subject: Serious Work Ethics Needed [print this page] Talent Industry Watchdog! Talent Industry Watchdog!
The first challenge that an aspiring model or actor must overcome is to avoid the scam. It's an old trick done up by some foul agency out for your money and with no intention of finding you any work. It can be a real bad scene if you're not careful. But luckily there are ways to figure out who's on your side.
Honest agencies will be fully licensed, older than a loaf of bread and with a recognizable client list -- all signs that the agency is on the level, and looking to work with you rather than just charge you money. What will cost you is getting your model composites made, but this is a necessary expense, as that's what the agency will use to find you jobs. Work with the agency to get the composites made and you'll be well on your way to a good relationship.
Willing to Work Hard
The development of a strong work ethic is the secret ingredient in starting a successful career. Sure, you can be confident and charismatic, but you better be willing to put in the hours, to work harder than anyone, if you want to get yourself out there. That's the real talent in the industry -- drive.
So now you get to consider what kinds of lights you're going to want to get in front of. Will it be for print ads? Runways? Commercials? Will you be in the next viral music video hit? Or try your hand at television and film? The film industry produces shows all over the place, so believe me -- there's probably a place for you somewhere. And if you're not sure what kind of work you want to do, the agency can help you sort that out too. It may be that you end up somewhere totally different than where you started. Sometimes we don't recognize our own strengths.
Can They Use You?
Do you think you've got the right stuff for the modeling or acting game? It's very possible you do, even if you're not a twenty-foot-tall Brazilian teenager. Talent agencies really want real people with everyday looks to send to casting directors. And they don't care if you're young or old, or whether you have previous experience. They just want to see you work hard.
Don't run screaming from the room. Please. Really. It's not so bad. A good agency will give you a bag to breathe into and walk you through the process of headshots and auditions, right up to that moment when you walk into a room and the lights point your way and you hear those cameras start up.
