Expert: Kitty Kavey - 6/28/2004

Question
It seems as though everything you mentioned in your expertise is what I want to know. I am completely new to this and I need some pointers. Any information would be helpful. Also one of the agents that I met with wanted me to go through their course which would total $1,700 and 9months time. Is that really necessary and/or worth it? Thanks for the help!

Answer
Let me answer your last question, first. No. In my opinion--it's not worth it.  In fact, in many states it is illegal for a licensed modeling agency to require, offer or recommend a course/class, photographer, printer, etc.  If an "agent" is making money off of classes, they have little motivation to try and work hard to get you booked on legitimate modeling or acting jobs, since for those they're only making 10-20%.  A non-union Extra (or background) on a film set makes on average $54-$100/day.  That's not much for an agent.  A print job for a new commercial model may only be a few hundred dollars or less.  Fashion pays more, but only a select few have the criteria (height, size, age) for that.  Modeling neither requires nor do agents ask for your training.  They may ask your experience, but that refers to work you've booked, not how many hours you've spent in a classroom.  Models do not have a resume, they do not (unless freelancing) need to know professional makeup application, and I doubt if any of the expensive courses teach financial management.  If you begin to earn money as a model or actor, you might want to seek out a financial tax consultant familiar with the entertainment industry.  The tax laws change every year, so you'll need to consult a professional in that area--but keep all your receipts.  Acting tends to have more tax write-offs than modeling--But check with your tax person.  To those starting out in acting or commercial print modeling, I suggest only considering a Screen Actor's Guild agency.  Not only to they have to comply with federal/state laws, but they also have to adhere to union standards and regulations as well. If you don't know other busy working models or talent to ask who their agent is, the SAG list is a great place to start. (www.sag.org, resources, agent information, find a SAG franchised agent) Those listed as being 'full service' are those who represent commercial print models in addition to actors.  For fashion modeling, use one of the lists like:
http://www.models.com/model_culture/top10agencies/nyc_top10-6.html

They list the top ten fashion modeling agencies in NYC (which is where you'd go for that type of modeling).  The list changes from time to time, but they are generally the best of the best.
Actors, unlike models, do generally benefit from training/classes.  You might want to consider at least taking an auditioning seminar or class, just to familiarize yourself with the lingo.  There are acting classes and coaches who are certainly not expensive.  If you're in a big market like Los Angeles or NYC, you could take an introductory class for less than $100. An actor does have a resume, which lists any training they might have done, although it is not a requirement.  The exception to that would be if you did Extra or Background work--for which you generally do not use a headshot or resume at all.  If you stop by your local library or bookstore, there are books available on the specific types of acting and modeling that go into much more detail, contain images and samples, and often contain an agency directory or additional resources as well.
Best of luck to you,
~Kitty