Expert: Kitty Kavey - 6/2/2008

Question
Hi Kitty,

I am a 24 year old female and would like to know more information regarding beginning a career in print modeling and (or) commercials. From my research, I understand that the best avenue is probably to have an agent, but I the agencies that I have contacted in L.A. seem to only take referrals. I have recently completed a professional photo shoot and am working on my portfolio to present. What is the next step that I should take so that the right agencies can view my pictures. I am not going for high-glam work, but more so the people in magazines or restaurant and insurance commericals.  I am at a lost as to who I should contact.

Thank you so much for your time in advance.

Answer
You can work somewhat on your own in LA, but generally speaking all the top work goes through an agency.  You can use ActorsAccess.com, NowCasting.com and LACasting.com - although they have little available for models, there is some, along with commercials, and lots of other (usually non-union) acting available on those sites.

You can use the SAG agency list to locate agencies in that area who have a modeling division (www.sag.org under Member Services, Find an Agent) or the ATA list (www.agentassociation.com) and your favorite search engine to see if the agency has a website.  If they do, usually there is information for new faces.

The Ross Reports also has listings for LA, and is available on newsstands, in bookstores and online.  You may need to contact the agencies you are interested in to see what criteria they have, and/or what they want to see from new faces for consideration.

There are showcases in the LA area where you can meet with agents, but that also is more for commercials and acting rather than modeling - but sometimes if you're represented in one area, you can ask the agent to recommend you to the agency's other department.

Also in LA, a fair number of professional photographers there can refer you to agencies themselves.  While the law there prevents an agent from endorsing or referring you to a particular photographer, some agencies keep a list, or allow photographers they like to place advertisements (on a bulletin board, or in the office) so it might be an idea to work with a photographer who can refer you if that's what the agencies you are interested in want.

Good luck to you,
~Kitty