Less than a year ago, Chris Palermo, a dedicated freelance voiceover, audio production professional, and actor decided it was time to take all his expertise in film, television and radio and create the Mass Movie Mavens, a weekly audio podcast covering the growing film and TV opportunities in Massachusetts.
Late last week, Hollywood East Connection caught up with the radio show host/actor who has shared screen time with actors such as Kate Hudson, Dane Cook and “Mr. Tony Soprano”, as well as fellow Maven, Lori Vozzella. Vozzella, who recently worked on the TV pilot “Body of Evidence”, joined the Mavens five months ago, with out any radio or voiceover experience. But, that certainly didn’t stop her from jumping at the chance to try something new.
“I think it was the case that I have the gift to gab and be entertaining to people,” Vozzella tells us. “I have been told by many people in the biz that I am good at interviewing people because I am not afraid to ask the questions, make people feel comfortable, and have an inquisitive mind combined with good comedic timing.”
The new “web celebs” not only want to broadcast over the airwaves with people in the biz such as casting directors, actors and producers but the Mavens want to report the facts about finding gigs, jobs and “info with solid leads”. Palermo and Vozzella are proud members of the AFTRA and SAG performers union and Palermo confesses that not only does he want to help you find a job, “We want to work, too! The Mavens have been and are always on the set”. Although the Mavens are committed to reporting solid information to the acting community they admit they both love to eat and enjoy talking about it on-air too!
The Mass Movie Mavens’ natural chemistry was easily heard through our phone conversation and after listening to just one podcast — you can hear the spark between them. Surprisingly, the Mavens have only known each other for months but that doesn’t seem to deter them. “The most challenging thing thus far has been when there is no work to report on,” Palermo tells us. But as the cliché goes, the show must go on, and the Mavens make sure of that. They hook up their mic and make it happen.
That’s why the Mavens are a success today. In less than a year, over 750 Facebook friends have joined the Mavens craze looking for jobs and free tips like this one by Palermo, “An actor should have great improv skills as many directors/writers often ask (in auditions) for you to bring that character to life. Be prepared to ad-lib. Moreover, an actor needs to LOOK like his or her headshot. Casting directors are disappointed, even pissed-off if you come into the room not looking as advertised.”
With a new podcast posted every Saturday on their Facebook and My Space pages, the Mass Movie Mavens are an outlet for not only actors but for anyone who wants to be entertained and laugh out loud. And with three TV pilots currently shooting here, they have a lot talk about these days. The Mavens just finished a podcast series with Casting Director Jodi Purdy-Quinlan of South Shore Casting, who gives effective tips about getting the gig. In another recent podcast, they talk about standing in for principle actors and offer up great advice to help you get on set.
If you haven’t jumped on the Mass Movie Maven craze yet, become a fan on Facebook and My Space. Future plans for the Mavens include broadcasting to a wider audience via on the air radio or possibly broadcast television.
Stay tuned for our behind the scene video with the Mass Movie Mavens coming in April!
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hey you two-great job-and nice write-up-
Good luck-look forward to listening to you