Series seeks aspiring stars

Las Vegas used to be the place where showbiz careers went to die.

But that's no longer true -- at least according to MTV's latest made-in-Vegas reality series, "So You Want to Be a Star 2."

The "Making the Band" spinoff, which continues shooting through April, features Jason Williams (aka "Jason the Diva Maker") grooming aspiring young singers and dancers for bigger, better things.

More than a dozen under-19 performers will be featured on the 13-episode show, which has a "Fame" vibe, according to associate producer April Palko. Side stories will focus on four or five performers.

"But we're still developing the cast," Palko adds, noting that "we need stronger singers" and dancers with hip-hop, classical and jazz backgrounds.

If you're interested in trying out, e-mail soyouwant2beastar@yahoo.com or call 228-6028.

"Night" vision: A Las Vegas stopover qualifies as a definite no-brainer for a theatrical documentary focusing on night-shift workers around the world.

Little wonder, then, that "Night Shift" planned to hit Glitter City for a three-day shoot expected to end today.

After all, "Las Vegas is one of those cities that doesn't sleep," producer Tony Selzer points out.

Two of the stops on "Night Shift's" dawn patrol: the Fremont Street Experience, where Ron Ischer oversees the giant "VivaVision" light canopy as show operations lighting maintenance manager; and the Little White Wedding Chapel's all-night nuptials.

Director Vanessa Vassar profiled food-service workers in 2002's "American Waitress" -- and "Night Shift" is in "the same vein," Selzer says.

"Uber" Vegas: Canada's "Uber Guide," featured on the CTV national network and Travel + Escape cable, does the Vegas thing this week, seeking out peak experiences in Pair-a-dice.

Producer Stan Feingold and crew are scheduled to visit a variety of attractions, including The Mirage's Bare Pool Lounge and Bellagio's Bank nightclub.

Hellbound: Musician Dan Diamond reteams with Las Vegas-based producer-director Jimmie Gonzalez for a music video leading straight to hell.

At least that's the concept behind "I Wanna Go Down," explains Gonzalez, citing scenes depicting a mock funeral -- and a post-burial bash in Hades. Locations include Sunset Park, the Artisan Hotel and a stretch of suitably hellish desert.

CineVegas countdown: Filmmakers have until Saturday to submit entries to June's CineVegas film festival, which will award a $10,000 prize for best feature, $1,000 for best short and $500 for best Nevada short.

For more details, click on www.cinevegas.com or call 992-7979.

Carol Cling's Shooting Stars column appears Mondays. Contact her at (702) 383-0272 or e-mail her at ccling@reviewjournal.com.