Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing/Print Modeling

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Question
My daughter recently went through Barbizon School of Modeling. At the end of the program they had a mini photo shoot and audition with a talent scout from IPAC.  My daughter received a call back from the talent scout with an invitation to attend their yearly IPAC convention.  At the convention top agents in the business will be on hand for her to meet, audition for and interview with.  The cost of this 5 day conference is $4,995. which includes air from San Fran. to LA and lodging and another $995.00 for a photographic composite.  Have you every heard of IPAC and is this something worth spending the money on?  

Answer
I have not heard of the IPAC convention.  It is my opinion that modeling conventions generally are a waste of time and money.  You can attend an open call at most of the top agencies or send in your daughter's info via postal mail for free (other than the cost of postage/snapshots).  There's no need to pay to be considered for agency representation.  If you're in the San Fran area, have your daughter look into the agencies there.  I've provided a short list of some of the fashion and commercial print agencies there.  If you live in another area, use one of the modeling agency directories (available in your local library, bookstore or online) to find the agents closest to you.
Good luck to you both,
~Kitty
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Boom Models & Talent
2325 3rd Street, Suite #223, San Francisco, CA 94107
Tel: 415-626-6591
http://www.boomagency.com

Marla Dell Talent
2124 Union Street, #C, San Francisco, CA 94123
Tel: 415-563-9213
http://www.marladell.com

Dizon Model & Talent Agency
873 Sutter St., Suite B, San Francisco, CA 94109
Tel: 415-567-3253
http://www.dizonagency.com

Look Model & Talent Agency
166 Geary Blvd, Suite 1400, San Francisco, CA 94108
Tel: 415-781-2841
http://www.looktalent.com

San Francisco Top Models and Talent
2261 Market Street, Suite 295, San Francisco, CA 94114 Tel: 415-391-1800  
http://www.sftoptalent.com

Tonry Talent Agency
885 Bryant Street, Suite 201, San Francisco, CA 94103
Tel: 415-543-3797
http://www.tonrytalent.com

Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing

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Kitty 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.

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