Celebrity Roundup: K.Fed, Heidi & Spencer, Diddy, and David Duchovny

• Kevin Federline: My Side of the Story [People]
• Heidi Montag Finds Criticism of Wedding “Extremely Disappointing” [US Weekly]
• Diddy Auditions For James Bond Gig And Wants Superman To Be Black [MTV]
• Exclusive: David Duchovny & Téa Leoni Try Again [Star]
• TV’s Most (and Least) Stylish Characters of ‘08 [EW]

By Alisha, InstantCast staff writer

Congratulate Jermaine, This Week’s 5,000 Red Carpet Contest Bonus Points Winner!

This Friday the 5,000 Red Carpet Bonus Points go to 33 year old VIP Member Jermaine Montell! Here’s why:
• His photos express versatility, style, and professionalism.
• He is a prime example of all around talent: he’s been in several TV and Movie Productions. Click here to read about his experience!
• He is in 3 Fantasy Casting Contests this week.
• He is a go-getter! He knows what he wants and has the positive attitude and confidence to go after it!
Want to be the next Bonus Points Winner? Click here for the hint of the day & get in the InstantCast Red Carpet Mix!

By: Desirea LaSalle, InstantCast Staff Writer

Celebrity Roundup: A-Rod & Madonna, Gossip Girl, T.I., Lindsay, and Grey’s

• A-Rod: Madonna and I Are ‘Friends – That’s It’ [People]
• Gossip Girl Spinoff Now in the Works [US Weekly]
• T.I. Says ‘There’s No Place In My Life’ For Beef With Shawty Lo [MTV]
• Is Lindsay’s Girlfriend Crushing on a 90210 Star? [Star]
• ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Exclusive: Izzie/Denny ghost story twist revealed! [EW]

By Alisha, InstantCast staff writer

InstantCast Congratulates Our Newest Red Carpet Winner Nicole Malarcher!

InstantCast is pleased to announce November’s winner of the Red Carpet Contest…Nicole Malarcher!  It was a well earned win as Nicole ended things with a whopping 26,371 points!

As the winner of the Red Carpet Contest, Nicole will receive:
• 1 Free Month of InstantCast membership
• Casting Phone Consultation
• Audition Log Book

Congratulations Nicole! We hope you enjoy your big win and cool prizes! We also wish you the very best of luck in your career and hope this is just the beginning of great things to come!

Want a shot at the big Red Carpet Win like Nicole? Click here to start earning points in this month’s new Red Carpet Contest!

By: Desirea LaSalle, InstantCast Staff Writer

5 Networking Goldmines You Never Knew About

How many times have you heard the phrase, “It’s all about who you know.”

Well, that’s the truth. Networking is important in all careers and especially for actors.

It’s easiest to do if you live in Los Angeles or New York City, but that doesn’t mean the opportunities aren’t out there…films are shot all over the country!

Here are some unexpected places you might just meet someone who can help you along with your career.

1. Fashion shows. It’s no secret that the front rows are reserved for VIPs. One of those VIPs might just be the person you need.

2. Film/TV premieres. Most likely these would have to be in Los Angeles or New York City but going to a premiere or the party afterwards is the best way to meet the right people. It doesn’t even have to be the big flashy premiere…

I’ve got 3 more surprising ways to get discovered… Click here to see them!

By Casting Director Renee Godbout

Child Actors: Get Discovered on Daytime TV

Daytime television is a great place for actors of all ages to excel in their career, but it can be an especially good experience for younger actors.

I’ve found daytime to be a very supportive environment, which is exactly what young actors need to succeed.

While working at two ABC daytime dramas, General Hospital and Port Charles, I saw firsthand the growth of two young actors. I was honestly excited to see where their careers would go and a decade later was able to say so to one face to face.

Click here to find out which child actors went on to become film stars!

By Casting Director Renee Godbout

Opportunities when you least expect them…

A couple years ago, Seth Green was on TRL and there were tons of screaming fans outside. When he scheduled another appearance this past November, the producers wanted to reenact that moment, with one special guest: An actor playing a Seth Green fan who had been waiting outside the TRL studios for years just to see him again!

But the creative team changed theirs mind about what the fan should look like – at the very last minute. I was running around Times Square that day looking for the right woman!

We were looking for an old woman, and while we saw a lot of women who could fit the role, some of them were tourists who didn’t speak English and others just blew us off big time. But we finally found the perfect woman on her way to buy tickets to a Broadway show!

Seth liked her so much he invited her upstairs to sit in the TRL audience (which is only for 16 to 24-years-olds) and he took a picture with her too! She made lots of friends and connections on the show and still keeps in touch with us.

You really never know who you are going to meet on the streets, be prepared for anything! Whether you are a working actor or just getting started, you should always have a headshot and resume, and be willing to take a chance.

By Jenny Rawdin, MTV Casting Director

Celebrity Roundup: Tina Fey, Jonas Brothers, Chris Brown & Rihanna, Anne Heche and Britney Spears!

• Tina Fey Reveals Trauma Behind Her Scar [People]
• Jonas Brothers Nominated For Grammys [Access Hollywood]
• Chris Brown and Rihanna Being Sued By Paparazzi [BET]
• Anne Heche Pregnant [ET]
• Britney Spears Rocks New York Nightclub With Circus-Themed Birthday Party [MTV]

By: Desirea LaSalle, InstantCast Staff Writer

It’s the Final Countdown: The Red Carpet Contest Ends at Midnight!

Well InstantCasters…this month’s Red Carpet Contest is coming to an end! At midnight tonight a winner will be announced & they will receive a prize!  As the contest draws to a close, the stats are as follows:

• Nicole Malarcher – Points: 27,475
• Gail King – Points: 25,047
• Alyssa J. Magnuson – Points: 23,144
• Derek C Pratt – Points: 20,219
• Dillon C Pratt – Points: 19,539

Remember, a whole new contest begins tomorrow! So get ready to get in the mix and enter for your chance to be the new Red Carpet Winner! Stay tuned as I congratulate this month’s winner tomorrow!

By: Desirea LaSalle, InstantCast Staff Writer

Tip of the Day: Try Something New

What’s one of the best ways you can stand out from the competition? Take a risk! Think outside the box and try something new in your show business career. Act in a one-man show, do stand-up comedy, or try improv! When you try something new you’re bound to become more comfortable as an actor. So, get yourself out there & take a risk!

Click here for more tips on how to challenge yourself!