Hollywood Mom Blog | Tag Archive

CHILD STAR STYLE: Kendall & Kylie Jenner Host HELLO KITTY Launch at Forever 21 Hollywood!

Posted on 19. Nov, 2011 by Hollywood Mom.

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My tween daughter Jordan and her friend Sarah pose with Lolita Girls at the Hello Kitty Launch Party at Forever 21 at the famed Hollywood and Highland Shopping Complex

Enthusiastic Hello Kitty fans pack Hollywood & Highland hoping for a chance to get into the Launch Party at Forever 21 Hollywood

Thursday night Forever 21 and Hello Kitty hosted a launch party for Forever 21 for Hello Kitty Collection in Hollywood. The dedicated fans of this clothing line launch were akin to fanboys at ComicCon. Forever 21 customers flooded Hollywood Blvd., with the customer line then curling around into the Hollywood & Highland shopping complex all the way back to the escalators. It was truly a sight to behold. As Hello Kitty & Forever 21 aren’t exactly focusing on my “mom demographic,” I brought along my tween daughter Jordan and her friend Sarah to gauge their take on the launch event and the clothing line. Their overall review: Party Kinda Drab. Fashions Super Fab!

The launch party was hosted by Reality TV Child Stars Kendall and Kylie Jenner who were styled to perfection in a “Japanese Lolita meets Hello Kitty” mode. They did several costume changes throughout the evening and impressed with every outfit. Full kudos to the girls’ stylists – they did a wonderful job. If you can’t imagine Hello Kitty looking like runway couture, you’re not alone but I witnessed first-hand that it’s not only possible but absolutely adorable when pulled together by the pros.

The launch party was hosted by Reality TV Child Stars Kendall and Kylie Jenner

Stefanie Scott from Disney's ANT Farm

Other guests included Stefanie Scott of Disney’s A.N.T. Farm and designer Trina Tarantino. As for the shindig itself, the biggest snafu was that the store was poorly laid out for a large party. Most of the new Hello Kitty fashions were packed together in the front of the store which also happened to be the narrowest portion of the room and the place where everyone (guests, employees, paparazzi, media and security) entered and exited. So how did this translate to party-goers who wanted to shop and possibly buy Hello Kitty fashions? It was like watching people herd cats – no Hello Kitty pun intended. If one more well-intentioned employee told us to “keep the area clear” I was seriously going to cough up a fur ball.

I never saw Hello Kitty, but the kids told me she was modeling fashions and milling about the store. Some guests (read not us) were able to indulge at the Hello Kitty Nail Art Station which included free nail art and full manicures. Unfortunately it was all ready booked for the entire evening when we arrived at 7:15. A Hello Kitty Sweets Station displayed delicious mini cupcakes and marshmellow Hello Kittys on a stick. Raffles were held for one-of-a-kind Hello Kitty fashions and Hello Kitty goodie bags – but we couldn’t get our hands on the elusive raffle tickets either.

Guess what we were able to do though? After tuning out the “Clear the Area” mantra, we shopped, shopped and then shopped some more. The girls left the event with bags of clothes and were thrilled with their purchases: Hello Kitty Leg warmers, wallets, cardigans, tee shirts, socks, scarves, flannel pajamas, hair accessories and jewelry. All in all not a bad way for a couple of lucky tween girls to spend a school night.

Look for these adorable and affordable Hello Kitty Fashions at a Forever 21 near you!

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Want a Not Bummer Summer? Go See the JUDY MOODY Movie! PLUS Score Ideas for Your Own Judy Moody Party Inspired by the Premiere After-Party!

Posted on 10. Jun, 2011 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.

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Last weekend my daughter Jordan and I were fortunate enough to attend the Premiere of “Judy Moody & the Not Bummer Summer!” at the Arclight Theaters in Hollywood. Along with the cast Jordana Beatty, Heather Graham, Parris Mosteller, Garrett Ryan and Preston Bailey, there was an impressive showing of today’s top child stars walking the carpet: Allisyn Ashley Arm, Audrey Whitby, Ciara Bravo, Garrett Ryan, Morgan Lily, Matthew Scott, Brandon Tyler Russell, Tucker Albrizzi, Cameron Boyce, Max Burkholder, Kieran Shipka, Justin Tinucci, Alli Simpson, BooBoo Stewart, Darcy Rose Byrnes, Camryn Magness, Dylan Riley Snyder, Riley Thomas Stewart, Katherine McNamara, Jennessa Rose, Taylar Hender, Fivel Stewart, Tyree Brown and so many more!

Check out our whole Judy Moody journey in pictures here! The film opens nationwide TODAY and if you want a not bummer summer – I suggest you drive directly to the nearest theater and buy your tickets!

ABOUT THE MOVIE

Relativity Media and Smokewood Entertainment Group are proud to bring you this summer’s smash hit, “Judy Moody & the Not Bummer Summer!” In this film adaptation of the popular book series, Judy Moody is planning the most super-duper, double-rare summer break ever… until her BFF’s Rocky and Amy thwart those plans by heading out of town on their own thrilladelic vacations.

Judy Moody warms up to Aunt Opal over Fondue

Aunt Opal Knows how to Party! Earns serious Thrill Points!

Now Judy is stuck at home with her annoying brother Stink and her not-so-adventuresome friend, Frank Pearl. Ugh. But matters quickly worsen when Judy’s parents drop the bomb that they too are headed out of town – without Judy & Stink. Enter mysterious Aunt Opal (Heather Graham), who has agreed to care for her neice & nephew even though she’s never met them and doesn’t seem to know much about children or driving for that matter! It appears all Judy’s grand plans for a thrill-filled summer have washed up. But with perseverance and help from some unlikely sources, she may just be surprised at how thrilladelic things get!

Genres: Comedy, Kids/Family and Adaptation
Release Date: June 10th, 2011 (wide)
MPAA Rating: PG for for mild rude humor and language.

ABOUT THE PREMIERE

Usually I wouldn’t go on and on about a premiere after party but this one was particularly well done. Themes from the movie were beautifully incorporated into the amazing after-party in the form of food, drinks, decor, entertainment, design, activities & games. All the kids were having the best time – even the parents were walking around with smiles on their faces. Then it hit me. All of these Judy Moody inspired booths would be perfect (and EASY) to recreate for your own personal Judy Moody party! So for those of you Hollywood Moms who love taking the kids to a movie (or when it’s released on DVD, showing the movie at home) and then following up with a themed party, I’ll be posting later on these ideas especially for YOU. For now – peruse our gallery of after-party pictures and download this super cool Judy Moody activity sheet!

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WORLD PREMIERE: Disney’s 2011 Anthem “WE CAN CHANGE THE WORLD,” Music Video by Bridgit Mendler, Friday, June 10, 2011!

Posted on 09. Jun, 2011 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.

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"We Can Change the World" Disney Music Video starring Bridgit Mendler

The World Premiere of Disney’s Friends for Change Anthem “We Can Change the World,’ Performed by Bridgit Mendler, will be Friday, June 10, 2011 on both the Disney Channel and Radio Disney! The original music video will debut during the 7:00 p.m., ET/and 4:00 PT hour. “We Can Change the World,” is an inspiring new pop/rock anthem for Disney’s Friends for Change both performed and co-written by 18-year-old actress and Hollywood Records recording artist BRIDGIT MENDLER (“Good Luck Charlie,” “Lemonade Mouth”) ”We Can Change the World” is the third Disney’s Friends for Change anthem. Previous songs have helped raise more than $800,000 for conservation projects around the globe.

Disney's Friends for Change 2011 Anthem

The song and video are designed to both entertain and inspire ways to initiate positive change. In the video, Mendler and kids from around the world along with Disney Channel stars Valeria Baroni (Argentina), Jorge Blanco (Mexico), Olavo Cavalheiro (Brazil), Nicole Ishida (Japan), Murtuza Kutianawala (India) and Eve Ottino (France), are featured. Look for my own Child Actor, Jordan Bobbitt, to make her Disney music video debut in this as well! The internationally themed video, directed by Art Spigel (“Disney Channel Games”), was shot entirely on location at Disney Golden Oak Ranch in Los Angeles, California.

Beginning Saturday, June 11, the song will be available on Disney.com/ProjectGreen and the iTunes video will be available - both of which coincide with a whopping $250,000 donation to Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund Benefiting Global Charities.

Disney’s Friends for Change is a multi-platform initiative that helps inspire kids and families to join together and make a positive impact on their world (and the people and animals that live there). Via PSAs on-air and online tool-kits, the program aims to provide useful information to help kids make small changes that add up to big differences. As part of the program, Disney is donating $1 million dollars annually to fund projects all around the globe and has funded over 41 projects that help the planet ranging from educational & community programs to species & habitat protection.

"We Can Change the World" Music Video features children from around the world promoting change. This picture features HMB's own Jordan Bobbitt.

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Hollywood Mom Blog Attends “Pirates of the Caribbean 4″ World Premiere With 3 Special Young Guests, Benefitting Boys & Girls Club of America!

Posted on 16. May, 2011 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.

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You're Cordially Invited!

As HMB’s editor, my daughter Jordan and I were thrilled to be invited to walk the red carpet and attend the world premiere of “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” last weekend at the Magic Kingdom: Disneyland in Anaheim, CA. Hollywood Mom Blog was able to bring along some of our favorite child stars as personal guests, including: Brandon Tyler Russell (Smitty), Noah Ringer (The Last Airbender) and Landry Bender (The Sitter). Also hanging with our group was actor Kevin Sorbo (Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, Soul Surfer) who honored his inner-child by dressing in full pirate regalia. It wasn’t until much later that I realized Brandon Tyler Russell and Kevin Sorbo look an awful lot alike, and who knows? There might be father-son movie roles in their futures!

Brandon Tyler Russell talks to TMZ on the Red Carpet.

In short the red carpet was unlike any I’ve ever seen, much less that I’ve walked. It was as wide as a city street, black (in honor of the pirate theme) and several city blocks long. We, along with the celebs like Johnny Depp, Penelope Cruz, Steven Tyler, Emma Roberts, Teri Hatcher, Geoffrey Rush, Jody Foster, Ava Longoria, Jake T. Austin, Ashley Tisdale, Ian McShane, Martin Short, Kirstie Alley, Keith Richards, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Benson, Eric McCormack, Chelsea Kane, and Lisa Rinna, literally walked from the entrance at Downtown Disney all the way to New Orleans on the carpet. Screaming fans, at least 6 people deep, lined the carpet on both sides. I was told some fans had actually been camping out along side the carpet all day to get the best seats for celeb sightings.

Disney-style theatrics started even before the film did. The theater was outdoors, with stadium style seating jutting out into the park’s pirate harbor. A tremendous movie screen perched right next to the docked pirate ship. The cast (Depp, Cruz, Rush, McShane) slowly came out and took their bows to thunderous applause – Keith Richards eliciting most of that thunder by the way. When it began to drizzle, I started to wonder if Disney had somehow magically made the precipitation appear to add to the overall highseas effect. Looking around the audience I couldn’t believe the star power seated beside us on all sides. It was so star-studded in fact, that is seemed more akin to an awards ceremony audience than a premiere. The film itself was wonderful – but I’ll let you see for yourself when it opens this Friday.

Special Note: All purchased tickets benefitted the Boys and Girls Club of America and we were so pleased to see many of the Boys & Girls Club kids sitting in the theater with us that evening. [Update: the ON STRANGER TIDES premiere raised over $1 million for the Boys & Girls’ Clubs and that the special edition of the Pirate’s Booty snack we munched on during the premiere is donating to them as well.]

Special Thanks to Desiree Russell, Stacy Ringer and Jamie Malone for photos and for being fabulous!

Noah Ringer on the Red Carpet of Pirates 4

See “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” in Disney Digital 3D™ and RealD™ 3D, May 20th through June 22 at The El Capitan Theatre. This theater enhances the movie-going experience with a fantastic display of items actually used in the making of “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.” Among the items are ornate props, elaborate costumes worn by the cast, and set pieces from the film itself. The El Capitan will also commemorate the opening of “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” by offering each guest, while supplies last, a soft drawstring bag containing two “Pieces of Eight” tribute coins sponsored by Goldline International. These collectible alloy coins, designed exclusively by Disney for the El Capitan showings, have a look reminiscent of coins common to the period depicted in the film. www.elcapitantickets.com

Landry Bender Meets Mickey on the Red Carpet of "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides"

Jordan Bobbitt, Brandon Russell Tyler, Savanna Sterling on the red carpet of "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides"

Jordan Bobbitt, Brandon Tyler Russell & Savanna Sterling enjoy the world premiere party of Disney's "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" at Disneyland

Pirate Performers lined the Red Carpet of the Pirates Premiere

Rock God Steven Tyler on the Red Carpet of Pirates 4

Kevin Sorbo on the Red Carpet doing his best pirate imitation

Brandon Tyler Russell walksthe red carpet in style

Chiquita & trainer visit with her many fans

Swashbuckling Jugglers entertain the crowds

Landry Bender Befriends a Skeleton Pirate

The one and only, Johnny Depp

Penelope Cruz

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The Hollywood Life: Hollywood Mom Blog Makes the LA Times Film Section!

Posted on 05. Dec, 2010 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.

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As reported a couple of weeks ago, HMB covered and attended the premiere of “The Nutcracker in 3D.” Until last week, my strongest memories of the evening were of my wonderful HMB entourage who assisted in every way possible to make the coverage a success, Elle Fanning’s graciousness and incredible poise on the red carpet and the watchful eye of Fanning’s agent Cindy Osbrink, (rep of both Fanning sisters, Atticus Shaffer and Colin Ford among others) whose demeanor with her client was so protective and motherly that I actually mistook her for Elle’s mother Joy. Only when I reviewed my photos later in the evening did I realize I was talking to none other than the iconic Osbrink herself. Oops.

Now those three memories are in strong competition with this singular one: I was quoted for the advertising campaign which has appeared in the Los Angeles Times daily since last Wednesday. I’ll admit it has me on a Siskel and Ebert or Ebert and Roper kind of high (Two thumbs up!), an experience and honor I never desired but now that it’s arrived, is pretty cool. That’s it – just wanted to share another amazing adventure on this ride of being the Hollywood Mom and to thank all of you for joining me.

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HMB on the Red Carpet of “The Nutcracker in 3D” World Premiere!

Posted on 12. Nov, 2010 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.

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Elle Fanning at the premiere of THE NUTCRACKER in 3D, with HMB reporters Blaire Goldberg & Jordan Bobbitt

As most of you know, yesterday was the World Premiere of Elle Fanning’s new movie, “The Nutcracker in 3D” and Hollywood Mom Blog not only hosted a giveaway to our readership (Lucky reader Yasmin won 2 Passes!) but HMB also attended and interviewed the stars as they entered the theater. It was a wonderful night at The Grove LA, where Christmas decorations are all ready up adding to the magical atmosphere. The family film opens nationwide November 24, 2010. For a detailed synopsis of the movie, cast and hyperlinks please read our original post.

Below is a video recap of the evenings festivities at the premiere. A special thanks to my daughter Jordan for not only working the red carpet as an ace interviewer but for editing this piece in one afternoon. Thanks also to adorable Blaire Goldberg for her deft flip cam coverage and reporting skills, her mother Nicole Hanratty for working her magic with the camera up and down ladders as well as the red carpet and to Pennie and Emme Creager for overall moral support, being seat-saving ninjas and for the ride home. Muaahhhh! Big kisses to you all ladies!

This is what HMB’s winner Yasmin Matten had to say about her experience at the premiere:

Hi Tracy!
We can’t thank you enough for giving us the opportunity to go to the Nutcracker in 3D premiere last night! For several days, I kept eagerly waiting for that e-mail to tell me that I won, and I did! It was my daughter, Amelia’s, birthday and you helped make it a very special day. I had shown her the previews of the movie online and she was just so excited to be there. I didn’t hear a peep out of her during the entire movie! At the end of the movie, Amelia got to briefly meet and take a quick picture with Elle. This will be something really cool for her to see when she gets older.

Since moving to LA last year from the east coast, we’ve been having so much fun with all these “Hollywood moments”. My other daughter, Fiona (6mo), got her first “job” on TV when she was just a month old and we now have both girls with an agency. It’s fun, but it sure takes a lot of you! I promised my friends back east that I wouldn’t turn into a Hollywood mom, but it’s just so contagious! I love reading your blogs with all your great information. I can tell that you put a lot of effort into it. We all appreciate your hard work.
Keep up the great work you’re doing on the HMB! We look forward to more events!

All the best,
Yasmin and Amelia Matten

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Win Passes to World Premiere of “THE NUTCRACKER IN 3D” Starring Elle Fanning in Los Angeles on Hollywood Mom Blog!

Posted on 06. Nov, 2010 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.

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Your favorite childhood Christmas story is now a dynamic film in 3D and you can win a chance to attend the world premiere right here on Hollywood Mom Blog!

From the imagination of acclaimed Russian director Andrei Konchalovsky, the cherished story of The Nutcracker will be brought to life in spectacular 3D this holiday season and unbelievably will be the only holiday-themed film released this year! The film boasts a stellar cast (Child Star Elle Fanning, John Turturro, Nathan Lane, Charlie Rowe, Yulia Vysotskaya) and features 8 new songs by Academy Award-winner Sir Tim Rice, each based on Tchaikovsky’s original music.

This coming Wednesday, November 10, 2010, *One Lucky Parent and Child will win passes to attend the Red Carpet, World Premiere of “The Nutcracker in 3D,” on HollywoodMomBlog.com. To enter, simply post one of your favorite childhood or holiday memories of seeing “The Nut Cracker” as a child, below in the comment section. Your memories can be funny, touching, or nostalgic! The winner will be notified on Monday, November 8, 2010, via email. Come join me, the Hollywood Mom and my Hollywood Kid Jordan, for the red carpet premiere!

*As transportation and lodging are not provided, the winner should be within driving distance of Los Angeles.

THE NUTCRACKER IN 3D follows nine-year-old Mary (Elle Fanning) whose dull Viennese Christmas is suddenly filled with excitement and adventure following the arrival of her beloved Uncle Albert (Nathan Lane) and his gift of an enchanted nutcracker.

On Christmas night, Mary’s new friend, The Nutcracker (Charlie Rowe) or “NC,” comes to life and takes her on a wondrous journey into his magical world of fairies, sugarplums, and other Christmas toys which come to life. Mary soon realizes that this fantastical kingdom is facing danger from the tyrannical rule of the evil Rat King (John Turturro) and his devious mother (Frances de la Tour). When NC is taken hostage, Mary and her newfound toy friends must uncover the secret of the Rat King to rescue NC and his kingdom.

Based on the story that inspired acclaimed Russian composer Piotr Tchaikovsky to create the music for the iconic ballet, the film includes eight exciting new songs penned by Oscar-winning lyricist and librettist Sir Tim Rice (The Lion King, Evita, Jesus Christ Superstar).

“The NutCracker in 3D,” opens nationwide on Wednesday, November 24, 2010. Website: www.nutcrackerin3d.com

YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/TheNutcracker3D

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Profile: Lesley Bryce, Go-To-Photographer for Hollywood’s Up & Comers, Gives 5 Headshot Tips for Child Actors

Posted on 20. Jul, 2010 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.

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I had the pleasure of meeting photographer Lesley Bryce in June of this year when my daughter Jordan did a photo shoot for L.A.’s favorite kids clothing store, Hipster Kid (below). Lesley is an accomplished photographer and member of the Professional Photographers of America whose work you’ve likely seen in Popstar Magazine, PopCon and on the website JustJaredJr.com, among others. While I knew instantly that I liked her photography, I became better acquainted with Lesley Bryce the person during her interview this week.

Actress Larsen Thompson, photographed by Lesley Bryce

Actress Jordan Bobbitt, photographed by Lesley Bryce

As a child, Leslie felt the pull of art and the creative process. “I believe I knew at about 7 years old I would [eventually] become an artist of some sort. I was always a ham in front of the camera, and I can remember incessantly bugging my Dad to let me play with his 35mm Pentex,” she states. During her senior year of high school, Bryce enrolled in a college course in photography and immediately fell head over heels. Her love affair with photography led her to California State University at Northridge, CSUN, where she received a degree in Studio Arts/Fine Art Photography. Bryce names her influences as Richard Avedon, Annie Leibowitz, Lewis Hine, Edward Weston, Man Ray and Walker Evans. “I find I am still continually inspired by color, geometric shapes, architecture and personality,” Bryce adds.

What’s your philosophy of photography? In other words, what makes a Lesley Bryce photo a Lesley Bryce photo?

I would have to say it is telling a story through an image, revealing the emotion of the subject…this is what photography is all about. Capturing that moment in time, seeing something no one else can, and then sharing it with the world in a photograph. A ” Lesley Bryce Photograph” is colorful, out-side-of-the-box Art.

You do all types of photography: Baby, Kids, Portraits, Commercial, Weddings, Publicity shots, Fashion. Which do you consider your forte?

Location is key to a good photograph.

Capturing human emotion is my forte…capturing people for who they really are, whether it be a wedding, a portrait or fashion. The ability to shoot a variety of styles in photography keeps me alive and creative and helps me crossover elements from one type of photography to the other. It keeps the process lucid, alive and original. I much prefer natural lighting as it gives more room to let the subject be free and fluid. Location is also an important factor when story-boarding my sessions with my clients.

How much, if any, retouching do you do to your photos?

Much of my work is done in camera…I have a few secret ingredients that I use in post production!

Disney Actress, Allyson Arm, of "Sonny With A Chance"

Reviewing your portfolio, it appears you’ve done a lot of work with young, up & coming talent in Los Angeles. Who are some of the child and teen actors and actresses you’ve shot? How did that begin and do you see yourself moving in that direction?

Yes, I have[worked] with upcoming talent in LA…It really came about when I started working with my good friend Antoinette Bartsch-Newhouse, owner/designer of Three Peas Co. who had hired me to take lifestyle photographs of her clothing line. From there I was introduced to T2PR, a public relations firm and [together] these two companies have been of great help and assistance to me. I am truly grateful for their tremendous belief in me and my work.

: Hipster Kids Jordan Bobbitt, Hannah Zeile and Larsen Thompson for ShopHipsterKid.com in Westlake Village, CA.

Young talent I have photographed would include Allyson Ashley Arm (Sonny with a Chance), Chelsea Makela (Dance Flick, 2009), Amy Paffrath (I Kissed a Vampire, 2010), young musicians Destinee and Paris Monroe ( Despicable Me, 2010) and Keana Texiera (of the teen duo G-Girlz). I’ve had terrific feedback and agents are really loving the images I’ve [captured]. I enjoy the limitless creative capacity of this type of photography and look forward to continuing on this road with a number of new projects lined up.

What 5 tips would you give to parents of child actors who are about to have professional photos taken?

1. If the child has an agent, discuss with the agent before consulting with the photographer so you can give a clear description of what you are looking to have captured on film to suit your needs.

2. Parents should not put too much pressure on their child before and during the shoot. You have hired a professional to capture your child’s image, and have selected them to accomplish this for you based on their expertise, so please, let the photographer have the room to do so…I sometimes ask the parent(s) to go grab a cup of coffee so the child and I can relate to one another without the pressure of trying to please their parents…and which almost always results in their natural personality shining through in the image.

3. If you have no idea about what to wear, or the image you hope to portray, please consult with the photographer for tips on clothing, hair, and make-up.

4. Your child’s head shots are their calling cards, and can make or break whether they receive a call back, so even though you may have a friend who is a photography enthusiast, and may take photos for little money (which is so awesome of your friend), this does not mean they have the professional know how to obtain that perfect shot, the one which could ensure that prized callback .

5. Parents should also be aware that your child should have new head shots done every 6-8 months. Agencies want to know what your child looks like now….not six months ago, so keep current.

For a limited time, Lesley Bryce is generously offering our readers a $99 “Headshots Special” to acquaint you with her amazing work. Mention Hollywood Mom Blog when you call to book 805-443-2188. At this ridiculous rate, you should book with her regardless of whether or not your child has acting aspirations! You can review Bryce’s impressive portfolio at www.lesleybryce.com and follow her on twitter at twitter.com/LesleyBryceFoto

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REMINDER: Meet A Top Casting Director for DISNEY this Saturday May 22 in Woodland Hills!

Posted on 19. May, 2010 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.

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New date for this event is Saturday May 22, 2010 from 1 pm to 3 pm

Meeting top Casting Directors is one of the single most important steps your skilled child actor can take on their journey to becoming a “working” child actor.

Talented Child Actors who met with Debbie Entin at her last Casting Workshop with a Nickelodeon Casting Director - 3 kids from the session were later called in to read with her!

On Saturday May 22 at 1pm. to 3:00 pm, Valley West Actors Space (one of our favorite acting studios in Los Angeles) will host a casting workshop with Niner Parikkh of Joey Paul Casting who is currently casting the feature films “Honey 2″ and “Bring it On: Fight to the Finish.” They just completed casting the true story “Soul Surfer” with Anna Sophia Robb, Dennis Quaid and Helen Hunt. Joey Paul also cast Disney shows, “Phil of The Future,” “That’s So Raven,” “Cory In The House,” and “Imagination Movers.” This is a great opportunity for child actors interested in television and film because Joey Paul Casting does a lot of both. Please bring 2 head shots with resumes attached to the class.

The talented Debbie Entin of Rising Talent Management will also be heading up this workshop. Her clients have recently appeared on the TV Shows “Suite Life on Deck”, “iCarly,” “Las Vegas” and “Cold Case.” After her last workshop at VWAS (which my daughter attended) two of the child actors were called in by the Casting Director from Nickelodeon and three were asked to meet with Debbie for possible representation. This class is for children ages 6-18.

Valley West Actors Space is located at 22743 Ventura Blvd. Woodland Hills. Each participant will receive written feedback and the cost of the workshop is a very reasonable $75 and only$50 for registered members of VWAS. Please enroll quickly as the class is limited to only 25 lucky students!

For more information email actingshowcase1@gmail.com or 818-222-7484

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Teen Star, Jonah Bobo to Emcee “KD FUN DAY” May 8, 2010 in Carlsbad!

Posted on 30. Apr, 2010 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.

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On May 8, 2010, the Kawasaki Disease (KD) Foundation hopes to raise $25,000 with KD Fun Day, an event which launches the Quest for a Diagnostic Test, in support of scientists at the UC San Diego Kawasaki Disease Research Center working to create the vital diagnostic test for Kawasaki Disease. The KD Foundation will donate all proceeds from the KD Fun Day Quest for a Diagnostic Test to the UC San Diego Kawasaki Disease Research Center, along with a 25% match on the first $15,000 of donations. Unfortunately, there is currently no diagnostic test for KD Disease which is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children. A staggering 80% of KD patients are younger than five years old and these children have a good chance of recovery when properly diagnosed. However, when KD is left untreated or misdiagnosed, Kawasaki Disease can lead to fatal coronary artery aneurysms.

KD Fun Day will be emceed by one of our favorite teens, Jonah Bobo, a 13-year-old native New Yorker who also happens to be a star of both film and television (pictured left with current co-star Analeigh Tipton and family friend Jordan Bobbitt). Jonah has become well-known to kids across America as the voice of Austin in The Backyardigans and Todd in Disney’s Fox and the Hound 2. He is probably most recognized as Danny in the feature film Zathura: A Space Adventure but has also starred in The Best Thief in the World, Around the Bend, Strangers with Candy and the 2008′s Sundance sweetheart film, Choke with Sam Rockwell and Angelica Houston. Jonah is currently in California working on an as-of-yet-untitled ensemble comedy also starring Steve Carrell, Julianne Moore, Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, Analeigh Tipton and child actress Joey King. We had the pleasure of Jonah’s company for about 2 weeks earlier this month and I can say with some authority that the next field he’ll conquer is Rock-n-Roll. I don’t think this kid has ever met a guitar he didn’t like. When they make “School of Rock - the sequel” Jonah should be the first kid they cast, right after big kid Jack Black.

Jonah contributes his time and efforts to a number of worthwhile charities and has close ties with Team Continuum and Project Sunshine. Upon learning about the seriousness of Kawasaki Disease, Jonah immediately volunteered to be a part of Quest for a Diagnostic Test Fun Day!

Festivities will take place at Stagecoach Community Park, 3420 Camino de los Coches, in Carlsbad, CA. Funday activities include face painting, balloon animals, music, performances, prizes, opportunity drawing, giveaways, entertainment, professional photography and even the cows from Chick-Fil-A to entertain the kids and fun for the whole family! Entertainment will be provided by Playball, The Hullaballo Band, JW Tumbles and our other friends, The Jumpitz (pictured right), and a number of generous sponsors will be on hand with their wares including: Dasani Water, Costco, our family’s favorite grocery store Trader Joe’s, Dick’s, GG Benitez & Associates, Shakeys Pizza, The Winespot and many more.

If you can’t make it down to Carlsbad but want to help out with this extremely worthwhile cause please donate here. You can read more about the foundation and the disease, here.

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It’s a Full House At The 31st Annual Young Artists Awards!

Posted on 12. Apr, 2010 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.

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HMB's Red Carpet Reporter, Jordan Bobbitt with YAA nominee, Allisyn Ashley Arm of Disney's "Sonny With a Chance." Interview posting soon!

Child and Teen Stars of film, television, internet and theater gathered Sunday at the Beverly Garland Hotel, in North Hollywood for the 31st Annual Young Artist Awards. Arriving from all points of the globe, so many well-dressed, young stars flooded the YAA red carpet it looked like celebrity rush hour on the 101! The young stars were photographed by all the news outlets and interviewed by fellow performer Jordan Bobbitt for the Hollywood Mom Blog; On the Red Carpet for ABC and by Piper of Piper’s Picks, among others. (Jordan’s video coverage of this event’s YAA red carpet will be posted soon, right here on HMB.) Guests were entertained by musical performers Yatharth Ratnum (pictured below), Ashlee Keating and Tyler Shamy.

Here’s a run down of who walked away with the YAA top honors:

In the Feature Film Category Max Records received top honors as Leading Young Actor for his work in “Where The Wild Things Are” and Abigail Breslin won for Leading Young Actress for “My Sister’s Keeper.” Both of the top honors were received in absentia however, which was somewhat disappointing and anticlimactic given all the actors who did attend and participate. Note to actors: this is a huge honor. Do yourself a favor and show up!

Feature Film Supporting Young Actor honors went to Canadian Ty Wood for “The Haunting” in Connecticut – a personal favorite of ours, who complimented Jordan on her first run as a Red Carpet Reporter. Sofia Vassilieva and Jessica Carlson tied for Supporting Young Actress. Vassilieva won for “My Sister’s Keeper” and Carlson won for “Vampires Assistant.” Carlson had the spotlight on her acceptance speech as Vassilieva was a no show.

Ensemble Cast honors went to the film “Shorts” with its young stars Jimmy Bennett, Jake Short, Devon Gearhart, Leo Howard, Jolie Vanier and Trevor Gagnon. Short and Vanier accepted on behalf of the entire young cast with genuine enthusiasm and appreciation. It was wonderful to see.

India's Musical Youth, Yatharth Ratnum interviewed by Jordan Bobbitt

Joey Luthman won for Best Young Actor in a Short Film for “Save the Skeet.” To the crowd’s delight, presenter Nikki Reed jokingly read the winner of the Best Young Actress category as this years’ Oscar, Golden Globe and SAG slam-dunk winner Sandra Bullock, before announcing the real winner, Madison Leisle for her performance in “City of Lights.”

Presenters Remy Thorne and Sephanie Scott announced Actor Joey Pollari as the winner of Leading Young Actor in a TV Movie, Miniseries or Special for “Skyrunners.” In the same category Leading or Supporting Young Actress went to Tori Barban for “The Christmas Hope” and Supporting Young Actor honors went to Alex Ferris for “Living Out Loud.”

For Best Performance in a TV Series the awards went to Calum Worthy, Leading Young Actor for “Stormworld” and Ryan Newman won for Leading Young Actress, for “Zeke and Luther.” Ryan Malgarini won Supporting Young Actor honors for Gary Unmarried and his co-star in “Gary Unmarried,” Kathryn Newton, winning for Supporting Young Actress, besting one of our favorites, Allisyn Ashley Arm. When Kathryn accepted her award she said it was for a former agent who unwittingly told Kathryn she was washed up at the age of 6! Can you imagine telling a 6 year old her “career” is over? Well good for you Kathryn – look’s like you got the last laugh with a hot prime time TV show and a YAA win to boot!

Guest Starring honors for a young actor 14 and over went to Nate Hartley for Hannah Montana who thanked his life coach & mentor, Mikey Reed and comically thanked Justin Beiber “Just for being so Beiberlicious.” Actor Billy Unger won Guest Starring Young Actor 13 and Under for “Mental” and Emily Evan Rae won for Guest Starring Young Actress for “Private Practice.”

Recurring Young Actor 14 and Over in a TV Series went to super thoughtful Mick Hazen for As the World Turns who generously thanked not only his real parents but his “fake parents” from the soap. Colin Ford won for Recurring Young Actor 13 and Under for “Supernatural” and Alex Farrir presented Haley Pullos with Recurring Young Actress honors for “General Hospital.”

Actress & YAA nominee Bella Thorne was a vision in cream as she presented the awards for Outstanding Young Performers in a TV Series to “Modern Family” with its young stars Rico Rodriguez, Nolan Gould and Ariel Winter. The adorable Nolan Gould (who HMB interviewed at length) graciously accepted on behalf of his cast mates.

Jordan Nagal won for Best Performance in a Voice-Over Role for “Up” and Matthew Knight win for Best Performance in a DVD Film for Gooby. Lastly, Sterling Beaumon won for Best Performance in Live Theater for “‘Big – The Musical.”

For more information go to the organization’s web site youngartistawards.org.

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“Modern Family” Moment with the Emphasis on “Moment”

Posted on 27. Feb, 2010 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.

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Last week Jordan got a call to work one of our favorite television shows, “Modern Family.” We were hoping it was for one of the “featured friends of Alex” played by young talent Ariel Winter, but no, she was (too young I tell myself) cast as “kid standing in line outside the Apple Store as Claire Runs by for an unknown but assuredly hilarious reason.”

So after a day of work in the rain Jordan will have perhaps a “moment” on screen. Is it worth it? I can tell you what my husband thinks and that would be “No, it is not.” He seems to ascribe to the “go big or go home” theory in acting as in life. What do you say Moms and Dads of child actors? Go big or Go no matter what?

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