Expert: Kitty Kavey - 5/4/2009

Question
hi,

i am just starting out as a mmodel..only done a couple shoots but am become more interested and serious about it since i have other creative talents to where i would need to be comfortable in front of camera..

I currently live in San Francisco Bay Area and am wondering if its necessary to relocate to pursue my creative endeavors.(Singing, dancing, acting, modeling, etc). Also is it necessary to be tall or to appear tall with porportions, etc..thanks

Answer
At some point in your career, a transition to a larger market may become necessary, although there are certainly people who live outside of the area where their work is done.

Acting is generally something that might take you frequently to Los Angeles, for example.  There's more work there, and more opportunities for advancement.  Although if your interest in acting is stage/theater rather than film, NYC would be a better choice.

Since you live in the San Francisco area, it might be best to look at the agencies there first.  Some of them also have relationships with LA agencies as well, so you can develop a good resume and reel for acting and singing before you decide to relocate.

There are also commercial print modeling agencies in your area.  You can use the Screen Actor's Guild list of franchised agents for San Francisco to locate both talent agencies as well as agencies that have other divisions such as modeling and/or voiceover: http://www.sag.org/content/find-agent

You can use your favorite search engine to look up the websites of the agencies you are interested in.  Those agencies marked as full service usually have modeling divisions as well.  

Some commercial print agencies have minimum height requirements (particularly those in the LA area) but not all do.  Each agency can set their own criteria for what ages, heights and looks they represent, so if you don't fit the criteria for one, check the others in your area.  I believe there are eleven agencies listed on the SAG list for the San Francisco area.

Good luck to you,
~Kitty