LOCAL ACTORS Valley talent fills roles on screen, big and small

Valley actors and actresses are showing up on three popular television series.
VINDICATOR STAFF REPORT
BOARDMAN -- A wave of Mahoning Valley residents has been making regular appearances in minor roles and as extras on two popular television series.
At least 14 have found work with the new CBS comedy "Love Monkey," the NBC drama "Law and Order" and the HBO series "The Wire." All are clients of the LeModeln Modeling and Talent Agency in Boardman.
According to Linda Weaver, who has owned and operated the agency, which is at 7536 Market St., for 19 years, "You don't have to spend thousands of dollars or be a 'perfect 10' to work in the entertainment business." Talented actors who are personable, available and punctual can find work, she said.
Weaver said she has placed clients in other television shows, including "Third Watch," as well as in commercials and feature films." She's looking for regular people who want to have fun, experience the industry and make a little money.
"I have a hard time finding enough local people to fill the available spots," Weaver said. Actors who get television roles must be able to travel to shooting locations.
Clients in demand
LeModeln has a roster of 400 clients. It has supplied talent for more than 3,800 local, regional and national commercials; more than 1,900 industrial (training) films, thousands of print advertisements and fashion shows; and for a variety of major and minor roles in at least 59 major motion pictures and 87 feature films. The company's Web site, www.lemodeln.com, is part of a searchable database used by producers.
Weaver is seeking talent to fill openings in a variety of television, print, commercial and film projects. She is a line producer and casting agent for "Chain of Custody," a movie that will be shot in the Mahoning Valley this summer.