organise for them to be delivered to you ASAP!

The link you need to go to is - http://au.at2casting.com/AU/home/online-casting-system

Once here, enter your log in details, then you will see the screen below (surname has been omitted for privacy):

Let's take a closer look at the top row of tabs:

The most important tabs you will need to use will be 'My Profile', 'Brief Inbox' and 'Messages'.

The 'My Profile' tab is where you go to maintain all personal details about your child.

The 'Brief Inbox' tab is where you go to find any invitation to participate in unpaid work. When you click this tab you will then need to click the tab 'iCast Briefs' (as shown below):

The reason that you don't stay in the tab 'Briefs from Agent' is because we will never offer you or alert you to paid work or castings through AT2. Our first point of contact is a phone call, then text, then email. 

Through 'iCast Briefs', you will receive notices and inbox messages from independent producers, boutique clothing labels, student films and more. IF you are interested in participating further you will need to coordinate all communication with them via the messaging system which can be accessed via the tab 'Message.'

Check all communication regularly! Even missing out on something one or two days late can mean that the opportunity is no longer available... which is no fun. 

Keep an eye out for Part 2 tomorrow... XX