Umberta Gentile's Lounge Discussions

Hello Stage32 members, I don't know if this is the right place to post this topic, but I've been contacted by a network member, Mr Mehernosh Kapadia, who told me he was preparing a movie and looking for an actress with my profile and if we could have a Skype interview. I obviously accepted. During the interview, he asked me if I could make a strip-tease and take my clothes off. He justified his request by saying that the role required nudity and he wanted to be sure that I was able to get naked, that I wasn't too shy. Otherwise on the set, this would have been a problem. I obviously refused as this wasn't a professional behavior and that in any case I would have taken my clothes off. He replied that in this case I could not have the role and I said I wasn't interested in this project anyway. He insisted. I eventually could end this conversation. This kind of behavior is unacceptable. I know there are plenty of people out there trying to take advantage of young actresses, but I believe that when one meet such a person must alert the others, in order to stop these people. Plus, Stage32 is a professional network and we should be able to trust each other, make connections to work together and also help each other. In my opinion, such a behavior doesn't belong in here. That's why I'm sharing my experience: firstly to alert the other actresses to be careful if this guy get in touch with you. And also, to encourage other girls who've been in the same situation to leave a comment here, because this behavior is shameful, but we can stop it. There is also a lady who connected with me two days ago and she is saying I'm lying. She says she was with M during the Skype interview, but I actually never saw her before. So maybe, you should pay attention even if she asks you to connect. Her name is Yasmin Irani. Thank you, Umberta

How much experience do you think you need before an agent will take a meeting with you?

I'm looking for actors of all experience to read and review my new book, A Perfect Performance. I've condensed 10 years of performing, coaching, writing, filmmaking and interviewing into under 50 pages of what it takes to be a professional actor and how to nail your performance every time. I've chosen my favourite and most effective acting techniques and exercises that were tested on my acting students as well as on set for some of my films. You will be required to complete a Confidentiality Agreement as the book hasn't been launched yet. Obviously to show my appreciation you get to keep an e-copy of the book and I'd be happy to mention you on my entertainment website www.ozemag.com. Your review may be used for publicity purposes. So if you're interested please leave your email address here (or email me directly at mail@ozemag.com) so I can dropbox it to you. If you have any further queries then don't hesitate to ask. Thanks for your consideration.

Hello Stage 32! As it's "Introduce yourself weekend"...let me introduce myself. French-Italian actress, Paris (and Rome, sometimes) based, method trained, I work in both theatre plays and films for French, Italian or international projects, as I can speak and act in different languages : English, French, Italian and Spanish. Hereafter the link to my reel, that probably would be more meaningful than words https://vimeo.com/20239610 Looking forward to hear about other members and maybe work together! Cheers, Umberta