THE PURPOSE OF THE TRADEVINE IS TO ENCOURAGE THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY TO READ THEIR TRADES: VARIETY, HOLLYWOOD REPORTER, BACK STAGE, ETC. ENJOY LEARNING ABOUT YOUR INDUSTRY.

EACH FRIDAY, THE TRADEVINE SEEKS OUT A FEW OF THE INFORMATIVE TRADE ARTICLES YOU MAY HAVE MISSED. VISIT THE TRADE, ITSELF, FOR THE ENTIRE ARTICLE.

Welcome to the TradeVine with Pepper jay. Danika Quinn is on assignment.

Back Stage, May 5th-11th, 2011. In the Advice section, the article is entitled “I find that hard to swallow,” by Paul Haber. Keeping it real and small while eating for a commercial audition. Eating. We do it very day of our lives, probably several times a day. So it stands to reason that when asked to do this simple act for a commercial audition, it should be as natural as, well, eating. It turns out that it is not quite a piece of cake for some actors. Directors want to see that they can express how delicious the food is with a very small, satisfied reaction. Make sure you eyes are lined up so the audience can see your expression and the product that you are reacting to. Your face should be about three quarters to the camera. Most of the time, directors will ask actors to eat real food at the audition so they can see the jaw-line and how your face looks when you are really eating. When it comes to eating for commercials the bite size is the right size.

Also in Back Stage, May 5th-11th. In the Profile section, the article is entitled “Breaking the habit,” by Simi Horwitz. Known for playing darker roles, Chester Gregory shows his gentler side in “Sister Act,” which is playing at the Broadway Theatre in New York City. Chester Gregory is quite serious when he says he won’t sign on for any project without “integrity, heart, and a message that inspires.” Also check out the special on Chester Gregory at W W W dot Side Beat Music dot com. Just put Chester Gregory in the search box to find his exclusive interview.

The Hollywood Reporter, May 13th. “Hot poker TV in danger of folding,” by Eriq Gardner. How a Justice Department crackdown has the huge reality niche quaking. High-stakes poker shows have proliferated on television during the past decade to the point that, fueled by advertising from flush gaming websites, about 50 programs air each week as diverse as NBC, Fox, and the most obscure cable channels. But, last April 15th, the Justice Department dropped its hammer on the poker community by indicting founders of the largest online poker enterprises, including Full Tilt, Poker Stars, and Absolute Poker, on charges of money laundering. Online gaming sites, which are estimated to generate about $5 billion a year in revenue, also happen to be the biggest sponsors of television poker. Now the future of the game on TV is in serious doubt as networks have begun throwing in their cards.

Daily Variety, Tuesday, May 9th. ‘Thor’ Muscles Flexed, by Andrew Stewart. With an estimated $66 million, Paramount’s ‘Thor’ saw the year’s second highest domestic opening behind “Fast Five.” With an overseas intake of $46 million, the film reached $242 in just 11 days. It’s hard to make money on movies, but when they do, it goes well, doesn’t it? In addition, Sci Fi’s ‘Almighty Thor’ starring Cody Deal also did well last weekend. For an exclusive interview with actor, Cody Deal, visit Actors E dot com and type Cody into the search box.

And remember, You heard it through the Tradevine!