Below are some industry professionals & services that we highly recommend:
Best Rehearsal Space
We hold our large one night events at Simple Studios. The main reasons being that their space is beautiful, intimate, quiet, with several modest-size studios and they are very affordable. The staff is incredibly helpful, organized, the vibe is relaxed and they are conveniently located. (they are located on 29th Street between 6/7) They also have free WiFi, a nice lobby area, healthy snacks to purchase, and private, well-maintained bathrooms. We love them.
Best NYC Headshot Photographers
Jordan Matter Photography: Simply said, Jordan's headshots are the gold standard for headshots in our industry. With a Jordan Matter shot, your "type" is captured in the most natural way which allows your headshot to be transparent. It's a "what you see is what you get" that will last you 2-3 years. Your headshot is your first impression and a mnemonic device for those you give it to. There isn't any room for unprofessional quality, variables or a disconnect between who you are in the picture and who you are in the room. A headshot from Jordan will ensure that everything is in place.
Melissa Hamburg Photography: Melissa’s photos have been successfully used for film, stage and television casting, book jackets, CD covers and corporate promotion. Her headshot photography encompasses the most desirable combination of elements to produce an honest, quality representation of every subject. A spacious, naturally lit studio and a fun, casual atmosphere encourage each person
to feel relaxed and to enjoy the moment.
to feel relaxed and to enjoy the moment.
Ale de Vries Photography: Ale knows how to capture an actor with his keen eye and lens using natural light. Together with his stylist/partner, AGR Senior Staff Member Canedy Knowles, the two know exactly what appeals to a casting director in terms of a good headshot. Canedy has worked in the industry for years as an actor/director/coach and has close relationships with many of NYC's top casting directors due to working at The Actor's Green Room. She knows the in's and out's of the NYC market and the importance of having a killer headshot. Ale is top notch in his effort to bring this to fruition. This power couple will deliver the goods in an affordable, super fun session.
Best LA Headshot Photographers
Greg Crowder Photography: Greg is a leading headshot photographer and has influenced many other photographers with his natural, fun and spontaneous style. He has won numerous awards, including Backstage West (Best of), which named him LA’s top photographer. He knows the dos, the don’ts and the ins and outs of the modeling and entertainment businesses. Being both in casting and producing has given him an edge unmatched in the industry. Greg lives and shoots in Los Angeles (Mid-Wilshire).
Killer Photography by Jordan Ancel is one of the most sought-after Los Angeles headshot photographers and is consistently at the top of the referral list for numerous agencies and management companies in not only LA, but also San Francisco, New York, New Zealand, and Australia, where he travels frequently. Having received an MFA in theater, launched an award-winning Off-Broadway Theater company, then becoming a top casting director, Jordan truly understands the actors process and the industry which allows him to capture those real, organic moments. Working like a director, Jordan will get the best out of you so you get the best headshots you’ll ever have.
Best Website Designer
If you are looking for a web site designer, Uptown Artists Productions is a great, budget friendly company. They create clean, dynamic industry-friendly websites that "pop" as we say. Once they create your website, they will show you how to take it over and maintain it. It is very user friendly and affordable once its in your hands. I highly recommend them. www.uptownartistsproductions.com
Best Demo Reel Editor
Martin Bentsen is an amazing reel editor. He is a cinema prodigy and I highly recommend him. In Martin's own words: "My primary objective is making sure your reel is concise and to the point. Sure, any editor can put footage together with simple cuts, but I believe it's much more important to be able to make something that keeps the interest of the audience by being short (under two minutes), to the point, and showcasing your ability in the best light. In addition to standard editing, I will also do color and sound adjustments to your footage to ensure it looks just as good, if not better, than the original footage you give to me." Check out Martin's work at www.demoreelsnyc.com. Martin can be reached at (646) 504-6521 and [email protected].
Best Production Company
Independent Film Production company located in the heart of Tribeca, available for all your video production needs. We work with all budgets to have your film produced from casting to post production and film festival submission. We deliver the highest quality productions while keeping costs low for clients. Contact us for film, commercials or acting reel services. Contact Richard at [email protected]. www.OneLastDayProductions.com
Best On-Camera/VoiceOver Coach
Jane Dashow is a 25 year voice over veteran. She is a working actor and voice over talent that knows how to maximize YOUR voice, audition skills and script analysis. Jane also assists students with accent reduction, learning alternate accents and adjustment of mannerisms to expand casting possibilities. Her approach is honest, casual, one on one and fun. You’ll learn how to analyze copy for voice over or acting for film and TV. You’ll also learn what works best for you and your voice. AND you’ll be better prepared to relax and rock it “in the room” or “in the booth”. Are you ready to feel completely confident? Jane can be reached at 212-679-1445 or [email protected]
Visit Jane's website: www.janedashow.com
Visit Jane's website: www.janedashow.com
Best On-Camera Coach
Kim Ramirez is an actress, acting coach, and writer who has been in the business for many years and understands the process from both sides of the table. Having worked with many casting directors and directors has given her the insight that actors need to perfect the scene. She knows what it takes to get the industry interested in watching YOU! When she's not acting, Kim's biggest joy is spring boarding talented actors get work. Kim can be reached at [email protected].
Visit Kim's website: http://kimramirezactingcoach.weebly.com
Visit Kim's website: http://kimramirezactingcoach.weebly.com
Best Acting Coach
Clyde Baldo is an acting coach like no other. My tag line for him is: "Get to the root. Be the source. Act pure. Embrace your shadow" - because that's exactly what he gets actors to do. Being able to "act" requires one to draw upon their resources and be completely unblocked in order to truly be present within any character. With Clyde's unique background in acting, directing and psychotherapy, he has the ability to take an actor to their root - the place where it all happens. The actors I send to Clyde come back with a level of depth that is unparalleled.
Clyde can be reached at 917.604.4090 or via email at [email protected]. Check out his website at: www.clydebaldoactingcoach.weebly.com
Clyde can be reached at 917.604.4090 or via email at [email protected]. Check out his website at: www.clydebaldoactingcoach.weebly.com
Best Yoga Teacher/Energy Healer
Genevieve has been practicing yoga with master teachers for over seven years. She recently completed Chakra Therapy Training with Anodea Judith, a pioneer of chakra psychology and somatic therapy. Her degree from Marymount Manhattan College in Psychology allows her to infuse therapeutic counseling into her yoga sessions. An extensive dance training with the Joffrey Ballet School has given her the tools to create a physical asana practice and understand the specific adjustments needed for the asana practice of a performer. Genevieve received her Chakra Yoga Certification from The Giving Tree Yoga Studio in Astoria, NY. Her unique training in over four different styles of yoga offers her the ability to truly personalize her client's journey. Genevieve is an avid daily meditator after studying Transcendental Meditation with Emily Fletcher of Ziva Meditation in 2012. She learned all that she knows about Doterra Essential Oils from Giada Hansen. Genevieve credits all of her knowledge and tools to these wonderful instructors and is also very grateful for the knowledge of the universe which she pulls from every day.
*Genevieve co-owns The Actor's Greenhouse. She teaches Chakra Yoga for Actors every Sunday at 630PM and Gentle Yoga for Actors every Thursday at 11AM at AGR New York. Genevieve also offers one on one sessions, chakra balancing sessions and more. Please visit The Actor's Greenhouse for more details.
*Genevieve co-owns The Actor's Greenhouse. She teaches Chakra Yoga for Actors every Sunday at 630PM and Gentle Yoga for Actors every Thursday at 11AM at AGR New York. Genevieve also offers one on one sessions, chakra balancing sessions and more. Please visit The Actor's Greenhouse for more details.
Best Acupuncturist
If you are an actor who suffers from anxiety or just don't feel you are functioning at your most optimal level, Picara Vassallo is the person to see. Picara is a licensed acupuncturist and is certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) as a Diplomate of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine. She received her four year Masters of Science in Traditional Oriental Medicine from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. Picara is gentle and understanding and truly gifted at what she does. She also works on a sliding scale and makes herself accessible to those in need. Picara is based in Manhattan and can be reached at: 215.880.9285 or via email at: [email protected]. Visit Picara's website
Best Doctor
If you are looking for a great Primary Care Physican, Dr. Jonathan Warman is your guy. He is based on the Upper East Side and is affiliated with Lenox Hill Hospital. Dr. Warman is a knowledgeable, caring doctor who goes the extra mile to make sure you get the care that you need. He takes virtually all insurance plans and is very accessible. Check out his profile on ZocDoc.com by clicking here. He can also be reached at 212-988-2900.
Best Chiropractor/Nutritionist
If you are looking for a Chiropractor or Nutritionist, that really understands actors then Dr. Doug is your guy! Dr. Doug has been a SAG member since he was 8 years old and still works as an actor. On top of that he is a regular at the AGR Monday night class! After majoring in Biology and minoring in Theater at Cornell University, he moved to NYC to pursue acting full time. Dr. Doug worked on both coasts in Equity theater, TV, soaps, numerous commercials, and stand-up comedy. At 29 he decided to go back to school, and complete degrees in Chiropractic, Massage, and Clinical Nutrition. Today, he runs a busy practice near the Flat Iron building, working almost exclusively with Industry people. He currently takes care of American Ballet Theater, dancers from 13 broadway shows, TV actors, make-up artists, wardrobe people, agents and casting directors. In 2012 he published his first book called Quantum Paleo, about the popular "Caveman/Paleo Diet". He is also known for his ridiculous discounts that he has been giving to performers for 15 years. Dr. Doug can be reached at [email protected] or visit his website at: http://TheHealthFixer.com