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Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing/Male modelling opportunities europe

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Expert: - 11/9/2008


Question

david at beach
Hi.I am 30 years old.I have modelling mostly in Malta where I live and come from.But there is no job oppotunity here,no money.I do have a modelling portfolio and pictures.Would like to try modelling somewhere not far from here at first so I do not afford to travel so far.I would even go to other places like usa if needed but i would prefer to have contact which some agency and send them my pics.I would like to apply online.You said u have some agencies yourself.If you give me your contact e-mail or perhaps we could meet if you are europe london?then maybe you could give me some helpful tips.websites.You ever been to Malta?


Answer
No, I'm sorry to say I've never been to Malta.  I've only been around my local area in this part of Europe (The Netherlands, Germany, England, Belgium and Luxembourg) so far.

You're probably closer to Italy - have you looked there for agencies?  They have a pretty good market, although London is good for both modeling and acting work, and of course I'm partial to London because I speak the language.

Wherever you go, you'll need to have a work permit - so that's definitely something to look into when choosing between different possible locations.  

You'll have to weigh in how good of a market it is for modeling, along with the cost of living, and how easy (or difficult) it may be to get a work permit.  Also, there are agency criteria which differ from place to place, and from agency to agency.

If you have an agency now, they may be able to refer you to other agencies in other countries.  Many agencies won't accept online applications, although you should be able mail in your information to most, and/or attend open calls or make an appointment to meet with an agency if you are planning to be in that area.

Of course, one of the most important things is to figure out before you plan to enter a new market, if there are any local laws, rules or regulations that govern the modeling industry.

In some parts of the US, for example, the industry does have regulation, and it is therefore easier to avoid potential scams or the like.  Again, if possible, try to choose a larger market (like London or Los Angeles) over a smaller market.  The cost of living will be higher, but there is also more work available.

A lot of models (particularly commercial print models) also tend to branch out in other areas, such as commercials, film or television acting or voiceover to help make them more marketable, and increase possible job opportunities.

I'm represented here in the Netherlands for acting and voiceover, but there's very few commercial print agencies in my area, so I freelance for that now.  Since I'm an American citizen, I needed both a permit to stay (through immigration) and a permit to work (through the chamber of commerce) in this country - but because of the American - Dutch Friendship Treaty, it was easy to get, and i don't have to pay double taxes in two countries.

For what you might need specifically, I would suggest contacting your embassy, and/or the immigration department in the country you are considering working/living in.   

Of course, if you plan to stay as a resident of Malta, and travel only for work, then perhaps a local agency can help you find work outside that area - which may avoid the whole Visa/work permit/tax thing.

There are a few modeling agency directories that cover places outside of the US, and there are a lot more agencies with a website now than in years past.  So there are some that will take emailed pictures for consideration.  If you focus in on one particular area, you may be able to email them your information, and let them know that you are planning to be in their area in the near future, and will be available for an interview at that time.

Good luck to you,
~Kitty

Kitty Kavey

Expertise

I can answer questions from those looking to get into the fashion or commercial modeling industry. Specifically, the requirements, what is needed, how to find an agent, what they look for, how to avoid scams, the difference between what a commercial model does, and a fashion model, would travel/relocation be required, what is on a comp card and in your portfolio.

Experience

Both my acting and modeling resume/portfolio is available online on my website. I am a member of the Screen Actors Guild, and also have available my actor's demo reel and voice-over demo online. I founded both the Florida-Models.com and Florida-Actors.com websites, which provide free modeling and acting info to the public. I have moved into directing, producing and screenwriting - and have won awards for my writing. I have worked in the industry as both a model and actress in Florida, New York City and Los Angeles until October 2007. I now reside in Europe.

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