Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Spot The Foremost Model Casting Agency

By Sandra Mendez

If you've ever tickled your brain with dreams of modeling, you should first make sure to avoid agencies that'll try to scam you out of time and money. It's hard to know who to trust when looking for work in commercials, TV, or print ads, but there are definitely things to keep an eye out for. In the poker game of talent, good and bad agencies both have "tells."

The best clue is to find an agency that is fully licensed, preferably someone who's been around for a decade or more. Check out the agency's list of clients. There should be some names you know on there. If it's all obscure names, probably you want to go elsewhere. A good agency will also help you put together your model composites, an important first step -- as the composite is your business card. This can cost money, too, but it's a necessary process, so make sure you discuss it with your prospective agency.

What Your Agency Should Have

As far as acting goes, owner and staff background must be quite extensive. Did they study for years at the Lee Strasberg Theater Institute and later work as an agent for a Talent in NYC and later become a head-booking agent for the commercial print and fashion divisions of a major Talent Agency? Have they also appeared in many films, TV commercials and theatrical productions?

The exciting thing is figuring out what kind of work you want to do, whether print ads, runway work, hand modeling, acting in television or film. Casting directors are always looking for talent to populate shows, like in Southern Florida, where USA Network is filming "Burn Notice" and Fox is producing "The Glades."

Have You Got the Attitude?

You may fear that yours is not the right face for modeling -- that you're not exotic enough. Worry not, because talent agencies are always looking for people who look like, well, people. You don't have to be nineteen feet tall to be a good model; you just have to have that something. And you can have it at any age, baby to grandparent, and regardless of your modeling or acting experience. It may seem like a lot to keep in mind.

Make sure they're a commission-based agency with no registration fee. If you'd like to have the opportunity to work with them, it should be as simple as filling out their registration form and seeing if you're a good match. However, make sure you know that they expect you to have a positive mental attitude, a willingness to work long hours on casting calls without complaint and the ability to work flexible hours. - 40729

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