Sunday, August 30, 2009

IMTA Alum Moises Arias to be an ESPN Reporter!


IMTA Alum Moises Arias will be covering the Little League World Series for ESPN! He will work with the announcers Brent Musburger and Orel Hershiser on at least 15 games. The coordinating producer Tom McNeeley said he saw some of Moises work on Hannah Montana and decided Moises was perfect! McNeeley says Arias, rather than explaining any intricacies of on-field play, will look for color — "like who ate the most hot dogs on a team. His personality is what will drive this. I'm not looking for him to analyze double plays."

Moises competed at IMTA in Los Angeles in 2005 with his brother Mateo. Shortly after IMTA, Moises got his break with appearances on Everybody Hates Chris and The Suite Life of Zack and Cody before landing the role of Rico on the hit show Hannah Montana! He made his feature film debut in 2006 starring in Nacho Libre opposite Jack Black. He competed at the 2008 Disney Channel Games with fellow IMTA alumni, Alyson Stoner and Kunal Sharma. He also starred in the film The Perfect Game, a baseball movie, Beethoven's Big Break and Dadnapped!

Watch ESPN to see Moises' interviews and coverage!

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Jessica Biel in Valentine's Day!


Jessica Biel is starring in the new film Valentines Day! She will star along side a group of mega stars including: Julia Roberts, Ashton Kutcher ( IMTA 1997), Anne Hathaway, Jessica Alba, Jennifer Garner, Shirley MacLaine, Bradley Cooper, Topher Grace, Emma Roberts, Hector Elizondo, Patrick Dempsey, Eric Dane, Taylor Lautner, Carter Jenkins, Taylor Swift, Jamie Foxx and Queen Latifah. This romantic comedy is set to be released February 12, 2010 and is directed by Garry Marshall.
Jessica amazed all of us at IMTA in 1994 when she sang a charming rendition of The Lullabye of Broadway complete with a top hat and cane! Her beauty, acting potential and singing and dancing abilities caught the attention of the agents, managers and casting directors who attend every IMTA Convention looking for new faces to represent. Jessica gave an exclusive interview to us in 1998 after starring in the hit WB television series 7th Heaven. You can read the entire archived interview here!

Here's an excerpt from that interview:
How has your life changed since you attended the IMTA Convention?
Jessica: I went from amateur to professional actress thanks to my personal manager Diane Hardin and my agent Jeff Morrone who I met at the IMTA Convention.

Would you recommend attending an IMTA Convention to other aspiring young actors and models?
Jessica: Definitely! You will meet people who can change your life and make your dreams come true!

If you are interested in showing your talents at IMTA, please visit our official site!

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

IMTA Alum Katie Holmes on the cover of luxury fashion magazine!

Check out this amazing shot of Katie Holmes on the cover on AnOther magazine! The bi-annual luxury fashion magazine is internationally renown for its iconic covers featuring Hollywood's leading actresses. The Autumn/Winter 2009 Issue "A Decade In Style" has IMTA alum Katie Holmes looking stellar and dramatic in one of four collectible covers!

Katie competed at IMTA twice, in 1993 and 1995 . She returned a couple of years later to present awards at IMTA and debuted the first fifteen minutes of the pilot episode of Dawson's Creek. The entire ballroom was riveted by this ground-breaking stylish teen drama and Katie received thunderous applause! On that special night, she gave us a very nice interview saying:

"Let's just say a girl from Toledo, Ohio wouldn't end up cast
in a Hollywood movie if it weren't for IMTA!"

You can read a darling letter from Katie Holmes from the IMTA Archives right here exclusively on THAT IMTA BLOG!

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IMTA Spotlights...
Feature Film and Television Star
Katie Holmes...

Katie Holmes attended the IMTA New York Convention in July '95. She signed with Onorato/Guillod Entertainment and was cast in the Ang Lee feature film, The Ice Storm with Kevin Kline, Sigourney Weaver and IMTA discovery Elijah Woods, which is slated for a summer release. Katie has recently been cast in the lead role in a new television series "Dawson's Creek" which will air this fall. We have just received the following letter from her and felt it was so incredible that we wanted to share it:

"For years I have spent some time sitting in front of the television from 7:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. listening intently to John Tesh and Mary Hart inform me about which star was filming what new movie, who was dating who, and who was the rising new actor or actress. Hollywood and its numerous success stories seemed extremely far away and definitely from a world that I would never come into contact with.

On July 23, 1995 my life changed. This particular Sunday evening, I found myself in the New York Hilton for the International Modeling and Talent Association Convention. I was sitting in one of the ballrooms reciting a monologue in front of about 50 other contestants, as well as Al Onorato, David Guillod and Bobby Moresco, the men who were conducting this seminar on "Prepare to Compete". After I had finished, Al and Bobby offered some direction and had me alter it a little. I used my nervous anxiety to help me become more intense and, following my second performance, I felt elated. It was clear to me that something very special occurred in that ballroom that evening.

About six months later, I found myself in the Los Angeles office of Al Onorato, rehearsing an audition piece for the Ang Lee, film The Ice Storm. David, Al and Bobby had become my business managers following that memorable convention and encouraged me to audition in Los Angeles during the 6-week pilot season. Instead of viewing Hollywood on my T.V., I was there. Being in that untouchable world, experiencing the life of a beginning actress, was surreal. Suddenly this strange path of life seemed so normal. I love it.

My experience grew even more unbelievable. On May 21, 1996 I found myself in a trailer on Park Avenue in New York City, getting my hair and make-up done in order to transform myself into a teenager from 1973. I was anxiously waiting to begin filming The Ice Storm. Suddenly, I was part of Hollywood. I was then inside the walls of the business instead of remaining a curious outsider gazing in, struggling to discover what exactly takes place on the inside. I found myself chatting with actors whom I had read about for several years. After receiving directions by the highly acclaimed Hollywood director, Ang Lee, and talking to Kevin Kline for a substantial amount of time, it was time to begin becoming a professional actress.

My rather eventful and definitely memorable year provided me with such valuable life-long lessons that will forever remain a part of me. Fortunately, I was able to work with extremely focused, conscientious people who are completely unconcerned with the Hollywood myth. They work hard at their jobs and then retreat home to their families. I discovered that the Hollywood portrayed on Entertainment Tonight of exciting parties, premieres, galas, etc. is a distortion. The Hollywood I came into contact with is one of extremely talented people who spend their time participating in acting workshops, auditions, films, etc. in order to perfect their craft. The highly respected actors and directors are solely concerned with their work and concentrate on ways to improve. Although "Tinsletown" continues to be a mystery to all and several have benefited from the fortunate fate that seems to occur only in Hollywood, it remains to be true that even in Hollywood, those who diligently work hard are the people who achieve true and long-lasting success."

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Are you interested in competing at IMTA and seeing if you have what it takes to be a model, actor, singer or dancer? Please fill out our IMTA Information Request Form and browse our list of upcoming local searches.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Tye Olson Update!


IMTA alum Tye Olson will guest-star in a recurring role on the Showtime show United States of Tara! The original show is written by Diablo Cody, who also wrote Juno. The Showtime series stars Toni Collette and John Corbett and is about a woman with multiple personalities.


Tye's official bio on IMDB describes his IMTA history,"...Fate stepped in when one day when Tye was on a shopping trip to the Mall of America. It was then that a modeling scout from the prestigious Caryn International School for Film and Television saw him. She immediately asked Olson to represent the school at the annual IMTA New York competition in the Summer of 2005, just weeks before college was to start. He was elated, and committed every weekend to acting and modeling classes in Minneapolis during the months leading up to the event. While in New York, Tye quickly became recognized for his powerful acting performances and flawless abilities as a model. As a result, he packed up his car and drove alone out to Los Angeles just two weeks before college was to begin."

Only four months later he booked the leading role in Watercolors! He also has a supporting role as Emil in the dramatic film, Brother's War. His other projects include the movies South of Pico, Cougar Club, Tru Loved and Out at the Wedding. He has been featured in many music videos including songs by Hellogoodbye, Fall Out Boy and Blue October.

Stay tuned for more on Tye and United States of Tara!

Monday, August 24, 2009

Nick Purcell Update!



IMTA alum Nick Purcell is starring in an exciting new show called The Troop. According to Reuters; "Troop follows Jake (Nick Purcell), a typical teenager struggling through adolescence who dreams of creating his own comic book. His school counselor (John Marshall Jones) recruits him into the Troop, a secret society that protects the world from the monsters that walk among us. Teaming with the smart, athletic and popular Hayley (Gage Golightly) and annoying paranormal expert Felix (David Del Rio), Jake discovers a whole new existence." This show is scheduled to air on Nickelodeon in September.

PopStar Magazine


Nicholas competed at IMTA in New York City in 2005. He won awards in the following competitions: 1st -up in TV Beauty, and Honorable Mentions in TV Real People, Soaps and Cold Read. He has a role in the movie, Surrogates which is scheduled to open in theater on September 25 and stars Bruce Willis. Nicholas' past projects include: Law & Order Criminal Intent, As the World Turns, New York, I Love You, Losing Jerry, Dangerous Crosswinds, Gone Baby Gone, Fever Pitch, The Mirakle and The Burn Book. He was recently featured in an article the September issue of PopStar Magazine!

Stay tuned for more on Nick Purcell and The Troop!

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Sneak Peak of Adrianne Palicki in Legion!



IMTA alum, Adrianne Palicki is starring as Charlie in a new horror film called Legion and here is a sneak peak! Legion is scheduled for release in January 2010. Adrianne first made news when she competed at IMTA in 2001! She attracted lots of agency and manager attention from her outstanding performances in her IMTA modeling and acting competitions. In an interview with the IMTA Video Crew, she said, "It was amazing. I love IMTA! I'm so sad it's over." Adrianne is currently filming a television show called Titan Maximum.

Adrianne has signed on to have a lead role in the 2010 remake of the 80's hit, Red Dawn where she will play Toni Mason (originally played by Jennifer Grey). Adrianne reprise her role as the ill-fated Jessica on Supernatural! Adrianne will also return to Friday Night Lights for a multi-episode story arc to wrap up her beloved character Tyra's story. Adrianne is one of Hollywood's hottest rising stars. If you or someone you know is interested in a career as a model or actor, click here to learn more about IMTA!

Moises Arias in Hannah Montana The Movie out on DVD now!

IMTA alum Moises Arias stars as Rico in Hannah Montana: The Movie now out on DVD! According to Variety: "Disney's "Hannah Montana: The Movie" far surpassed expectations in opening to an estimated $34 million, revving past "Fast and Furious" to lead the biggest Easter weekend ever at the domestic box office." Fellow IMTA alum, Dani Miura (you may know her from Dateline 's To Catch a Predator), is also in this hit film as a Sweet 16 Party Goer! Moises competed at IMTA in Los Angeles in 2005 with his brother Mateo. Shortly after IMTA, Moises got his break with appearances on Everybody Hates Chris and The Suite Life of Zack and Cody before landing the role of Rico on the hit show Hannah Montana! He made his feature film debut in 2006 starring in Nacho Libre opposite Jack Black. He competed at the 2008 Disney Channel Games with fellow IMTA alumni, Alyson Stoner and Kunal Sharma. He also starred in the film The Perfect Game, a baseball movie, Beethoven's Big Break and Dadnapped!

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

IMTA's Jerry Ferrara and the Boys will be Back!

It has recently been announced that IMTA alumni Jerry Ferrara popular show Entourage will be back for a seventh season!!! According to HBO," Jerry Ferrara plays Turtle, the house manager, who's always up for a good time. " Jerry has received a nomination for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series from the Screen Actors Guild and TV Chemistry from the Teen Choice Awards.
Jerry competed at IMTA in 2000 where he met and signed with an agent who encouraged him to move to L.A, where he landed the comedy King Of Queens. For more information about IMTA, please click here. Jerry was then cast in the independent feature Cross Bronx and then worked on Brooklyn Rules, Grounded for Life and Leap of Faith. Jerry was also a presenter at both the VMAs and the Emmys last year!!
Be sure to tune in on Sundays to catch season six starring Jerry in Entourage!!

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Sean Harju Update!

Check out these gorgeous shots of IMTA alum Sean Harju in Arena Magazine! He was recently featured modeling for the fashion giant D&G's Summer 2010 collection! Sean competed at IMTA in Los Angeles in 2006 where he won first runner up for Male Model of the Year and signed with the legendary Major Model Management team. He has been featured in the magazine GQ where he was featured solo in a six page photo layout, in an editorial spread in Details, on the cover of the Japanese Magazine called HUGE, on the homepage for Eluxury and in a Diesel campaign ad. Sean is a favorite runway model and appeared in an astounding number of shows during the past season. He was in a Spring/Summer ad campaign for Dolce And Gabbana with fellow IMTA grad and supermodel Tyson Ballou and has modeled for Y-3 and Calvin Klein, Dior, Diesel, Lucien Palley Finet, Numero Hommes and many more.
If you or someone you know is interested in a career as a model or actor, click here to learn more about IMTA.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Ashton Kutcher in Spread!!!

IMTA's 1997 Male Model of the Year Ashton Kutcher is starring in the film Spread! Ashton stars as Nicki, a guy who has trouble committing to a relationship in a humorous and cautious story about love. The film is set in Los Angeles, where IMTA hosts a convention every January!


Soon after Ashton won IMTA's top honor of Model of the Year, he was cast on That 70's Show as the lovable Kelso! He started producing shows, such as Punk'd, Beauty and the Geek and Miss Guided. His movie roles include The Guardian, Dude, Where's My Car? which also stars fellow IMTA alum Seann William Scott, The Butterfly Effect, A Lot Like Love, Guess Who and What Happens in Vegas. Ashton runs a huge production company called Katalyst and has developed various TV shows and movies. Ashton is the spokesman for Nikon in a huge international advertising campaign! He was also the first person in the world to have a million followers on Twitter, the social phenomenon and micro-blogging site.

Get to theaters today see IMTA Model of the Year, Ashton Kutcher, in Spread!!

Friday, August 14, 2009

Wayne Lopez in G.I. Joe The Rise of the Cobra!

Wayne Lopez, who competed at IMTA and won Talent of the Year, is in the new action adventure movie GI Joe: The Rise of the Cobra which is in theaters now!!! Wayne portrays a GI Joe Security Tech in this film about a specialized military teamed made up of soldiers known as G.I. Joe. They are fighting against a corrupt group which is being lead by an evil arms dealer!


Wayne plays a recurring role as a clerk in the TNT Television show called Raising The Bar, a Stephen Bochco produced, courtroom television drama! He has also has a recurring role (4 epiosdes) as a Paramedic in Grey's Anatomy. Wayne was in the dramatic film The Soloist where he played Officer Hank. Wayne's resume includes guest-starring roles on Rules of Engagement, ER, Without a Trace, Joey, IMTA alum Eva Longoria's hit show Desperate Housewives, Six Feet Under, CSI: Miami, and in a Subway commercial with Joe Torre and Willie Randolf.
After becoming an actor, Wayne gave us an interview and said,"The IMTA experience opened a lot of doors, I can't even say doors, doors are too small...avenues!"

Hayden Panettiere - Prestige Magazine


Hayden Panettiere - Prestige Magazine August 2008 Photoshoot

Mila Kunis - Vera Anderson


Mila Kunis - Vera Anderson Portrait Session