So you're a Commercial Model....

2) Commercial Model I saved this category for last because it contains the most sub categories and the most potential for error in my opinion.  Commercial models portray everyday people in advertisements, on TV, in magazines etc.  There are TONS of Commercial modeling agencies out there but only a few that will get you where you need to be.  DO NOT jump at the first agency that accepts you.  Know everything about the agency before you meet with them.  Commercial agencies are more likely to meet with you one on one rather than hold open calls like Fashion agencies do, and if they do hold open calls, they tend to be more personal.  When you walk into a commercial agency you are selling your looks and your personality in equal proportions, that it important to remember.  You might be beautiful but if you have a poor attitude it might not work out.  Would you want to be on a job with someone for 8 hours who was acting miserable? Didn't think so.  A typical commercial job is 4 hours for a half day and 8 hours for a full day.  When you are a background actor in a TV show or movie you should be prepared to stay up to 10 hours, if you work longer, you will be payed overtime.  When you book a job on a certain day that is likely the only job you will be able to take that day because you won't know when you'll be done.  As a Commercial model you WILL need to pay for your pictures, portfolio, head shots and composite cards.  These are you marketing tools and you WILL NOT get professional work without them.  If an agency tells you they will not work with you unless you use their photographer and printer that is BAD news.  They may very well have the best....or maybe they're just trying to sell you pictures.  Always, always, always ask where you can find the photographers portfolio and look at the quality of their work.  When your new to the business I suggest going to several agencies and asking for the same information, then going home and comparing them against each other.  The things you should be asking go see are: 1) The photographer's portfolio if they want you to use their photographer.  If they won't show you anything the photographer has done or if they can't give you a website to look at.BAD NEWS. 2) The Client List. If they won't show you one or they don't have one. BAD NEWS. 3) A license to operate an agency. Every agency must be licensed and bonded in their own state to legally operate an agency.  If they are not an agency you do not want to deal with them at all. BAD NEWS. If you feel you're being pressured or being "sold" something at anytime. Trust your instincts. Go home and do more research. As a rule of thumb NEVER GIVE ANYONE MONEY THE FIRST TIME YOU MEET WITH THEM, that is a sure sign of either a scam or an agency which is legal but makes the majority of its money selling pictures and not getting their models paying work. Do a search for the top 10 commercial modeling agencies in your state.  Some of them might be called "Model and Talent Agency" because they also represent actors and other talent.  Most Commercial agencies are non exclusive, meaning you can work with more than one at a time in order to get the most work you can get. Work with as many as you can to maximize your casting and working potential.  There are a few which are exclusive, in that case you need to decide if you think they can get you the amount of work you want.  If you are in a position to work with an exclusive commercial agency, be honest with them about your goals and ask them about the frequency of which their talent works.  If you can, ask around and talk to some people who are represented by that agency and ask them how often they work.  Everybody is different, but I find if you ask enough people you can get a good average and know what to expect.  I'll continue with more about Commercial modeling in the next post and some of its sub divisions, also i'll cover how to identify good and bad commercial pictures.  Check back soon for updates!