Expert: Kitty Kavey - 3/16/2005

Question
Hi Ms. Kitty Kavey,
I'm eighteen years old. I've been with vogue (3-9) Images (11-15) and Barbizon(biggest mistake in my life from age 15-16). With those agencies I did do some work. Vogue sent me and my mom to New York and Images sent me around Cincinnati, Louisville, and Lexington to do local print work. Barbizon took me,my check book, and hundreds of other girls. From the age of three all I have ever dreamed of, thought of, and spoke of is acting and modeling. I can not imagine doing anything else. I've been in plays, I've done a few commerical prints and such, but that was when I was younger. I'm at the age where I can travel and I can actually pursue my goals and dreams. I've been calling modeling agencies, checking them with the BBB and I have been being asked for money and to sign contracts right away. I want something legit. I've spent hours on the internet looking for legit casting calls and agencies. I know it's not gonna be easy. Anything worth wanting and having isn't gonna be. If being an actress or model was easy everyone would be one. Everyday I wake up thinking of acting and modeling. Ms. Kitty I'm tired of thinking, I want to start doing. Acting and modelng fulfills me. I won't lie, I do want to be famous and I realize there's a very slim chance, but I want to at least have an opportunity of recieving that chance. I live in Kentucky and there are plenty of scandels running around here. I research my favorite actors and I try to research their paths to Hollywood. I don't know what to do. I know what my long term goal is, I think I need to stride in short term goals. Problem is, I don't know where to start. Where do you get an agent? From an acting agency? Do I need to relocate? I'm planning on going to California this summer to go audition and go to an actor's boot camp, is this wise? I want to network and make connections. I'm sorry this is so long, but I want and need guidance. I want my foot in the door of the industry and then I want to stay. Please help me. I feel like I'm in ocean, in a boat, with no paddle or compass.
Thanks,
CDH1986  

Answer
If you're going for acting, I would definitely suggest relocation.  Los Angeles is absolutely the place to be for that, and since you are coming out this summer, that should give you the opportunity to get a feel for the place.  Before you arrive, if you already have a professional headshot and resume, you can mail your information out to agencies here.  Use one of the talent agency directories (available in your local library, bookstore or online) or the Screen Actors Guild franchised talent agency list (www.sag.org).  In your cover letter I do not suggest mentioning you are only visiting, or here temporarily.  There are also hundreds of networking events, mixers, groups and seminars you can attend while you are here.  Always have at least a business card with your image and what you do on it.  (Or, what you want to do.)  Remember that people here judge you on what you wear, how you present yourself, how prepared you are, and your confidence.  If you tell people you are interested in lead roles in feature films, and hand them a business card that says 'model' with a shot of you in a bikini, it's not likely they will take you seriously.  You'd be surprised how often something like that does happen.  It suprises me all the time how unprepared people here are, how vague they can be, and how little confidence a lot of people here have.  Do not be one of those, and you will stand out.  Take every opportunity you can to learn about the industry, how it works, practice your craft, and be yourself--know in your heart that it is possible.  
Best of luck to you,
~Kitty