Category Archives: children

All Pixar Movies You Haven’t Seen Yet

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Pixar Shorts for the Family

Pixar movies are stories with emotion, adventure, heroes, relationships, energy, and humor. Disney and Pixar collaborate on producing animated family movies. But sometimes, Pixar shorts get overlooked as family movies by moviegoers. If you have ever seen a Pixar short, you know that much talent and creative craftsmanship went into making the film.

Pixar’s first short, The Adventures of Andre and Wall B., released in 1984, is a classic for any Pixar fan. The story involves two characters: a pesky bee and a character named Andre wearing a hat. The story first aired on the Disney Channel. Pixar co-founder John Lasseter developed the animation. He wanted to create something extraordinary for his son. The film encouraged the industry to pursue computer-generated movies. Today, Hollywood supports high-quality animated films.

“Luxo Jr.”

The next Pixar short, Luxo Jr., is the first film officially produced by Pixar, marking the studio’s official establishment.

The two-and-a-half-minute short film introduces Pixar’s icon, the hopping desk lamp. Luxo Jr. chases a small ball while Luxo, a large lamp, reacts to Luxo Jr.’s escapade of chasing and balancing on the ball.

Future Computer Animators

As the story goes, Ed Catmull and John Lasseter departed from Industrial. Light and Magic computer division to finish a short film for SIGGRAPH, an annual computer technology exhibition attended by thousands of industry professionals.

The future computer animators worked day and night. Their dedication proved fruitful despite the impossibility that Luxo Jr. failed as a finished film for SIGGRAPH.

As the audience watched the movie at the computer technology exhibition, they rose and applauded before the short ended. Animated films became a whole new fabric of the movie industry.

“Red’s Dream”

Red’s Dream is the following short film produced by Pixar and directed by John Lasseter. It was released in 1987 and is the only brief that is not attached to one of the studio’s family feature films.

In the audio commentary, Lasseter talks about how Ed Catmull thought the Pixar staff could make a film using the Pixar Image Computer and the rendering software Chapreyes. Lasseter and the other team began developing a tale about a circus clown outshining his very own unicycle.

Animators Eben Ostby and William Reeves worked on their unique ideas. Ostby’s idea was to animate the bicycle, and Reeves developed a rainy night in a city. Finally, Lasseter and the two artists pooled their creative ideas, resulting in Red’s Dream.

“Pixar Shorts Volume One, Two, and Three”

The animation studio offers a DVD called Pixar Shorts Volume One. Each short is a work of art in its own right, and it’s definitely fun to watch with the whole family. Some of the movies mentioned in this article are available on DVD. Pixar released two more Volumes that are just as delightful.

“Toy Story”

Toy Story is Pixar’s signature movie. Woody and Buzz Lightyear go on adventures with Andy’s motley crew of toys.

Andy gave his toys away because he had grown up, and they belonged to Bonnie. She is as delightful and cute as a button.

Pixar proves that a studio can produce quality sequels without dulling our imagination or running out of quality material with four Toy Story movies.

“Incredibles”

Follow the career of Brad Bird, and you will see a brilliant filmmaker at work. He wrote and directed the Incredibles and Incredibles 2: Raising Son. His association with Pixar is longstanding and proves that Lasseter can hire top talent.

The storyline is innovative and unique. It is against the law for any superhero to practice their abilities. We follow a treacherous villain who devises a scheme to kill or trap superheroes from allying to protect society.

We have a family of superheroes, each with a specific superhero trait. The cleverness of Bird’s creativity lies in taking real-life situations and weaving them into the movie.

Incredibles 2 has the wife and mother going off to work while the father stays home caring for his infant son and angsty teenage daughter. With his grade-school son, he tries in vain to help him with Common Core math.

A typical family situation, plus his kids’ superpowers, makes the relationship more dynamic. Jack-Jack, his infant son, spontaneously goes invisible and turns into a ball of fire.

“Finding Nemo”

Andrew Stanton is another Pixar genius who brought us two box-office hits: Finding Nemo and Finding Dory, featuring the voices of Albert Brooks and Ellen DeGeneres.

The movie follows an overprotective father, Marlin, a clownfish, whose son, Nemo, is captured from the Great Barrier Reef. He befriends another fish, Dory, a regal blue tang fish with short-term memory loss. Together, they search for his son and encounter all sorts of marine life when they arrive at Sydney Harbour. They save Nemo from an aquarium in a dentist’s office. The journey teaches Marlin to let his son take care of himself and live a little by taking risks. Just like many of Pixar’s movies, Finding Nemo won an Oscar for the best-animated feature film.

I remember Stanton talking about capturing the look and feel of the ocean water as a CGI image. Not yet mastered it until this movie came out.

A sequel followed, called Finding Dory, with an all-star cast of voices. Ellen DeGeneres returned to voice Dory, who is searching for her mother and father and contends with her short-term memory loss.

“Cars”

Based on a screenplay by Dan Fogelman and co-written and directed by John Lasseter, Cars is Pixar’s final independent movie before Disney purchased the studio in the Spring of 2006.

Taking the audience by surprise with a world of talking cars and anthropomorphic vehicles, the movie voice stars included Owen Wilson and Paul Newman. Lighting McQueen learns humility while falling in love with someone other than himself. Two more Car movies followed with spin-offs about talking airplanes.

The soundtrack for the first movie is the favorite Pixar soundtrack.

The 22 songs feature musical artists and Randy Newman. “Route 66” is the catchy tune you hear throughout the movie.

Are Pixar Movies Disney?

With all these successful Pixar movies, we mustn’t forget their connection to Disney. Disney distributed their movies before buying the studio in 2006. Press releases announcing the next Pixar movie are not uncommon, and film enthusiasts speculate on each announcement’s storyline. The movies are innocuous and family-friendly. Their success will continue as long as they don’t change their storytelling formula.

References

  • Pixar Animation Studios
    Pixar Animation Studios (Pixar) is an American computer animation film studio based in Emeryville, California. Pixar is a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company.

Harry Potter Obsession

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J. K. Rowling’s Books

If you are a Harry Potter fan, you have most likely read all of J.K. Rowling’s books. If you are not a reader, then you watch the Warner Bros. movies. They grabbed your attention, and you couldn’t get away. The obsession with the Harry Potter stories is worldwide, whether it’s the books or just the movies, or both. The story is one that the whole family can experience together, and I highly recommend it. When your family decides to watch Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, snuggle up because it’s time to share a much darker and deeper Harry Potter movie than the earlier ones.

Moviegoers’ first reaction to Half-Blood Prince is how much those kids have grown up. They look so much older, and the story grows with them and gets darker. The actors surpassed their adolescence, and the characters have mastered their wizard training. If you have read the book, you are aware of the movie’s overall plot and outcome.

Sure. The story is darker, and Harry Potter learns more about Voldemort’s dark secrets and how to overpower the evil wizard once and for all. One main character in the story will perish, which is a pivotal point in Rowling’s series and may be hard to bear.

Harry Potter Books or Movies?

Those surveyed indicated that 50% had read the books before seeing the Harry Potter movies. The other 50% split between seeing the films and then deciding to read the books, and never reading the books at all.

Yates Directs Harry Potter Movies

David Yates directs the movie, and he is by far the best director of the franchise, as evidenced by his return to finish the last three installments after directing Order of the Phoenix.

Yates’s experience as a British television director keeps the story above the special effects. Yates told IMDB, “I like to create an atmosphere where actors feel safe enough to take risks. I certainly don’t believe in being a macho bully. I’m not interested in frightening good work out of people. It’s bollocks,” he continues. “In an ideal world, I’d bounce between big projects and no-budget TV dramas with fantastic scripts. Many Hollywood films tend to be bloated, bombastic, and loud. At the same time, I do like the infrastructure of making a blockbuster; it’s like having a big train set.”

Young Tom Riddle

In Half-Blood Prince, we discover detailed information about the young Tom Riddle, the boy. He eventually grows up to be Lord Voldemort, played brilliantly by Hero Fiennes-Tiffin, the nephew of Ralph Fiennes. Ralph Fiennes plays Voldemort, which makes the casting quite a family affair.

Another new cast member of the franchise is Jim Broadbent as Horace Slughorn, the new potions teacher, a plot-driven character in the Harry Potter story. Broadbent’s resume is extensive and probably one of the most favored character actors in the U.K. and the U.S.

Rowling’s Final Scene

So, sit down with your family and enjoy the sixth installment of the Harry Potter films. At the end of the movie, Harry reflects with Ron and Hermione on the difference between him and Voldemort. It’s a meaningful line and poignant, which is why we read Rowling’s series and flock to see Harry Potter movies.

“Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery Mobile Game”

Even though we read the books, watch the movies, and see spin-offs like Fantastic Beasts, a Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery Mobile Game offers a chance to play a game set in the franchise. The mobile game is just another way to enjoy Harry Potter.

Play the video promoting the new game, and you will see some reactions to the game from real Harry Potter talent, like one of the Phelps brothers. The game launch at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando was exciting and eventful for those who attended.

It is one of the first games where players experience being a character they choose and a Hogwarts student.

Future of Harry Potter

With spin-offs from Harry Potter stories, the new television series, the play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, the theme parks, and mobile games, you walk into a Barnes & Noble bookstore and see Harry Potter fandom from the original story, Fantastic Beasts. Anything is possible with such a fantasy story.

Rowling’s work inspires people to dream and to be part of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, or to write their own fantasy books where families and friends bond, sharing a fanciful reality.

Movies for Dog Lovers

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Movies with Dogs

Kids and adults love movies about dogs because they are so unpredictable. Some of us grew up with Clifford the Big Red Dog movies and Hallmark dog movies. We watched them over and over again.

Dog movies are endearing to watch. We don’t know what will happen in the end. The endings are either sad or happy. The tragic endings, like My Dog Skip, teach a lesson. We watch them over and over because we know what happens in the movie. Even if it is sad, we still watch it again.

Dog movies are stressful because the dogs get stolen or lost, but are returned or found at the end of each film. The dog gets hurt, and there is an emotional reunion between the owner and the dog. Most of the time, the dog survives an injury with a happy ending.

An interesting point, not many dog movies are about girl dogs. Girl dog movies are rare because of discrimination. What is wrong with a girl dog movie?

Enough said, now, let us take a look at some incredible dog movies.

1. My Dog Skip (2000)

Based on a well-known writer’s memoir, My Dog Skip takes place during WWII and stars two great talents, Kevin Bacon and Diane Lane. The dog doesn’t get stolen, but Willie and Skip are fast friends as they turn bullies into friends and tangle with ill-fated moonshiners who threaten to kill the dog. A pretty girl shows an interest in Skip, who brings her and Willie together.

The movie’s conflict centers on Willie’s dad, who thinks he should have real friends rather than a dog. But Willie overcomes that as he grows up.

The most stressful scene is near the end when Skip runs away because Willie’s temper flares up, and he kicks Skip. He apologizes for his behavior, and Skip forgives him. All in all, it is a beautifully told story. Here is the ending where you grab a tissue.

2. Beethoven (1992)

Beethoven is a classic dog movie with several sequels. Kids should first see the original film because it stars Charles Gordon and the late Dean Jones. Both actors are brilliant. Gordon plays the father who brings the lovable dog home and soon finds Beethoven growing too big for his liking. Jones, cast against type, makes his scenes entertaining. He is an evil Vet who tries to kidnap the dog. Bonnie Hunt plays Gordon’s wife and the mother of their adorable kids.

Watch the movie, and you will notice several up-and-coming actors of the time, including Stanley Tucci, Oliver Platt, and David Duchovny.

A hilarious scene is when Beethoven comes in from playing in the mud. Gordon holds his own in the scene, but the dog steals the show. Another funny scene is when George (Gordon) hits the vet (Jones). Watching that scene makes seeing the movie worth it.

3. Hachi: A Dog’s Tale (1992)

Hachi is not like other dog movies. Hachi doesn’t go missing or get kidnapped. The film is based on a true story about a dog’s devotion to his master.

The story is about a dog’s loyalty to his master. Richard Gere stars as the owner of Hachi. Joan Allen plays Gere’s wife, and Jason Alexander (Seinfeld) plays Carl, the store owner.

The movie answers the question, “Why are dog movies so sad?” It is because the story is so good.

I don’t want to say too much about the movie because it is a simple but powerful tale. Make sure you have a box of tissues because the story is heartwarming and a tear-jerker.

4. Air Bud (1997)

Air Bud is your basic dog story, but he doesn’t get stolen. He ran away from the original owner because he had abused him. Bud is a golden retriever and has a knack for playing basketball well. He brightens up a high schooler named Josh by helping him play better basketball.

The best scene in the movie is when Bud has to choose between the original owner and Josh. It’s a long scene where Josh says, “Come here, Buddy.” Will Bud go back to the abusive owner or stay with Josh? Enjoy the trailer. I love the line, “Mom, remember when I had a hamster?”

5. 101 Dalmatians (1961)

Here is one of the few girl dog movies. I know I am pushing the envelope when I say it is a girl dog movie, but Perdita, the wife of Pongo, plays an important role, the mother of the stolen Dalmatians. Even though the Disney cartoon characters seemed entertaining, the movie was very stressful.

Cruella De Vil decides to steal the puppies for their fur. The clip shows wanting to buy the puppies. When I first watched the movie as a kid, I truly believed that an animal network existed, where all animals could talk to each other around the world and help one another.

With that, take a look at the bumbling criminals. They are funny in this clip.

101 Dalmatians Trailer

6. Show Dogs (2018)

Max is a Rottweiler police dog voiced by Ludacris. His latest assignment is going undercover as a show dog in one of the top dog shows in the world. His human partner Frank, played by Will Arnett, tries to stop a disaster in the dog show. The cast includes Stanley Tucci, Shaquille O’Neal, Jordin Sparks, Natasha Lyonne, Gabriel Iglesias, and Omar Chaparro.

The movie is filled with owners and their adorable dogs.
The movie is filled with owners and their adorable dogs.

7. Dog Days (2018)

Dog Days is a movie for those who like to see personal relationships with dogs motivate the union. It touches on the theory of how dogs look like their owners. The film is worth seeing because it’s filled with vignettes of owners and their dogs. The story meanders as the characters intermingle, and romance ensues.

Here is a cute and adorable story for the whole family.
Here is a cute story for the whole family.

8. A Dog’s Way Home (2019)

Charles Martin Smith directed this happy tale based on the book by W. Bruce Cameron,A Dog’s Way Home. The heartfelt story is as sensitive and genuine as Bella, voiced by Bryce Dallas Howard, and her adventure—a dog embarked on a 400-mile journey home after being separated from her deeply loved human, played by Jonah Hauer-King.

Bailey, voiced by Josh Gad, he also voiced Olaf in the "Frozen" movies.
Bailey, voiced by Josh Gad, also voiced Olaf in the “Frozen” movies.

9. A Dog’s Journey (2019)

Director Gail Mancuso creates a film about friendships that transcend lifetimes. A Dog’s Journey, the sequel to the popular movie A Dog’s Purpose, followsBailey. He finds his new fate and develops a permanent bond, driven by unconditional love and friendships. Thus begins an adventure through multiple lives filled with joy, friendship, and devotion.

During an interview with Mancuso, she mentioned that all talent and crew had dogs, except the editor, Robert Komatsu.

The movie stars Willem Dafoe as a man in a race against time and the elements.
The movie stars Willem Dafoe as a man racing against time and the elements.

10. Togo (2019)

Ericson Core was formerly a cinematographer but directed the Disney movie, based on a true story and adapted from the screenplay by Tom Flynn. Togo follows a sled dog. In 1925, Togo led a serum run. People viewed the dog as too small and weak to pull a dog sled during an emergency race to save the lives of children.

The movie helped me become appreciative and happy about life. I loved seeing an underdog prove its worth.

Arthur is a smart dog that helps a man achieve his ultimate adventure.
Arthur is an intelligent dog who helps a man achieve his ultimate adventure. 

11. Arthur the King (2024)

A true story about a dog who guides Michael Light, played by Mark Wahlberg, who is desperate for one last chance to win the Adventure Racing World Championship. Over ten days and 435 miles, a bond between a pro adventure racer and a scrappy street dog companion.

Dog Movies for Family

Dog movies are great family movies because the stories are real, even though some dogs play basketball or talk. The story can be distressing, but the tension adds to the movie’s excitement, making the happy ending even more enjoyable.

Most of the time, the dog steals the limelight because they are so cute, cuddly, and innocent, validating the fact that we watch these dog movies over and over again.

Caped Crusader Batman Cartoons

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Why Cartoons Are Good for You

Growing up in a family with a single mom and two siblings allowed me to be glued to the television every Saturday morning and watch cartoons.

The cartoons helped me forget all the troubles and hardships we endured. It allowed me to escape and think about how I could make the world a better place for my family if only I, too, could be a superhero.

The superhero cartoons were the best at inspiring me because they encapsulated the idea of confronting and solving your problems. To this day, I follow that concept. I get a kick out of tackling issues and throwing them in jail as I head back to my office. In this day and age, I sometimes have to be a superhero.

“In the midst of the vagaries of life, they provide us a trip to the land of goodness and fairies, of imaginations and possibilities.

A childhood that wasn’t spent watching cartoons or reading comic strips, no wonder, seems too dull to imagine.”— Sanhita Baruah

Cartoons to Watch

I don’t know when cartoons became popular. They appeared on the television each Saturday morning. They were my favorite because I was mesmerized by Bugs Bunny, The Road Runner, Batman, Daffy the Duck, and Superman.

Watching cartoons on Saturday mornings gave my mother time to herself. They entertained all three of us — me, my brother, and my sister — while my mother cherished her Saturday ritual of pampering herself and preparing for the week ahead. She worked hard and deserved all the luxury she could muster in those invigorating morning rituals.

Not that my home was dysfunctional. I wanted my mother to be happy because she worked extremely hard, raising three kids on her own. I think most of the time, she was smiling, but she had so much to do for us. She was my superhero.

Batman for Kids

The history of cartoons teaches kids that they can watch comic book characters come to life on television or on a device. Stories like the Dark Knight ally with Red Tornado, Green Arrow, Aquaman, Plastic Man, Blue Beetle, Wildcat, Deadman, Bronze Tiger, and Atom, and have them take on many evildoers, showing them how to solve problems.

Kids watch the annoying hoodlums running as mad and crazy scientists. They see the no good, off the wall, intergalactic crooks, from world power, crazed dictators to skidding teenagers. They learn that taking responsibility for others means helping them confront their problems.

“Grown-ups’ could learn a lesson from watching cartoons.”— James Jean-Pierre

Treasures

I was satisfied watching cartoons every Saturday. If I felt unsatisfied, I kept watching until Bugs Bunny or the Road Runner saved me. Based on my childhood memories of watching morning cartoons, I checked out these “old” treasures through Warner Bros. archives, such as Looney Tunes. I can still get my hands on another set of Saturday morning cartoons at Amazon Prime.

A cartoon hero is the only way to capture the good old days of cartoons. The darker ones are more of escapism with a lesson in how not to behave than the silly Bugs Bunny and goofy Road Runner.

Mel Blanc is a hero because of what he could do with his voice for all the Looney Tunes, “the Warner Brothers cartoons, to be the voice of Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Elmer Fudd, Porky Pig.”— Nicolas Cage

Cartoons Versus Comics

Perhaps, you were one of the millions of kids watching cartoons of the 60s and remember the Saturday mornings with Batman, superheroes, or Looney Tunes.

You need to share them with your kids. Not only are they pure entertainment, but they are also much safer to watch than some of today’s television programs.

You set an example of telling your friends that your kids watch old cartoons. Hooking up with the superheroes on Saturday mornings, watching the popular and well-liked comics, is not just a pastime — it is a passion and escapism.

Cartoons YouTube

Watching episode after episode of each series, I know you will laugh yourself silly, but make sure you share them with your kids. You might even discover some cartoons you haven’t seen before, like Batman: The Animated Series, Volume One.

YouTube offers tons of these cartoons, so grab your device, put on your headphones, and start the entertainment.

Batman in Action

Amazon Prime

What makes it easy for parents and kids is that Amazon Prime offers endless chances to view good, old cartoons. If you are a Prime member, they are available at no charge, except for your Prime membership. They are not very long, so your kids are not wasting their whole Saturday morning, like I did, watching the classics.

Be warned. The cartoons are addictive because there are so many stories available, and they’re so much fun to watch. They are not as cheesy nor as suspenseful as the movies with the same characters. The characters are dark with a foreboding soundtrack. The hilarious cartoons are more entertaining than the film because they feature slapstick humor suitable for kids.

Get Your Child in Film and Television

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Tom Cruise and Dakota Fanning

Much Younger Dakota with Tom Cruise
Much Younger Dakota with Tom Cruise | Source

Child Actor

No matter what your age. You could be seven, 11, or 15 years old. Opportunities are available for you to start acting in a film. The film, television, cable, DVD, and Internet industries are experiencing dramatic growth. The increase in options for acting jobs is the result of this.

Every year, numerous movies feature child actors in both minor and significant roles. Oscar-nominated Little Miss Sunshine is one example. As a child of Charlotte’s Web, Dakota Fanning starred in at least one movie a year. She even worked with such notable stars as Tom Cruise (War of the Worlds) and Denzel Washington (Man on Fire).

Fanning has now grown up and is working in the industry as an adult. She stars in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood.

Rewards of Being a Child Actor

The rewards you experience from pursuing an acting career are many. You get to spend quality time with your parents. You will learn something new every day on the set. You will build your self-confidence and have a better understanding of others.

Working in film is a highly effective way to finance your college education. If your parents act as your manager, they can earn 20% of your income.

Becoming an Actor in Film

Wanting to be in the movies is not enough to become an actor in the film industry. It takes passion and one of your parents’ willingness to help you. You and your parents work as a team, both committed to the success of your business.

Building a career in the movie business is a full-time job. Each of you will take time out of your schedule to attend auditions and film sets — the days are long and, for the most part, tedious. If you take the right actions mentioned in this article, there is a good chance you will be successful.

Arnold Talks About Breaking into Acting

Guardian with Child Actor

If parents cannot be with you as you pursue your acting career, a guardian can take their place. The guardian can be a grandparent, an older sibling, a babysitter, or another trusted adult. It needs to be a safe and responsible person.

A guardian does what a parent would do:

  • Go with your son or daughter to auditions.
  • They stay with them on the film sets.

They need a guardian because it is a legal requirement. Underage actors are not allowed to attend auditions and film sets alone. A responsible adult needs to be with them at all times.

Shirley Temple is the icon of child actors.

Shirley Temple in "The Little Princess," circa 1939.
Shirley Temple in “The Little Princess,” circa 1939. | Source

Cities Supporting Film Production

Convincing your parents to move to Hollywood is not necessary to break into the business. Many cities have a film production community.

At times, major film companies come to cities across the United States to film on location. Popular film locations:

  • Atlanta
  • San Francisco
  • Chicago
  • New York
  • Vancouver. Canada
  • Austin
  • Orlando
  • Seattle

If you live near or in one of these cities, you can start right away.

First Steps to Building Your Acting Career

Here are suggestions to get your film acting career started:

  • Get involved with the drama department at your school
  • Enroll in a local acting class for children
  • Sit in on a class or two before deciding to enroll
  • Get valid feedback on the acting class and make sure it is a suitable class and teacher for you
  • You want to feel comfortable. Have your parent talk to the other parents who have children in the class
  • Research and find a legitimate agent
  • Agents registered with the union are the ones you should see. Union agents follow the rules because they are union-regulated by their members. It encourages them to adhere to the business’s laws.
Source

How to Get an Agent

Agencies require actors unless they have a reputation and are known to be talented to audition for them before signing them up and representing them. Getting an audition with an agency is a step forward in the right direction for building your acting career.

Once you book an audition with an agency, you need to do the following:

  • Bring a headshot and resume to the meeting. It doesn’t have to be a professional headshot. The resume includes on-camera experience, parts in theatrical productions, and acting teachers.
  • Work with your acting teacher on putting together a monologue for your audition.
  • Practice with your parents on being interviewed by an agent. You might meet with the agent alone or with your parents.
  • Practice until you are comfortable talking about yourself. Being comfortable in the interview with an agent makes a solid first impression.
  • When you meet with an agent, find out what they need for headshots and resumes. Agents typically provide standard handouts to their clients, accompanied by specific instructions.
  • Please review these instructions with your parents and ensure you understand them. If you have any questions, please ask the agent immediately.
  • Always be on the positive side. Never give up.
  • Remember to have fun!

Sample of a Headshot

Source

Child Support

Having your parents support you as you break into the film business is commendable. The rewards are plenty. Continue researching and staying current with the industry. The more you know, the better. It can only make your job of finding work a lot easier. Good Luck!

Colorful Oscar the Parrot Lives in Movies

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Before he left us and flew away to new adventures, Oscar starred in many movies, television shows, and print ads. This article shares his story.

Oscar the Parrot

Animal actors are amazing creatures because they possess hidden talents that few of us are aware of. We try to tap into their psyche, but the animals evade us. We wonder how the director gets those animals, like Oscar, to do those cute antics.

The animal trainers work with the director and animal actors. Together, the animal trainers have the gift and help animal actors shine.

Oscar, the parrot, was one of those animal actors. His talent stole scenes from other actors, and his personality caught people’s attention. He passed away, but his recorded performances keep his memory alive.

Talented and Gifted Bird

The film industry lost one of its most talented parrots. It is with great sadness that we report the passing of the star of several movies.

The bird’s last movie is appropriately called A Bird of the Air. Oscar the Parrot had a glorious career and an unprecedented career-spanning live theater, television with Fantasy Island, print advertising, and movies like Home Alone 3.

“A Bird in the Air” – Oscar’s Last Movie

In Oscar’s final movie, he plays a smart-alecky parrot who meets an unconventional librarian, played by Rachel Nichols. Somehow, they disrupt the life of a private man named Lyman, played by Jackson Hurst, who is not sociable. He works the graveyard shift as a security officer, patrolling around in his truck. He became an orphan at four years old when his parents died in a car wreck. He only knows his last name and estimates the year of his birth.

Oscar flies into his trailer and starts talking with words like ‘Shut up!’ and ‘I’m an eagle!” Lyman decides he must find the parrot’s owner. The quest leads him to the librarian named Fiona, played by Rachel Nichols. Over the years, her curiosity and attraction to Lyman from afar finally came to fruition. She offers her help to find the parrot’s owners, whether Lyman likes it or not.

Another animal comes into the story. Fiona’s basset hound makes the whole situation off-kilter. All four begin their search for Oscar’s owner. Fiona unravels the secrets of Lyman’s past and realizes that something about it needs clarification.

Fiona and Lyman go on his nightly security rounds together, and she sees a different man than the one she romanticizes. He has changed since he was a security officer, and she feels uncomfortable about it. As the movie draws to a close, Lyman reconciles with his past and breaks free from his murky lifestyle. They prepare a life together.

True Actor with Wings

Oscar lived beyond his sixtieth birthday, and he did not show his age in his final movie, A Bird of the Air. His fellow human actors adored him and spoke of his professionalism and kindness toward the crew on set. The indie romantic comedy includes some of the best moments for Oscar. His talent shines, and he will always be in our hearts.

“Paulie” the Movie

One of Oscar’s most famous movies is Paulie. The film is about a parrot, played by Oscar, being passed around from owner to owner.

The bird makes friends with a little girl, but they get separated. Eventually, a widow named Ivy buys Paulie. She and the parrot become fast friends, and they agree that she should help him find Marie, who moved to the West Coast. The widow decides to travel in her mobile home.

Slowly, Ivy loses her sight during their trip, and Paulie decides to stay and take care of her. Ivy eventually passes away, and Paulie learns to fly, continuing his journey to find his friend.

Talented Parrot

Oscar made so many movies and helped other animal actors break into the business. He leaves behind a legacy, and no other parrot can fill his feathers. It is a phenomenon of how Hollywood creates a story and adds a parrot, and the whole dynamic of the story shifts.

Oscar worked in the movies before animal trainers became a household word. Oscar helped so many animal trailers, too. He showed them how to guide animals through a scene, so they delivered what the director wanted.

Oscar flew off to find a new place to talk to parrots and entertain people. Rest in peace, Oscar. You are dearly loved.

Wacky Hair Ideas for Film, Theater, and Crazy Hair Days

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Here’s a list of funky, silly, and creative hairstyle ideas for wacky or crazy hair days at school, in plays, in movies, and on holidays.

You and your kids can have fun being as creative as possible.

Wacky Hair Ideas

Getting creative with crazy hair days or designing wacky hairstyles for film or theater is so much fun. It is the best part of being a kid at heart. I found many great ideas for girls and boys, but I will only share my favorites with you.

I found it interesting that most of the boys’ wacky hair ideas aren’t very inventive. The girls are much more creative in designing wacky hairstyles.

Pipe cleaner hairdo

1. Pipe Cleaner Hairdo

Blue Skies Ahead shows some wacky hair photos. It’s not a pipe dream because the hairdo is so wacky and manageable to create, yet it fits any crazy hair day. Moms only need to take a trip to the craft store and buy lots of multicolored pipe cleaners.

With that, you put the hair up in a cute, tight bun. Take a bunch of pipe cleaners and twist each one around your fingers until they’re all curly. Then, stick the pipe cleaners around the bun with the elastic band. If you have a lot of really long hair, make several tiny buns, and do the same thing with the pipe cleaners. The cleanup will be a breeze, and more likely, your daughter or son will want to do the same wacky hairdo for the next event.

Each pipe cleaner hairdo is different because the pipe cleaners never bend or attach to the hair the same way.

Spider web hairstyle

2. Spider Web Hairstyle

It’s a bit scary for some girls. If you tell them they look cute, it might work for Halloween night. Or you might have to wait until they are a bit older to appreciate the fun of wearing such a wacky, scary hairstyle.

The expert says it is easy to do. The giant spider web hairdo looks like a classic. You can find the designer through the link in the image.

A&W soda

3. A&W Soda

I loved A&W root beer when I was this girl’s age. I am impressed with this crazy hair day winner. The wacky style looks easy to do. The originator does not explain how to do it. By looking at the photo, I guess you place a hole in the side of an empty soda bottle and string the ponytail through it, so it seems like the hair is flowing into the plastic cup. You clip the plastic container onto the hair with a hair clip.

Our Daily Ideas brought this design to my attention, and I am happy to share it with you.

Doggy hair

4. Doggy Hair

Kelly found this doggy hairstyle for me. The only problem with having the wacky dog facing you is that you will miss each person’s first impression of the hairstyle. Don’t be surprised if a couple of hound dogs end up following you.

I couldn’t find the hairdo’s originator, so I guessed the designer made a super-tight bun and twisted a smaller bun for the nose. She cut a piece of red fabric in the shape of a dog’s tongue. Using a black Sharpie, she drew a black line down the center of the cloth. The eyes and dog ears you can get at any craft store. The eyes can be hot-glued to hair clips and attached to the hair.

Birds and butterflies

5. Birds and Butterflies

Melanie shared this with me, and I think it is so wacky. It is the wackiest of hairdos ever. I am sure it took four hours to create this crazy hairstyle. I tried to find the tutorial, but there isn’t one. I am sure she used wires to keep her hair bent like that, which is fantastic. Only girls with long hair can do this wacky style.

Adding birds’ nests and then butterflies throughout the hair reminds me of French 18th-century hairstyles, but crazier and less symmetrical.

6. Christmas Tree Hairstyle

I love the idea of making a Christmas tree hairdo. It’s a lot of work, but worth it. With the latest easy-on hair dyes, dying your hair green shouldn’t be difficult.

Doughnut hair

7. Doughnut Hair

The doughnut hair fits wacky hair ideas for long hair. Get ready for wacky hair day pictures with this hairstyle. All the hair is up and off the shoulders, which looks comfy. The crazy hairdo comes from Make It & Love It. You start with a ponytail that is super tight from the top center of the head. It would be best if you pulled it as high as possible. Don’t hold back on the gel or hairspray. The hair needs to be slick on all sides.

Find a small colored paper plate and cut a medium-sized hole in the center so the ponytail fits through the hole.

Create a plain bun by using a mesh bun or twist, and then wrap the ponytail into a bun, which is the doughnut.

Create the frosting by cutting a piece of colored fleece, felt, or any leftover fabric. Make sure it fits on the doughnut. Using a hot glue gun, squeeze squiggles onto the material, and immediately press colorful sprinkles into the hot glue before it cools.

You need to attach the frosting to the bun, so take some leftover fabric and cut it into three strips. Using hot glue, take each strip’s ends and glue them onto the non-sprinkled side of the frosting. You should have three loops so that a single bobby pin can slide through and firmly attach the frosting piece to the bun.

Dragon hairstyle

8. Dragon Hairstyle

The hair color with the jewels for the dragon hairstyle at Lou Lou Girls is wacky and adorable at the same time. The creative ladies at LouLou Girls call it perfect for crazy hair day, and I agree. It takes some planning to get this hairstyle done on time.

You will need two hair colors, craft jewels, hairpins, and hot glue.
They suggest using hairpins to keep the jewels in the hair. The day before doing the dragon hairstyle, you need to attach the gems to the pins with glue.

In the end, they added bright, colorful hair extensions. I like the idea of wearing this hairstyle to How to Train Your Dragon movies or parties.


4 Colors Temporary Hair Color for Kids, Gifts for Teens, Girls, Boys, Gifts for Kids, Temporary Hair Dye, Hair Color Spray Green Red Blue Purple Hair Dye Hair Wax Color, Instant Color Wax Halloween Party

Four hair coloring waxes prepare me for Crazy Hair days at school. We even use them for Halloween. Easy to color and easy to clean. I can create the hair color my kids want anytime, anywhere—fast. Safe for kids to DIY.

A hairstyle that the boys can do for crazy hair day or wacky hair day.

9. Surfer Dude

Spiky hair is for boys who like to be surfer guys. The hairstyle creates the highest wave, provided his hair is the color of the ocean. You take blue hairspray and shape the wave curl.

Add a little white hairspray to the tips to create a massive wave. The surfer action figure stays on when you apply it to the hair while it is still wet from the spray.

Boys and girls take on the bugs

10. Bugs in the Grass

Green hair spray with short hair creates grass bugs like ants, centipedes, spiders, and caterpillars. Grab plastic bugs at Hobby Lobby, Michaels, or the Dollar Store.

Using hot glue, attach them to hairpins. This wacky hairstyle will turn heads on the school day.

The black bugs on the boy’s forehead attach with glue for eyelashes or anything easy on the skin. For longer hair, you can use the same hairspray or gel.

If it’s for a girl, consider using butterflies, flowers, and caterpillars.

Anyone can pull off this crazy hairday style, but you need long hair.

11. Cherries

Dinah from DIY Inspired shared the hair-cherry look. The items you need to make the crazy hairstyle are red hair spray, two hair ties, some bobby pins, a green pipe cleaner, a piece of green construction paper, clear tape, and a black marker.

Take the hair and create two high buns, then secure them with bobby pins on opposite sides of the head. Spray each bun red to make it look like a cherry. Cut a piece of green construction paper into a leaf shape. Draw the leaf veins on the leaf-shaped paper. Bend the green pipe cleaner, fold it into red buns to look like cherry stems, and pin them to the cherries with bobby pins. Tape the leaf to the top of the stem. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure the wacky hairstyle stays in place.

Monster do

12. Monster Do

Even though a boy has the monster hairstyle, girls can do one! Courtney Constable at DIYs.com shared a simple but great way to style your kid’s hair. You need hair wax or gel, green hair coloring, two large googly eyes, and face paint.

Spike the hair up and do so until it’s stiff. Blend in green hair paint while spiking the hair.

Peel off the sticky backing of the googly eyes and place them like eyes in the hair above the face. Using face paint, draw a monster mouth on the forehead with two menacing arms and hands coming from the hair.

Easy Wacky Hair Ideas

If you are like me, you wait until the last moment and see what you have available the night before wacky hair day at school. If you are a planner, then some of these ideas are perfect for you. I have shared some crazy, wacky hair ideas that are pretty easy as long as you have all the materials.

Kids Modeling and Acting Jobs

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Winston and Khan

Modeling for Babies, Toddlers, and Children

A baby and teen modeling career requires certain factors besides your child being the cutest thing you have ever seen. This article explains how to get your kid into modeling and acting.

Are you sure your baby or child is photogenic and has the most beautiful smile, but are they willing and excited about modeling?

If not, don’t encourage them until they are enthusiastic about the modeling business. You have to be ready, too.

You will take time out of your schedule to take your child to agencies to meet potential clients. As long as you can handle dragging yourselves to and fro, you and the child will reap the rewards of a successful career.

Full-Time Job

Parents with full-time jobs can’t develop a modeling career for their children. The shuffling around takes hours and hours in the middle of the day. You have to be ready at a moment’s notice. Working a 9-to-5 job is not practical.

Baby Acting and Modeling

You need to consider how well your baby can handle modeling demands. Observe your baby with strangers or the babysitter. How do they behave? Keep this question in mind as you consider baby modeling. A baby who handles changes in their napping and feeding times is great for acting and modeling.

Living an hour away from a modeling agency is a good idea. Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Miami, San Francisco, and Dallas are the top cities for modeling and acting work. In minor cities, agencies might have a satellite office.

Casting Calls

Portfolio Is Not Necessary at First

Get a couple of good photos of your baby. You can even take the first photos to see if any agency calls you back. The images could be three-quarter shots or headshots.

Send the photos to a couple of agencies with a letter of introduction. It would be best if you earn some callbacks. If not, send pictures to other agencies until you get an interview.

Be ready immediately—some acting and modeling jobs need to be filled immediately. If you and your baby stay prepared, you’ll get a lot of work done.

Your baby will receive offers for modeling, film, and television work by keeping your horizons open.

Baby Ads Agencies

Remember, legitimate modeling agencies will never ask you for money.

They give you money for the work they get you and your child.

No matter your child’s age, opportunities are available for them to model. The growth of film, television, cable, and Internet industries makes it worthwhile. That means more opportunities for modeling and acting jobs.

There are countless movies with child actors starring in small and large roles. Most of them were baby and child models. Oscar-nominated Little Miss Sunshine is one example. Dakota Fanning, who worked with notable stars such as Tom Cruise (War of the Worlds) and Denzel Washington (Man on Fire). Her sister, Elle Fanning, also stars in movies.

Model and Acting for Kids

You receive many rewards for helping your child pursue a modeling or acting career. You get to spend quality time with your child. They will learn something new every day on the set.

Children who work in modeling or film develop self-confidence. They have a better understanding of others. Working in modeling or film is an effective way to pay for your child’s college education. Most parents act as the child’s manager and earn 20% of the child’s income.

Artifex

Getting Your Kids in the Film Business

What does having a child “make it” in the film business? That is half the battle if a child is willing and excited about modeling and acting. But the parent needs to be as prepared and excited as possible. Both are taking time out of their busy schedules.

They go to auditions, shoots, and film sets. Transporting your child actor or model around town can take all day. The work is longer than eight hours, and both get paid for it. It is part of being successful as a model, actor, and parent.

Do You Need to Move to Hollywood?

Moving to Hollywood is not necessary to get your child started. Many cities have a film production community. At times, major film companies come to cities and towns across the United States to film on location. San Francisco, Miami, New York, Austin, Texas, and Seattle are popular locations.

Develop a Career in Acting or Modeling

Here are some suggestions to get your son or daughter started in modeling or acting:

  • Encourage your child to enroll in the drama department at her school. They can enroll in a local acting class for children.
  • Before enrolling in a private acting class, ask to sit in on a course. You talk to the class parents, get feedback, and ensure it is a suitable class and teacher for your child.
  • Research and find a legitimate agent. Agents who register with the union are the ones your child should see. They follow the laws and regulations. If they don’t, they get fined.
  • Make sure you practice with your child on being in an interview with an agent or casting director. Have them practice talking about themselves. They need to practice to be comfortable and make a solid first impression.
  • When you meet with an agent, find out what they need regarding headshots and resumes. Sometimes agents have standard handouts they give their clients with specific instructions. Make sure you read these instructions and understand them. If you have any questions, ask them right away.
  • Always be very encouraging with your child – always on the positive side.
  • Remember to have fun!

Support Your Kids

Give support to your son or daughter. They will become models and break into the film business. It is a competitive field and a commendable act.

The rewards are plenty. The best you can do is keep researching and staying on top of the business. It can only make your job a lot easier. Good Luck!

“Dolphin Tale” Is a True Story

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Based on a true story, Dolphin Tale is a movie you and your kids will love.

Movie That’s a Family Story

If you’re looking for a movie to share with someone special, Dolphin Tale is an excellent choice for the whole family. Yes, it’s a “family-friendly” movie, but the story is about overcoming mental and physical challenges. It is a film that quickly wins your heart, as the inspirational story immediately draws you in.

The film centers on a true story about a boy named Sawyer (Nathan Gamble) and his friend, Winter, a dolphin whose tail was lost after becoming entangled in a crab trap. With the boy’s help, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium nursed Winter back to health. Winter plays herself in the movie, which is pretty impressive.

The Blu-ray/DVD combo release includes several aspects of Winter’s story. The Blu-ray and DVD include behind-the-scenes footage and educational material. Imagine working with a dolphin, teaching her how to use a prosthetic fin – the first time it has ever been done. A Dolphin Tale is the best family film of the year – a movie worth watching over and over during the summer or Winter. I highly recommend Dolphin Tale.

The behind-the-scenes featurettes are educational because you get to see how they developed the prosthetic fin. Imagine working with a dolphin for the first time, teaching her how to use a prosthetic flipper.

Dolphin Washes Up on the Beach

Sawyer discovers Winter washes up on the beach. He helps her, and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s emergency response team arrives to help the injured dolphin by bringing her to the aquarium.

Sawyer is the movie’s focus as we meet the Clearwater Marine Team led by Dr. Clay Haskett (Harry Connick Jr.) and his daughter, Hazel (Cozi Zuehlsdorff).

Hazel and Sawyer become fast friends. We see Sawyer’s transformation into a more responsible person with a purpose in life. He changes from an apathetic boy with no real goal to a high-spirited, action-packed person ready to help Winter. He has a strong desire to help her get healthy so that she can live a long and happy life.

Winter is a camera charmer because she draws the viewers into her life. You cannot help but feel empathy for her plight. The animal is doing all the movements with and without the prosthetic fin – brilliant. For comical relief, the film has a puckish pelican named Rufus – he is hilarious.

Writing Genuine Dialogue

The dialogue is genuine and propels the story forward at a meaningful and brisk pace. Never second-guessing if the story is real or spun from a simple story about saving a dolphin.

Sawyer and Hazel’s dialogue effectively conveys the challenges of growing up with one parent, yet makes them light and easy to confront.

The writing is so good that the scientific discoveries developed and engineered through Dr. McCarthy take historical precedence in helping our animals on the planet.

Winter is a camera charmer; she draws the viewers into her life. You cannot help but feel empathy for her plight.

“Just because you’re hurt doesn’t mean you’re broken.” Dr. Cameron McCarthy, played by Morgan Freeman

Dolphin Without a Tail

AFI Lifetime Achievement recipient, Morgan Freeman, brings a whole new level to the movie. Cast as Dr. Cameron McCarthy, a military prosthetics doctor who is sufficiently “out of the box” to make a prosthetic for a dolphin. We see an authentic Freeman character, adding the anchor to the whole process of developing a prosthetic fin for a dolphin. The McCarthy character was formulated from two prosthetic makers who had the mind’s eye to help Winter overcome her physical barrier. Both the Blu-ray and DVD offer “At Home with Winter” and “Winter’s Inspiration” featurettes, showcasing all the work that went into creating Winter’s finale. It is worth mentioning that the prosthetics makers volunteered their time to design new prosthetics as Winter grows.

The Blu-ray also features two additional extras: two animated shorts, “The Hutash Rainbow Bridge,” which tells the story Dr. Clay related to Sawyer in the movie. “Ormie and the Cookie Jar” — viewers watch an original short in the style of Pixar.

You can even visit Winter in Clearwater by visiting Seewinter.org and viewing Winter live on the webcam.

The film also stars Ashely Judd, Kris Kristofferson, and Nathan Gamble.

Gobots: 1984 Saturday Morning Cartoons and Toys

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The 1984 animated cartoon series stood the test of time, with die-hard fans appreciating the talking machines.

Gobots

Gobots Look Like Transformers

Gobots fans are out there, and I am excited to share Challenge of the Gobots: The Original Mini-Series with fellow fans. The 1984 animated cartoon has stood the test of time with those who appreciate the cartoon look of talking machines.

Challenge of the Gobots: The Original Mini-Series is the original five-episode mini-series. The 80s cartoon in the DVD package offers eternal life to the Gobots. Any Gobots enthusiast treasures the opportunity to watch action cartoons.

The DVDs are few and far between, but worth the find because the stories are entertaining when cartoon quality may get you down.

As you watch the Renegades follow Cy-kill when they embark on their mad quest to conquer the galaxy, starting with Earth, only Leader-1 and his Guardians can stop the Renegades and Cy-Kill.

Leader-1 is the hero, and his band of Guardians is all set for the task of saving the universe.

Leader-1 is a Legend

Back in the 80s, the question all the kids asked every Saturday morning while they played with their Gobots toys and watched the Gobots cartoons was, “Can Leader-1 and the Guardians save the true last Engineer?”

Watching now, you see the poor quality of the cartoons. Somehow, the kids were fascinated by the stories and facial expressions, and they sat in front of the television every Saturday morning for one year, watching 65 episodes, each lasting 22 minutes.

It reminds me of the good old days on Saturday mornings when you could watch mediocre cartoons in your pajamas, and it was still a cool thing to do while the parents slept. Just think, kids, watching the Gobots, never thought about how Leader-1 is a legend. But he is because this mini-series launched him as a legend. He is far better than any Transformer.

The story of the Gobots portrayed in the series “Challenge of the GoBots” and the follow-up film “GoBots: Battle of the Rock Lords” mentions the alternative universe.

Transformers

Those who are not familiar with Gobots should know they are not robots. They are aliens that need your support more than anything right now. Tonka brought them into existence in the 1980s, but now, they are non-existent. They are a collector’s item and sell for a pretty penny on eBay.

Gobots are far superior to the Transformers because Hasbro bought Gobots in the early 1990s. Leader-1 and Bugbite are some of the Gobots’ names given to Transformers. That means the Gobots came before the Transformers. They saved Earth before the Transformers.

Seeing “Gobots” instead of “Transformers” in the movie marques is the only way they could have survived. I am sure it was a copyright issue. The two entities were so similar that they competed for attention. Transformers won out in the long run.

The Gobots toys fashioned the robot phenomenon that grabbed the kids’ attention for a brief time in 1984.

Who Owns Gobots?

The Gobots and the Transformers looked a lot like each other. Both competed as franchises until Hasbro purchased the intellectual property – the invention or idea, not the toys – when they bought out Tonka in 1991. Gobots became part of the alternative universe of the Transformers franchise.

Hasbro never purchased the Gobot toys or likenesses. The company owned the fictional aspect of the property. Bandai, a Japanese company, initially owned the toys, and Tonka never acquired them.

“You’re bluffing, Cy-Kill. You wouldn’t dare shoot with the Last Engineer, and we won’t give him to you.”

Gobot Children’s Books With Illustrations

Two books about the Gobots in 1984, authored by Robin Snyder and illustrated by Steve Ditko, War of the Gobots and Gobots on Earth, told the backstory of the talking machines.

The first book tells the story of the Guardian battling with the Renegade GoBots. The war comes to Earth after the Renegades disturb a space shuttle mission. The story is comparable to the Transformers because they fight on Earth frequently. The second book is not as good, but kids found both books entertaining. Today, they are out of print and hard to find.

Where to Find Gobot DVDs?

The Gobot products sold well. Then they phased out when the Transformers took over the scene. Hasbro created personalities for each of the Transformers with character profiles, unlike the Gobots.

Gobots came across as simple machines that looked like their names, such as Tank and Dozer. Transformers arrived as complex machines with names like Megatron and Optimus Prime.

Even though the Gobot books are hard to find, Amazon offers DVDs, coloring books, and games. The collector items go fast, and it’s a hit or miss on Amazon.