Expert: Kitty Kavey - 2/18/2009

Question
Hi kitty kavey;

I live in PR and I really want to promote myself for modeling cus i am very talented confident, I feel so comfortable on the camera. And I really want to give my self a shot. My question to you is how do I begin? What would you do if you were me? How do I get in disney channel. Here's my myspace where I have lots of cool photos www.myspace.com/yizelle09 please inbox me in myspace its more easier! Or wherever I prefer on myspace though.

Thankyou soo much for your time I really appreciate it. I will be waiting for your reply.
God bless you sincerely:
Yizelle sujeilys

Answer
Unfortunately, at the moment I do not have a working MySpace account.  In your case, I would suggest looking around Puerto Rico first for agents in your area.  There are some modeling agency directories (available in your local library, bookstore or online) that may help you find the agents closest to you who represent the type of modeling/talent work you want to do.

For the most part, the Disney channel casts only professional actors in the area where their studios are located.  That can be something you work towards now in your present location before you consider relocating to a larger market (such as Los Angeles).

The larger US TV and film studios tend to look for professional actors (actors who are members of one of the unions such as the Screen Actors Guild or the American Federation of Television and Radio Actors) as their shows are mainly filmed or shot as union productions.  Background artists who are not members of a union can get on many shows and films without being a member of a union, but rarely would it happen that an actor who was not a union member would be considered for lead or supporting roles.

Modeling is different, as generally there is no union or guild that regulates that profession, nor do most types of models use resumes or are required to get training or schooling of any kind.  Often modeling work can be booked just through a modeling composite card or other samples of photographic work, and would not depend upon the generally more rigorous audition process of major television or feature film work.

Since you already have photos, you have something to submit to modeling agents for their consideration.  I suggest starting with modeling work, and then branching out into acting.  If you're leaning more towards television work than film, taking a class in the type of acting you most want to focus on might be helpful too.  At the very least, an auditioning class can help prepare you to do really well at future auditions.

Good luck to you,
~Kitty