Be a Nerd Girl

[DonRotolo]

I just got this from an IEEE newsletter:

Casting Call: Nerd Girls
MPH Entertainment, producers of the Emmy nominated, hit TV show "Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan," is now casting its new reality pilot, "Nerd Girls." Developed by IEEE Fellow Dr. Karen Panetta, a professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Tufts University, the "Nerd Girls" brand concept builds on Panetta's initiative to encourage women to change their world through science, technology, engineering and math, all while embracing their feminine power. MPH, along with "Nerd Girls" partners Paola di Florio, Karen Johnson, Stephanie Davis and Dr. Panetta are beginning a nationwide search for talented female engineering and science students who defy stereotypes and have a multi-faceted life beyond the books. Women ages 18-23 who are interested in becoming a Nerd Girl are encouraged to visit www.nerdgirls.com for application and submission information. The "Nerd Girls" brand has received funding and support from the IEEE foundation.

Um, if you happen to be female and you are reading this, you're most likely qualified.

[KelliV]

I've been working with casting agents and producers for reality TV shows for the last two years at school, if you are interested in applying to this show and would like me to look over your submission prior to sending it in please PM me, I would be more than happy to help you out.

-Kelli

[wendymom]

Why is the low age 18 instead of say....15?

[DonRotolo]

My speculation is that 18-year-olds can enter into contracts themselves. 15-year-olds need a parent or guardian, and are subject to different laws.

But I repeat that it is speculation.

[BrendanB]

Originally Posted by Don Rotolo

My speculation is that 18-year-olds can enter into contracts themselves. 15-year-olds need a parent or guardian, and are subject to different laws.

But I repeat that it is speculation.

And all of those different laws create problems for producers and such that it is easier to hire 18+ since it isn't that hard to pass off older teens as younger kids in high school.

[JaneYoung]

This looks like it is targeted towards college age women to me. That's very cool. Although, I think it should say Nerd Women - not girls. It's hard to say this age group is a group of girls.

Jane

[Madison]

Fill out an application and submit a photo?

Yuck.

[Mikell Taylor]

I work with Karen Panetta (she runs the IEEE Women in Engineering magazine) and have met some of the original Nerd Girls. Assuming this new reality show follows the same formula as the original program at Tufts, the show casts college-aged female engineers, but the audience is middle or high school students. The types of projects the Nerd Girls work on require at least some basic college-level engineering education, so I'm guessing that's the motivation for the age range.

I definitely encourage anyone who's interested to apply! I think this would be a blast!

[Chris is me]

Originally Posted by Madison

Fill out an application and submit a photo?

Yuck.

To be fair, any performance gig on any level in the entertainment industry requires a photo. I don't exactly get the feeling that they're doing it for formalities' sake, though.

[RyanCahoon]

Originally Posted by Madison

Fill out an application and submit a photo?

Yuck.

Originally Posted by Chris is me

To be fair, any performance gig on any level in the entertainment industry requires a photo. I don't exactly get the feeling that they're doing it for formalities' sake, though.

I totally agree, but to be fair as well, we're part of a program that creates a sports(something we're trying to de-emphasize, according to Dean Kamen)-like environment in order to promote science and engineering. How much different is it to create a Hollywood(also on Kamen's list of overhyped parts of our culture)-like environment to promote science and engineering? To a certain degree, if you want to convince people to change, you have to connect with something that is significant to them as they are now. Unfortunately.

--Ryan

[Chris is me]

Originally Posted by RyanCahoon

I totally agree, but to be fair as well, we're part of a program that creates a sports(something we're trying to de-emphasize, according to Dean Kamen)-like environment in order to promote science and engineering. How much different is it to create a Hollywood(also on Kamen's list of overhyped parts of our culture)-like environment to promote science and engineering? To a certain degree, if you want to convince people to change, you have to connect with something that is significant to them as they are now. Unfortunately.

When we adopted the sports model, we've used Gracious Professionalism to try and leave the worst of the model behind. I don't think we need to wholly accept the looks are everything, thin is the only way in in order to get a Hollywood presence, if that was what we were after. At least, I'd hope not.

[ajd]

Originally Posted by Chris is me

When we adopted the sports model, we've used Gracious Professionalism to try and leave the worst of the model behind. I don't think we need to wholly accept the looks are everything, thin is the only way in in order to get a Hollywood presence, if that was what we were after. At least, I'd hope not.

As television is a visual medium, looks - of the characters, of the scenery, of the action - are part of the effect of the production. I'd imagine that many producers feel that the effect of an actor's looks and how well that effect fits the actor's role is an important part their casting decision.

[yodameister]

The photo will also help the producers put a name and face together in addition for them to create a look that they are looking for for the show.

[JaneYoung]

Originally Posted by Mikell Taylor

Assuming this new reality show follows the same formula as the original program at Tufts, the show casts college-aged female engineers, but the audience is middle or high school students.

The intended audience may be middle or high school students but who is to say who the actual audience will be? Some of us recently voted in a competition for Barbie's next career. Look at the website. See any similarities? There is a lot of potential with a concept like Nerd Girls. At this point, it is showing some of the sameness that we, the viewing public, are used to. Barbies. Hopefully, the show will be innovative in helping girls and women break out of the Barbie mold that is shaped for them and about them.

Jane

[KelliV]

Originally Posted by Don Rotolo

My speculation is that 18-year-olds can enter into contracts themselves.

You got it, it also eliminates the need for a stage teacher, release forms, limited hours on set, and the chance the parent will pull the child from the show.

Originally Posted by Madison

Fill out an application and submit a photo?

Photos help ensure diversity, although your photo is not as important as your video entry. It is more to match the application with the video. It is also usually used should there be an online voting section to see which girl gets cast. Basic head shots are usually acceptable, I wouldn't put to much clutter in any type of photo.


Generally when casting for a non-talent-based reality show (something other than American Idol or X-factor) there is a type of person that they are looking for that is used in the pitch.