Ask Mr. Agent

Needing parents help?

Masara,

Hi my Name Is Masara And Im 13.I live In Pennsylvania and I Really want to be a model but i cant find any casting calls in my area.Since I have No Experiance What so ever(haha) and i cant drive or buy plane tickets so theres not much i can do.So what can i do to get discovered since my parents wont help?

Mr. Agent,

The first thing you should do is get your parents approval for your modeling plans. If they do not approve then simply change to something they do approve of. At your age it is very important to be a team with your parents so you can start the rest of your life in a good way.

18 y/o teen, where to start your career

Michael:
  Hello, I'm 17 years old and turning 18 next month. I guess I look younger, about 16, and I am 5'5" I have no idea on how to get into the industry. I've been acting for a while (High School theater productions) but that's as far as it goes. I hope to someday land even the smallest roles in anything! So where do I start?

Mr. Agent:
   Hi Michael,
At 5'5" you are generally going to have to wait until you grow some more to start booking print jobs on a regular basis. However, it seems like you are more interested in acting and that is good. Acting has no height requirements. The best place to start is with local plays and troupes. Also you can sign up to be an "extra" in movies and TV at Tina Real Casting and Background San Diego, (check Google). Remember there is a big difference between speaking and non-speaking roles. You want speaking roles, no matter how small. Non-speaking roles really aren't counted by the people who count. Good luck!

Picking an agency

A:
How do you find a good agency if you have no experience?

Mr. Agent:
The truth is that for print modeling experience really does not matter that much. Most of the famous models you see everyday in magazines didn't have any experience when they first started. Most agents are simply interested in how you look and photograph. As long as you generally fit the description of the type of modeling you are interested in then go for it! If you are out of shape, too young, too short, skin problems, or have other issues then make a plan to correct them, then, when you are ready, apply to as many agencies as you can by email, or in person if you are located in their towns.

Marines and Modeling

John:
For years now friends have told me that I should be a model.  I've been thinking a lot about it lately and I'm not sure if I'm 'model material'.  This may be a stupid question but I don't like my smile.  Do you have to smile in your photos or can you be more relaxed or serious?  Also, how can I get into modeling while being active in the Marines?

Mr. Agent:
Dear John,
The fact that you don't like your smile really shouldn't make too much difference in whether you can model or not. Now if all the agents that are evaluating your pictures also don't like your smile you can pretty much start to put your efforts into some other endeavor. There is no question that models must smile sometimes, plus be serious and/or relaxed at other times. As to being active military and modeling at the same time it is almost not possible, or rather we have never heard of it on a sustained basis. There is simply not enough time to go out on auditions and bookings and maintain a military schedule at the same time.