Expert: Kitty Kavey - 6/1/2005

Question
Hi my name is megan and i am doing a project for school on carrers and we have to interview people who we have an interest in there carrer. I woul dlove to ask some questions about your carrer if you have time and are willing. So i hope to here from you soon thanks for your time
sincerly megan

Answer
It may be easier for you to read some of the answers I have provided to other people seeking the same type of information.  I've copied several for your review below, and there is a list you can refer to as well on my information page on AllExperts.com.  If you have any additional questions after reading through, feel free to ask here.
Best of luck to you,
~Kitty
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Question:  I am doing a project for school and I need to know what a typical day for an actor/actress would be.

Answer:  There are many different types of acting: film acting, commercials, stage, musical theater, television, etc. If you are employed under a contract, such as a soap actor, or a sitcom TV actor, you generally work a schedule set by the studio, and usually don't do a lot of location shooting. A film actor can be on location for weeks, months or even years, depending on what type of film it is and what their role in it is. You are hired and paid for the time you work, and when shooting wraps up, you're out of a job. So, much of one's time is spent searching for work, going on auditions, and taking acting classes. Most actors also have another job as well, something besides acting that they use to pay the bills. When they are called to the set, they check in, go to wardrobe or makeup if necessary, and wait around until the crew is ready to shoot. They practice their lines, if necessary, find out if there have been any changes to the dialogue or scene, and then, finally, go on the set. They stay there until the director or another crew member tells them it's time to go to lunch, or they are done for the day. They sign out, and that's it.  
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Questions:  1 What does it takes to become a model? How much experience do you need to become a model? How old do you have to be to become a model? How much do you have to weigh to become a model?

Answer:  The most important quality to become a model, is to be photogenic. If "the camera loves you", you have a chance. If not, there's little one can do to overcome that.
No experience is required to become a model. Generally, a prospective new model is not asked for a resume, references or training.
Commercial print models can start working from infancy, although many agencies prefer to work with models age two and above, and high fashion agencies don't usually look for models much under the age of 15, with some exceptions. Other types of agencies (such as fitness, adult, and promotional modeling agencies) generally look for people 18 and older.
Weight is not something that is necessarily asked, as there are no weight requirements in modeling. There are clothing size requirements for fashion and plus-size models; that may be what you are referring to, but specifically referring to weight, there are no requirements.
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Question:  What does it take to be a model or actor?
Answer:  For modeling, one needs to be photogenic. While different types of models have different requirements such as height, size, age or looks, they all need to look good on camera/film. One exception might be promotional/tradeshow models, although they are sometimes filmed during promotions or shows as well--so being photogenic is still a good idea.
Acting on the other hand is much more involved. There is considerably more talent involved, and acting/auditioning techniques can be learned through classes or coaching.
Either a model or an actor will usually work through an agent, and both use photographs to promote themselves; a model might use a portfolio containing samples from shoots they have done, or a modeling composite card (usually containing between 3-7 images on one card. An actor uses a single 8x10 'headshot' to promote themselves, with their resume on the back. Models (unless they are promotional models) do not use resumes. So, the simple answer to your question is it takes be photogenic, have images, an agent, and some idea of what is involved/expected of you.