LIFESTYLE   By Howard Mcewen  February 5, 2007               Home

Pilot-show season may be crucial

BY HOWARD MCEWEN | ENQUIRER CONTRIBUTOR

They're going to Hollywood, baby.

Cold Spring residents Rachel and Joel Geiman, sister and brother who are 16 and 13, respectively, are heading to Los Angeles for two months to attend pilot season - the time where new television shows are approved and casting begins. The pair was asked to come after attending the MB Expo in Dallas. The expo is an invitation-only talent event drawing about 600 contestants to audition for around 70 agents from across the country.

"Most of the agents come from L.A. and New York looking for the next star - maybe an overused word," said Jake Lang of Wings Modeling, the local agency that represents the Geimans. "They are hoping to find kids and young adults that want to be in show business, and parents that are willing to support them and encourage them in their endeavor to be on the stage or on television."

Amy Manyet Geiman, who runs the Manyet Dance studio in Campbell County, accompanied her children to Dallas.

"Rachel and Joel auditioned in several areas and had the opportunity to meet one-on-one with agents from New York, L.A., Disney and a few modeling agencies from Japan," said Amy Geiman. "After these meetings, Rachel has signed with Elite Modeling Agency and Joel has signed with a manager in L.A. We were told that they wanted us to come to pilot season in L.A. and to start looking for an apartment.

"It all sounded crazy at first and seemed totally out of the question."

Rachel has modeled in several national publications. In December, she was in New York to build up her portfolio before heading west. Joel's talent is geared toward acting.

Both kids said they have dreams but are prepared if the trip to California doesn't end up making them stars.

"My dream is to meet a lot of people and to get jobs," said Rachel. "I expect to do more photography testing and work on developing my career. I am mentally prepared if nothing happens."

Joel won best teen actor at the expo and has - like his sister - been in several local theater productions.

"My dream is to get a successful pilot," said Joel. "I expect that I will be going on a lot of auditions."

The family will face some challenges during their trip. The first is being separated from their husband and father. Ken Geiman is a builder and a partner with Geiman and Waymeyer Construction. In March, he flies to Honduras on a church-sponsored mission trip.

"I think it may be hard to be gone for two months but I am thankful that we can communicate through cell phones," said Amy.

Another issue is the kids' school work and Amy's dance studio.

"After being told that the kids have a definite true shot at this and speaking with my teaching staff and students, we decided that this was not out of reach," said Amy.

Rachel and Joel will stick with their normal curriculum. Rachel will have to do some online studies.

The Manyets will return in late March at the end of pilot season, which means they could be on a show as soon as this fall.