Modeling 101: The basics
On this page we give advice on what steps to take if you're interested in getting into modeling and/or acting. We offer advise on what pitfalls to watch for and how to be on the look out for scams.
Agency Representation
There are tons of talent agencies for a new model or actor to consider. We've personally work mostly with agents in the Chicago area. We have a few agency contacts in Los Angeles as well. As of 2013 our family relocated just north of Los Angeles and we're in the midst of preparing for the 2013 Pilot Season! Many agencies host Open Calls each month. This is where an aspiring model or actor can come and present themselves. Below is a list of our Do's and Don'ts for you to consider when going to any Open Call. Again, this is just our opinion and I'm sure others would add to or remove some of our advice.
Agency Representation
There are tons of talent agencies for a new model or actor to consider. We've personally work mostly with agents in the Chicago area. We have a few agency contacts in Los Angeles as well. As of 2013 our family relocated just north of Los Angeles and we're in the midst of preparing for the 2013 Pilot Season! Many agencies host Open Calls each month. This is where an aspiring model or actor can come and present themselves. Below is a list of our Do's and Don'ts for you to consider when going to any Open Call. Again, this is just our opinion and I'm sure others would add to or remove some of our advice.
- Do Not- come in with tons of make up as though you're ready for a photoshoot. Come simple, but look nice.
- Do Not- feel like you need to come with a portfolio of pictures taken by a photographer. This often doesn't provide the details an agent is looking for. Your actual portfolio will become the work that you've booked and not simply something taken by a photographer.
- Do- Be on time and professional. Agents know why you're there and are just as eager to get fresh new talent as you are to get signed.
- Do Not- Take it personal if you don't get signed right away. Agents often have a certain look or demographic they're looking for at certain times. If they have 20 blonde haired females ages 12-14 they probably aren't looking for more at that moment. But in this industry people come and go so check back every few months until you get signed with someone.
- Do- Take a few pictures with you. Take a couple up close pics and a couple full body shots. Again, they aren't necessarily looking for professional photos here. They simply want to see the Real You and not the "made up" you. These pictures can often be shots of you from a regular camera. Having good lighting is still key to these pictures and don't have a busy background. Use a solid color wall as a background that doesn't clash with what you're wearing. Again, look nice, but don't go out and buy a new outfit just for these pictures. Once you get signed, an agen will often refer a photographer for your first prints for Comp Cards and Headshots you'll take on auditions.
- Do- Feel free to bring a resume. Even if it's not very full. Include theater (even school theater), singing, acting, or dance classes and experience, etc. Take a look at Mychala's Resume for kids or Jeffrey's Resume for adults to give you an idea of what to put on yours. These are our actual resumes.
- Do Not- I repeat, DO NOT ever pay for an audition or to be signed with an agency! This is your first red flag to run away from this individual or business. These people prey on the hopes and dreams of others and only take your money.
Get Started Without an Agent!
You do not have to have an agent to get your start in acting & modeling. There are several high quality self submission sites out there. But keep in mind the vast majority of the spam emails, facebook ads, google ads, etc are often for submission sites that do NOT deliver. Below are a few of the sites professional talent agents use that are also for self submitting actors & models. We actually booked our first family job via Actors Access for Citibank. It was a ton of fun and a great way for us to spend a weekend in downtown Chicago on someone else's dime (and we got paid).
If you have any specific questions about getting started, please use Contact Us link
You do not have to have an agent to get your start in acting & modeling. There are several high quality self submission sites out there. But keep in mind the vast majority of the spam emails, facebook ads, google ads, etc are often for submission sites that do NOT deliver. Below are a few of the sites professional talent agents use that are also for self submitting actors & models. We actually booked our first family job via Actors Access for Citibank. It was a ton of fun and a great way for us to spend a weekend in downtown Chicago on someone else's dime (and we got paid).
- Actors Access (www.actorsaccess.com)
- Casting Frontier (www.castingfrontier.com)
- Casting Networks (www.castingnetworks.com)
- LA Casting (www.LAcasting.com) for Los Angeles work ONLY!
If you have any specific questions about getting started, please use Contact Us link
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Photographers
Finding the right photographer can be difficult. Cameras have gotten smaller, smarter, and much more detailed. Taking a quality picture isn't necessarily difficult, but taking great pictures does take skill. Software and other programs help amatures better their craft, but having a genuinely great photographer can't be understated. We've been blessed to work with some photographers who've really made us look our best. I recommend these people for 3 main reasons. Their professional kindness, high quality, and we've booked jobs because of their pictures! *Indiana Photographers John Mercer Photography Bill Duke Photography Sarah Parent Photography *California Photographers Charles Maeco Photography Deidhra Fahey Photography |
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Modeling & Talent
Below are a few of many reputable agencies in the Chicago & Indianapolis areas. Again, do your homework to find out which agency might be the best fit for you. Los Angeles & New York have too many agencies to list. But you can see an amazing list of all their agencies, managers, and TONS of other great info on the LA & NY resources links I put below.
Chicago Talent/Model Agencies
Gray Talent: www.graytalentgroup.com
Lily's Talent Agency: www.lilystalent.com
Big Mouth Talent: www.bigmouthtalent.com
BMG Models: www.bmgmodels.com
Shirley Hamilton: www.shirleyhamilton.com
Iris Talent: www.iristalent.com
Grossman & Jack: www.grossmanjack.com
Stewart Talent: www.stewarttalent.com
Indianapolis Talent/Model Agencies
Helen Wells Agency: www.helenwellsagency.com
Heyman Talent Agency: http://www.heymantalent.com
Chicago Casting Locations
Simon Casting: www.simoncasting.com
PR Casting: www.prcasting.com
Los Angeles Resource: The link below is great for those wanting contacts to agencies, photographers, etc in the LA market. Tons of information on this link.
LA411 http://www.la411.com/
New York Resource: The link below is great for those wanting contacts to agencies, photographers, etc in the NY market. Tons of information on this link.
NY411 http://www.newyork411.com/
SAG & AFTRA
Screen Actors Guild & American Federation of Television and Radio Artists recently merged to form one union to represent talent. For more information visit their websites below.
www.sag.org and www.sagaftra.org/
Below are a few of many reputable agencies in the Chicago & Indianapolis areas. Again, do your homework to find out which agency might be the best fit for you. Los Angeles & New York have too many agencies to list. But you can see an amazing list of all their agencies, managers, and TONS of other great info on the LA & NY resources links I put below.
Chicago Talent/Model Agencies
Gray Talent: www.graytalentgroup.com
Lily's Talent Agency: www.lilystalent.com
Big Mouth Talent: www.bigmouthtalent.com
BMG Models: www.bmgmodels.com
Shirley Hamilton: www.shirleyhamilton.com
Iris Talent: www.iristalent.com
Grossman & Jack: www.grossmanjack.com
Stewart Talent: www.stewarttalent.com
Indianapolis Talent/Model Agencies
Helen Wells Agency: www.helenwellsagency.com
Heyman Talent Agency: http://www.heymantalent.com
Chicago Casting Locations
Simon Casting: www.simoncasting.com
PR Casting: www.prcasting.com
Los Angeles Resource: The link below is great for those wanting contacts to agencies, photographers, etc in the LA market. Tons of information on this link.
LA411 http://www.la411.com/
New York Resource: The link below is great for those wanting contacts to agencies, photographers, etc in the NY market. Tons of information on this link.
NY411 http://www.newyork411.com/
SAG & AFTRA
Screen Actors Guild & American Federation of Television and Radio Artists recently merged to form one union to represent talent. For more information visit their websites below.
www.sag.org and www.sagaftra.org/
