Did anyone catch the Smithville connection at the Oscars last Sunday?

First, “Hope Floats” director Forest Whitaker paid tribute to Sandra Bullock as one of the nominees, and eventual winner, of the “Best Actress” category.

Then, to follow that, the award was presented to Bullock by Sean Penn, who was in Smithville a year-and-a-half ago filming “Tree of Life,” which we fully expect to get lots of attention at next year’s ceremony.

Ever since Smithville started gaining notoriety as a premiere small town destination for filming, the folks at the Smithville Music & Film Commission (formerly Smithville Film Commission) have been on the forefront of developing resources for potential directors and producers who are considering using Smithville as the backdrop for their film pieces. Last weekend was no exception.

SMFC presented the first of a series of free classes aimed at cultivating the community for the wave of upcoming projects. Last Sunday’s class “Auditions 101” was a very informative session that focused on preparing prospective actors for casting calls for roles ranging from unpaid background extras to compensated leading characters.

Guest speakers Candi Mascorro, casting director for Enchanted Casting of San Antonio and Olga Carruthers, agent with Professional Models and Talent Agency also in San Antonio, shared helpful information with a group that assembled at the 1st ACT! Academy Studios at 301 Whitehead.

Mascorro , who has been in the film industry for 22 years, was a wealth of information concerning helpful tips for any type of casting applicant.

First, she discussed the process of “slating,” where each applicant walks to the casting call mark, introduces oneself as well as the role being auditioned for, turning the body for a side profile and turning forward again.

Mascorro emphasized the importance of maintaining a current headshot, an 8×10 color photo, that can be attached to the back of a resume. She called this the “actor’s business card” and recommended that anyone interested in acting should keep many copies of this information with them. You may also file one with the SMFC for reference.

Anyone wanting details on what information to include on their resume should contact the SMFC for a template.

Persons who submit headshots are responsible for updating them every few years or when a drastic change in appearance occurs. She also mentioned that a headshot should display the actor’s name at the bottom of it.

In terms of casting calls themselves, there are some hard-and-fast rules: One of those is not to wear red, white, black, plaid, busy prints or clothing featuring logos on them.

In fact, she recommends that if you are auditioning for a specific part, to dress to that part. For instance, anyone auditioning for the role of a nurse would be well-suited in a set of scrubs. Also, if the script is available ahead of time, memorize your lines before going in for a reading.

For kids that are interested in trying out for roles, it is important that they are accompanied by a parent; however, once the casting call begins, the parent should silently observe and not answer questions on behalf of the child. Also, if you have a child who is serious about trying to get acting work, that child must obtain a Texas Workers Permit for children under 14.

For more information about getting this free I.D. card, visit the Texas Work-force Commission’s Web site at www.twc.state.tx.us.

Mascorro and Carruthers also warned about some of the dangers of trying to break into the “biz.” One is that there is always a scam artist out there trying to profit off the dreams of others. Both women were adamant that any casting call that charges folks to audition is a scam. Also beware of agents that want to charge upfront since agents are supposed to make their money based off of work that they obtain for clients.

Finally, they explained that headshots should not cost more than a few hundred dollars at the very most and that should be your only initial outlay for getting started.

For more information about the SMFC, visit their page at the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce’s Web site at www.smithvilletx.org. Check that Web site frequently for the next scheduled SMFC class.

JAMBOREE SITE JAZZED UP

If you haven’t seen the updated Smithville Jamboree Web site, you’re missing out.  Literally. You are missing out on all the useful information, photos, contact numbers and schedules that you’ll need to maximize your Jamboree weekend. Visit their great new Web site at www.jamboreesmithville.com.

FFA FUNDRAISER THIS WEEKEND

Smithville junior and senior FFA Members are having a car wash and bake sale fundraiser this Saturday, March 13 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the rear parking lot behind First National Bank of Smithville.

Bring your dirty vehicle and sweet tooth out and support your future farmers!  If you have any questions or would like to donate a baked item or just make a monetary donation, you can contact Stacie Hildman at 237-4215.

RAFFLEMANIA SWEEPS TOWN TONIGHT

Don’t forget about the biggest fundraiser of the year for Brown Primary School Boosters, the infamous “Rafflemania.”  The event is happening tonight starting at 5 p.m. at the Smithville High School cafeteria.

The room will be full of themed baskets (even though most of the “baskets” contain many more items than can actually fit into a basket) with themes such as Toyland, Yard Man, Outdoor Fun, Kitchen, Let’s Bake, Taste of Town, Bath & Body Works, Family Fun Night,  Techno Treasure Trove, Games, Summer Fun, Study Time,  Grillin’ & Chillin’, Movies & ‘Moore’, Spring Garden and  Basket O’ Books. The Movies & ‘Moore’ basket even contains a 22-inch flatscreen and DVD player.

Five dollars will get you 25 tickets, which you can still buy at the door.  Then divide your tickets among the baskets you find most exciting in the hopes that your number will be drawn. Don’t worry about dinner, either. Just grab a barbecue sandwich while you’re there.

SPOKEN WORD THIS SATURDAY

Because of conflicts with their normally scheduled “third weekend” slot, Spoken Word is moving their event for March to the second Saturday just for this month.  Join the group on Saturday, March 13 for their “March Madness” readings at Samantics Squared at 206 Main St. starting at 6:30 p.m.

Bring your original work or anything you’ve read that inspires you to share with the group. Feel free to bring finger foods or your own chair.

BLASTS FROM THE PAST

There are two events this week that can help bring us closer to our pasts.

The Heritage Society program on Thursday, March 11, will feature  Ken Kesselus, retired Episcopal priest and published historian, who will be speaking about the things he finds most fascinating about Bastrop County.

Come hear what he has to say at the First National Bank of Smithville’s Community Room, 312 Main St., at 7 p.m.

The Genealogy Society program on Saturday, March 13, will feature Jan Siegel Hart, who has authored several books for children and adults based on her own family history.

In addition, she gives a dramatic presentation about how her family left Russia to come to America at the beginning of the 20th century. Hart has developed a guide to assist in gathering information on families based on oral histories that she will be sharing at the meeting. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about improving your family research skills. The presentation starts at 9:30 a.m. and takes place at the Smithville Public Library at 507 Main St.

UNTIL NEXT WEEK

Have a safe and fun Spring Break!