Expert: Kitty Kavey - 7/22/2008

Question
i want to be an actress/model. i know the steps you need in order ot make it big. But then again im not sure. I need help on things like auditions, where to get a good agent, headshots and resumes. where can i get a good acting agent and model agent?

Answer
Many of the modeling agent and talent agency directories are quite good, and updated monthly or annually to keep up-to-date.  If you're in the US, the Screen Actor's Guild list of franchised agents is also one of the best places to locate talent and commercial print modeling agencies: www.sag.org under Member Services, Find an Agent.

How you write your actor's resume and what style of headshot you use is influenced by the market you're in, as well as your agent's recommendations.  Generally speaking, the New York market might be fine with a black and white headshot, while Los Angeles prefers color.  While it might be acceptable to list background work on a resume in Miami, it's not usually done in Los Angeles.  Each area tends to have it's own "rules," and agents can also make suggestions that they feel will market you best.

Even if you're not close to signing with an agent in your area now, you can try to find out who the top headshot photographers in that area are.  Even if you don't shoot with them, you can see their work and get ideas for what works for the market you will be submitting your information to.

Good luck to you,
~Kitty