Over the years I've payed close attention to what my customers really want. It seemed to me that they wanted information on modeling, padgents, portfolios, and careers in the talent industry, including lists of casting directors and agencies who would signing them on.
This information is serious information if you are considering a career in the talent industry. Nothing written here should be taken lightly. I have tried to write it in as easy to understand language as possible. I'm not a writer, though I love to write, my interest is mainly in art. My knowledge of the modeling and talent industry came to me, I didn't have to go out an.d get it. Now you can know more of how to get through the door in a very hard industry.
I've always said it's not what you know it's who you know. And isn't that true?
You also have to have a likeable, or saleable personality. I've seen so many young model-types with bad attitudes. With an attitude or arrogance one rarely really ever succeeds. Yes determination, yes an attitude for success, but not one that thinks itself to a fuller degree than one should. So drop the attitude and realize it is a lot of hard work.
An agent friend of mine once said that there is an "art to modeling that must be inherent and also taught". No, you don't have to go to modeling school but it never hurts to practice your trade with others that know better than you. I am trying to save you money on modeling school. My hope is that by reading this information you will be well equipped to enter the door of any agency.
Yes you need an agent. Why? I'm unsure but I know that an agent is the one who will get you a job and start to build your portfolio and resume. Again, it's not what you know it's who you know and an agent knows more than you do, hopefully! I said hopefully because you have to be careful of what agent you choose. Strive to be seen by the best agencies. Don't go to an unknown it just is a waster of time. Unless you have had trouble getting into the bigger agencies, then I don't recommend going to the lesser known agents. However, I have a friend who has worked with a small agency for years. He has gotten plenty of experience working small films, and doing extra parts in some of the bigger motion pictures.
This is a lot to absorb, so listen. The bottom line is that you have to have talent. You have to be a professional. You have to know and love what you're doing. You have to have a personality, and you have to have a reputable agent.
What are commercial models used for?
Every day you see commercial models in many different types of ads. They appear in newspapers, catalogs, magazines, editorials, (photos shown in conjunction with an article in a magazine), brochures, on posters, billboards, sides of buses, packages of food items, household products, games, etc. The commercial model is the silent salesperson promoting a product or com-pany. He or she has to act without words.
To even be considered as a fashion model you must have very specific physical requirements. Normally female fashion models are between 5'9" and 6' tall and must wear a size between 2-6. Some markets outside of the United States will allow the models to be a little shorter. Male fashion models are normally 6' to 6'2" tall and wear a size 40 regular jacket.
Commercial models, on the other hand, need only to have the ability to look like a real person. In commercial modeling people of all heights, weights, sizes, ages, and races are hired. Fashion models normally promote high-end designer clothes; commercial models advertise everything else.
The commercial model connects the client, product and the consumer. A client is the person whose product needs to be advertised. Usually, the client hires an ad agency to produce an ad, the ad agency hires the photographer, and either the art director from the ad agency or photographer hires the commercial model through the model’s agent.
How much do commercial models earn?
The fees are different from city to city and job to job. Adult commercial models can expect to make anywhere from $50 to $250 an hour depending on the market. Children are paid less than adults, but can earn up to $75 an hour. There is no way of knowing how much one can earn. I know a commercial model who earned $50,000 from one job, and I know people who have made $2,000 for an entire year.
Most people do not realize that commercial modeling is like any other kind of business. Before entering this or any industry, you must do your homework. You must learn about the types of photos that will get you the most work. You must understand what agents do, and know how to make sure you are working with a reputable and honest agent. You must know what is expected of you as a professional model, and learn how to practice before entering the business. Certainly, the people who have done their research and have gotten the needed information will have the greatest chance for success.
What does it take to make it as a commercial model?
The best way to get work as a commercial model is to learn some acting skills, be self-motivated, and have the time to accept work.
How do models get work?
This process is explained in great detail in the book. The short answer is that agents send models’ composite sheets (a collection of photos) to a photographer or art/ creative director, and he or she decides which model to hire for the job. Sometimes models audition for the job by attending a go-see: models go to a photographer’s studio or casting office and they are seen.
What are the advantages to working as a commercial model?
As I mentioned earlier there are no physical limitations to being a commercial model. Most people do commercial modeling to supplement their income on a part-time basis. The hours are extremely flexible, and the hourly fees paid to commercial models are wonderful. And, of course, it is a thrill to see yourself or your child in a magazine, newspaper, brochure, or on a poster or billboard.
What are the disadvantages?
There is no guarantee that there will be steady work. That is why most people work part-time. There are no health benefits, and no money is withheld from your checks for tax purposes. You are responsible for paying taxes on all income.
What does it take to get started?
A person can get started by simply having a head shot taken. In the book I explain how to get photos taken free as well as how to find professional photographers to shoot your head shots. Depending on the area, one can have a head shot taken and begin trying to get work for about $350. Finding agents to submit your head shot for jobs would be the next best step. It is important to get experience working in front of a camera before trying to work in a major market.
You have seen them thousands of times, in magazines, newspapers, on billboards, posters and even on packages in grocery stores. These commercial models entice you to buy everything from food to shampoo, jeans to health insurance. When most people think of modeling, they only think of fashion models - those tall, thin, glamorous men and women who appear in ads for designer clothes.
But you don't need to look like a famous movie-star to succeed as a model or actor. Look at Alfred Hitchcock, I wouldn't call him a handsome man. Look at Kathy Bates, I wouldn't call her slim.
Commercial models come in all shapes, sizes and ages. Some commercial models are gorgeous woman/ handsome men, and beautiful children, and many successful commercial models look just like everyday people. The individual who has the greatest chance of being chosen to appear in an ad is the one who can believably look like a mom, doctor, business person, plumber, student, grandparent, teacher, dad, etc. The best part about commercial modeling is that it is not necessary to have that "perfect" look in order to be successful.
This guide will explain the best ways to: Get started - by teaching you specific techniques to help you practice looking comfortable and believable in front of a still camera, hense getting your foot in the door. Don't write me with spelling errors, I hate spell check...LOL
Make contacts - by learning how to find literally thousands of agents, photographers, and art directors. Grab the attention of agents - by discovering what they want to see in head shots and composite sheets. Learn techniques - to help you get cast at go-sees.
Every photo that you have taken must look like an ad. Don’t make the mistake of doing what most people do and just stand in front of a camera and have pretty pictures taken of yourself. Generally those pictures get thrown away by agents and photographers. The way to get an agent’s and photographers’ attention is by showing them photos that tell a story. Your photos should look like they could be an ad for many products.
The way to accomplish this is to go through magazines that you could really imagine seeing yourself in, and study the ads. If you have the girl next door look then don’t look at magazines like Details or Mirabella. Find magazines that you honestly could see yourself in. Don’t be afraid to borrow some ideas from these ads. If you are a teenager, then maybe you could have a photo at a desk doing your homework. You are very frustrated because you don’t understand the assignment. This could be an ad for a tutoring company, or perhaps a private school, for students with special needs. Being able to show different expressions in believable ways is what grabs an agent’s attention.
After getting the information, then find a photographer and start off with having a head shot taken. Do not reproduce any of the photos yet. Instead, show the contact sheets (those are all of your photos from the session in a miniature size format) to agents, photographers and art and creative directors at advertising agencies. See if there is one particular shot that really stands out. If so, that is the photo that should be used for your head shot. Head shots should always be shot with black and white film.
GET PHOTOS TAKEN FREE
One way to find photographers is to go to the ASMP.org web site. It is a great organization (American Society of Media Photographers). At their web site, you should be able to find photographers and even assistant photographers at their site. You can also check out local colleges to see if there is a photography department. You might be able to trade services with a student. You could get some great photos - free. Just make sure you know what type of shot is needed, and tell the student how to create a great commercial photo.
You can also find a camera club in your area. Perhaps there are members who are interested in putting together a commercial portfolio but can’t afford your modeling fees. You can offer to trade services and get the photos at no cost to you.
FINDING AGENTS
It seems I am talking about agents and photographers a lot. HMM I wonder why?
Find as many agents as you can. Here are some ways to find great agents. Go to the local community theater and ask the actors after the play which agents you should be contacting. Try calling photographers in the area and ask them which agents they deal with when booking models. You can try the same question at advertising agencies.
You can call the AFTRA/SAG (the two major unions for actors) office closest to you. Their number is listed in the National SAG and AFTRA Directory that you get free as a special bonus when you buy the book from the web site. It costs $15.00 if purchased on its own. Ask them for a list of signatory agents in your area. They will give you that list free. Signatory agents are agents who have agreed to sign contracts with the union and follow union rules. Many of them work with commercial models.
REPRODUCING YOUR PHOTOS
When you have decided which photo to use for your head shot, then find a company who will take your photos and turn them into head shots and composite sheets. You can get the names of 15 companies that offer this service from the Industry Directory, which is the other free directory that you get when ordering the book from the web site. This is a $30.00 savings. Call these companies and ask for samples and prices. This allows you to make an intelligent decision on which company to hire. The prices can vary from as little as $80 for 500 head shots to paying over $1.00 each. Once you get your head shots back from the printer, start sending them out to agents, photographers and art and creative directors at the advertising agencies.
GETTING ADDITIONAL PHOTOS
Once you begin working with an agent or agents, start doing some test shots under the agents guidance. Get some suggestions from your agent as to what categories you will likely be cast in. Once again, study my book, do the research I suggest and you will be incredibly prepared for your photo session, and produce very marketable photos. That is how you should get started and when to put your portfolio together.
Fashion models primarily promote high end designer clothes and makeup. The commercial model is the silent salesperson promoting everything else! He or she has to act without words.
To even be considered as a fashion model you must have very specific physical requirements. Normally female fashion models are between 5' 10" and 6' tall and must wear a size six to eight. Male fashion models are normally 6' to 6' 2" tall and wear a size 40 regular jacket. Commercial models, on the other hand, do not have any height, weight or size restrictions. In commercial modeling people of all heights, weights, sizes, ages, and races are hired. Instead of only promoting high end designer products, commercial models advertise everything else.
In order to work as a fashion model, one must be ready to pick up and move to Europe or Asia. That is where fashion models go to get experience and build up a strong portfolio. Once that is completed then a fashion model must live in one of the four major fashion markets in the United States. Their options would be: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago or Miami. With commercial modeling, work is generally available throughout North America. There is no need to live in a major commercial modeling center, unless someone is interested in pursuing commercial modeling as a full-time job.
