Expert: Kitty Kavey - 2/16/2009

Question
Dear Kitty,
I live in the UK and I've always wanted to be a model and actress. I thought that now I'm 18, I should give it a go. But I'd like to know a little more about the industry first.

I understand that getting an agent is a good first step, but i don't know where to look... or how to avoid scams....or what i should really be looking for...do you know of many agencies that offer both acting and modelling?

I would also like to know how an agency works. Do I only need a portfolio of photos? Or do I need a CV, testimonial, business card...etc? and what is the process the casting director, agent and myself would go through to get the work? Does the agent just tell me I have the job?

Furthermore, what are the average paying rates like? For say, runway, commercials, photo shoots, catalogue? and what percentage of your earnings would an agency take?

Finally, is there any freelance work out there for models?

So many questions! Please help!
Fearn x

Answer
You'll have to adapt some of the info to suit the UK, but much of the industry is similar between the US and UK.

I agree with you - I do feel a good agent is the key to success.  Of course there are people who have managed a good living just freelancing, but for the most part, the larger (and more lucrative) jobs go through agents.

There are some modeling agency directories that cover internationally, and I have heard there is also a modeling industry regulatory group, although I do not know anything about them.  If you try a search online, you also get lists of agencies in the UK - one of those might be a place to start researching:
http://www.novaceltica.com/mgb.htm

In the US, commercial print modeling agencies often represent actors as well, and there are separate talent agencies that only represent actors.  Even in places like California where being listed with multiple agencies (unlike Florida) in most places in the world you can have a separate agency for acting, as well as a modeling agent.  Assuming that is also the case for your area, it might be fun to seek out separate agents for your modeling and acting goals.

Again, my expertise is in the US - but there for fashion modeling you would most likely need a couple snapshots to start with.  For commercial print modeling it is more likely that you would be asked for a modeling composite card.  Neither fashion nor commercial print require you to have a portfolio as a new face.

For acting, depending on what type, you might need an actor's headshot and resume.  Background work you may be able to just work with a snapshot or headshot without an actor's resume.

The process is most likely the same.  Your agent would get a list of jobs available or a call from a client or casting director, etc. requesting a certain type.  Your agent would submit your info for jobs they think you're right for.  For modeling work, you may be asked to go on a "go-see" where the client would look at you, perhaps interview you.  For acting you usually go on at least one audition (and perhaps a callback or several) where you generally perform in front of a camera.

If you are right for the job, the client or casting director would inform your agent, and payment generally is done through your agent.  The agent would subtract a percentage from the total (usually around 10-20%) and that is how they earn their money.

As to what the average is, there are a lot of variables involved.  Of course the market and type of work you are doing (promotional work in Birmingham might pay far less than catwalk in London) and how well-known you are is also a factor.  A "name" in either acting or modeling generally makes more for the same work than a complete unknown.  Using US companies, a Sears catalog job would generally pay less than a Victoria's Secret catalog job.

And to your last question - yes, there is freelance work out there for both models and actors.  There are websites that support freelancers (like ActorsAccess.com or ModelMayhem.com) but as I mentioned, I personally feel it may be more beneficial to seek out agency representation.

Good luck to you, and questions are good!
:)
~Kitty