Narrator: Exercise 3.3. Radio Item 5:
Welcome to 'Software World' - bringing you the very latest information on what is currently available on CD-ROM. Are you a director or producer looking for an unusual actor to play a part in a new movie project, or withthat special look for a new commercial on TV? OK. The usual procedure would be to contact a theatrical agencywho would try and sell you the idea of using one of the actors listed on their books. Books? Too old-fashionedfor you? Then get yourself a copy of this latest electronic database called 'The Electronic Curtain'.
The brainchild of casting agent Fred Harkney of the Better Talent Agency, he says he got the idea of an actor'sdirectory from his son playing computer games. Noting that junior had to type in the details of the characters inhis favourite game, he realised he could do the same for the actors he represents. Eventually, he came to includeinformation on nearly three quarters of the approximately 34,000 actors registered and looking for work in Britain.
With some agencies boasting that they represent over 500 performers, the need for this product is not hard tofathom. It can be a nightmare trying to remember just which actor has done what, or just what an actor can do.
The database lists details of over 5500 actors: TV shows they have appeared in, special skills they possess -everything down to the colour of their eyes and other distinguishing physical features. By entering the details ofthe type of person you are looking for, the database quickly locates only those persons with the particular qualitiesrequested.
One problem though, is that many actors feel it is too impersonal, and they could be missing out on much neededauditions for parts in theatrical shows. On the other hand, it might just get them that elusive job. The days ofnervous nail-biting while waiting around to give an audition could well and truly be over. And all because of asmall plastic disk. For product details ring this number now: 0171-379-6000. That number again ... 0171-379-6000. |