Expert: Peter Messaline - 1/21/2008

Question
Hi,

I am a 24 year old female, living in Vancouver, BC.  I am 5'11 3/4 inches, and for information purposes, wear a size 6.  I've done some modeling, have had professional modeling shoots, on three separate occasions, and took one introduction to acting at VADA acting school, Vancouver BC.

Ever since I was a young girl, I have always generated attention through my looks and my personality.  Through the years I excelled in school drama classes and went on to attend John Casablanca's Teen Modelling Program and graduated from that.  I've had one agent for modelling, Liz Bell, and one for acting, Diane Woodhouse, both Vancouver BC based.  Although I did get some auditions through Diane, nothing came from that.  With Liz Bell, even though she constantly praised me for my looks and abilities, still, she was unable to get me any work.

I am considering contacting the photographer, Lorrenda Mastramonaco, who is the one who has taken prior shoots of me, to get another updated shoot, as the last one taken, was 4 years ago.

My biggest stumbling block has proven itself to be my locale.  It seems that through all of the people in the business that I have met with, there has never been a negative word to me regarding my pursuit, more appropriately, it has always been regarded as a "no brainer" that I am more than suitable for the aspirations that I have.  Having said that, there has never been anything tangible in the way of work for me.

None of my attempts or aspirations in this regard are unfounded nor unjustifiable.  It's more than obvious that I have a natural born talent and acting is the only thing that interests me.  I must say, however, that given my height and my looks, it's a "no brainer" that I am a model, and would also enjoy the benefits of that profession as well.

What are your recommendations and/or comments regarding my pursuit in this regard?  All signs are pointing to relocation.  Of course, the US would have way more opportunity, but the logistics of relocating are obvious.  Toronto seems like a place where I could definitely get started, do you agree?

Looking forward to hearing from you in this regard.

Yours truly,

August

Answer
Recently Vancouver has been more attractive than Toronto, because of provincial tax credits and closeness to LA, but
Vancouver at the moment is in a terrible state workwise, because the writers' strike has ended US production. Having much less work means that people are accepting work below their usual standards, so those just making a reputation find their entry-level jobs have gone to more experienced artists.
Toronto has been much less successful in attracting work than Vancouver, is worse hit by the strike now, and will be very lucky to overtake Vancouver quickly after the strikes of 2008 are settled.
So moving is no guarantee of improvement in your situation. Starting in a new centre always sets a career back, anyway, because you're not known to the casting people, you don't know where the non-union independent work is, and you have no contacts, no network.

Now, forgive me if I seem rude and uncaring.
Wait until the end before deciding to kick the computer.

You seem to be a warm and much-loved person, sitting in a circle of people who find you admirable. You are good-looking, and that always draws positive attention. In reality, though, the business is filled with good-looking young women with nice personalities. In high school it attracts attention, in the audition room it's assumed. I think you have never had to persuade people that you're worth something.

You will have to increase your marketable skills and make them known to as many people as possible.
Have you tried student films? They can be an excellent way of gaining experience, making contacts and perhaps getting a bit of tape that shows you working. Classes at the Vancouver Film School will be useful, and get you into some student films I'm sure.
Have you checked vancouveractorsguide.com? Lots of useful stuff on there, including some casting.

The model agencies in town will have Open Call days. Phone and find out when they are and what the agency wants to see, and put yourself out there. Get as many objective opinions as possible about how saleable you are as a model. It's possible that your look is not needed, or that you don't fit the standard model sizes in some way. Yes, I know there are very successful models who are very tall or very short, but most have to fit the sample sizes of the frocks.
Get out there are beat the bushes. Run the risk of failure and get yourself known, gain more skills and write to everyone to let them know about the new you. Agents and casting directors are a good start.

No-one cares about you specifically until you can solve a problem for them. Find out what their problems are and make yourself the solution. Friends say nice things about you because they like you. Engagers won't do nice things for you until they want something they know you've got.

Don't duck out, it won't do any good. Stay where you know the city and start the hard labour of self-promotion. Turn the golden child into a successful grown-up.

Stick to it, but it's a long row to hoe for everyone.