What is Twinkie Byrd’s Monologue Slam? It’s a contest for actors who compete to perform their monologue live in front of Celebrity Casting Director, Twinkie Byrd, and her panel of Celebrity Judges (actors, agents and producers) at the Pan African Film Festival-Atlanta.
Saturday, August 9
Location: TBA
Time: 5pm-10pm
Who is Twinkie Byrd?
Celebrity Casting Director Tracy “Twinkie” Byrd is a Brooklyn-born and raised casting director with more than 20 years of experience in the industry.
Madonna, the Black Eyed Peas, 50 Cent, Prince, Aretha Franklin, Elton John, The Red Hot Chili Peppers and Katy Perry are among the artists who have counted on Byrd to find talent who can bring their songs to life on the small screen. Byrd has the vision to spot actors who can bring complicated and nuanced storylines from page to motion picture. Her work on Stomp the Yard, The Blind Side, Notorious, Jumping the Broom and Sparkle prove as much. Tracy “Twinkie” Byrd has spent decades channeling her super power of finding the perfect person for every character.
Byrd’s gut feeling translates to magic on the screen. When Sparkle hit theatres last August, Tracy “Twinkie” Byrd proved once again that she knows films, gets actors, and she understands characters. “It is my trifecta,” she says of the film that she calls one of the most amazing experiences of her life. “It is a musical, it is a period piece, it is a remake.” Terrance J and Derek Luke shared the screen, Tika Sumpter continued her road of success and the film marked the last time audiences saw the amazing Whitney Houston in a major motion picture. It is another casting about which Twinkie had no doubts.
One of her keys to success is her belief that no project is too big or too small. She has worked on a number of independent and student projects including Ryan Coogler’s Fig, which appeared on HBO. Twinkie also worked with Ryan Coogler on the Sundance & Cannes winning film Fruitvale Station. With her feet planted firmly in multiple worlds, Byrd often surprises producers and directors with her spot-on casting and leaves them exclaiming, “Where’d you find this actor?”
Today, actors and producers alike are drawn to Byrd’s warm spirit. While she notes that people ultimately work with people they like, it is her hard work, attention to detail, and demand for quality that has sustained her in such a tumultuous industry for more than two decades.
What is a Monologue?
A monologue is an uninterrupted speech by one actor in a play or movie, or as part of a theatrical or broadcast program.
How to Enter:
To enter the competition there is a $40 entry fee. All entries must be submitted through YouTube.
Upload to YouTube a video 2 minutes or less of a monologue for your type. You can use your cell phone, iPhone, iPad, webcam, FlipCam, etc. No professional video shoots!
Pay submission fee
-Email the YouTube link to your video along with your PAYPAL TRACKING ID NUMBER to faye@paff.org.
-Make sure your video sounds and looks clear and crisp.
-Choose a monologue for your TYPE, from a Film (because its a Film Festival!!!)
-Deadline for submissions is Wed. July 16. Extended Deadline is Wed. July 23, 2013.
-Announcement of finalists is Thurs. July 31, 2014.
What’s a “Type”?
Your type is when using your characteristics, what it looks or seems like you would do for a living or can naturally portray (i.e. Doctor, Lawyer, Leading Lady, Leading Man, Detective, Police Officer, Nurse, Teacher etc).
What happens next?
Twinkie Byrd will review all the entries and select 25 finalist actors to perform their monologue live at the 2014 Pan African Film Festival Atlanta.
All of the videos submitted will be showcased on the Pan African Film Festival’s YouTube Channel on Twinkie Byrd’s Monologue Slam Playlist. One lucky actor will be chosen by the public. The actor who garners the most LIKES will be “The People’s Choice” and will perform live at the 2014 Pan African Film Festival.
The Finalists:
The twenty-five (25) lucky actors plus “The People’s Choice” actor will perform their monologue at Twinkie Byrd’s Monologue Slam at the 2014 Pan African Film Festival. The live Slam will be held on Saturday, August 9th at 5:00pm at a location TBA in Atlanta, GA. The finalists will perform in front of a panel of celebrity judges and a live audience. The panel will also give each actor feedback on their performance, as well as share audition tips and techniques.
Prizes:
Twinkie Byrd and the judging panel will select a grand prize winner, 1st and 2nd runner up who will win prize packages of actor services and products TBA.
Click below to pay the submission fee & submit your video monologue today!
Questions?
TWITTER:
@Twinkie_Byrd
OR
@paffnow
FACEBOOK:
Fans of Twinkie Byrd Casting
https://www.facebook.com/groups/64525084035/
OR
Pan African Film Festival
https://www.facebook.com/PAFF1992
