Recent Projects from M Models and Talent Agency

With offices in Toronto and Calgary, M Models and Talent Agency helps find talent for a wide variety of roles in everything from print media campaigns to prime-time television shows. They work with models and actors of all ages, from children to adults, and they work with beginners as well as people who have already been featured in many ad campaigns or acting projects. In short, they are a respected agency made up of talent agents who have many years of experience in all aspects/genres of media.

Some of their most recent placements have involved campaigns for such famous names as Comcast, TRESseme, York Transit, Ford, Jordan, Tvo, Cineplex, and Nintendo. The Nintendo job was for a YouTube promotion that was broadcast live from the YouTube offices.

Some other recent jobs involved a music videos for The Weekend, Michael Buble, and the French artist Yao. Even more exciting was the job landed by M Models and Talent's client Thomas K. who landed a part on the Investigation Discovery show, Fear Thy Neighbor. And two clients, Christopher and Arya K., have recently been featured on the vampire-themed show, Shadow Hunters.

I've shared the link to the M Models blog before, but I just found out that they have an Instagram account, too. Check it out here. Whether you're a model or actor looking for work, or a casting director looking for talent, I think you'll find this Instagram feed to be a great source of inspiration. And be sure to visit http://www.mmodels.typepad.com for more detailed descriptions of the projects M Models and Talent Agency works on every day.

Meet Lunden De'Leon, Actress

Actress Lunden De'Leon has played a number of diverse roles in television and film ranging from a caring therapist (Somebody's Child), to a young African mother (Vital Signs) and a sexy villain (Cryptz). Yet over and over again, the actress wins over audiences by making these characters very memorable. After taking on small roles in film and television, De'Leon began to transition into leading roles on the small screen. She soon landed bigger roles and gained worldwide recognition portraying the role of Joanne Mbutu on the television series Vital Signs. De'Leon later went on to appear in over 50 movies and television shows working alongside some of the biggest names in Hollywood. Just recently, De'Leon starred in the romantic comedy An Inherited Life, portraying the role stylish lawyer, Bianca Wallace. Whether it's a thriller, a funny comedy, or a tear-jerking drama, De'Leon has done it all. When asked what's next for the actress she replies, "I'm currently revamping my cosmetic line 'Lunden De'Leon Cosmetics', as well as working with a few charities in South Carolina. So I'm juggling a number of great things right now."

Learn more about her by visiting LundenDeLeon.com.

1. What do you enjoy most about acting?

I enjoy analyzing my character and becoming that character while staying as organic as possible.

2. How have your experiences differed when it comes to working on movie projects contrasted with working on TV projects?

I appreciate both film and television. I'm just thankful to be working. However, I can take more creative risks in film, so that gives it a little edge.

3. Would you tell us a bit more about your cosmetics line?

I started Lunden De'Leon Cosmetics years ago but decided to revamp it around Christmas time. The line offers a variation of beautiful shades for darker skin tones.

4. What are some of the charities in South Carolina that are dearest to your heart?

I dedicate my time or money to a number of charities in South Carolina. I know what it's like to struggle; therefore, I have to give back. From homeless to helping at risk youth--it's all dear to my heart.

5. Do you have any projects you're especially looking forward to in 2017 and beyond?

I have two movies coming out in 2017: a horror movie called The Lake House which should hit theaters this fall and a romantic comedy for television called An Inherited Life.

Thanks, Lunden!

M Model and Talent Agency in Canada

Since I last posted about M Model and Talent Agency, the models and actors who are represented by this well-respected Canadian talent firm have been busy appearing in a variety of print and film projects.

The firm's website is located at http://mmodels.ca, and whether you're looking for talent or want to become a model yourself, you can find useful information here. It gives a list of past clients, which include well-known media brands like MTV, Time, Discovery Channel, and Virgin Mobile. Other clients are the makers of popular products such as Mattel and Coca-Cola.

If you're looking for a model or are interested in working with M Models in any capacity, the best thing you can do is to contact them directly via email or phone. They also maintain a regularly updated blog at http://www.mmodels.typepad.com/ which shows their models and talent in action by sharing photos and clips from recent projects.

Over the summer, models from M Models have appeared in commercials for Sun Life Financial, programs on The Shopping Channel, advertising for TRESemme, and in an anti-racism campaign sponsored by the government of Ontario. I always enjoy visiting the M Models blog to see the variety of projects that they have helped people produce by connecting clients with quality talent. Their work also shows a commitment to diversity as they represent models of many ages and ethnicities.

Check out their site and blog to learn more about the good work they turn out month after month and year after year!

Meet Pragathi Yadhati, Actress

Born in Anantapur, India, Pragathi Yadhati is a film and theater actress who lives in New York. In addition to acting, Pragathi writes plays and poems, and she also does modelling work. Learn more about her by visiting her IMBD profile.

1. How does it feel to be an Indian actress in New York City?

It feels great. In this era of globalization, the world is coming together sharing all the different cultures that exist in it. I'm glad that I have the opportunity to portray my own and contribute to creating this awareness of multicultural impact globalization has. New York audiences loved my performances in off-Broadway shows like Bollywood Wedding, Baggage Claim, and others, and my stand up comedy which introduced our culture to them. We all know that a high percentage of Indians are into IT as engineers, and many of them work here in the United States. But there are hardly any Indian actors who represent this population or capture the essence of their lifestyles. I'm working in cross cultural movies that are mainly targeted to present this to the American audience and at the same time provide a platform for those Indians to connect their lives with the global culture.

2. What was it like for you to attend the well-known Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute?

It was a wonderful experience and I learned a lot in the two years that I spent there. Apart from acting on stage and in front of camera, I've learned the importance of punctuality and discipline. I learned how to keep my body, mind, and soul in tune so as to perfect the craft that I perform.

3. Would you tell us about some of the awards you've won so far for your acting work? What are some of your achievements so far?

As I'm working my way to doing big things, one of my short films got nominated for the Best Film at Queens World Film Festival (2011), and the other one just got accepted at the prestigious Heritage Film Festival. One of my Indian short films won the Best Short Film award at the Kalaignar Television channel awards show called "Naalaiya Iyakkunar 3" in 2012. Now I'm working in a feature film which is the first language agnostic film ever made. Apart from these, I’ve received several prizes in dance and acting growing up when arts was just an extracurricular activity. I performed on many a great stages in my hometown in India such as Hari Hara Kala Bhavan, Thyagaraya Gaana Sabha, and others, all places dedicated for performing arts and cinema. I won several prizes for these performances and received them from the hands of notable people in India like the present Home Minister for the State of Telangana, India, Nayani Narasimha Reddy (formerly the Technical Education Minister of the State), elite stars of South Indian cinema like Ramya Krishnan and Chiranjeevi. I feel fortunate to have received several awards from award winning seasoned actors and movie industry prominents like Dadasaheb phalke award winner (India's highest award in cinema) Dr. Akkineni Nageswara Rao , C. Narayana Reddy, Telangana Shakuntala , Madhukar Anand, Shobha Naidu, and others. The tradition in India is that the awardee is honored by donning a silk shawl around their shoulders for their contribution to excellence in their field. I feel extremely proud to have received such an honor by Mr. Nageswara Rao and Mr. Reddy at such a young age that I was.

4. As someone who enjoys writing as well as acting, do you hope to expand your career into writing and possibly directing work in the future?

Acting and performing is my passion. There is nothing like being on stage, in the moment and in front of the live audience. And there is no feeling better than reaching out to and touching lives of millions of audience through cinema. I choose to be an actor.

Putting in words what you want to bring to live performance is a tough process. I love writing and I enjoy this process of writing. I've started writing my own screenplays. But I haven't thought about directing yet though.

5. What else would you like American audiences to know about you--and when can we see you on screen?

As many of you in New York call me, I'm your Indian girl. An authentic Indian girl who has roots in India and education in America. Who else could better portray all those Indian roles that you wanna see on TV and movies? With a few projects currently in works, I'm looking forward to more opportunities that give me a challenge to bring out my full potential and present it to the audience.

Thanks, Pragathi!

Meet Sal Rastegar, Actor

Sal Rastegar is a new actor that has found his calling and love in portraying strong-man and mobster characters. He has a love for history, in particular US mobster scenes from the 1930s to the 1970s, and he enjoys the nostalgic and romantic era cinema in these decades. With great love of history, he envisions playing in epic films about the ancient times going back to zenith of such empires as Roman, Persian, Greek and up to Spanish civilizations. For more on what people say about Sal's acting you can listen to short radio pieces on www.SalRastegar.com and read this fun survey on Facebook.

But the best way to learn about Sal is to watch him at work...

1. How did you first get into acting?

By luck. I've always been lucky in getting things done when I feel it. I was asked to help produce something, and later took acting classes. I got an agent and was asked to do a scene by a good actor/friend which started it all.

2. What do you enjoy about doing mob roles?

The nostalgia of the era and the paradox of those characters: family men, passionate, loyal, and simultaneously no conscience criminals. The dichotomy is atomic pressure.

3. What kind of research do you like to do for a part?

I try not to go to the source especially if I am doing a similar role as a big star. I got the general idea and know specific stories of the time, so I look into my own experiences and my family members who are some of the toughest guys I know first. I hope to be original while I keep accomplished actors/stars in high esteem and am moved by their intensity and devotion to the skill.

4. How do you see your career growing?

My plans is to be in a Scorsese production and do several mob roles for TNT, AMC, and stations that learn about me. I also envision and expect to secure the best agents and PR pros in the business. By the way, you should let Scorsese know of my plans.

5. What are your plans and/or goals for 2016?

Several great roles for me. I expect the year to be gangbusters!

Thanks, Sal!

Meet Andre' Stewart of Ardané, a Clothing Line

Ardané is a privately held company that all started with a simple idea: design fresh, high-quality, unique items. The company's CEO, Andre' Stewart, has been working in fashion and entertainment for 14 years, from runway modeling to acting, which all goes hand and hand with fashion (which is how Ardané came about!). Keep up with Ardané on Instagram and Twitter.

1. Do you design the items in your collection yourself, or do you collaborate with designers?

Well, let me start by saying I'm definitely no Photoshop or Illustrator guru, but I do have an eye for design. Some I have designed myself, and some I have been fortunate enough to be able to collaborate with some great designers, but on every design I have had my input on what I think needs to be changed, added, or taken away to get us the finished product. I will say sometimes it is challenging having a great idea in your mind and having someone else try to create it and have it done the way you envision it.

2. Why does Ardané specialize in t-shirts, tops, hats, etc?

The reason I chose T-shirts, tops, hats, and etc is because with a lot of the new designs I saw coming out, none seemed to be unique, and the quality wasn't great in my opinion. The way we come up with our designs and choosing our fabric is strictly by what our customers suggest, and that's how we differentiate ourselves from a lot of other brands. I also wanted to create something people could do everything in, like wear the same shirt out to dinner, at an upscale lounge, or to the park to play basketball in and never once get looked at like what are they wearing?? That's why we choose the type of designs and the style of shirts we do.

Along with that, I know everything starts with branding. I'm building a brand, not only through clothing, but with our service, shipping, social media presence, local events etc. We also knew starting with those options is the easiest way to break into the clothing industry and generate the buzz and income needed to branch out into other product lines without expending too much of your own capital in the building and growth process. It will also establish a brand-loyal customer base, and that's what any business needs to be successful, especially in this industry. As with any brand you need those consistently loyal repeat customers who will buy from you just because of the name. A brand-insistent customer is what we are trying to develop.

3. I noticed that Ardané will debut a denim collection soon. What else can we expect to see on ardaneworldwide.com over the next year or so?

Yes, we are looking to release the denim collection soon; it is in the developmental stages but it's going to be amazing stuff, great quality and price which is hard to find with denim. As for what's to come, we hope that people stay connected with us through social media, because what we try to do as often as possible is let our customers dictate what we release or do next. At the end of the day, we want them to be happy and become that brand-insistent customer I mentioned earlier. Let me ask, would you want to be a part of creating your next piece of clothing you were going to buy? That's what Ardané is about. So to answer that, you have to stay connected to see what's coming next.

4. Would you tell us a little bit about how Ardané helps by contributing to Autism-related charities?

Autism is a very close to home reality for me; my niece was diagnosed with Autism when she was three years old, and I have two friends who have kids with Autism as well. I really don't think people understand what it is or know how expensive it is to care for a child with Autism and also the magnitude of Autism. ASA estimates it is $3.5 million to $5 million lifetime cost just to care for a child. With that being said, we have an Autism collection that continues every season, and all the proceeds from the collection go to different Autism charities in different states. We also donate a portion of all of our proceeds to Autism charities as well. We have done multiple fundraisers and events to raise funds and awareness for Autism and will continue to do so until people are really aware.

5. What has been your experience so far in starting a clothing line, and how has it been similar and different to your career in modeling?

Starting Ardané has been an amazing journey. It's not easy by faaaar, but I wouldn't want to do anything different than continue building the brand. It's hard to explain the feeling you get when you see someone wearing something you created or someone you don't know giving you a compliment about what you are aspiring to do. It's the same with the modeling career. To turn a page and see yourself in a magazine or on the side of a bus, billboard, or commercial, it's like, wow I'm on the side of a bus! How many people can say that, but with both it's all about consistency and determination. Don't follow your dreams; chase them--that's my motto.

Thanks, Andre'!

Introducing M Models, a Talent Agency in Toronto

If you're interested in learning about how a talent agency works and the different jobs that clients find with the help of their agency, check out the blog for M Models, a talent agency in Toronto.

M Models helps models and actors find work in print advertising, principal acting, and more. They work with talent of all ages, including young children. They represent clients in Canada and North America as well as internationally.

What I like about the agency's blog is that you get a concrete idea of the kinds of jobs that models and actors find through the agency. You also get to see a lot of different headshots and photos, which can be useful if you're looking to update your own portfolio and want some ideas for effective portraits to accentuate your best attributes.

Recent blog posts feature talent represented by M Models who have landed jobs with TSN (The Sports Network), a music video for the band Royal Tusk, a TV commercial for an event called BuskerFest, and a commercial for a dating service called Lavalife. Another post gives a detailed profile of two new clients recently signed to M Models who had previously appeared on The Amazing Race Canada.

Check out M Models' blog if you want to keep up with the latest from a growing talent agency in Toronto.

Meet Liv Kirby, Actor, Dancer, and Model

Liv Kirby was born in Queensland, Australia and was brought up in Sydney and Melbourne. Liv began acting classes at age 12 at the National Theatre in the heart of Melbourne.

From acting Liv then started exploring the world of dance, and by age 15 she was dancing professionally in renowned hip hop crews situated in Melbourne. In 2012 Liv received her Diploma of Modeling and Business of Modeling from the Model Academy and since has been involved in many photo shoots as well as had the opportunity to walk for L'Oreal.

In July 2012 Liv made the move to the United States to take part in the Hollywood Immersive program at Margie Haber Studios in L.A. She then found her love for New York and relocated there. Since her move, she has been undertaking training in Musical Theatre and will be graduating from New York Film Academy in February which will take her onto her next chapter.

1. How did you first become interested in acting?

I first began acting classes at age 12, and at that time what drew me to acting were films I had seen and actresses who were around my age, such as Dakota Fanning--I really admired her talent and career because she could give such influential performances at such a young age, which gave me insight that this could be something I could do. I wasn't really introduced to the theatre till I was around 14. So I enrolled in acting for film classes first and then later also enrolled in acting for the stage.

I found acting as a way to express myself. When I was younger, I was painfully shy. I wouldn't talk to family or friends, and people at my school would spend hours with me just to see if I could say "Hi." So it was quite surprising that I really enjoyed acting. I guess I felt like when I was portraying characters, I didn't have to be myself--when I was acting, I was somebody else, and that helped me through my shyness.

2. What do you see as the connections between acting and dance?

Both of them to me are ways to express yourself in a creative way. Both of them allow you to put yourself, your emotions, and your experiences into an art form. I was taught by one of my wonderful teachers that "Words don't matter; they don't mean anything." It's all about your reaction. I find this so true--the powerful moments in plays are the reactions from one another. This goes for dance as well because your reaction to the music is what makes a piece so beautiful--the audience can tell when you are just doing choreography or when you are really embracing the music you're dancing too.

Acting and dance go hand in hand for me. I've seen dancers dance without feeling, and I can be guilty of that, too, when you're so focused on picking up the choreography because you might be in a class that's moving along really fast, or in an audition and trying to remember everything they're throwing at you. But in the end it's up to you to bring the movement to life, and that's when acting comes into play.

3. How do you balance your work as a model, dancer, and actor?

Right now, I'm focusing on acting, dance, and singing. I'm training full-time and developing my skills to their fullest potential and then will start auditioning and working again early next year upon my graduation. I've found with balancing everything it's important to do the things that excite you. There's nothing worse then working on a project that you don't enjoy: it's like working a job you hate. I'm horrible at saying no to things, so I found at times I really had to step back and work out my priorities. I just have to make sure that the projects I put myself forward for are things that I will happily commit myself to 100%.

4. What prompted your move from Australia to the United States, and how has your career developed following the move?

In 2012 I got into an acting program called Hollywood Immersive which was in L.A. It was an intensive for 10 days. I planned to stay for three weeks and see L.A., travel to San Francisico for a few days, and end the trip with New York. What was meant to be three weeks quickly changed to three months, and in that time I had fallen in love with NYC. After that I caught a flight back to Australia, packed up my room, and moved into a one-bedroom apartment in Manhattan with two other housemates.

Since 2012 I have learned SO much about the industry and about how important networking and education is. I've taken these few years to work on develop my talents and explore the art of auditioning in New York, which really is a career in itself, haha. I've meet so many wonderful people from directors to agents to Broadway stars to composers who have all given me such great advice that I've taken with me to auditions and classes and have been able to apply to my work. Networking I have learned is definitely a big part of starting off in New York--more than most of the time it's about who you know, so I definitely feel I'm on the right path.

5. As you look ahead to the next year or so, what do you hope to accomplish?

Once I finish the current training program I'm in early next year, I'm looking to going back out and auditioning as much as I can and taking the experiences that come my way. I will still keep taking classes as I don't think you ever stop learning and bettering yourself and your skills, so that will always play a big part to me. I've given myself a goal, and that's that by the time I'm 27 I'll have had my first Broadway show. I'm almost 21, so I'm going to work hard and stay motivated and dedicated to the arts and strive to reach that goal and enjoy my journey there.

Thanks, Liv!

Meet Robert James, Marketing Manager of The Voice Realm

The Voice Realm is a website which connects voice actors with those wishing to hire a voice. The site lists high-rated freelance voice actors available for casting in radio or TV commercials, telephone on-hold messages, narration, in-store announcers, corporate recordings, and more.

Our interview is with The Voice Realm's marketing manager, Robert James.

1. How has the voice over industry changed in recent years?

It has changed dramatically. We are seeing a shift in clients moving online to save time and money when casting voice actors. Many voice talent now have their own professional home studios, so this can pass on massive savings to clients, by not needing to book expensive studio time.

2. How do clients find and collaborate with voice talent using your site?

They can easily search through our database of talent, or they can have the system send out their script, and voice talent will record a sample audition for them free. Then once they find the voice they like, they simply hire the voice and download the recording.

3. My thought is that online services like yours make it easier for small business owners and individuals to afford voice over services for a variety of projects. What other benefits do you see to making voice over services available online?

Other than the cost, it is the time that is saved. Prior to online websites such as The Voice Realm, there would be the need for casting directors and studio time and the engineer. It was a long, drawn out process that took days and sometimes weeks.

4. Do the voice actors you work with have home studios or other professional recording equipment/resources that they utilize?

All our talent record in their own professional home studios. It is exactly the same sound you would get from a big studio in NYC or London, but at a tiny fraction of the cost.

5. What are some unique uses for voice over work that you've seen (heard?) in your experience in the industry?

We've cast voice talent for toys and dolls, and someone once paid one of our voices to make a dramatic opening, kind of like a movie trailer, to be played at his wedding. That was quite funny and unique.

Thanks, Robert!