I WANT TO BE A MODEL:

There are several types of modelling and acting agencies each of which represents various types of models or actors. Each agency has an image it tries to project and maintain. Every model represented by the agency is an extension of its own image.
Some agencies do not represent all ages and sizes, it is important, therefore, to know which agencies to write to and why.
Just because a specific agency is considered to be the best for other people, this does not necessarily mean that it is going to be the best agency for you. Search until you find the best for your particular requirements A little research can save you a lot of time and money. The key ingredient in choosing an agent or agency is the excitement factor. Get advice from other actors, models, teachers, and other industry people who can help you choose the right agency. To start, you want a small-to-mid sized agency that is excited about you and will work for you. The agency you sign with shouldn't have too many actors or models to represent. If you come across an agent who works alone and claims they are a commercial and theatrical and voice-over and modelling agent, avoid signing unless you want your career to go down the pan. It is hard for one individual to handle more than one category. Remember you should never join an agency over the phone, always go and meet the agent. So from your agency you should expect, Honesty, Protection, Career Guidance, Promotion, Professional and courteous service. Always check and make sure that the agency is working within the DTI guidelines that they pay within 10 days of receipt of any monies, that they receive on your behalf, and that all monies are kept in a separate client account. Never pay an agency-joining fee. If you still not sure about the agent ring the DTI and ask if they have any problems with that agency, you will find there number in your local yellow Pages www.yell.com or Thompson Local www.tompsonlocal.co.uk
You should not expect from your agent: Advances in pay: Services as a Psychologist, Mother, Father, etc., Or Rides anywhere.

NEVER:

NEVER!! Send any agency a registration fee to join them! Accredited agencies will never ask for a registration fee: this is not legal, and goes against the DTI agency legislation, which all agencies in the UK should adhere to. Agencies that do ask for a registration fee should be reported to the DTI. (Department of trade and Industry)

QUESTIONS ABOUT YOU:

What is your image? What kind of model or actor could you be? Are you a model or an actor? Are you petite or full figure? Do you have great hands, feet or legs? Do you have any special talents? Are you an Actor? Once you have completed your research, call and make contact. Follow the step-by-step instructions given over the phone about the agencies procedures.

QUESTIONS FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS:

What is the price for the session?
Are you shooting colour or black and white?
Are you shooting in slide (transparency), negative, and/ or Digital?
Does this price include contact sheet / any 8 x10 prints /CD of prints?
What is the price for each 8x10 / 9x12.5 glossy, colour / B&W print?
Does this price include make-up artist and hairstylist?
If not, what is the price per hour for such services?
Are you shooting in the studio or on location, or both?
Is there an extra charge for going on location?
Who owns the negatives or slides?
It’s normal for the photographers in the UK to retain the right of ownership of your negatives.

WHAT DO I NEED?

You will need as much information as possible to be able to choose your photographer and, to determine the best way to fill your photographic needs within your budget. Remember, you may need help from a professional to learn how to pose photographically; to present an experienced looking book. After that, new photos and your Z Cards should be updated periodically. You should work closely with your agency or management team to ensure that your look is up to date. The advantage of shooting with different photographers is that you receive greater exposure and new opportunities to build a working rapport with other professionals in the business. After seeing how good you look and how well you move and work, photographers are sometimes in a position to recommend you for jobs. The photographs in your portfolio must be a small selection showing you off to your best advantage. A complete portfolio should consist of 10 to 20 shots, but in the beginning you should strive for the basic shots listed below. The others will evolve naturally in a direction that complements your particular style.

PICTURES FOR YOUR BOOK:

Casual head shoulders shot (natural looking hair) Full-length evening Dress, or Dinner Jacket Sporty look, full length Business Suite, Full Length & Head Shot Swimsuit, and or body shots, T-shirt and shorts, full length Shot in formal evening wear, & sports attire, A coat pose, three-quarter length. Casual Club Clothes, three quarter. A three-quarter shot demonstrating a product A well-styled head shot with accessories and perfectly groomed make-up and hair, Authentic sports clothes action shot, full length A modern dress shot, full length. The model's portfolio speaks for the model. With the right portfolio, a good opportunity can turn into an extraordinary opportunity. And remember that models that work with good photographers naturally acquire fabulous pictures. The pictures must look like you! Not how you think you should look! Nor what the photographer thinks you should look like, nor with lots of make-up, multiple lights and colours, and a fan blowing your hair! Your photographs are your business calling card and no actor/model can be without them. You will need to present them in two basic forms: The normal size of photographs in a large portfolio is 9x12, although the 8x10 size is somewhat easier to carry around. Remember, professional book photographs should be enclosed in plastic pages. You will also need to carry some Z cards, Do not carry anything else in your book. It is a good idea to keep an extra copy of the photographs at home in case your book is lost, misplaced or stolen.

YOUR Z CARD:

The z card and is your calling card, and your business card, all in one. It is mailed out to clients and left behind by you at auditions. This mini-brochure displays two photos or more of the model and lists your name, vital statistics, and contact agency information. Photos chosen from a model's paid work, such as ads or fashion, and editorials, are especially impressive for the Z card. Z cards should be made annually to reflect your updated work and look. The cost varies with black/white or colour and with quantity needed. With price is generally worked out on the cost of 500 or 1000 z cards. Slip a few of these in the back of your portfolio. You never know when a potential client will need one. All agencies produce Model Books, which are an excellent way of showing off their models all around the world. The books are generally produced once a year and only the top models are normally chosen to be in them. The cost of the book varies with black/white or colour and quantity they produce. New models can also be presented on a Head Sheet; this is a poster-sized sheet with small headshots of each new model. These head sheets are compiled every three/six months, with the cost varying with black/white or colour and quantity produced. The Head Sheet is sent to photographers and all potential clients to introduce new models. Unless you have an agent you won't be included in a Model Book or on a Head Sheet. You can still effectively market yourself with z cards. These, too, can be sent to clients all around the world. And also feel free to send them to professional photographers with whom you would like to work. The words to remember here is "Motivation and positive planning". Go after the clients; be selective about the agencies and photographers you want. You can do it! All you need to do is to try.

YOUR CV:

When you submit your photograph to a client or agency, it is helpful to submit your resume at the same time. Here are suggestions of what it should contain: Your Name Agency (if any) Address and phone (or) (If you don't have an agent or manager) height, bust/chest, waist, hips, dress, inside-leg, collar, suite size, hat, shoe size, Hair, and eye colour. Training: Include your formal education, courses you have taken in modelling, Drama Schools, training, dance, etc. Yours Experience: television, Film, commercials, etc. Your Special talents, Theatre, Fashion Shows, Hair Shows,

CV DON'TS:

Don't lie about anything! It will always come back to haunt you. Never put "extra work or WO Commercials”. Don't put the dates of productions next to the credits. It is not necessary to list an actor's specific roles on TV and films. Don't list an age range.

CV PRESENTATION:

Have your printer cut your CV to measure 8x10 to fit with your headshot, or z card. Always put your name on the back of any pictures (LIGHTLY). Attach your CV to your photograph. If you are freelancing, or you are working without an agent, be sure to include your contact information on the CV. (Girls beware! do not put your phone numbers on the back of your photographs)

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:

Why must a model be so tall?
A model must fit into a designer's sample-sized clothing; also, today's fashions generally look best on taller people.
When should I get my portfolio?
It depends on whether or not you decide to work with an agency or on your own. If you work with an agency, do not get a portfolio done right away. They will want to have one done in their own way.
Should I move to London to pursue a career in modelling?
Absolutely not! London is glamorous, but there are opportunities all over the country.
Should I quit my job to become a professional model?
Absolutely not! For most people in most cities, modelling is a part-time job. Before you can even consider modelling as a full-time career, it will usually take six months to a year to get enough experience.
How long can my career, in modelling last?
Under the best of circumstances, it can last as long as you want it to.
How can I tell if I have what it takes to become a model?
You can read the fashion magazines and compare yourself to the models you find there. If you have the right look, you can probably model. After all, modelling is a result of skills training. If you are tall enough, you could possibly be a high fashion model. If not consider becoming a character model.
Can a modelling career lead to an acting career?
Yes, many well-known actors and actresses began their careers as models. But if its actor you wish to be, then you should seriously consider going to Drama School.
How can I get in a magazine?
Keep your eyes open for photographic by-lines and editorial listings of photographers in any magazine then contact them. Ask which agencies they use.
How fast can an agency find me a job?
Please don't get the idea that the moment you join an agency all your problems will be over. Don't expect the agency to call you weekly; unfortunately, it doesn't always work that way. You don't get "sent out" for every job. You still have to audition like everybody else, and you still have to go around and show your face to clients so they will know who you are, and you become familiar “face”.
How can I find catwalk work?
If you have an agent, ask for a list of department stores and independent live production coordinators. If you don't have an agent, look in the phone book; ask other models if they will give you contacts, and if you can use their names when making contact. Keep an eye on clubs, Hair-salons, restaurants, clothing boutiques, fashion schools, etc., because they put shows together and often look for models to work for them.
Who conducts an audition?
You may audition for one person or a quite a few, but it is usually the Director or Casting Director who has the final vote as to who is to be used.
What is a Casting Director?
Castings directors are normally independent and are employed to find the right actors/models to show to the director, producers, and clients.
What is the difference between an Agent and a Casting Director?
An Agent does not have the authority to cast a model/actor for a particular role, but a Casting Director does. An agent takes normally takes a percentage of your income as a commission whereas Casting Director do not, they are paid directly by producers or clients.
What should I do when they ask me, "What have you done?"
Be aware they will ask you questions; have something prepared. Don’t lie; try to talk about professional work; do not mention Walk-on’s or Background work on commercials at a commercial casting.
What if I have little or no experience?
What you have actually done recently is not as important; it’s just to see how you present yourself on Camera.
How can I get acting experience?
For acting experience look out for student films etc. These can give you excellent experience; directors always remember when they had to find the actors, when they were training.
How can I find out if I was selected?
If you get the casting, your agent will call you; if you were not selected, they don’t normally contact you. It usually does not help to find out why you may have unsuccessful; its just part of the business.
What roles should I audition for?
You should audition at every chance you get, and for any role that is available to you. By approaching auditioning this way you will get more experience, and you will have more to put in your CV, you'll be making more money! Don't be picky; just work!
Why should I send a picture and CV rather than go in person?
A good mail out can create a desire on the part of the agent, casting director, etc. To see you in person.
What should I wear to an audition?
Wear whatever is appropriate for the role for which you are auditioning.