From Alice, MN:
Would you please tell me all of the items that should go into a “model’s bag?”
Dear Alice:
There are many items that should go into a “models bag.” Along with all of the makeup you would possibly wear for a shoot, here is a partial listing of the many items that would be very helpful to have with you on a set.
Comb, small towel, brush, cotton swabs- cotton balls, aspirin, deodorant, shampoo, light snack (non-perishable), eye drops, lint brush, toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, mouthwash and money for parking and food. In my book How to Become a Successful Commercial Model, I have an even more extensive list of all of the items needed.
From Jeff, FL:
What are the usual start-up costs for getting started as a model
Dear Jeff:
These figures are pretty general because every city has a different price structure for getting started. But, by reading this blog, you will have a pretty good ball park figure as to what you need to save before getting into the acting and modeling industry.
Along with making sure you have some acting skills, the next step is to have a head shot taken. That is the most basic and essential investment you will make outside of acting classes/private sessions.
Once you decide on a head shot to use, you will need to have some professionally printed. You could start off by getting as few as 25 – 50 head shots printed. Depending on which printer you use, it could cost between $50-$100.
Instead of immediately printing head shots and comp cards, you might want to create 1 or 2 samples by simply printing them on a very high quality printer at a local printing store near you. That will allow you to spend a few dollars, show the photos to agents, and if they like them, then spend $50-$100 getting them printer by a specialty printer. If the agent likes you, but not your photos, then you were only out around $2.50.
GETTING PHOTOS TAKEN FREE
If you read my book, How to Become a Successful Actor and Model, you will learn how to get test photos free. Here is something you can try. Once you have read about how to put together strong commercial photos and really understand what you must do before a head shot session, then contact a local college or university and talk with an instructor in the art department. See if there are any photography classes.
Then contact the teacher and ask him/her if there are any students interested in putting together a strong commercial portfolio. The arrangement will be, you won’t charge the student your normal modeling fees, and the student will not charge you for the session. You might get some great photos FREE. The most important thing is to be able to tell and show the photographer how to create strong and marketable commercial photos.
WEB SITES
Many agents either require their actors and or models to either pay a monthly or annual fee to be on their web site or another company’s web site that the agent uses to market their talent.
There are some sites that offer a free membership, but then the talent needs to pay a small fee every time they submit themselves for projects. Or, talent could spend around $100-$150 a year
to be on a site.
So, if you follow my plan, you could actually get started by investing in my book and around $2.50-$3.75 in printing a sample head shot and or comp card.
For under $200 you can actually get started in the acting and modeling industry.
Here are some additional blogs that will help you get started or get more work in the industry.
What Type of Acting Class Should I Take?
All Actors and Models Need This Free Ap
This video The Ultimate Guide to Success Video
is a must view for anyone wanting to get started or
to take their career to the next level.
https://ca166.infusionsoft.com/app/storeFront/showProductDetail?productId=282
From Dara, MD:
I am working on my resume. Do you think it is a good idea to put SAG Eligible on my resume versus non-union?
Hi Dara,
That is a great question. I am thinking that if you put SAG Eligible,
that lets people know that you have done some work on a Union project, but that
you can also work non-union.
If you put non-union on your resume, that does not let people know that
you have had some Union experience.
So, I would put SAG Eligible.
From Erin, MA:
How do I put together a modeling resume?
Dear Erin:
Actually, there is no such thing as a modeling resume. The photos on your composite sheet and portfolio are your resume. It is not important how many modeling jobs you have had. What is important is the range of different expressions and emotions you can show in your photos.
From Karen, OH:
I am interested in becoming a hand model and I would like to know where to start. Do I need composite pictures of just my hands? What type of agency should I be looking for that works with hand models? Thanks for your time!
Dear Karen:
If you are only interested in hand modeling, then I would highly recommend putting together a comp card with your hands. Go through many magazines and find hand modeling ads, and try and copy them. You can also try visiting some stock photography web sites and search for hand modeling shots. Do not use a logo or brand name in any shot that you take. Along with the potential legal problems, you could also lose work for any competing product.
Find any local commercial agent. They will be able to represent you for hand modeling.
Before you meet with any agents, you might want to read the chapter from my book about agents. You need to know what to ask and look for when meeting them.
You can read two chapters from my book and get two incredible gifts free if you order the book from my web site:
Best wishes.
Aaron
From Natalie, TN:
I sometimes do promotional modeling and have just finished an assignment. My question is how long should you be expected to stand without a break?
Dear Natalie:
That is a very good question. When I have worked at trade shows, I always ask about the salary, working hours and break time. It is really important to be able to take breaks. Especially if you are wearing a costume or holding items that are awkward and or heavy. You must be able to take breaks on a regular basis. Depending on the situation, I would like to be able to take a short break at least every 2-3 hours.
Before the next job, make sure you have things very clear as to how long you will work, and when you can take breaks throughout the day. It is always best to get these agreements in writing so there are no questions about what you agreed upon before accepting the booking.
Take care.
Aaron
From Janine, Nebraska:
Is there any type of spoken slate during a go-see?
Hi Janine. That is a great question. Normally there is no spoken slate at a go-see. Sometimes the photographer will shoot a piece of paper or a small white board that has your name on it, while it is held under your chin. Only twice in my life I had a photographer shoot a video go-see and I was asked to say my name during a slate.
Pat Moran + Associates is now accepting submissions
for Non-Union Active or Former Naval or Coast Guard Crew
Person (Deck Hand) Type
Males
20 to 40 yrs old
All Ethnicites
Shoots Friday 9/13 in the Baltimore Area
***Do NOT submit if you are a member of the White House
Bull Pen/VP Bull Pen.
Paid
Include your age and a current digital or cell phone pic.
See below for submission policies:
ATTACH & SEND PHOTO AND RESUME A.S.A.P
to PatMoranTalent@Gmail.com
SUBJECT LINE OF YOUR EMAIL TO READ “Crew-MFO”
CURRENT HEAD SHOT & RESUME. INCLUDE A CURRENT
DIGITAL SNAPSHOT or CELL PHONE PIC (It’s Very Important).
YOUR PHOTO MUST BE SAVED WITH YOUR NAME & PHONE
NUMBER AS FOLLOWS: FIRSTNAME_LASTNAME_PHONE#.JPG
(NOT .GIF, .BMP, .TIF,etc)
RESUME FORMAT MUST BE .PDF (NOT A WORD DOC., ETC) SO WE
CAN OPEN AND READ IT!!
PROVIDE MORE THAN ONE CONTACT NUMBER IF POSSIBLE.
Looking for 25-40 year old male with a specific look for a photo shoot in Vegas. Please see the photo below of the long beard, hipster look.
(could not add photo. long beard with pointy end of the mustache.)
Date of shoot: September 7 or 8
Rate: $800
Please feel free to forward this email to anyone you know who fits the type.
If available and interested, please email john@redagencylv.com with the following information:
1. Full name.
2. Contact phone number.
3. Head shot.
Betsy Royall Casting, CSA
Law Experience: Any
Non union production
Spec: An actor who can prepare a convincing closing argument, and someone with law experience, preferably as a trial attorney. We can except law students if they feel they can prepare a closing argument. All ethnicities & ages.
Pay: $1,000.00 – asf
Please submit: betsy@betycasting.com if you fit the spec and have real law experience. Then I will email you the case study, audition time or have you tape yourself.
For the audition we will provide a case summary and they will come up with a 2-3 min closing argument delivered as a prosecuting attorney.
If booked they would be given more case details and come up with a closing argument (could be the same, could be a slightly different case.
The shoot date is Sept 12th, in the afternoon. (An hour on camera, 30 mins in makeup)
Shoot location: Henninger Media, 2601-A Wilson Blvd, Arlington VA
Pat Moran + Associates is now accepting submissions
for Non Union Background – Males and Females 18 to 80
yrs old for “VEEP”
Males and Females 18 – 80 yrs old – All Ethnicity’s
Dates needed, either 9/10, 9/11, 9/12
If unavailable for all days, please indicate which date/dates
Paid
Include your age and a current digital or cell phone pix.
See below for submission policies:
ATTACH & SEND PHOTO AND RESUME A.S.A.P to PatMoranTalent@Gmail.com
SUBJECT LINE OF YOUR EMAIL TO READ “VEEP-DK”
CURRENT HEAD SHOT & RESUME. INCLUDE A CURRENT DIGITAL SNAPSHOT or CELL PHONE PIC (It’s Very Important).
YOUR PHOTO MUST BE SAVED WITH YOUR NAME & PHONE NUMBER AS FOLLOWS:
FIRSTNAME_LASTNAME_PHONE#.JPG (NOT .GIF, .BMP, .TIF,etc)
RESUME FORMAT MUST BE .PDF (NOT A WORD DOC., ETC) SO WE CAN OPEN AND READ IT!!!
PROVIDE MORE THAN ONE CONTACT NUMBER IF POSSIBLE.
ALSO SUBMIT A HARD COPY OF PHOTO TO OUR ADDRESS.
Write “VEEP-DK” on the outside of envelope:
Pat Moran & Associates
3500 Boston Street, Suite 425
Baltimore, MD 21224
DO NOT SEND WEBSITE LINKS!
Details:
Category and Subcategory:
Jobs – Acting (Non-Union Only)
Tags: MALES FEMALES
Pay:
Paid
Date(s):
9/10,11, or 12