MANILA, Philippines?Every show biz season, scores of starlets make their bid for stardom. Quite a number of them are good-looking, appealing and talented?so why do most of them fail to attain stardom?

Many starlets (and their handlers) don?t realize that stardom is the result of a combination of many factors, some of which they never figured to be relevant or important in the star-making process.

Let?s take the case of a comer who is young, good-looking and a promising actor. That?s a mix of plus factors that already give him an edge over the similarly youthful competition.

Youth is of the essence, because the local entertainment audience has a generally youthful demographic. So, if you?re on the wrong side of 25 and are just now making your bid for stardom, you may want to target character acting, instead.

Good looks are essential for 90 percent of star wannabes, with the exception of comedians and action-oriented performers. That?s because local show biz fans have a generally escapist, fantasy mind-set, so they like the faces they see on-screen to be much prettier or handsomer than the mugs they see staring back at them in jeepneys or across the breakfast table.

Acting ability?now, that?s another plus, but we admit that some starlets attain stardom without necessarily being outstanding thespians. That?s because looks and appeal rate higher in fans? priorities.

Notice, however, that untalented stars generally don?t remain popular for long. They may top-bill a film or two (or three, tops), but the viewing public eventually gets tired of them, and they?re summarily relegated to the compost heap of local entertainment.

Money needed

SO, youth, good looks and talent are generally required of star wannabes. However, they aren?t enough to assure the attainment of stardom. Experienced star makers add these other plus factors:

First, get a good manager, PR, stylist, etc., whether studio-based or indie. These people know the biz better than you do, and can make use of ?connections? to give your fledgling career a boost.

Second, realize that the star-making process takes money, so your family or ?sponsor? have to invest in your bid for stardom. Their investment will pay for your image, wardrobe, showcasing, pictorial, promotions, transportation and other essential expenses.

Third, don?t wait around for offers ?circulate, make your presence and availability felt and known. Initiate your own launching show, album or film opportunities. Remember that, at this early stage of your career, you have no recognition factor and clout.

Fourth, work out your ?unique selling proposition? as a performer. Don?t try to be anybody?s clone, because Xerox copies never make it. To firm up your unique strengths, take all sorts of workshops in various performing crafts and skills. That way, when your big break finally comes, you?ll be good and ready to make a major splash.

Sadly, of 10 ?big break? showcases that have been whipped up for newcomers, only two or three have produced authentic stars, because the star wannabes involved simply weren?t ready or didn?t have what it took to succeed.

Fifth, think long-range. Don?t rest on your laurels after you get to star in your first production. Plan what you?re going to do for a follow-up ? because sustaining a stellar career is even more difficult than initially making it as a show biz star!

Screen entrepreneur search

BRITISH Council Philippines is looking for a talented young screen entrepreneur to represent the Philippines in an international competition in the UK. The search is open to young creative entrepreneurs between 25 and 35 years old.

The Philippine winner will be sent on a 10-day, all-expenses-paid trip to the UK to meet industry professionals and tour TV-film studios. The winner will also attend the London Film Festival, and promote a short example of film from his or her country to an invited audience who will then vote for their favorite clip.

Deadline for submission of applications is July 11. Log on to www.britaincouncil.org.ph for more information.