Marc Durso Act True: news 2005

news: 2005

December/2005

ActTrue On Location in the Turks & Caicos Islands

ActTrue joined the creative staff of Hunter Hammersmith Advertising Agency/Miami and an international crew and cast for a four day commercial shooting schedule on the powder beaches of the Turks & Caicos Islands and the Beaches Resort. I coached preteen, teen and adult models on location on these beautiful Caribbean beaches and the extensive resort grounds, from elegant suite balconies, to weddings overlooking the sea to dinners under waterfalls. And what a surprise it was to find on the shoot ActTrue Actor Lorraine Caporaso (in this photo), as well as ActTrue Youth Actors TeTe and Trystan Davis.
I had the grand learning experience and distinct pleasure to work with Hollywood Film, TV and Commercial director/cinematographer *Gale Tattersall*. His projects include the CSI Pilot, Ghost Ship, 13 Ghosts, The Jack Bull, Pushing Tin, From the Earth to the Moon, Hideaway, Tank Girl, Virtuosity, The Commitments and Wild Orchid. Proving again and again, that the greats are also the most generous, Mr. Tattersall was open to my scene suggestions allowing me to direct the actors in new relationships and behavior within the scripted scenes. From Ms. Hagen, to Mr. Riley, to Mr. Weaver to Ms. Reinking, this I've learned: the best are the most generous. Here Director Tattersal sets up a close up SteadyCam shot in the wedding scene.
The demands of expressing the relationships of each scene, over and over, take after take, truly test the creative skills of the actor. I worked with each from the human foundation of behavior: Thoughts in Action. Here, the image of a young family floating on the crystal blue waters of the Caribbean is created through the use of a boom camera and a diver holding the float still.
The spontaneity of a commercial shoot even created the opportunity for the "professore" to suit up and play the role of the Minister in the wedding scene. Lorraine played Mother of the bride.
The energy of crowd scenes such as this one at the Muppets stage performance is captured by the almost dance-like movement of the Steady-camera. I am just behind the camera jumping for joy to inspire the audience.
The last glow of that special magic hour light tints the evening sky orange as we shoot a dinner scene high above the olympic pool. The actors must create intimate moments shared between a couple in love with camera whirring and grips holding bounce cards just inches away from their lobster dinners. Ah, acting!!!
Here the Set Dresser makes the finishing touches to a scene shot on the water's edge at magic hour. This was shot with the SteadyCam as it followed a butler down the beach right through the cabana, through the couple's holding hands into a wide shot of the sunset swathed sea. We chased each second of light setting and resetting, take after take to capture that special light, that special moment. I was just off camera right, side coaching the actors with "thought-stories" that tweaked their imaginations with a throughline connecting them to each other, eliciting spontaneous reactions creating engaging behavior for the camera.
This idylic moment is brought to you through the magic of makeup and broom swept beaches.
Actors under the umbrella ready for the next shot as the "acting coach" talks with the director (up on the dock above) turning visual expectations into active directions.
Hailing from around the globe, the cast of the commercial shoot.

November/2005

Youth Actors Expo - Los Angeles Held at the Millikan Middle School and Performing Arts Magnet in Sherman Oaks - the Youth Actors Expo presented a series of expert panels and interactive seminars that provided invaluable insight to child actors and aspiring child actors ages 5-18, and their parents. The Expo showcased exhibitors that offer products and services essential for child actors, including photographers, acting coaches and schools, voice coaches and programs, acting websites, trade publications and newspapers. I was invited to moderate a seminar at this industry convention on "Financial Advising for Families of Young Actors" with Panelists: Ruth Crofton, Crofton Management Michael Greer, Certified Financial Manager, Merrill Lynch Donna Hurst, AFTRA-SAG Federal Credit Union Phil Kal, Accountant Mike MacGillivray, Financial Adivsor, Merrill Lynch. Hundreds of parents and youth actors from around the country attended, meeting with top industry professionals.	The ActTrue Booth at the Youth Actors Expo/LA/2005
Los Angeles ActTrue Actor Matt Underwood of the ZOEY 101 cast stopped by the ActTrue booth to say, "Hello", and share his on-set experiences and discoveries of working on a hit TV show! Matt was a guest presenter at the Expo. Make sure you visit Matt's Official website .
And here's Matt in The Hollywood Reporter Magazine Nov/16, 2005 issue SHOWBIZ KIDS in a two page Nickelodeon ad.
Los Angeles ActTrue Actor Daniel Samonas stops by the ActTrue booth. Daniel is very busy in LA filming the new DISNEY CHANNEL pilot "BUS LIFE"!, and will be seen on the new packaging for RAZOR scooters due out early in 2006! www.danielsamonas.com Daniel is a joyful young actor and he bring great humor and daring to his work.
Noted LA Acting Coach Margie Haber of Haber Studios, stopped by the ActTrue booth with all her vibrant energy and joy for this industry. Margie coaches top Hollywood stars including Hallee Berry and Brad Pit.
Los Angeles ActTrue Actress Heather Tryzna joined the Samonas family and other ActTrue actors for an early Thanksgiving celebration in North Hollywood. Heather is a wonderful young actor with such energy and integrity in her work. Watch for her in the feature film *VALLEY OF ANGELS* opposite George Katt. "I am amazed at what I see in class. Wow! I’ve sat in on many workshops with Heather in the past, but never before have I witnessed teaching like yours. The methods, steps, and awareness that you’re teaching her are EXACTLY what she needs. She’s rediscovering herself in all of this – to act TRUE. To not look like she’s acting or how she “should deliver the line”. Rather, investigating what she needs and wants, purposes, etc, and the delivery will come naturally and real..I know that what you’re teaching her is truly a solid foundation." Jackie Tryzna - Parent
Daniel at the Samonas family LA/Thanksgiving party in N. Hollywood.
Los Angeles ActTrue Actor *Sophie Simone* after a wonderful coaching at the historic LA landmark: Farmer's Market in Hollywood. Sophie and I met for breakfast at the La Loteria restaurant for authentic Mexican cuisine and a coaching on one of her monologues. We investigated imagery, relationships and actions, in preparation for her audition/interview with a top LA manager. Sophie is full of joy for life and art and she brings unbridled energy and integrity to her work. Look for her hosting The Tennis Channel, Fox Sports Net, the leading role in a Short Film called "DELMONICO", and on national commercials for Propel and Chrysler.
Los Angeles ActTrue Actor Carla Sanchez after lunch at Ca del Sole, just around the corner from Universal Studios. Carla was on her way to San Francisco to star in the film, "*SOLEDAD IS GONE FOREVER*" . She also just booked the play: "VIVA LA RAZA" at the "Theatricum Botanicum" in Topanga Canyon. Carla is a powerful, skilled, and artistic actor who digs deep into the life of the character. It's been an honor to teach her the Hagen Process.

November/2005

ActTrue Receives Acting Coach Award - I am proud to accept the Film, Recording and Entertainment Council 2005 Acting Coach Award on behalf of all my clients in Miami, across the US and Europe who have chosen ActTrue as their partner in realizing their creative dream, in building their artistic career, and my mentors, Broadway legends Uta Hagen and Charles Nelson Reilly who shared their Art and Craft with me. The mission of the Film, Recording and Entertainment Council is to promote economic development for the industry in South Florida and to create a climate that enhances economic vitality for industry businesses in the area. Improve the quality of life for all members by providing networking and business opportunities and positioning South Florida as the premier industry Hot Spot.
It was an honor to share the stage with Casting Director of the Year Award Winner *Lori Wyman* of *Lori Wyman Castin*g. Joining us are her husband and award winning actor Marc Macaulay (look for his powerful performance in MONSTER opposite Academy Award winner Charlize Theron) and ActTrue Actor Maria Felipe.
ActTrue Actor Maria Felipe surprised me at the Star Gala, and it was so kind of her to support her teacher on such a wonderful night at the Museum of Science and Planetarium. Maria is a very busy actor starring in the independent film ''Street Survival'', as well as Payless, Verizon, Home Depot national commercials and as the world's first female ring announcer for CHAMPIONS OF BOXING in Las Vegas.
Award Cinematographer Cultural Arts & Entertainment Entertainment Industry Executive Entertainment Law Hairstyling & Make-up Artist Interactive Media Model Agency Music Video (Producer/Director) Production Hotel Special Acknowledgement Talent Agency Acting Acting Coach Advertising & Marketing Campaign Animation Casting Director Costume/Fashion Design Film Producer Still Shoot Production Company Music School & Program Radio Personality Recording Industry Executive Songwriter(s) Entertainment News Magazine Print/TV	Recipient Mik Cribben Pery Ribeiro Michael Preger David Bercuson Lori Cocheo 4th Reaction Next/Ron Gerard Sandy Lighterman EDEN ROC, RESORT Vice Mayor Luis Garcia ATG Agency Anthony Carone Marc Durso Canvas Films Royi Akavia Lori Wyman Ellen Falguiere Jim Bigham Monique Robertson UM's Frost School of Music Footy (Y100 FM) Allen Johnston H.W. Casey & Rick Finch Deco Drive (WSVN 7)

May/2005

Miss Boca Raton USA

Miss Boca Raton Teen USA

ActTrue joined a distinguished panel of judges for the Miss Boca Raton USA and Miss Boca Raton Teen USA Pageant Saturday, May 7, 2005 at the Florida Atlantic University Dorothy F.Schmidt Center for the Performing Arts, including beauty and fashion professional Gina Cerbone; Sony Music Recording artist/songwriter Cristian Zalles, language art teacher/cheerleading coach at Pine Crest School Joy Imperato and construction and real estate developer Ana Waldman.

Gina Cerbone, Cristian Zalles, Miss Boca Raton Teen USA, Miss Boca Raton USA, Marc Durso, Joy Imperato, Ana Waldman

Kristen Berset/Miss Florida USA 2004 and Shenna Monnin, Miss Manatee County 2006 co-hosted an exciting night of the most inspiring, motivated, focused and goal oriented young women expressing themselves with such clarity and strength of character.

Mrs. Brander/Producer-Pageant Director, Miss Barbara Cosme, Ms. Ashley Shannon and Mrs. Linda Sims /Pageant Director

April/2005

Danielle Roundtree, Kristen Berset, Johanna Torres

Johanna Torres, Danielle Roundtree

Miss North Miami Beach USA & Miss North Miami Beach Teen USA

ActTrue had the challenge judging the Miss North Miami Beach USA Pageant. Motivated, high achieving, dedicated young women vied for the Miss NMB Teen USA and Miss NMB USA crowns. The winners: Danielle Roundtree/Miss NMB Teen USA and Johanna Torres/Miss NMB USA.

Kristen Berset/Miss Florida USA 2004, an ActTrue client, hosted the event.

Joining me for the judging were Michelle Schmuely, John Robert Powers Marketing Executive; Nathalie Pozo; Miss Carnavale Miami USA 2007, and actress on Univision’s “Despierta America” and Melanie T. Popper ; Director of Development for Nova Southeastern Universities Fischler School of Education and Human Services and President of The Greater North Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce for the Miss Teen USA division and Kiki Maycock-Bertani, Field Marketing Manager for the New York marketing agency The Strategic Group and Anastagia Pierre, Miss Florida Teen USA 2004 for the Miss Florida USA division.

Visit: MISS FLORIDA TEEN USA and MISS FLORIDA USA® PAGEANT for more information.

March/2005

ActTrue co-presented a seven hour workshop for pop singers at Pivot Entertainment Studios in Hollywood, FL, along with Mark Goff of Provocals : Orlando voice coach to the stars (Backstreet Boys, Creed, Britney Spears, LFO, Christina Milian and Aaron Carter) and Pivot Ent's Music Producer, Gary Bosko (Walt Disney, Warner Brothers Records, Sony Records, Virgin Records).

ActTrue brought the power and clarity of Imagery and Action to singers, which both focused and freed their breath and vocal power.

Pivot Entertainment is made up of both full-time professionals in the audio/video fields, plus a network of freelancers available to your project as needed. Our small staff insures you economical service, but our freelancers ensure we do not sacrifice quality or timely service.

January/2005

ActTrue presents media training to Perfect Competition, Inc.

Perfect Competition Inc. is dedicated to producing competitive athletes and preparing them to be leaders in their sports and communities. Perfect Competition, Inc., was founded in the spring of 2002 to help competitive athletes achieve personal goals and to become a positive, dynamic force in professional and amateur sports.

ActTrue brings proven media training to professional athletes who must meet the demands of both their sport and their entertainment industry.