In their quest for fame, fortune and access to the Skybar, struggling actors are willing to try many things. Chatting up an agent while scribbling down his lunch order, for example. Strategically sleeping around, for another. So it seems perfectly reasonable that they`d try the Internet. Sites such as Castnet.com and IAM.com are ready to oblige. Question is, can they offer anything that does more than fill wanna-be-actors` heads with more fatuous wannabe dreams.

On big Hollywood productions, casting directors all draw from the same pool of a hundred-or-so reliable actors to fill moviemakers` demands for any substantial role. Unfair as it may seem, a casting director`s unspoken rule of thumb is that if there`s no buzz on an actor, he can`t possibly be any good. The best casting directors might search beyond the usual suspects, but they do so not necessarily by going to the Internet, but by contacting agencies and then sorting through a massive pile of submissions.

Castnet charges actors a yearly fee of $49.95 for the opportunity to create a portfolio of headshots and a resume (other services such as video and audio reels are available for an additional charge), which are posted on its network and can be accessed by casting directors and talent agencies in Los Angeles and in other large markets that use the service. It also offers workshops and seminars, member forums and discounts on trade magazines. For a yearly fee of $75 and $9.95 in monthly dues, the heavily promoted IAM.com offers much of what Castnet does, as well as holding contests designed to help the undiscovered get discovered through such gigs as a Spike Lee directed commercial.

What`s the reality check on all the wishful thinking casting related sites generate? Within the acting community, word is that it probably can`t hurt to join an Internet casting service given the relatively low membership fees, but the jury`s out on whether it can make much difference. Castnet claims that many of its members have found jobs, but with a few notable exceptions ("The West Wing," "The X-Files," and "Dharma & Greg"), most of these have been in commercials or as extras. Indeed, one very high profile feature film casting director who chooses to remain anonymous is dubious about the current state of online casting services. "I don`t think any actor should have to pay to be listed and these sites make promises they can`t keep," he asserts. Going on to explain that online casting could very well work in the future, however, that same casting director says, "I know of one company in particular that has a phenomenal idea, but until the major agencies come onboard to use it, it`s just not going to work."

Part of the problem is that casting directors are a technophobic lot, and they`ve already got too many candidates without going to the Internet to find more. To counter this, Castnet offers free, high speed access to the network, along with technical support and training. Despite naysayers, online casting services are getting plenty of play. The site claims to already have 40 percent of Hollywood`s casting and agent communities linked up. Castnet also hopes a recent endorsement from the Producers Guild of America will help validate it within the Industry.

Bottom line? When Internet casting sites offer services that make it easier for casting directors to do their work, casting directors will jump on it. As for actors, breaking in to the biz is never easy - the Internet just offers one more way to try.