Expert: Kitty Kavey - 4/11/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hello,

My name is Mark. I am 21 years old, male, and Filipino in origin. I come from Flushing Queens New York and am currently attending college in orange county for my BA in Psychology. I have always dreamed of becoming a model/actor and working internationally since I was very young, but my parents have stressed education and I placed it first in my life. After I have a sound education, I would really like to work overseas in Asia (primarily in Japan)because of I feel influenced and connected by these cultures and because of my height (5'6" or 168cm). I can speak Cantonese Chinese at an intermediate level, have basic knowledge of Mandarin Chinese, and I studying currently Japanese (reading/writing/speech)with the intent of continuing Japanese while attending graduate school. My current interests in media are modeling, comedy, musical entertainment, and dramatic acting.

I intend to build a proper modeling/acting resume while obtaining my PhD in Physical Therapy. Currently, I only have acting experience in small time plays in high school. I intend to take acting and vocal classes in graduate school (I have only taken vocal workshop in college) as well as audition for college productions. I have a fairly athletic build due to competitive swimming, but I would also like to take the time in grad school to tone my body properly and find a distinguishing look.

I know that I won't have a career in high fashion because of my height, but is it possible for me to obtain work in commercial print modeling? Will my height effect my chances of obtaining work in acting or modeling? I want to do freelance modeling for most of grad school and sign with an agency when I near graduation. I am very family oriented and my family is located in America. Working over seas, will I have to renounce my American citizenship? I am willing to due so to obtain my dreams. Another question I have is, will my age effect my chances of obtain work? By the time I finish my PhD in Physical Therapy I will be 26 years old. Will being this old effect me in any way? Is there any advice you can give me in regards to getting more experience or steps needed to take to break into the industry? Finally, I would like to ask if my dreams are asking for too much or are they actually obtainable? I am very hopeful and optimistic.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for any help or advice you can give.

ANSWER: Absolutely, your dreams are very possible to achieve.  Commercial print modeling in the US, generally speaking, (also called real people modeling) is for all ages, looks and types.  

The same thing is true for acting.  There are actors (and commercial print models) famous and not, who only began in that line of work after schooling and other occupations.  Of course there is also the opportunity to work another job or attend school while you pursue acting and modeling in your area.

For modeling, other than being photogenic, there are few requirements in commercial print.  For acting, the ability to be yourself, and still convey the actions/emotions effectively through the camera to your audience can be a skill you practice with experience, and/or through classes or training.

In your case, because you are considering working outside of the US for acting, continuing to develop your language skills will help with acting, particularly if you do commercials - where clearly speaking the message of the product or service in the local language is important.

You do not have to renounce your citizenship to work in most foreign countries, but you will most likely need a work permit or visa, similar to what you would need if you were to live there, as opposed to entering the country with a tourist visa or as a tourist.

You can check with the Japanese or Chinese embassy now (online, if you like) to see what the current requirements are for American citizens living and working in their countries.  Japan may be the easier of the two to obtain the permits, but there are a lot of Americans (myself included) who live in foreign countries and work.

I'm in the Netherlands, where we have a Friendship Treaty with the US, so for me getting the correct permit to live here as well as a work permit was quite simple.  Lots of paperwork, time-consuming perhaps, but certainly doable without an immigration attorney or the like.

You may also want to consider what it would take to get your physical therapy degree transferred outside the US.  Sometimes it can be done simply, perhaps only a test to take in the other country - and it may give you the opportunity to transfer those skills as well.  In that case, employment (part time, freelance or full-time in your new country of residence may make it easier to always have a "plan B" or supplement to acting/modeling work.

You have plenty of time, and you're doing the right things already.  Research first, make your plan of action, and I have no doubt you will find a way to satisfy both your dream, and still satisfy your educational goals and family's expectations.

And for either commercial print modeling or acting, at what age you begin is not a detriment.  I also think that psychology can really help you with acting; understanding characters, motivations, actions, and quite possibly allow you to bring an added depth to each performance you do.

Good luck to you,
~Kitty

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Would you happen to know where I should be looking to find information on how to transfer my degree when/ if I choose to move out of the USA? Thank you again, your advice was most helpful and very inspiring.

ANSWER: I have recently done research to help a friend transfer his nursing degree outside of the US, but could certainly do the same for your physical therapy degree.

But, on your own I would suggest first starting with your school.  Many schools have guidance and/or career placement for students, and although it may not extend to outside the US, you never know until you ask what helpful advice they may be able to offer.

In my friend's case, there are nursing organizations (all accessible online) that were able to be helpful with determining if his US training an accreditation was enough to be able to take the licensing requirements tests in the countries he was considering, or if he would have to return to school in that country.

There are also job search sites that may help you - http://www.physicaltherapycrossing.com/ seems to be great for the US, but not so helpful with other countries.  I'm sure there are sites that will help you transition your degree and skills to be able to find work in other countries, or at the least can help you connect with others who may have done (or are planning to do) something similar.

Every group or organization that you can network within your profession (meaning in this case your psychology/physical therapy) if they can't directly help you, they may know someone to refer you to.

What you are doing is laying the foundation of security and (financial) comfort, and you can still also pursue acting and modeling, in whatever country you go to.  The embassy also will know which work permit you will need as an American moving to their country, so may also have the details for obtaining licensing and accreditation as a physical therapist in their country.

Additionally, companies that solicit US physical therapists, nurses, doctors et al to come to their country may be able to apply for the correct permit on your behalf, even arrange housing or possibly pay for tests or additional schooling you may need to work in their country.

Let me know if you want me to do some research for you.  It's outside of my area of expertise on AllExperts, but feel free to contact me directly at CyberCat19@aol.com and I'll be happy to do whatever I can.

:)
~Kitty

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I found out how to transfer my particular degree in Japan as well as the testing that accompanies it but I would still like to contact you for research purposes because I have very specific questions I'd like to ask when I'm more ready to pursue them. Would it be alright to do so when I'm closer to the ready date?

I feel like I want to take this next year and a half, while I finish my BA and graduate, to prepare before I actually step into the business. I have a few general questions. Are there specific training classes that I should be taking while/during/before I am ready for a photo test shoot? I have done research and found that models take posing classes. I am not too sure about actors. For training this summer, I am registered for private hip hop dance and vocal workshop classes. My second question, are there any skills/classes that I absolutely need before I am ready for my first photo shoot for my composite card and first few pictures for my portfolio? To get experience working with a photographer and the camera, do u recommend I visit a university and try to get a free test shoot with a student?

Thank You,
Mark

Answer
Yes, it would be fine for you to contact me any time with your questions.  

My opinion about modeling classes is that they are not necessary.  I'm not sure one can be taught to be photogenic, and it's also difficult to teach someone to be comfortable in front of the camera if they are not naturally so.  

If you take a look at one of the stock photography websites, such as http://www.stockphotography.com or http://www.shutterstock.com (put in the keyword 'model' or just browse the categories that contain images of people) you will see many examples of commercial print as well as fashion and beauty models.  Most are not posed in a way that you might recognize from a modeling school, and generally the photographer will guide and direct the model to accomplish what they want to see in the final shot.

If you keep in mind that models are hired to sell something; a product, a service, an idea, a mood - then you don't need a class for modeling posing.  Just know who you are working for, and the poses come naturally.  If you do an ad for a spa/resort, looking like you are enjoying yourself, relaxed and happy might be appropriate.  If you're hired for a brochure touting some new medical equipment for surgeons, maybe relaxed and happy posing might be less important than appearing confident, competent with more ridged or official-looking poses.  But again, usually you know what the point of the shoot is, and the photographer and/or photostylist will also tell you at least some information or instructions.

For actors, I do recommend taking at the very least a how-to audition class for the type of acting that most interests you.  Many of the acting and auditioning classes and training will also help you as a model, where you are also trying to get mood or emotion across on camera.

I have personally always liked doing Time-For-Prints work, where you can practice on camera with a photography student, or a semi-professional or professional photographer (usually when they are testing new equipment, a new idea/photographic concept, etc.)  It doesn't cost you anything, and you can have more input usually into what is working well and what isn't, and sometimes end up with some really great images.

:)
~Kitty