AboutKitty Kavey Expertise I can answer questions from those looking to get into the fashion or commercial modeling industry. Specifically, the requirements, what is needed, how to find an agent, what they look for, how to avoid scams, the difference between what a commercial model does, and a fashion model, would travel/relocation be required, what is on a comp card and in your portfolio.
Experience Both my acting and modeling resume/portfolio is available online on my website. I am a member of the Screen Actors Guild, and also have available my actor's demo reel and voice-over demo online. I founded both the Florida-Models.com and Florida-Actors.com websites, which provide free modeling and acting info to the public. I have moved into directing, producing and screenwriting - and have won awards for my writing. I have worked in the industry as both a model and actress in Florida, New York City and Los Angeles until October 2007. I now reside in Europe.
I have read allot about the demand for older models and am very interested in getting started myself. I am 57 but everyone says I look early forties at most. I have always wanted to model but this will be the first real opportunity I have had to pursue something like that. Can you give me some advice? I would like to do commercial modeling. I am 5'7" and 128 pounds. Will my age be against me at all? I am sure there are certain agencies or companies I should target given my age. Any direction you can give would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Donna
Answer Many commercial print agencies do not have an age limit for new faces - although there are some parts of the US that use more older models than others. Florida/Miami is a great area for older models as they market more to that age group, up to and including retirees. So if you're in or near that area, you are particularly in luck.
However, if you aren't, that doesn't necessarily mean there isn't opportunity where you are. If you live in a smaller market, but are close to a larger one and can commute (perhaps New York City or Los Angeles# then you shouldn't have a problem. You can check with the Screen Actor's Guild list of franchised agents: http://www.sag.org/content/find-agent
Look for agencies marked as being Full Service and use your favorite search engine to locate the websites of agencies you are interested in.
You can also use one of the modeling agency directories available in your local library, bookstore or online #such as the Call Sheet: http://www.backstage.com/bso/call-sheet/index.jsp
which also has modeling agency listings in addition to actor/talent agents.#
In the meantime, keep your eyes open for local print ads featuring your age group. Often you can find out which agency it was booked through, and/or the photographer who shot it #who should also know where the models came from.# That can give you a good idea of who is booking work #or shooting it) in your area, and who might be good for you to get in touch with.
Florida is the best for more mature looks, as so much of their advertising targets the Baby Boomer-types. They have a large cruise industry, a zillion golf courses/clubs, spas, retirement communities, etc. that generally use older models in their ads. An example is the Crystal Cruise lines 'Day at Sea' online brochure: http://www.crystalcruises.com/DayAtSea.aspx?intcmp=10000-PROTX6%26pos=B1%26pgid=...
There are also family advertisements where you may be the mother, or if you look old enough in the photo a young grandmother. There's a lot out there to do outside of the fashion world, and I personally find it to be a lot of fun. I wish you much success as well!
