Expert: Kitty Kavey - 10/26/2008

Question
yeah i have a question about me modeling people said that i should be a model but i just dont know where to start... another problem is that i am still in school and not only that but my mom works late all the time.... my dream was to either be a model or a actor if anyone cold help me out with my problem please reply to this question.... oh yeah just to add this in i am 13 years old!!!! i wish i could be like those other girls on t.v. u noe and i am really really good at it!


Answer
Here's the problem you will need to figure out a solution to first:
Since you're not old enough to drive or sign contracts, you will need a parent or legal guardian who can get you to and from auditions/go-sees and jobs.  They will also need to be available to sign legal paperwork on your behalf.  If you don't have an income of your own or savings, you would need to also ask your mother or someone else to invest in a modeling composite card or actor's headshots for you.

But, assuming you have the support of a parent or legal guardian, your first step could be to submit your information to the agencies closest to you.

Once you are accepted for representation, they find work opportunities for you.  If you book a job, the agency earns a percentage off of the money you earn through them (usually 10-20%).  You are expected to supply your own modeling composite cards and/or headshots, etc.

A good list of talent agencies (many of which also have modeling divisions) can be found on the Screen Actor's Guild website: http://www.sag.org/content/find-agent

Choose Franchised Agents, and the state you're in or region closest to you from the list.  You can use your favorite search engine to locate the website for the agencies you are interested in.  Most do have a website nowadays, and they usually list agency criteria, and instructions for new faces/talent.

Good luck to you,
~Kitty