The Kaback Talent Academy Mission

Posted on May 16, 2012 by admin

How the Kaback Talent Academy came to be:

“From the dawn of mankind, the single idea we have all shared despite race, religion or background, the one vital concept that has endowed us with our humanity, has been the notion of storytelling.”

So what is KTA?

At some moment, all of us, whether as kids or adults, have dreamt we were a famous singer, actor or model, even if just for a fleeting moment.

The Kaback Talent Academy, designed equally for beginner as well as experienced talent, provides modern techniques, advice and most importantly the resources to go from novice to professional in the entertainment industry. KTA provides a foundation of training rooted in the time-honored traditions of people who have been successful and who desire to give back by offering the next generation of entertainers a roadmap of what works and what doesn’t.

“The Academy” is a FREE service offering instructional video, up-to-the-minute access to real-time castings, as well as downloadable e-books and PDF guides on insider techniques. KTA covers what both experienced and new models, actors, and musicians need to know to succeed with subjects such as, “How to be signed by an agent or manager” and “How to land your Dream Job” all written by a who’s who of A-list individuals actively involved in the entertainment industry in NY and LA.

Imagine a world without Arts and Entertainment

Any endeavor in life takes experience and knowledge. For the past five years we have interviewed thousands of truly gifted individuals and many of them lacked one key factor- the resources and circle of connections to support their dreams. We used to say to those individuals, “Why swim with ducks, when you can soar with eagles.”

“Our concept is easy to master—Learn, perfect your ability and build relationships with those who can show you the way.” 

At the same time we were saddened to see so many of these people spend hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars on products and services, such as photos or classes, from companies all with good intentions, but that unfortunately could not guarantee success or even a shot at a legitimate job. Thus you got just what you paid for– pictures and basic classes. So we asked, “What do the people with talent, looks and determination really need that’s not some false promise with a price tag to boot?

The Talent Academy was born.

http://www.kabacktalentacademy.com/

Alycia Kaback Talent Scout on His Journey and How Scouting Changed His Life

Posted on May 3, 2012 by admin

These last few days have been quite a whirlwind for me, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. For a long time I have felt as though my life was stuck in a rut. I was so focused on making the people around me happy, that I was neglecting myself. I have always been a hard worker, but I wasn’t directing my work ethic in the right direction. I was working in a job that I hated and I dreaded every day. It was starting to affect my personal relationships outside of work. At the end of the day I was just unhappy in every aspect of my life.

I wouldn’t say that I’m a religious man, but I do have a personal relationship with the Lord and I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. I have been praying for longer than I can remember for the Lord to open a door for me that would allow me to change my life for the better. I truly believe his answer was The It Factor.

Since I was a little boy I have always been enthralled with the entertainment business. I love how a good movie can allow you to escape to a different world, if only for a couple hours. The timeless quotes we repeat amongst our friends, the scenes that will forever be burnt in our memories and the characters that have a special place in our hearts are all a part of the magic movies can provide. Music is also near and dear to me. You can always seem to find a song that evokes feelings you have deep down inside. Whether you’re happy or sad and everything in between, music always seems to have an answer for you.

The It Factor has provided me with an opportunity to get involved in the industry that I have always admired from afar. If someone told me I would have the opportunity to work with award winning actors, directors, musicians and models I would have honestly laughed in their face. Aside from affording me this unbelievable opportunity, The It Factor also provides me with the unique chance at helping other people each their goals and live out their dreams.

The opportunity to help others while also working in an industry that I have a lot of respect and admiration for is a dream come true. That is why I would love to advance into the President of Talent Services position. I love helping other people in any way I can. The rush you feel when you know you have positively changed someone’s life is second to none. The look on people’s faces when you tell them that their dreams are in fact coming true is priceless. And I want to be the person to do that. I have a keen eye for talent and I have been blessed with the gift of discernment, so this position seems as though it would be a natural blend of those two talents.

I know that credibility is huge in this business and that a company such as ours can ill afford to produce a subpar product. I want to be one of the gatekeepers for the credibility of our company. In the short time that I have been a part of The It Factor family I have seen people who are fiercely dedicated to upholding the high standards of the company. It is my intention to keep this tradition going. I know that with my work ethic, creativity and personality I can prove myself to be an integral part of this company for a long time.

I want to thank you guys for providing me with a chance to not only change my life, but also the lives of others. It is an opportunity that I relish and am going to attack with every fiber of my being. I hope that this email finds you in a place of peace and happiness.

Sincerely

Proteus Herring

KMM and Alycia Kaback on Simple Wyrdings

Posted on December 5, 2011 by admin

Alycia Kaback was recently written up on Simple Wyrdings, a blog with- you guessed it- simple wording. Does that sound silly? Alycia Kaback doesn’t think so. There is something nice about the simple sayings and principles discussed on the blog. It’s relaxing to be able to boil everything down to the essential aspects for once. Everyday the little things that distract us, stress us out and take us away from what it is really important. Simple Wyrdings is a blog that can remind you to take a second to focus on what is essential, what is truly important. After the stress of running KMM and six other companies, Alycia Kaback loves to take advantage of little things like this that can put the perspective back in her life. You should try it- read about KMM and Alycia Kaback on Simple Wyrdings.

Alycia Kaback Suggests You Check out E!’s New Show – Scouted! Learn about how it all Begins

Posted on November 3, 2011 by admin

Talent Scouts are the foundation of all Alycia Kaback’s projects. “But what is a Talent Scout?” you may ask. Well, that is a great question as the answer can depend on whom you are asking.

From the talents perspective, the most likely answer is “A Talent Scout is the person who first approached me about modeling and acting. The moment I was given that card from The “It” Factor with Alycia Kaback was the day my whole life changed. If it wasn’t for that Scout I would not be here today working on the set of Gossip Girl.”

From a Scouts’ perspective, scouting is a great way to make a wonderful living while helping change people’s lives and make their dreams come true. Our scouts say, “Scouting is the opportunity to live my life, having both freedom and flexibility throughout the day. I just do what I normally do—while shopping or picking up my morning coffee, I am always on the lookout for the next big thing.”

From the company’s perspective, scouting is the key factor that separates Alycia Kaback’s company from the competition. KMM and VIP Talent cannot apply online; they cannot find us in the phone book. Our talent are hand selected. The “It” Factor is by invitation only, making Talent Scouts the most vital aspect of our company.

E!’s new show Scouted features aspiring models plucked from obscurity and put to the test in New York’s ultra-competitive, high-fashion, modeling industry. Alycia Kaback suggests you read this VIP Talent Scout Success Story for more information on what it’s like to be a scout.

Talent Scout for Philadelphia Melissa with Vip Talent Connect & Alycia Kaback Discovers Evasen

Posted on October 21, 2011 by admin

Evasen Pillay came all the way from South Africa to live in the United States to pursue his entertainment career. In addition to being a model and actor, Evasen is a talented musician and dancer, as can be seen in the video above! Evasen is obviously a very determined person– Recently Evasen actually walked right into Ryan Colby’s office! There must have been something about him given that Ryan didn’t just throw him out, but being only 5’8″ he isn’t exactly standard Colby material. None the less, Ryan sat with Evasen and went over his portfolio and gave him some great advice before sending him on his way. Coincidentally, a few weeks later Evasen was discovered by VIP Talent Scout Melissa. Evasen is actually currently living in Boston, but when Melissa contacted him about an open call in Philadelphia the next day, he said, “I’ll be there!” Evasen got up at 1 AM and left for Philadelphia. Evasen is perfect for VIP Talent Connect. When he met with Alycia Kaback and VP Talent Services Nicole, Evasen was accepted to go to the December 10th Summit! Everyone at KMM and VIP can’t wait to see where Evasen will go with this. He has exactly the right personality and drive to take this opportunity to launch his career– VIP Talent Connect looks forward to Evasen’s success!

KMM Talent Success Story: Ryan Huttar Achieves AFTRA Card!

Posted on October 14, 2011 by admin

Kaback Models’ Ryan Huttar is now a part of AFTRA. Everyone at KMM and VIP Talent Connect is so proud of him as this is a milestone in an actors career. HE IS NOW ELIGABLE FOR BIGGER ROLES AND AUDITIONS FOR TV AND FILM!! Working with AFTRA production signatories guarantees members fair compensation, safe working conditions, health benefits and retirement plans. Members can also participate in professional development through coaching, workshops and classes, support and counselling, educational scholarships for members and their dependants. Members also receive discounts on hospitalization and prescriptions, travel costs, computers, and additional education. Ryan is one of our busiest television actors. His appearances include: HBO’s How to Make it in America, Blue Bloods, Fox’s Glee, and Law and Order, and the pilot for Weekend at Bellevue. Ryan was featured in Tania Cypriano Brazilian Promo shoot with fellow model Jannah Baroody, and has also modeled for Diesel. Ryan has recently been cast on the new hit show Pan Am as a lawyer. Alcyia Kaback can’t wait to see where Ryan will go with from here!

The IT Factor and VIP Talent’s Melissa Jester on Working for Alycia Kaback

Posted on October 9, 2011 by admin

What is your position at VIP Talent Connect and The IT Factor?

I am the President of Social Media. I update all the blogs and maintain the Facebook and Twitter accounts for all our brands, as well as manage other digital media outlets.

How long have you been working here?

Yesterday was actually the one year anniversary of my first day of training as a Vip Talent Scout. I really enjoyed scouting and I scouted a lot of people who are now successful models with KMM, like Jackie Curry.

My advice to new scouts would be to stop making excuses. If you really want something you will make it happen.

What do you like about working here?

I love working for a small company. I am young– I am 23 and I feel that at a bigger company I wouldn’t have been given the opportunities that Alycia Kaback has given me. She allowed me to prove myself and gave me responsibilities in accordance with my potential, not my experience. Here I have been held accountable and have been pushed to accomplish things I never thought I would have been capable of a year ago.

What are your thoughts on company and what it does?

I love the company and what we do for people here. It’s really about helping people; it’s not about money—we could charge a lot more for the VIP Talent Connect Summits and I could charge a consultation fee every time I help a talent write his or her bio before the Summit, but I don’t. I just want to help in the best way I can. There are a million examples like that every day.

Who is the most interesting person you’ve met so far?

The most interesting person I have met so far would be Michael who works behinds the scenes to make all this happen. He is an amazing entrepreneur and working so closely with him I feel I have been given a priceless education that I couldn’t have paid for in graduate school.

Who do you hope to one day meet?

I am not one to go crazy over celebrities, but I would like to meet Lady Gaga. I think she is a fascinating cultural phenomenon and we would have a lot to talk about.

What do you like to do outside of working?

I don’t have a lot of time outside of working, but when I do have time, I like to spend it with my family.

VIP Talent Connect Summit, Alycia Kaback Talent Scout Melissa Jester

Melissa Jester at her very 1st VIP Summit with Lilian, one of the talent she scouted!

What do you think of the VIP Talent Connect Summits and what they offer to people?

I think it is a very powerful experience; it changes lives. There is a lot of work that goes into pulling it off, but it is so totally worth it once you see the talent realizing their potential. The energy of that day puts you on a whole new level.

What type of music do you like to listen to?

I need a good bass line so I like electronic music, especially dub step with strong hip hop influences. I love the lyricism of rap.

Do you have a motto you live by?

Work will set you free.

Who is your inspiration and why?

I aspire to be a great entrepreneur and truly help people– Alycia Kaback and Michael are my inspiration.

What do you hope to take away from working here?

Working with Alycia Kaback and The IT Factor is the perfect environment for me to gain knowledge and experience. Since this is a small company I have developed a relationship with Alycia and she trusts me enough to put me in charge of major projects like The 1^st Annual NYC Women’s Empowerment Summit. I have never done anything like that before, but Alycia knew I could do it and allowed me the opportunity to learn how by just doing it.

Most of all, I feel that The IT Factor is my family. Working here has made me who I am today and I know I have gained some life long friends.

Kaback Models Nestley Benoit Interview with Ali, an Alycia Kaback Talent Scout

Posted on October 8, 2011 by admin

How did you first get started with the company?

I got scouted by one of Alycia Kaback’s Talent Scouts and came in for an open call and met with everyone in the Philly office and then decided to go to the VIP Talent Connect Summit last year.

Was this something you ever thought you could do or wanted to do?

I always wanted to do print modeling and a little acting. People would always tell me that I should be on TV and that I had the right persona for it, so when the opportunity at The IT Factor presented itself, I explored it.

What made you decide that KMM was the right thing for you?

When I went to open call, Alycia Kaback’s talk was very positive and the way she sold it was great.

What is the time commitment like?

The time commitment isn’t bad. I work when I want to work and it’s not an everyday job. I won’t be working every day yet, so time is flexible. This is something that I want to do, so I’ll make it work somehow.

What are your thoughts about the VIP Talent Connect Summit you have attended?

It provided me with the opportunity to learn a lot about the business. The speakers gave a lot of good tips on how to be successful and how to strive to be successful. I would possibly attend more, just depending on the circumstances since it is always an opportunity to meet new people. I would recommend the events for anyone who wants to learn more about the industry and is serious about their career.

What are some of the jobs you’ve done so far?

So far I’ve done the T.V. show Unforgettable as a background extra.

What was that experience like?

It was a lot of fun. Seeing the whole process and the behind the scenes look was nice, as well as being on set was really cool. Seeing Poppy Montgomery was awesome and the fact that I got to talk to her briefly made it even better! Everyone on set was nice the entire time that I was there, which was for day and night scenes, that didn’t get me back to Philly ‘til 3am. Ryan Colby prepared me for that though, so I knew beforehand that I would be there a long time, which wasn’t a problem.

What would be your dream modeling or acting job?

I haven’t really thought much about acting, but I see myself doing a lot of print ads. I would love to be on the cover of GQ! You never know what could happen so we’ll see.

Are there any jobs that you wouldn’t do?

I won’t do a gay scene, but I’d advertise any product.

What are you looking forward to in the future?

I want to work on print ads and I have a friend who is interested in making movies so I might venture into that and build on that with him.

What are your goals in both life and modeling?

In life, I’m an entrepreneur in real estate, so holding a lot of property would definitely be a goal. For modeling, I really want to do great things with print ads and do some behind-the-scenes work on movies.

What do you want photographers or casting agents to come away with after working with you?

Hopefully people enjoy my presence. I want to make them feel good and come away knowing that I’m a nice guy.

What do you like to do outside of modeling?

I’m addicted to FIFA, it’s the best game out there, and playing PlayStation. I’m also a social butterfly and love going out.

If you could be in any movie or TV show, what would you want to be in?

The Bachelor-I think that reason is pretty self-explanatory.

Any actors/actresses/models that you look up to?

Denzel Washington because he has an amazing career and is a Grammy winner. I like the roles he picks, versatile.

Has your life changed a lot since becoming involved with KMM?

Not really, I haven’t been as involved as I want to be yet. But it will. Kaback Models definitely gives the opportunities for people’s lives to change if they’re willing to take it.

Alycia Kaback’s Talent Scout Tiffany on her Promotion & Working at The IT Factor

Posted on October 6, 2011 by admin

I hear you were recently promoted, Congratulations! What is your new position and what does it entail?

I am the Customer Service Manager and Talent Support. I greet incoming talent, and make sure everything looks nice for the clients and employees. I also answer questions that incoming talent may have.

What was your previous position? What is your advice to new VIP Talent Scouts who want to advance within the company?

I was a talent scout at first and thought it was great and I will still be doing that on the side! I like talking to people, so it was definitely something that I could do and I was really excited about the prospect of finding the next person who could do this or who didn’t think they could do this or didn’t know how to do it. My advice would be don’t limit yourself and to make sure if you have an idea to speak up. You need to be really proactive in not only scouting, but in everything you are doing. If you see something that needs to be done, do it. You’re working for the company, not just a position, so you need to show initiative.

How long have you been working here? Why did you start working here?

I’ve only been here 5 days. I saw an ad on Craigslist and it got me really excited about working here. I used to do something similar a while ago and it was my favorite job. I love the excitement that the people have when they are on their way to making their dreams come true. Before starting, I had read everything on the website and watched the videos and was really excited to meet Alycia Kaback. She is young and super driven, and her excitement is kind of contagious, so I was really excited to come and work for her.

What do you like most about working here?

The energy of everyone-everyone is excited. The people who really want to pursue this, and giving them the opportunity to go after what they’ve dreamed about. I really believe in what Alycia and VIP Talent Connect is doing and there is endless opportunity for growth. I feel like I want to stay with the company for a long time because there is so much going on and lots of opportunities to grow.

What are your thoughts on the company and what it does?

After reading everything online and watching the videos, I really wanted to work with Alycia and for her due to her excitement. She has a really dynamic personality and that is what I want to be around. I absolutely believe in what this company can do for those coming in. You can pay for pictures or classes, but there is no guarantee that will get you anywhere. In this business, it’s not what you know, it’s who you know. If you’re not at the right place at the right time, you’re not going to meet who you need to meet. The IT Factor with Alycia Kaback can get you to the people you need to meet with, so I definitely believe in what the company does and can do for people wanting to make it in the industry.

Who is the most interesting person you’ve met so far? Who do you hope to meet?

Alycia would be the most interesting person. She did my training and I was really excited to meet her. I like what people do, and do not have a celebrity crush, but would really like to meet the heads in the music industry because that is what I would love to get into with the company and pick their brains for a little bit.

Have you been to a VIP Talent Connect Summit before? What did you think of them?

I’ve only been working here for 5 days, so I haven’t attended one yet, but I want to. I would want to meet as many people at them as I can because all the speakers have done interesting things, and the more people you meet, the more interesting things you learn. You never know what you can gain or learn from meeting them. At the Summits, the same reason we want the talent to go, is the reason I want to go-to pick the speakers brains.

What do you like to do outside of working?

I’m a photographer, so I like taking photos. I’ve only lived here a month, so I’m exploring and getting lost in the city. I moved from North Carolina and have lived in cities up and down the east coast, including New York, but it’s exciting to be back in a city!

What is your favorite music and favorite movies?

My favorite music all depends on the mood I’m in, but my all-time favorite movie is When Harry Met Sally. I also love any mafia movies, including the Godfather [except Part III] and Goodfellas. Tommy Boy is my favorite original comedy.

Any favorite Actors/Actresses that you look up to?

I don’t really have any actors or actresses that I look up to. I look up to musicians though, like Taylor Swift. She is really talented and I’m proud of her for going after her dreams.

Do you have a motto that you live by?

No regrets

Who is your inspiration and why?

There isn’t really one person. I’m more inspired by the things that people do on a daily basis. I could be walking down the street and see someone with a brave sense of fashion and that could inspire me for that day. Or, I might hear about someone surviving breast cancer and that would inspire me that day. I take inspiration from anyone I meet or see that I find inspiring, not just any one person.

What do you hope to gain from working with The IT Factor and Alycia Kaback?

I really would like to be here for the long-haul. This is something I’ve always wanted to do and have dabbled in different industries before. I really want to do big things and go really far with this place. I think there is a lot going on that I want to be a part of and I hope to get to a point in my career where I can give my 2 cents and make something big happen. There is a lot of potential for huge things to come and I hope to gain a lifelong career.

Talent Scout for Philadelphia Robyn Success Story- Interview with Brittany Colvin of KMM

Posted on October 6, 2011 by admin

Kaback Models’ Brittany Colvin, 17, and her mom came in to our Feasterville VIP Talent Connect office prior to going to a casting for a Breast Cancer Awareness fashion show.

How did you first get started with KMM Talent?

I used to work at my church with Robyn, who works for the company and she was telling me about her new job as a Talent Scout for Philadelphia with Vip Talent Connect and Alycia Kaback. She saw potential in me and invited me to come in for an open call and I did.

Was this something you ever thought you could do?

I was interested in acting at first. I had gone to an open call before with a different company, but it wasn’t the right time and didn’t know if modeling was something I wanted to do.

What are some of the jobs you’ve done so far?

I’ve done one job so far and 1 other casting. My first job was a Hair show and it was a lot of fun. It was my first experience and I wasn’t expecting to get my 1^st casting, but I did! For the show, I had to go blond, and I was going to do whatever the casting agent wanted me to do to make me have a better shot at getting the job. The other casting I went on, I wasn’t the right measurements, but I still keep in contact with the lady in case something in the future comes up.

What would be your dream modeling job?

I’m really new to this, so I’m not sure yet what my goals are for modeling. I’m taking every casting as it comes right now and enjoying the experiences. I liked doing the fashion show portion of the hair show so I would love to do more runway shows.

What was it like on your first casting?

I was so excited just to get the email telling me about the casting that I made sure I would be able to take off of school to go and was excited about the experience. I was also scared at first when the casting agent started going down the line rejecting people.

Are there any jobs that you wouldn’t do?

No underwear modeling.

Who is your inspiration and why?

I would say Sandra Bullock because she is a real person and not a stuck up celebrity. I also admire anyone who can give up a lot of their time for modeling in order to keep going after their dreams.

There are no models in particular that I look up to right now, since I’m still learning.

What are you looking forward to in the future?

I’m excited for every casting and every possible job opportunity I get and every email. Every casting is an opportunity to make an impression and I look forward to getting those opportunities.

What are your goals in both life and modeling?

I never tell myself I’m not good enough. If I don’t have a certain quality that people are looking for, I use that as motivation for me to work on it. I never settle for OK in order to go after my goals.

What do you want photographers or casting agents to come away with after working with you?

I’m open to anything there is right now-photo shoots, fashion shows or acting. I would want them to know I am happy with the whole experience and want them to see that. I can also take any direction they give me. If I am rejected, I won’t let it tear me down and will use their criticisms to improve for the future.

What do you like to do outside of modeling?

I play volleyball for my school and last year I started snowboarding. I want to join my school’s ski and snowboard club this year. I also play guitar and I love to act. I was in a student film over the summer that I am waiting to see when it comes out.

If you could be in any movie, what would you be in?

I would want to play a fun character, but I would love to be in The Blind Side to get the chance to star alongside Sandra Bullock and it has a powerful message.

Has your life changed a lot since becoming involved with KMM Talent?

Even though I’m still new, it’s already changed. I’m always checking my email now. Whereas I used to check it once a month, now I check it 3 times a day to see if I have a casting. It’s also changed my perspective on looking through magazines. Now when I’m going through magazines, I look at the models faces and see what poses could have been different or how I would have done something differently and I take note of how they are photographed and if it is something I would be interested in doing.

Have you ever had the dream of being a world famous super model?

I’ll admit, I have. It would be incredible to reach that level. Right now though, I’m still deciding on what major I’ll study in college next year, but I’m determined to go further with modeling.

Have you ever thought about what life would be like if you hadn’t met VIP Talent Scout Robyn?

All the time I think about if I hadn’t met Robyn or became involved at church would I have had this opportunity? The littlest things can have a huge effect!

Brittany’s mom also had some thoughts to share about the experiences they’ve had thus far

What were your thoughts about her being interested in pursuing modeling?

This was something that she wanted to try, so we support her with that and the timing was right now, with college starting next year.

Were you skeptical at first about everything?

There’s always a chance that nothing will happen, but it’s something that is important to Brittany so we will see where it goes.

What are your thoughts on the castings and Hair show that she’s done so far?

We’ve bonded over the train trips to New York! It’s really fun for me, as I never knew there were so many commercial castings out there. Both castings were good and the Hair show was great. I never felt like I was in the way by being there and it gave me a “behind-the-scenes” experience.

What are you looking forward to in the future for Brittany?

I’d like to see where it goes. I always hope that she can be a catalog model, being in a Kohl’s or Boscov’s ad.