About the Kaback Talent Academy

“From the dawn of mankind, the single idea we have all shared despite race, religion or background, the one vital concept that has endowed us with our humanity, has been the notion of storytelling.”

So what is KTA?

At some moment, all of us, whether as kids or adults, have dreamt we were a famous singer, actor or model, even if just for a fleeting moment.

The Kaback Talent Academy, designed equally for beginner as well as experienced talent, provides modern techniques, advice and most importantly the resources to go from novice to professional in the entertainment industry.  KTA provides a foundation of training rooted in the time-honored traditions of people who have been successful and who desire to give back by offering the next generation of entertainers a roadmap of what works and what doesn’t.

“The Academy” is a FREE service offering instructional video, up-to-the-minute access to real-time castings, as well as downloadable e-books and PDF guides on insider techniques.   KTA covers what both experienced and new models, actors, and musicians need to know to succeed with subjects such as, “How to be signed by an agent or manager” and “How to land your Dream Job” all written by a who’s who of A-list individuals actively involved in the entertainment industry in NY and LA.

Imagine a world without Arts and Entertainment

Any endeavor in life takes experience and knowledge. For the past five years we have interviewed thousands of truly gifted individuals and many of them lacked one key factor- the resources and circle of connections to support their dreams.  We used to say to those individuals, “Why swim with ducks, when you can soar with eagles.”

“Our concept is easy to master—Learn, perfect your ability and build relationships with those who can show you the way.”


At the same time we were saddened to see so many of these people spend hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars on products and services,  such as photos or classes, from companies all with good intentions, but that unfortunately could not guarantee success or even a shot at a legitimate job.  Thus you got just what you paid for– pictures and basic classes. So we asked, “What do the people with talent, looks and determination really need that’s not some false promise with a price tag to boot?

The Talent Academy was born.

http://www.kabacktalentacademy.com/

While scouting for The IT Factor with Alycia Kaback  the reaction I have found I most come across is “There’s work for me?”  The sheer disbelief that not only was I or perhaps Kaback Models interested in scouting their look, due to their personality, their sense of fashion, or something about them that just stands out; is that there is a place for them in the industry.

This is most evident in those of a wiser age than a teenager or young adult.  Maybe it was something they had thought about when they were younger, having done plays while in high school, but life took a hold and a “real job” had to be taken.  Family comes along, and what becomes important is not finding a way to break into the biz, it’s being able to put a meal on the table for your family.

Maybe you became a teacher, an accountant, or a lawyer; from time to time attending a play, or a musical, or even an open mic night.  Somewhere in your mind you thought it had to be a dream that needed to fade.  You had to grow up.  You had to turn in your acting chops for a calculator.  Sure, you would still get the laughs from your family and friends, but to be on stage, or on TV, or in the movies was a sarcastic thought far, far away.

Not all dreams have had to die as we get older.  Personally, I went the route of going to college for Fine Arts, a concentration in painting.  While in school, my parents worried if I would be able to find a job, and make a living with this degree.  Would I go the route of the “starving artist,” and scrape by?  Would I live in a cardboard box, down by the river painting cityscapes, hoping to be noticed, and be appreciated for what it was that I loved?

I am lucky enough to have done my degree proud.  I have accomplished several shows within the Philadelphia area down through Washington DC, as well as have had curated exhibitions, sold numerous works, and even worked on murals for museums.  I am still involved in the fine arts realm; having recently entered the entertainment field was to expand the arts and being able to help others continue to achieve their dreams.  Much like with actors or models, there were many artists who had never had the opportunity to show, and thought they were too old to show, or have people appreciate their work.  Several of these artists are now painting even more, even more excited to produce and get their work shown.

The lesson learned is that you are never too old to try something new.  There is a place in the industry for everyone especially in commercial management companies such as Kaback Models, as long as you have the drive and, much like with anything, you are willing to take a leap of faith.

You might be surprised where you will end up.

Megan Coonelly

Alycia Kaback Talent Scout for Philadelphia & VIP

The “It” Factor Productions and KMM is currently casting and looking for a wide variety of looks and age ranges from kids to adults. To take the next step, fill out the following information by visiting http://modelingagenciesinpa.com/.

The “It” Factor Productions and KMM is currently casting and looking for a wide variety of looks and age ranges from kids to adults. To take the next step, fill out the following information by visiting http://modelingagenciesinpa.com/

Regis and Kelly….What??

So I woke up this morning to the news that David Hyde Pierce was on Regis and Kelly today to promote our show, CLOSE UP SPACE!! Not only did he mention everyone in the cast, they showed footage of which I appear in! Very cool!

Here is the link to the Regis and Kelly video:
DHP on Regis and Kelly

Also MTC made a promo video for the show of interviews with the cast, playwright, director and producer along with rehearsal footage. Pretty neat.

Here is the link for that:
CLOSE UP SPACE Promo

This is the show website. Click on the ticket tab for deals and rates. We are selling out fast and I want to make sure you guys don’t get shut out!! 
CLOSE UP SPACE WEBSITE

Thanks again everyone for all of your support and taking this ride with me! I’m so glad to have you all with me for it!
All my love!
Jess

Alycia Kaback met Jessica DiGiovanni at the VIP Talent Connect offices in Philadelphia.  Jessica went to several of our VIP Networking Summits  and has seen great success since.  Follow this link to read more on what’s been happening with Jessica DiGiovanni since she met Alycia Kaback. 

The “It” Factor Productions and KMM is currently casting and looking for a wide variety of looks and age ranges from kids to adults. To take the next step, fill out the following information by visiting http://modelingagenciesinpa.com/

Alycia Kaback has recently started using the Entertainment and Beyond blog as an important resource for information about the industry.  This blog features many articles on all aspects of entertainment as well as practical advice about participating in this sometimes complex world.  Here is another entertainment tip from Alycia Kaback: Have a dinner of interesting people – At VIP Talent Connect we do this six times a year. After every summit we have all the speakers and staff (including our top scouts) at a private dinner in New York. It is a fun night and as a company we solidify our relationships with both our staff and the industry experts. Plus we always manage to connect some of our industry experts who will do business together later. It is a great way to create good will and have fun at the same time. Read Entertainment and Beyond on Alycia Kaback.

 The “It” Factor Productions and KMM is currently casting and looking for a wide variety of looks and age ranges from kids to adults. To take the next step, fill out the following information by visiting http://modelingagenciesinpa.com/

Collection will be at our special December Meet & Greet with Casting Director Stephen DeAngelis on December 3^rd between 3 PM – 5 PM at our Feasterville location at 210 Street Rd. Suite 2A Feasterville, PA 19053.

This Meet & Greet with Stephen DeAngelis is free, but there is a suggested donation of a gift for Alycia Kaback’s Toy drive to benefit St. Mary’s Medical Center.  St. Mary’s asks that donations are all new, unused, and unwrapped.

Suggested toy donation list:

For Infants (0-1): activity centers, washable soft toys, clothes, large building blocks (wood or plastic), floating bath toys.

2-4 yrs: building blocks, non-toxic art supplies, simple puzzles w/ large pieces, cars & trucks, children’s books.

5-7 yrs: non-toxic artist/craft kits, action figures and dolls, hand puppets, board/card games, construction toys (Legos, K-nex,etc.).

8-10 yrs: electronic learning toys, and held electronic games, model kits, sewing, knitting, needlework (craft kits), construction toys (Legos, K-nex, etc.).

11-jr high: cosmetic/beauty gift bags, computer games/hand held electronics, gift cards (Walmart, Game Stop), table/board games, model kits, craft kits, hand bag (girls)/ backpack (guys).
Thank you and Happy Holidays!!!

How did you get started with The IT Factor Alycia Kaback and KMM?

It was last Spring.  A friend from school called me and his girlfriend was a scout, so they scheduled me for an open call.  At the appointment, they were focusing more on acting and the event, but I looked at the website and did my homework.  I don’t like to do anything without doing research.  The money for the event is a lot, but it is worth it for acting.  I was mainly focusing on modeling, unless acting comes my way in the future.  I had worked for a year on my own, but didn’t have representation or the connections, so I signed.  I’m working full time, and still going to school; school will always be there, but not my looks and age. I want to be a full time model, so I’m dedicated to that.

Is this something you ever thought you could do?

I thought I could because I’ve been tall and skinny all my life, but my parents stressed academics as my main focus.  I’ve always been focused on school, but modeling was always in the back of my mind.  I just didn’t really know how to start, and I didn’t want to disappoint people.  I went to school, but then on a whim I tried out for ANTM because they were holding tryouts 2 stops away in Texas.  It was convenient and I kept making the cuts.  I made it to the top 32, which is the first aired episode, of cycle 15.  I was in LA for a week, and then I was part of the first group cut from the semi-finalists.  I was disappointed, but I was one of 32 out of 15,000 and I had never done any modeling before.  I know that if I made it that far, modeling is definitely something I have potential in, I just need to work on some stuff.  I don’t know how to do it on my own, but I started trying to find jobs and networking.  I have my values and I am strong-willed.  I don’t want to do anything erotica. I know what I want to do and have been working on building my portfolio.  I know it doesn’t happen overnight, but I’m dedicated and excited.  Before, it was a dilemma between modeling and school, but school will always be there.  It will always be my backup but this is my motivation.  If I could do online classes at the same time, modeling is my focus.  I just don’t want to dive in to it and be broke, because this is an investment in order to build your portfolio and go to jobs.  If I had to move to New York to start making money, I’m ready and that is fine with me.

What was it like being on ANTM?

Miserable, cameras are on only 2 hours a day.  When the cameras are off, you can’t talk.  Imagine eating all your meals for a week, and not being able to talk.  When they can talk is what you see on TV.  There is a lot of stuff that goes on behind-the-scenes.  It’s too expensive to run the cameras all day, but the sacrifice is us not being able to talk.  I’ve stayed in touch with a lot of the girls.  I wouldn’t do it again.  They want the emotional, sob story, but I’m a strong willed person and don’t want to sell my story.  It was modeling and TV, and I wasn’t going to alter myself because I have a reputation to make for myself in order to maintain and didn’t want to taint it before I made a name.  I learned a lot, but I wouldn’t do it again.  They are looking for the stereotypical looking girl, super tall, super skinny, weird/unique looking.  I want to do what I want to do and have fun.  It’s not about the attention, it’s about the passion.

What are some of the jobs you’ve done so far?

I just signed with KMM last week.  My appointment was on Wednesday, and did a fashion show on Friday.  I haven’t done anything major yet, but a friend of mine, Elizabeth Valentine who is with Colby Models, is doing stuff.  I’m ready.

What have you done personally?

May of last year was when I did ANTM.  I worked on my portfolio, and did a lot of trade and print work, because it can get expensive.  I’ll find photographers that I’m satisfied with and work with them.  I’m very personable and meet new people on model mayhem.  I am proud of myself for being a hussler.  I look for photographers who are also looking to build their portfolios and we both benefit from them.  I’ve learned how to retouch myself and I’m happy with where my pictures are at.  Since I’m new, and have my portfolio, I can start working soon.

What has been your favorite job you’ve done so far?

I like high fashion photoshoots when you have a wardrobe stylist, makeup stylist and hair stylist.  I’m a girly-girl so I like getting dolled up.  Tyra said I have a commercial face, so I like getting done up and being able to be creative and quirky, so big photo shoots I like.  All I have to do is show up and then work it for the cameras.  I want to do runway, but I’m kind of nervous because I’m not a size 0 and I won’t be.  I have a butt, and I’d like to keep that.  If it’s appropriate, I want to do runway.

Favorite/idol models?

Heidi Klum because she’s done what I want do do.  She’s a personable person and is gorgeous.  She has a family, is successful, and has grown it into a business.  She stays in shape and is beautiful, and is the epitome of what I want to do.  I’m a Swiss citizen and she speaks German, and I speak German.  The more that makes you stand out and the more willing you are to learn, is a good thing.  I’ve been complemented that I do what it takes to get the shot and I’m fun to work with.  I don’t want to be one of the girls who complain and since I’m a model I don’t really have a say.  I’m not high maintenance or picky.  I hate when models are because it’s not the models choice.  Models are the clay that we mold to fit what the photographers want.  I want to make that process delightful for everyone.  When people like you, and you produce great work, you get more jobs.  I don’t have a finish line.  I just want to keep going until …

What do you look for in photographers?

I don’t like ones that just snap and don’t stay anything.  It’s so many frames and you probably only got 2 good shots.  I like photographers that take their time and work with the lighting.  Ones that give some direction and produce shots that most times don’t even need editing.  Photographers that appreciate the art aspect, value the process, and are skilled and knowledgeable.  If it’s just snap snap snap, you forget what you’re doing with your face.  Different photographers look for different things, so as long as they can communicate, then we’re good.

Are there any jobs you wouldn’t do?

Porn.  I used to say I wouldn’t do nude, but I have done a nude shot.  You can see everything and nothing at the same time and it’s a beautiful shot.  It’s the artistic illusion.  When it’s artisitic, I don’t really have a boundary.  But some people take it too far and it can become trashy.  If I’m not comfortable, I’ll speak up.  As long as it fits my values, then it’s fine.  I’ve seen a lot of pictures where boobs may be out, but it’s a beautiful picture and its high fashion, and that is what you achieved, so that’s fine.  In this day, edgy is in and so is sex, so as long as its artistic, it’s fine.

What was the fashion show like?

Rushed.  It’s very fast moving and exhilarating.  It was fun and it was a smaller fashion show.  As a model, you do all types of jobs and you have to be able to adapt to the different settings.  We didn’t know where we were walking until we got there, but I go with the flow and that is part of the runway.  It’s always more enjoyable when you like the clothes you are modeling, so that made it easier.

Who is your inspiration and why?

My daddy.  He passed away 3 years ago, so as of now he is my motivation because I’m his legacy and I carry on his name and work to make him proud.  Even when he was still alive, he supported me in whatever I wanted to do and modeling is who I am and what I want to do.  I’m inspired to do this because of that belief that he has.  It’s harder when my mom has a specific idea of what she wants me to do, I have to make her proud first.  He will always be proud no matter what I do first.  Most definitely a daddy’s girl.

Looking forward to in the future?

Being a supermodel.  I really want to do runway and big fashon shows.  Not necessarily Fashion Week, because you might not get paid and I’m about getting paid.  It’s live, so you have to be on point.  Making it big and hopefully doing big shows for big designers.

What is your dream?

My ultimate modeling dream would be to be a Victoria’s Secret Model.  Only Ford and Elite do Victoria’s Secret (mostly).

I’ve dreamed of doing the Victoria secret’s show with the wings.  If I see it, I can hopefully do it one day.  I’m not discouraged, and I can only work hard to get there.  If I have other things that I do to be proud of, then that’s ok.

Goals in life and modeling?

Be successful.  Modeling-money, good reputation, impressive resume. I want to be successful in whatever other endeavors I pursue.  I want to go back to school. I like research so that’s probably the backup plan.  I find science interesting because you can always learn more and I love to learn.  I want to go to graduate school; I’m not on a strict timeline, but it’s something I want to do.  I want to make my mom proud; she has more rigid views-I want her to have faith in me, and I just have to show her that now is the rough point, but my time will come.

What are your hobbies?

I used to do swim team and became a certified lifeguard.  I like swimming.  I work and that takes a lot off my mind.  I’m good with customer service and sales, so whatever I do incorporates them. I like to go out.  I have a twin sister and now she is in DC for school, so I visit her.  She is my biggest fan, which is nice, but she isn’t into the modeling thing.  My other sister I got her a photo shoot, but I don’t want to push her.

What advice would you give to people about coming in to KMM?

Being hesitant is always good, because it’s safe.  Use that to motivate yourself to do your research.  If you see negativity online, realize where it’s coming from.  If it’s jealousy, don’t listen to it.  If it’s coming from someone who is already signed, then look into it more.  It’s not a scam because it’s realistic and it’s an investment.  It’s gonna help you take the next step that you can’t do on your own.   Not everything you read is true.  If your gullible, the industry might not be for you.  I’ve only been here for a week, but I’m excited for it and know eventually I’ll be a success story.  It’s not 100% just on your management.  You have to have the drive, be on time and work hard.  It’s a partnership.

Has your life changed a lot since signing?

Yes, because my focus is not strictly academics, but not so much because I’m still a newbie. I know it will change a lot more and that excites me.  I’m not waiting anymore, I’m ready and know that my day-to-day life will change.

How did you first get started with The It Factor with Alycia Kaback and KMM?

I was at the mall, looking disgusting in my sweats and with my hair up, and one of your scouts approached me and then I came in to open call.

Was this something you had ever thought of doing?

Not really, because I didn’t have any connections or know how to get started.  Once David, the scout, came up to me, I was like yes, this is a good thing and maybe I can do this.

Being a part of KMM Talent, what jobs have you done so far?

I was in the Trav featuring Sean Kingston music video for Up and Down.  It was the greatest experience of my life and was so surreal.  All the people stopping to watch us and taking our pictures was such an amazing experience.

What was the experience on set like?

We were on set, at Coney Island, for at least 12 hours and Sean Kingston wasn’t there for the video.  The people on set were constantly giving us direction for what we needed to do and there were a lot of takes.  I was in the video more than I thought I was going to be, which is an amazing accomplishment.

Did you ever think that you would be in a music video or that this would be something you would want to do again?

I never thought of being in a music video before and couldn’t really believe I was going to a casting for one.  I’m constantly checking my emails for jobs to go to, and I’m definitely open to doing more.

Are there any jobs that you wouldn’t do?

Hair shows because I don’t want to have to do anything or have anybody do anything with my hair now.

Who is your inspiration and why?

Kim Kardashian because I love her and I want to be her.  She is drop-dead gorgeous and is so successful.  Watching her show, you get to see how hard she does work and trying to keep up with all that every day has to be hard.  I would love to do what she does-photo shoots (not runway), commercials, and having a clothing line.  That’s amazing!

What models do you look up to?

Tyra Banks because she is such a huge role model for women regarding weight issues.  She made it a point to make it known that there isn’t anything wrong with being petite or bigger than a size 0.

What are you looking forward to in the future?

Getting more work and eventually getting to the point where all I do is modeling and acting jobs and moving to New York.

If you could be on any TV show or movie, what would you want to be in?

True Blood, I love vampires.  I want to be a vampire.  I love supernatural powers so I think that would be really fun to work on a set that has that so you can see how all that stuff happens.

If you could have any superpower, what would you want to have?

To be a vampire.  I’d want to be telepathic and be able to read people’s minds.

What do you want to be able to see in a photographer that you are doing a photo shoot with?

I want to be able to see his creativity and passion.  I want to be able to see how much he loves what he does and have his personality show.

What do you want photographers or casting agents to get from you after meeting with you?

I want them to know that I’m very passionate about what I do.  I take it very seriously and want to be recognized as a serious model or actress.

What are your hobbies?

I play flag football and sports.  I like hanging out with my friends, going to movies, shopping and spending time with my family and nephew.

Has your life changed a lot since signing with Kaback Model Management?

Not yet, because I’ve only done 1 job, but I’m hoping it will once I start doing more stuff.

What advice would you give to people who are thinking of coming in to an open call for the first time, or are trying to figure out if this is something they should do?

I was totally skeptical at first.  But I realized that it was something I wanted to do, so I went after it.  If this is something that people really want to do, they need to go for it.

What made you decide to do this?

Once I was officially paid off and put on the Kaback Model Management website, it was a week or two later when I got emails about a casting for a hair show.  Once I started seeing the emails and opportunities, I thought this was really cool.  Then, when I went to the casting for the music video, and seeing the hundreds of people who went to the casting and actually getting picked, it really motivated me to keep going and pursue this further.

What was the casting for the music video like?

It was very intimidating at first.  I walked in and almost all of the girls were 5’11” legit model types, and I’m only 5’4”.  There were other KMM girls there too and everyone who I met was really nice.  The process of the casting wasn’t complicated, just intimidating.  The first casting we had to dance for 10 seconds, and I was freaking out when I found out we had to dance because I’m not used to dancing.  One of the casting people was the director for the video so he saw us from the beginning.

What’s been your experience working with people in the office?

They are very helpful.  They want to help you and are very supportive.  They are real with you and tell you how it is.  It might not be every day that you hear from them, but they are constantly sending out your info for jobs.  They care about the models.

Who is your favorite actress?

Jennifer Aniston because she is so funny and I love watching the movies she is in.

What advice would you give to people who want to do this but don’t know if they have what it takes?

Never feel like you don’t have what it takes.  You have the ability to do whatever you want to do, as long as you do what it takes to get there.  Zero is not a size and never be insecure with yourself and what you look like.

What are your thoughts on Alycia Kaback and The It Factor?

I think the company and the employees are very caring and willing to help people reach their dreams by being the middle man.  They are connected to the higher guys in NY-the directors and casting agents-and they can get us there to meet them.