How to Deal with...D*Bags...

        So this is a recent Voxer conversation I had:

RandomNameHere: "Hey looking to cast you in modeling/video projects that pay up to $800-$1200 depending on your limits.  I could pay you to come by my studio and audition.


Me: "You can book me through __________ (my agency) Contact: _______(my agent) __________(my agents email). ________(my agents office phone number).  Thank you.


RandomNameHere: "Do you do xxx"


Me: "No."

       Now didn't that conversation seem like a waste of time for both of us? Of course.  However for an inexperienced or naive model that might have seemed like a great idea and she might have landed herself in a bad or even dangerous position.


Let's break this down:

           1) Voxer.  That's already wrong. There are certain ways a professional will contact you FOR THE FIRST TIME.  They are: phone call or email.  (If you are connecting with someone through Facebook, ModelMayhem, or another networking source this won't be the case for obvious reasons.)  People who are after something more will use more casual methods to make their first contact.  Unfortunately Voxer automatically connects people based on a variety of information so it's less private than other methods of communication.  It's too easy for them to get shut down quickly over the phone and emails from a stranger are usually deleted unless they provide CLEAR job details.

        2) I had no idea who this person was.  If I had submitted my personal information for a casting call of his he would have stated that casting call so I would know who he was.  If someone just finds you out of the blue offering you work it's usually a good time to either let it go or look into it much much further.

         3) He threw "large" amounts of money into his initial contact, meant o impress an inexperienced model.  Once you start working as a model you get an idea of the general pay rate your working with.  Conveniently...for comparison sake... I have a photo shoot next week paying $750 and there was no casting. My agency booked me directly. (that's not always the case but it happens more often than not when your dealing with a good agency/agent) So why would a working model be impressed by that pay rate?  She wouldn't. He was targeting an inexperienced model.

          4) He said he could pay me to come audition. WHAT? Auditions are not paid...that's why they're called auditions.  Again, an attempt to target an a non-pro. I'm assuming in this case his "audition" would have went something like this: RandomNameHere: "So if you sleep with me you can have the jobs and lots of money....and by the way, it's not modeling..it's web cam modeling." Web cam modeling is code for Porn, and XXX directors/producers/casting agents who are looking to lure real models into porn use this term to attempt to confuse girls who don't know the difference.

         5) He didn't mention anything about XXX until after I had given him my agency contact info.  Of course, I already knew what he wanted, but it's always good to let people know that you can't be booked directly by just anyone, that you are an agency model (if you are) and you have standards....also I like to see some of the ridiculous responses.  Had I not thrown that info in his face right off the bat (assuming I didn't know any better) then that conversation would have continued long after it did.

        ............................................HOW TO STOP THEM IN THEIR TRACKS................................................     ..        (Them= time wasters, non-professionals, porn directors, perverts, predators, and guys/photographers who are just out to try to meet and hook up with models)
       Whenever someone contacts you without all the proper information (Pay rate, hours, date, time, clear job description) up front...just refer them to your agency immediately.  If you don't have an agency, then your independent agent.  If you don't use any independent agents, then you have two options:
     
          1) Refer them to your website, or another place them have to go to see your rates and booking information.  You can say "All my booking information can be found on my website ." By giving them another step, our differing a lot of bs.  If they are a person who is serious about booking you, they'll do what you say and follow the steps they're given.  If you don't have a website, just get one.  You need one anyway if your a freelance model.  There are lots of completely free websites you can create, like WIX.com for example.  There are also very low cost ones set up specifically for modes portfolios like 4ormat.com
       
        2) You can simply create an alternate email address and tell them that is your agents contact information.  While "posing" as your agent you can ask them the job details as an agent would do anyway....if they don't give clear details, or if they don't contact tha email address just let it go.  You've probably just saved yourself from becoming a rape victim.

   ....................................THESE QUESTIONS SHOULD SEND UP RED FLAGS........................................
 - What kind of modeling work do you do/are you looking to get?
 - Who do you model for?

         This experience has brought a lot of other hilarious (to me) but potentially dangerous (to some) situations/attempts back to my mind.  The point is, it happens all the time, there are people who use the modeling industry and even the word "modeling" to manipulate inexperienced and aspiring models into harms way.  Don't be one of those girls! THIS IS WHY I ALWAYS SAY "DO YOUR RESEARCH' and "LOOK INTO IT."             You should never be afraid that you'll lose work because you haven't handled something correctly.  If you handle yourself professionally and watch out for situations like this, you'll never lose a legitimate day of work, and you'll keep yourself safe at the same time.

   If any other models/actresses have any situations of stories similar to this and would like to share them for a future blog post please submit them to: AddikennTalent@gmail.com
       Remember: STAY SMART AND STAY SAFE!

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How to Do Your Research...

        There are many many myths and scams within the modeling industry. This causes many potential models to lose thousands of dollars, their motivation, and their faith in the industry itself. If you are serious about starting a career, please take a few minutes to read this article. It explains the how, what, why and who behind scams and myths. It is rather long, but it needs to be. Explaining the modeling industry is not an easy task, and this author did it very well. (I have no personal or professional affiliation with the author or company, nor have I read any of their works beyond this essay)
MODELING MYTHS ESSAY

How To Become a Freelance Model...

        Freelance Models are models who are not represented by a Modeling or Acting Agent or Agency.  They manage themselves and decide who they want to work with, where, how, and for what price.  I DO NOT RECCOMEND ATTEMPTING TO BECOME A FREELANCE MODEL  IF YOU WANT TO MAKE A FULL TIME INCOME!  I know people who have freelanced full time, and I've done it myself briefly with a good success rate (working about 3-4 times per week); however, if you looking for a full time career I suggest you refer back to agency representation.  There are few models who have enough knowledge of the industry and at the same time are willing to put in the time and energy to make it work.  If you have kids DO NOT ATTEMPT TO BE A FULL TIME FREELANCE MODEL...if you go to school full time...DO NOT ATTEMPT TO BECOME A FULL TIME FREELANCE MODEL...if you have a full time job....You get the idea.  It's a very busy lifestyle that involves a lot of travel and a lot of .....everything.

        Now if your looking to supplement your current income or you feel your agency is just not getting you the amount of work you want, then freelancing can be a great option to get extra work, free portfolio images, network, and make industry connections.  As a Freelance Model, you need to have a few things in order before you start attempting to get yourself work.
        - Do you have a portfolio?  It's ok if you don't, but you should always be working towards having a complete protfolio and constantly adding better pictures as you aquire them.  The minimum amount of shots I would reccomend to start getting paying work would be roughly 4.  This gives the client a good idea of what you look like and what you have done.  Until you have 4 strong portfolio looks, I would reccomend sticking to TF shoots.  Freelance Models shouldn't make investments such as paying a photographer for a portfolio, because it's just not neccessary.  You can do TF (Trade For) shoots with photographers who are looking to add to their portfolio as well.  What you want to pay close attention to is the quality of the photographers work.  If you don't like the way it looks, guess what, your pictures will probably turn out something like that, so skip it.  Freelance Models need to educate themselves about what kind of pictures they will need for the work they want to do.  Example: Are you only interested in doing commercial and fashion work? Then it makes no sense to do an artistic nude TF shoot.  Your portfolio should contain the type of images you want to be payed to create.  If you are uncomfortable with a photographer, a concept, a shoot...just skip it.  You are your own boss.  You can do whatever you please.

        That being said, Freelance Models still need to maintain a professional attititude.  Having a portfolio, a comp card, a business card, a personal website and a WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE about the industry can take you a long way!  If you don't know the answer...THEN GOOGLE IT! Then ask a few people to see if you get a similar answer.  It amazes me how aspiring models will get themselves in bad situations because they haven't looked into something.  When you are a freelance model YOU NEED TO LOOK INTO EVERYTHING! You are the only one responsible for your well being and safety! If you were represented by an agency, they would worry about that for you.  Questions to ask yourself before shooting with a photographer or accepting an assignment would be:
1) Have I worked with them before?
2) Have I seen their portfolio? What is the content and quality? Do they have a portfolio?
3) Have they given me a clear description of the job so I am in full understanding and agreement? If the answer is no, don't even think about shooting with them or accepting the job.  You'll have no idea what you could be walking into.
4) Have they given me a set pay rate? Or have they agreed to my pay rate? (When you are a freelance model, you must set your own hourly, half day (4hours), full day (8hours) and overtime rates.  Clients will ask for them if there is not already a set rate for the job.  You should also always ask if the client will pay your ttavel expenses, especially if the job is low paying and you need to travel a considerable distance to got there.  Figure out ahead of time how far you are willing to travel for work and at what rate.  Set your rated lower when you start out then raise them as you gain experience.  No one will pay a ridiculously high rate for an inexperienced model, no matter how pretty she is.  Remember, your not being payed for how you look per say...your being payed based on:  How you look + experience + professionalism + quality of your portfolio.
5) Do I know anyone else who has worked with them? Were their reviews good or bad?
Until these questions have been clearly answered, do not accept a job.

.           ... HOW TO FIGURE OUT WHEN YOU SHOULD BE PAYED FOR SHOOTS......
As you start out, you will be working for free doing TF shoots.  This simply means that you and the photographer will both provide your services for free because you will mutually benefit from your collaboration.
        You might be able to pick up a few paying jobs along the pay, and you should accept them for experience sake, not matter what they pay. (I never reccomend working for free after you have a quality portfolio and a solid resume)
        As your portfolio becomes more complete, you need to observe the quality of the photographers portfolio even more closely before agreeing to a shoot.  If the quality of their portfolio is better than your than gladly accept a TF shoot with them, it will help add quality to your portfolio.  If the quality of the photographers portfolio is lower than yours, it's time to start charging!  Give them your hourly, half day and full day rates.  Don't be surprised if you don't hear back from them or they think that you should shoot with them for free.  If they are less experienced than you, they won't know any better.  I know photographers and even worse "photographers" aka a guy who owns a camera, who think they should be payed for every shoot they do, which is fine, if they are contacting models who need and are willing to pay for their services.  However if you are a Freelance Model and you only plan to do freelance work, then you simply won't benefit from paying a photographer for a photoshoot.  If a photographer is seriious about improving his skills, and he likes your look, then he will pay! Keep in mind you won't be charging an unreasonable rate. There are too many quality photographers that are more than willing to shoot with you TF for one reason or another, some just might be willing to help you because you asked, and some might just be updating and adding on to their portfolios and you crossed paths at the right time.  All you need to do is go find them.  Don't just shoot with every photographer you meet without figuring out what you'll accomplish and gain from it first!

                                         $$$ HOW TO DETERMINE YOUR RATES $$$
        You are free to charge whoever, whatever you wish, since you are your own boss.  However, overcharging won't get you much work, and undercharging won't get you much....$  So here's a good way to determine a fair rate to charge: (Warning: this involves actual research! ..told you freelancing wasn't easy!)
        Do an internet search for the Modeling and Casting agencies in your area.  Believe it or not, some actially have their talent rates posted somewhere on their website.  (It won't be on the home page, you'll have to look around) Write down the general or average rates that the agencies are chargng.  If you can't find the info on their site, which you will not be able to with the majority of them.  Then simply call and say that you have an interest in modeling and/or acting and you would like some information on the general rates.  Not every agency will 1) Know the answer (every job has a different pay rate, so they may not have a set minimum. or 2) Be willing to tell you.  Write down the numbers that you can collect.  If you aren't getting enough consistency then you have to just do the research via internet (remember to use only the info from the agencies in your area)
        Take the rate that you come up with as your average.  Divide it in half.  That's the number you shoudl start with.  As you gain experience you can raise your rates slowly, but never go above the average rate you came up with.  Stay slightly under it.  While you might find a few individual situations where you can charge the same rate or even more than an agency model, stick to less that the agency rate, as your rule of thumb.  People willing to pay for an agency quality model, won't be willing to pay the same rate for a non-agency model.  This is because clients know what they are getting when they go through an agency.  Their relationship is with the agency, not the model.  When you are a freelance model, you are your own agent, and the first time you work with a client, they won't know what to expect from you, or even if you'll show up, so therefore they won't shell out the same amount of $ they would for an agency model.
        WARNING: Beware the phrase "Compensation: EXPOSURE" Exposure is not compensation.  Money is compensation.  If you are a freelance model planning to become an agency model, then the only people you want to expose yourself to is an agency!  So "exposure" won't help you! If you are planning on only doing freelance work, I still would not reccomend it! Yes you have a chance of networking and possibly connecting with future clients...but the odds are no different than they are anywhere else you go in your daily life.  If you network everywhere you go already, then you won't have to worry about working for "exposure" aka FREE! Models don't need exposure, they need paychecks! If you are an aspring actor, that's a different story.  If you get an audition for a student film or something that will add quality to your acting reel, then you should definitely take it! However, don't continue to work for free if you have a good reel! Get yourself an agent!

                                                            HOW TO GET WORK
        In addition to networking, you will need to make profiles on websites for freelance modelig and you should also attempt to make connections with independent agents.  These are agents who will take their commission if they get you a job, but they won't require you to have a full portfolio as an agency will, and they submit you for work using the photos you already have, if they are interested in working with you.  They will not charge you any fees upfront.  I do not reccomend paying for any modeling or casting websites as a freelance model.  There are enough free castings available, you just need to be searching for them, that is also part of your job, always looking for new sources to find work and castings.
Some websites to join:
                                           modelmayhem.com
                                        modelwirenetwork.com
        There are a lot of agents who operate more locally as opposed to nationwide.  Find their websites before you pay to join a nationwide casting network.  If someone can give a an actual success story from using one of those I'll listen, but I honestly just don't know anyone who's had any success using them.

How to Become a Fitness Model....

           Fitness Models are models who are hired to promote and advertise fitness related products.  The appear on tv, in magazines, and in body building and fitness competitions.  A Fitness Model must have a great smile and a commercial look.  They must look and be in shape and live a healthy lifestyle.  Their muscles must be defined, however not all Fitness Models must look like body builders.  Fitness Models must be involved with the health and fitness community and have actual knowledge of health and fitness practices.  The more "in the loop" you are, the more likely it is that you might already know people or companies who want to hire or sponsor you as a Fitness Model!

        There are two main courses of action to take if you want to start working as a Fitness Model.
        1) Contact an agent or agency.  As with most other areas of modeling, there are agencies dedicated to ONLY representing Fitness Models.  There are also commercial modeling agencies with fitness divisions.  Do an Internet search for agencies in your area, and ask around with people who you know from the gym or playing sports.  The agency will advise you about what type of Fitness Models they represent and what type of pictures you should have in your portfolio.  You will have different steps to take if you are a Body Builder versus a (female) Bikini Fitness Model.

       2) Attend or compete in fitness competitions.  There are different types of competitions for different models.  Examples : Figure, Bikini, Muscle, Sports Fitness etc...  Find out which competitions are in your area and their categories.  Realistically determine which category fits you best and go from there.

         -  In addition you can also sign up and create a profile on free websites for Fitness Models.  These websites will advertise you to potential clients and provide you with casting calls.

        - Be where the media is! Attend fitness expos, workshops and other events and mixers! The Fitness Modeling world is smaller and less complex than the Fashion and Commercial modeling world, therefore you can actually potentially meet people who can get you contracts and deals by just being an active part of the community and social scene.

       - If you don't belong to a gym.....you should join one.  I know people who were approached by companies offering them sponsorships while they were going through their daily workout.

How to Become a Parts Model

        Parts modeling involves modeling specific body parts in order to advertise and promote products on tv, in magazines etc.  Examples of individual parts would be: feet, hands (yes there is actually such a thing as a hand model), legs, certain facial features, or even entire bodies.

        If you think about the advertising for products like: nail polish, hand cream, shoes, stockings, jewelry..... This should give you a good visual reference of what a Parts model does. 

        There are agencies who only represent Parts Models.  They are far less common than commercial or fashion agencies.  The most well known Parts Modeling Agency is PARTS MODELS in New York City.  On the west coast there's BODY PARTS MODELS INC.  In addition to these, some commercial modeling agencies also have Parts Modeling Divisions or will represent Parts Models.  If there are no Parts Modeling agencies near you, start calling around to your local commercial agencies and ask if they represent Parts Models.

        In order to submit yourself for representation you must have professional pictures of the parts you model.  Hire a local photographer or do a TF ("Trade For") shoot with a photographer who has experience with Parts Modeling.  Research your local agencies and submit your photos in the format they request and inquire about Open Calls.  If your going to attend an Open Call or you get a call to meet with an agency after you've sent your photos, dress appropriately to display the parts you model. 

Example: Don't show up in jeans and sneakers if you are modeling your legs and feet. 

        The parts you model should be well kept and groomed to perfection.  There should be NO visible veins, stretch marks, scars, bruises, cuts, tattoos or piercings.  Since the focus is on one specific body part, that increases the pressure for perfection in that area.