IMTA Countdown - Week Six!

Can you believe it? It's almost here! You're about to be at the IMTA Convention! We want to wish you the best experience possible. A week of adventure, learning, opportunity and fun! Thank you for being a part of the IMTA Countdown. We hope you found it beneficial as part of your IMTA preparations. We've enjoyed counting down the weeks with you and sharing our best tips for success.

You've probably been preparing for the Convention by doing things like practicing your monologues, commercials or make-up application. Hopefully, you've been exercising to get in great swimwear shape, or maybe you've been training your voice to hit those really high notes. With all the major preparation you've done, we've compiled a list of last-minute hints to help you put your best face forward and wow the judges.

The Most Important Thing

One of the best things you can do for your looks and health is to arrive for the Convention rested. The week can get pretty intense and you'll be ahead of the game if you've been getting your eight hours. Eating healthy foods helps, too. Remember if you feel good on the inside, it shows on the outside!

Perfect Posture

The way you present yourself is key to making a good impression on the agents, managers and casting directors you'll see during the week. Prevent stooped shoulders by repeating these exercises several times a day:

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and clasp your hands behind your back. Straighten your arms, raise them as high as you can and hold for 30 seconds.

Pinch your shoulder blades back several times and hold for a count of five each time.

Lie face down on your bed and lift one leg and the opposite arm, holding for a count of 10; then lift the other arm and leg. Repeat this process three times a day.

Fresh Faces Going Places

Since agents like to see minimal makeup on girls (and none on the guys), you'll want to make sure you have radiant skin as your perfect foundation. Here are some tips to give you a healthy, beautiful glow. Prevent dry lips and give yourself a smooth surface for lipstick by super-moisturizing. Starting a day or two before you leave for the Convention, apply moisturizing lip balm several times a day. This will not only soften your lips, but it will also make them appear fuller. Try Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 for amazingly soft lips. This product also gives a great shine when applied over lipstick. Origins Conditioning Lip Balm is another amazing product to check out!

It is very important to stick to your skincare regimen, using a facial cleanser, toner and moisturizer. Make sure you pick products that match your skin type, (i.e. oily, dry or combination). We like Clinique's three-step system. Neutrogena and Cetaphil have some great products, too.

Don't forget to get your hair in great shape, too. Blow-drying can take a lot out of your hair, so put the moisture back in by using a deep-conditioning hair treatment or mask. Try ThermaCare's moisturizing hair wrap or Pantene's Deep Treatment Hair Mask. Girls, a manicure or pedicure can be an essential finishing touch. Stick with neutral colors and short to medium length.

For some great tips on how to apply stylish make-up for all skin tones, check out Bobbi Brown's website.

Packing List

It's getting to be that time! Here are some items you may want to pack:

-Calling card and/or change for the pay phones or cell phone

-Disposable Camera

-Decorations or ribbon to attach to your IMTA tote bag to identify it (you'll receive your tote bag and IMTA luggage tag after your Director completes final registration. Be sure to fill out the tag immediately.)

-Nutritious snacks for your room (granola bars, cereal bars, crackers, juice boxes, etc.)

-Favorite toy for Toys R Us (if you're entered in that competition)

-Notebook and pen to take notes during the informative IMTA seminars

-Comfortable shoes

-A watch so you'll be on time for your competitions!

-Workout clothes for the Rise and Shine Workout or the fitness center

-Remember your comp cards, headshots, and/or portfolios. Dancers and singers, don't forget your music CDs.

-Sunglasses - your future's so bright, you're going to need them!

Afraid you'll forget something? Try this suggested packing list website for every type of trip.

Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles is known for being the acting capital of the world! There are many fun things to do while visiting Los Angeles such as Disneyland, Universal Studios, Beverly Hills and the LA Fashion District. There are tons of places to go sight seeing and shopping while after a day full of Competitions! For a list of things to do in Los Angeles, visit the LA Tourism Website.

Have a happy holidays from all of us at IMTA! We can't wait to see you after the New Year!

IMTA Countdown - Week Five!

A is for Attitude

You've got the look. You've got the talent. Now it's time for an attitude check. A great attitude is an asset that will carry you far in this industry. Being easy to work with, flexible, generally nice and upbeat will make you even more attractive to agents, managers and casting directors. Treat everyone (potential contacts, your fellow contestants and IMTA Staff) at the Convention with respect and a positive attitude. Casting directors have told us that between equally talented actors/models, the one with the better personality will get the job. Plus, you'll want everyone to remember you as down-to-earth and friendly after you win your Oscar!

Winning - win·ning adj.

a. Of or relating to the act of winning.

b. Successful; victorious: the winning entry; the winning team.

c. Attractive; charming: a winning personality; a winning smile.

At IMTA, there are many ways to win! Of course, there are the tangible things such as winning or placing in a competition, receiving an honorable mention, signing a contract, or collecting a business card from an agent or manager who is interested in you.

• You should also keep in mind some of the intangible ways to win:
• Developing a professional attitude and discovering what it takes to make it.
• Making friends with other models and talent from across the United States and internationally.
• Learning how to present yourself in the best possible manner.
• Gaining confidence in your abilities and talent.
• Having the courage to do anything! Let's face it, after you've performed your monologue or walked the runway for the top industry professionals, you can succeed anywhere!

The outcome of IMTA is clear: you're already a winner!

Tip of the Week

Remember the keys to success: Patience, Positive Attitude, and Personality.

Actor of the Week

Tiffany Thornton showed she was a triple threat when she competed at IMTA, demonstrating her talent as she can act, dance and sing! Most of you know Tiffany as Tawni Hart from the hit show Sonny with a Chance and So Random! on the Disney Channel. Not only did she star in the Disney movie Hatching Pete, she also recorded the movie's theme song Let It Go.

Tiffany is the voice of Glimmer in the upcoming Disney Channel movie Tinkerbell Bell and the Pixie Hollow Games. Tiffany is also starring in the Disney movie Game Change as Mehgan McCain.

Model of the Week

Melody Woodin competed at IMTA in 2004 and won Model of the Year. She signed with the prestigious international modeling agency Women Management. She is also represented by Nathalie in Paris. She is a favorite runway, editorial and commercial model. Melody has modeled for some of the most highly influential and highly respected fashion designers in the world such as: Christian Dior, Badgley Mischka, Marc Jacobs, Oscar De La Renta, Luca Luca and appeared in a print ad for the Biore facial products.

To see pictures of Melody on the runway, visit Style.com.

IMTA Hall of Fame

Josh Duhamel competed at IMTA in 1997 where he won Male Model of the Year! He started his career on the show All My Children before he starred in his breakthrough role on Las Vegas. He played Danny McCoy for five years on the hit show. He crossed over to the big screen with movies such as Win A Date With Tad Hamilton, Turistas, Ramona and Beezus, Life as We Know It, The Romantics with fellow IMTA Alumni Katie Holmes and Elijah Wood, and of course the ultimate summer hits Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. Josh is currently working on the projects Fire With Fire, New Year's Eve, Movie 43 and Stano. The three IMTA alumni Jessica Biel, Ashton Kutcher and Josh Duhamel all star in the anticipated movie, New Year's Eve coming out at the end of this year.

Keep up with the latest information on Josh and his movies coming out this year on IMDB.

IMTA Countdown - Week Four!

IMTA Tip of the Week

IMTA Competitions give you the opportunity to be seen by Agents, Scouts and Managers from major markets. The Agent Introduction and Overview held on Thursday night is an opportunity for the Agents, Managers, and Casting Directors to see all the Models and Actors one more time. For Overview, you will walk the T with other Contestants in groups and be categorized by age, gender, and whether you are primarily a Model or Actor. Contestants wear a classic black and/or white wardrobe ...so the focus is on you, not your clothing. Agents have told us that they would like to see models with hair pulled back and minimal makeup. They want to see your face, bone structure and complexion. This also means that the agents don't want to be distracted by elaborate styling. A plain white fitted t-shirt paired with black jeans or a black skirt is perfect. Talent, casual clothes are best for you, too. We suggest wearing something that makes you feel confident.

Remember to smile and show your personality!

Model Tip of the Week

"It's all in the Jeans"

The Jeans Competition is a terrific opportunity for you to show your style on the runway. Be sure to wear your favorite pair of blue denim jeans and a fitted T-shirt or tank top. Agents want to see you in jeans - avoid denim skirts or overalls, as it will affect your score. There are so many to choose from such as Gap, Guess, Old Navy, Seven, Express, True Religion, and many more. This is one competition where you will definitely want to flash a mega-watt smile!

Girls - keep your hair and makeup fresh, young and natural.

Check out: Marie Claire's article for advice on how to find jeans that flatter every body type.

Talent Tip of the Week

''I'm Ready For My Close-Up'' is a great chance for you to show agents, managers and casting directors how you look on-camera and in person. Here's how it works: You'll check in with an IMTA staff member and receive a list of lines. Select the line you can deliver best. Your contestant number will be announced and you're on!

This is the only talent competition that presents you to the judges in-person and on-screen simultaneously. Don't miss out on this great opportunity. The judges want to see your acting potential so deliver your line as you would in a scene. Do not be over the top.

Tips - Show your personality. There is no need to mimic the original delivery of the line. A fresh approach can be just as impressive. Be yourself and let your winning personality shine!

Makeup Competition / Model Tip of the Week

How quickly and skillfully can you do your makeup? In the Makeup Competition, you are given 15 minutes to apply your makeup. This competition shows the judges whether you would be able to apply your own makeup if you were on a shoot and the makeup artist didn't show.

For the Makeup Competition, be sure to be bring any makeup supplies and brushes you will need along with a lighted mirror, (we'll have outlets for you to plug them in). Come with a clean face, hair pulled back and a terrific smile! Emphasize your best feature (eyes, lips, etc.) and make the rest of your face a flawless canvas.

To find the colors that work best for you, check out Cover Girl's Color Match.

And don't forget to follow the seasons! For current makeup styles, visit Sephora.

Sitcom Competition

The Sitcom Competition is a live competition that demonstrates your acting abilities in front of agents and managers. In the Sitcom Competition, you will act opposite a professional actor or actress. Be sure you understand your scene. Know which lines are funny, and deliver those with a punch. Make your delivery natural and don't over-rehearse. REACT to the other actor's lines. Your expressions in response are just as important as when you are delivering your own lines.

Actor of the Week

Alyson Stoner has been starred in projects like Camp Rock, Mike's Super Short Show, and Cheaper By The Dozen. She played the title role in independent film Alice Upside Down, which received rave reviews. Alyson has done it all, including her own "Original Dance Instructional Musical Fitness Revolution" DVD and her own channel on Wii Fit! Alyson first showcased her talent in 2000 at IMTA New York, where she signed with Osbrink Talent Agency. They have helped her in succeeding to where she is today. Some of Alyson's other projects include Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam, Kung Fu Magoo, House M.D., Phineas and Ferb, and Step Up 3D.

Click here to read Alyson's website & blog!

Model of the Week

Marissa Irwin attended IMTA Hooray for Hollywood in 2004 where she found and signed with her manager. She has done numerous print ads and was also featured in a bridal magazine! She has modeled all over the world and has been in magazines such as Seventeen and the cutting-edge magazine Zink.

For more on Marissa and a great listing of her work, check out ThatIMTABlog.com!

IMTA Hall of Fame

Eva Longoria Parker came to IMTA in 1998 where she amazed the judges with her dazzling talent and gorgeous look. She moved to Los Angeles soon after IMTA, and landed spots on 90210 and General Hospital. With her incredible talent, she also joined the cast of The Young and the Restless. In 2004, she became the nation's favorite housewife on Desperate Housewives. Eva is continuing her role as Gabrielle on Desperate Housewives, while still working on feature films such as The Baytown Disco, The Truth and Cristiada.

To read a complete listing of Eva's projects, click here.

IMTA Countdown - Week Three!

Model Tip of the Week

Get your hair in gorgeous condition! Find the products that work best on your hair and remember salon products may cost about the same as drugstore products because you can use so much less. Be sure to ask your Director before you make any significant changes to your hair such as a shorter style, or highlights. Your Director will want you to look like your photos and comp card so dramatic changes are not a good idea. The Agents at the IMTA Convention will want you to have healthy, beautiful, shiny hair.

For some hair style tips from Marie Claire, click here.

Runway/Fashion Print

Let's focus on Runway/Fashion Print. The way you walk is one of the most important factors in presenting yourself in the Runway Competition. Be sure to select shoes that you can walk in. It's good to show some personality -- and the judges love a great smile! As you practice and refine your walk, focus on moving smoothly and confidently. Wardrobe selection should not deter from your walk - choose an outfit you feel great in. Guys, make sure you walk naturally too. You may want to use creative imagery and envision yourself on the Runway at IMTA, walking beautifully with elegance and grace. Remember, your three fashion print shots will be projected onto screens and monitors just before you walk the T. Agents love seeing how you look in print as well as your potential on the runway.

To see some great examples of runway walks from the Fall 2011 Collections, click here and select your favorite designer's show.

Talent Tip of the Week

Have you ever noticed how your first impression lasts the longest? It's that way for the agents, managers and casting directors at IMTA too! So when you take the stage or the mic for your performance at IMTA, be in character and in the moment. In fact, as soon as you walk in the room, you may have attracted an agent's attention. Whether you are on stage, in the elevators or in a meeting room, be professional, friendly and upbeat. You never know when you'll be noticed!

Having a great stage presence has a lot to do with how prepared you are. Rehearse enough so that you feel comfortable with your lines but don't over rehearse. Smile; you're on!

Break a leg!

Competition Tip of the Week

Get ready for your TV Commercial Competitions. When performing your Commercial, remember that you are selling a product. Make your product sound like it's the best ever! Make your delivery fresh and stick to the script. Judges are looking for personality, projection and believability.

You can practice your commercial in front of a mirror. On your competition day, make sure you are not wearing distracting jewelry or hair clips. The judges will want to see your eyes so if you have long bangs, make sure they are off of your face. Wear a solid color shirt (stay away from white). Prints and striped materials usually don't show up as well on-camera.

The best part of an IMTA Commercial Competition? It may be about a product but you are really promoting yourself as a talent! IMTA alum Eva Longoria is pictured above performing her IMTA TV Commercial Competition.

Actor of the Week

Raini Rodriguez has been in numerous feature films and television series since attending IMTA in 2005. Raini's television projects include The Suite Life of Zack and Cody, Parker, I'm in the Band, and True Jackson, VP. Most recently, Raini starred in the Disney hit movie Prom! She is currently working on two new projects titled See If I Care and Austin & Ally.

Model of the Week

Zhanna competed at IMTA in 2003 and signed with IMG. Zhanna has appeared in tons of fashion magazines including Nylon, Teen Vogue and Jane. She has also modeled in many designer fashion shows including Genart, Daryl K and Michael Soheil.

In an exclusive IMTA interview with Zhanna, when asked about what she learned at IMTA that helped her in her career, Zhanna replied, "EVERYTHING, How to walk, how to pose, how to talk to clients, how to portray myself as a professional model and as a professional woman."

IMTA Hall of Fame

Ashton Kutcher's feature film No Strings Attached with Natalie Portman is only one of the many projects he has recently worked on. He has starred in many popular films including What Happens in Vegas, The Butterfly Effect, and The Guardian. Kutcher is currently working on the film New Year's Eve with fellow IMTA alumni, Jessica Biel and Josh Duhamel set for release at the end of this year. Ashton is also the newest addition to the hit comedy series, Two and a Half Men! He has worked with several IMTA Alumni in the movies Valentine's Day with Jessica Biel, Bobby with Elijah Wood, in Cheaper by the Dozen with Alyson Stoner and in Dude, Where's My Car? with yet another IMTA alum, Seann William Scott.

Ashton competed IMTA in 1997, and received so many callbacks, he won Most Sought After Male Model of the Year! He signed with a modeling agency and walked the runways for top designers in the fashion industry. He soon was cast as Kelso on That 70's Show. He has become a successful producer (Punk'd, Miss Guided) as well as a Hollywood A-List actor. Alongside his acting achievements, Ashton was also the first person to have 1 million followers on Twitter! Follow him at Twitter.com/aplusk for daily updates in the life of Ashton.

IMTA Countdown - Week Two!

Model Tip of the Week

Are you ready for the Swimwear Competition? Do you have a great swimsuit that flatters your figure? Is your body in top form? The agents want to see fit, healthy bodies so be sure you are working out, eating healthy and in great shape.

Get to it!!! There's still time

to get in better shape!

For exercise demonstrations and tips, click here.

Talent Tip of the Week

Did you enter the Cold Read Competition? For some talent contestants, this is the Competition that makes them the most nervous. Relax! Your Cold Read does not need to be memorized. You'll need to glance at your script and pick up as much of the line as possible. This will enable you to have eye contact with the professional actor you'll be reading opposite. Show your reactions with your facial expressions as you listen to the other actor read his/her lines.

Actor of the Week

Ready, Set, Hike! Get pumped for this week's IMTA alum, Adrienne Palicki who starred on the hit television series, Friday Night Lights. Adrianne portrayed Tyra Collette, a small town girl that intertwines in the small town drama. The cast has included fellow IMTA alumi, Zach Roerig and Jeremy Sumpter. Adrianne recently finished a new movie titled Red Dawn and is filming G.I Joe 2: Retaliation!

In 2001, Adrianne competed at IMTA. "It was amazing. I love IMTA! I'm so sad it's over," said Adrianne in an interview with the IMTA Video Crew. Since IMTA, Adrianne has been working on the sets of television shows, major motion pictures and on Broadway!

Model of the Week

Sean Harju competed at IMTA in 2006 and was the 1st runner up for Male Model of the Year. He has worked for Dolce & Gabbana, Donatella Versace, Thome Brown, Karl Lagerfeld and Narciso Rodriguez. He has also been featured in the magazines Zero, Surface, and German and Taiwan GQ. Sean was in numerous shows during New York's fashion week as well as the very prestigious Calvin Klein's Milan show!

Want to know more about Sean? Click here to read That IMTA Blog's updates on his work.

IMTA Hall of Fame

Jessica Biel gained her stardom from her role as Mary Camden on Seventh Heaven. Since she attended IMTA in 1994, she has been continuously on the television and big screen. With films such as The Illusionist, I Now Pronounce you Chuck and Larry, and Next... there isn't a role Jessica can't take on.

It won't be long before Jessica hits the theater screens near you starring in the films Nailed, The Tall Man, The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, Total Recall and Playing the Field, all due for release in the upcoming year.

To find out more about Jessica's latest films and more, click here to visit her IMDB page.