Modeling/Acting Casting Calls

Quick side note: IF YOU ARE AN ASPIRING MODEL/ACTOR OR A MODEL/ACTOR LOOKING FOR FREE CASTING CALLS FOR PAYING JOBS, I REGULARLY POST THEM ON MY FACEBOOK PAGE. ADD ME: http://www.facebook.com/AlisonDancho

GOOD AND BAD Commercial Fitness Portfolio Shots

        Continuing on with GOOD AND BAD commercial portfolio pictures.....  If you are athletic or play a sport it is a great idea to include a fitness shot in your portfolio.  Think about all the advertising that is done for fitness and sports related products.  A good fitness shot will clearly show you performing some kind of movement.  It should look realistic.  If you are a female you should not have your hair overdone or wear a lot of make up.  The shot should look as genuine as possible.  Click on the links below to view examples of both GOOD AND BAD Fitness shots.

GOOD.
   
         This is a good fitness shot.  You can clearly see the models muscle definition.  She looks as if she is in the middle of an actual work out.  The outdoor lighting suits the picture.  Her wardrobe is appropriate and her hair is pulled back. This girl is ready to sell any workout supplement or product out there!

BAD!!!

        This is a bad Fitness picture.  The entire picture is confusing.  The background is cluttered and distracting.  The poster on the right of the model gets more visual attention than she does.  Her pose looks as if she is doing ballet or trying to be sexy....or both at the same time.  Her body position doesnt make sense. What is she doing? Is it a stretching move? An exercise? If the answer is no, then it is a BAD Fitness picture! Her top is not something you would see either at the gym or in a Fitness product ad.  Her hair is overdone, her make up is overdone. Her face is angled down so you can't see what she looks like. REMEMBER the point of ALL of your portfolio pictures is to show what you look like!

Commercial Portfolio Picture Examples........

        A good commercial portfolio will get you PAID.  A bad one will get you disregarded.  Your portfolio is your visual resume, besides your comp card, it's the most important thing you'll need.  I'm going to show you a few examples of good and bad commercial portfolio pictures.  Try your best to ignore the actual model in the pictures and pay attention to what she is doing (or not doing).  #1 The bathing suit shot. Click on the links below to see the examples of GOOD and BAD!!! bathing suit shots.

GOOD.

        This is a good bathing suit shot.  The model looks relaxed and natural, her expression matches what she is doing.  The picture shows what her face and body look like and her bathing suit top and bottom are solid colors.  She is in the water, which makes sense considering she is wearing a bathing suit.  The picture on the right is better than the one on the left becasue you can see her entire arm and hand in the picture on the right.  You never want to put a picture in your portfolio where it appears you are "missing a limb" or any other part of your body.  Her hair and make up are natural, as they would be if she were really at the beach. The belly ring should be removed but other than that, that's the GENERAL OUTLINE of what a good bathing suit shot should be.  I am not going into lighting and shadow in depth right now.  In general, as long as the lighting is natural and there are no awkward shadows, you're good to go!

BAD!!!!!!

         This is an example of a bad portfolio picture! The models pose is unatural and awkward.  The props don't make any sense.  Her expression is cold.  Her make up is over done.  She is wearing distracting gold jewelry on her wrist and ankle. YOU SHOULD NOT WEAR JEWLERY IN YOUR PORTFOLIO PICTURES.  It takes away from YOU in the picture and in addition, different people have different taste in jewlery, you don't want the person flipping through your portfolio to be distracted by a necklace they hate.....or love, when they are supposed to be thinking about HIRING YOU! The models bathing suit is a busy print. The picture is just unflattering as a whole.

         In the next post I'll be giving you examples of a good and bad commercial FITNESS shot, so check back soon for updates!

A Commercial Model's Portfolio......

If your a commercial model and you have a photo shoot or two under your belt, that's great! That means that you're probably aware of what poses and facial expressions are the most flattering and what isn't working for you.  If you have a few good pictures, this does not make you a pro, so you should not go to an agency expecting them to treat you as such.  They will still require you to have a full or almost full portfolio in order to market you to clients.  If you've started the process of building your portfolio through TF shoots and/or freelancing work and you feel you've developed an eye for good commercial pictures, then continue on and return to the agencies when your portfolio is complete.  If you are confused or have questions about what kind of pictures you should be taking, it's best to 1) AS I'VE SAID BEFORE, Do your research., and then 2) shoot your portfolio with an agency recommended photographer. This will save you time, confusion and wasted effort trying to do it on your own.  A commercial portfolio should contain natural looking pictures as if it was a flip book of a person living their life. (or at least the life they advertise in magazines and on TV) You should have a range of facial expressions, just make sure that YOUR EXPRESSION IS VERY CLEAR in the photos you choose for your portfolio. The last thing you want is someone trying to guess what emotion your attempting to convey.  A business look is pretty standard, a casual look, if you play a sport incorporate that into your portfolio as well.  If you don't play a sport, use a general fitness picture (jogging or light weight lifting or yoga).  If you have dance experience....show that too.  The more skills you have, the more marketable you become and the more work you are eligible for.  A medical or nursing photo is often recommended.  You need to research what's going on in your area.  What kind of advertising is going on around you? You most likely would not have any use for, let's say .....  a picture of you skiing or snowboarding if you live in an area that doesn't get snow, and doesn't advertise any products or services related to winter sports. If you live in Miami, you will have more bathing suit shots.  If you live in New York you would want one good one at the most, and you might not need one at all.  Take care to pic out which pictures are your strongest.  Consult models you know who are already signed with agencies and photographers who shoot for agencies and see if they recommend any of the same picture that you think are your strongest.  As your getting your portfolio together, make sure the way you look STAYS CONSISTENT! While differences in hair style are encouraged, it isn't a great idea to have two different hair colors in your portfolio book, it will suggest the idea that some pictures are old and/or that you change  your hair color often....which is absolutely a bad idea! If you change your hair color as a commercial model, you need to shoot a whole new portfolio. So just don't.  If your still unsure about the type of shots your commercial portfolio should contain, hang in there.  In the next post I'll be giving you actual examples of good and bad commercial portfolio pictures ........... so check back soon for updates!

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!

So you're a Promotional model.........

3) Promotional Model         If you've classified yourself as a promotional model, that's also great! That means you can start working and making money immediately! Just make sure you have one great head shot and a full body shot. They can be professional, in some cases they might not need to be.  Promotional modeling jobs can be obtained through agencies and by freelancing.  I would recommend a combination of both.  Promotional modeling is a great way to make good money while still maintaining a flexible schedule.  Some fashion/editorial and commercial models do promotional modeling work when they aren't booked so they can make extra money but still remain available for castings and jobs.  If you want modeling to be your full time job but your not getting enough commercial or fashion/editorial work yet, I recommend filling in the blanks with promotional modeling jobs. If you want to get jobs on your own I suggest joining and making a profile on the following websites: 1) GC Marketing Services 2) Model Mayhem         Also do an Internet search for your area can bring you more results.  This in the only instance where I would recommend browsing Craigslist for jobs.  DO SO WITH EXTREME CAUTION. We all know all the weirdness that exists on Craigslist.  If they isn't a clear job description, or if it just doesn't look or feel right...LEAVE IT ALONE!!! You're not missing out, your safety is much more important!           If you want to use an agency to get you work, keep in mind that MANY commercial and in some cases fashion/editorial agencies may have Promotional Modeling Divisions.  Again, the Internet is your friend. Just google "Promotional Modeling Agency" and your state and see what comes up.           Promotional modeling jobs pay anywhere from $17-$60/hour in general, and can potentially pay more.  Every job and client is different.  I would not recommend taking a promotional modeling job for less that $15/hour.  The low pay hints that the client is either unprofessional or doesn't have knowledge of what a promotional model should be payed.  Either way you lose.          Promotional models should not have to pay money to be signed up with an agency nor do they need a portfolio or comp card.  If you have professional pictures and you want to have a comp card made, that's great, it will show your a professional. Also, always keep your resume updated and available both in a computer file and in paper form.  Business cards are also a good idea, with your picture on one side and your contact information on the back, again, it shows professionalism. 

So you're a Fashion/Editorial Model.......

1) Fashion/Editorial.          If you categorized yourself as a Fashion/Editorial model your lucky in more ways than one! Firstly, you are within the 2% of human beings who naturally have a very thin body type without help from diet or exercise.  You are also luck because you don't need anything but yourself and a few snap shots to start going to agencies for representation.  As a fashion/editorial model, you will NOT be able to make a living doing freelance work, in fact you'll be lucky to make anything at all with little or no experience, therefore you MUST BE SIGNED TO AN AGENGY TO GET PAYING WORK.  Exercise EXTREME caution when selecting an agency to represent you.  Google is your best friend! Here's what you need to do.         1. Google the TOP 10 Modeling agencies in your state (if you are anywhere at all near New York just use New York, if your not, it's unlikely that 10 will even come up)        2. Look at the names that come up. Have you ever heard of them? If not google them, research their website and look at how they take submissions.         3. Major agencies will only take submissions either through the mail, through email, or in person at an open call.        4. Each agency specifically states what they need from you for submissions. Follow the instructions EXACTLY or your submission may not even be viewed.         5. If there are no instructions, call and ask for them, if there is no open call day listed, call and ask if they have one. They usually do.        6. YOUR BEST BET IS TO ATTEND AN OPEN CALL. Everything is better when you do it in person, you'll have a chance to make a good impression with your personality.        7. If you don't hear anything for 3 months, submit again or attend an open call again! The "hot looks" change every 2-3 months and the reason they didn't want you the first, second, or third .....or even fourth or fifth time might have nothing to do with any flaws you might have, you're literally "just not what they're looking for" at that time. That can be the biggest compliment you'll get from an agency while being turned away.           8. ALWAYS HAVE YOUR HAIR AND MAKE UP NATURAL FOR OPEN CALLS AND SUBMISSIONS. SOME SUBMISSIONS WILL EVEN REQUEST YOU WEAR NO MAKE UP....FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS!         9. If you have any doubts, bad feelings, or if someone asks you or your patents for money up front. IMMEDIATELY google the name and phone number of the agency and the word "SCAM" after it.....see what comes up...usually your feelings are right! Don't do anything your not comfortable with until you go home and consult your search engine!        10. GOOGLE IS YOUR FRIEND, DO YOUR RESEARCH BEFORE YOU GO TO AN OPEN CALL! AGAIN, GOOGLE IS YOUR FRIEND! DO YOUR RESEARCH IF YOU HAVE ANY DOUBTS!!!!