By now I'm sure you have seen or heard about this commercial that aired last night during the Super Bowl:
VW Superbowl Commercial
I actually watched it February 3 because the production company (Park Pictures) posted it on Facebook and it was not only Park Pictures who produced, but Lance Acord, the director for the commercial who also directed Will for the Estee Lauder Beautiful commercial!
Will's Estee Lauder Commercial
Just a neat connection, in my mind.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Getting Started on a Shoestring Budget
I just got this question from a friend of mine, "How would I get [my children] started [in modeling]? I don't work, so we don't have a lot of money to put into it. Thanks for any advice."
Can models and actors get started without putting a lot of money out up front? Absolutely! In fact, if anyone asks you for money to get you started, please go elsewhere. Most likely, it is a scam. Having said that, there are some agencies that also have classes (which you do pay for) to teach you the basics. I must admit some people really do need this. But realize there are many people who go through the classes and do not get any work after that, and there are also many people who do not do classes and get a lot of work. I just saw an email from Kathy Wickline Casting in Philadelphia who is offering a 1 hour basic class on 2/19/2011 entitled The Acting Basics - Getting Started .
For $25, it would be worth your time.
So, to even get an agent, what do I need you might ask?
Answer: Great pictures.
But isn't a professional photographer expensive?
Answer: Yes, they can be but you may not need a professional photograph right away and there are some other, lesser known possibilities you may not be aware of.
My son, Will is a great example. I paid to have some photographs done locally but when we met with the agency in NY they wanted us to go out in our backyard and shoot some digital shots of our own. They picked the ones they liked and I had 50 5x7 prints made. That is what we used to get started:
Finally, some photographers do what they call "test shoots". In most cases the models do not get paid BUT (and this is a big but) they usually get the photographs for free. This is a fantastic way to build a portfolio. In fact Will, Zach and I all recently modeled for a photography seminar in Bethlehem, PA. We were not paid, but look at some of the fabulous photos we got (some to use for their portfolios and some as cherised keepsakes for me!)
Looking for more information on photographers in the Lehigh Valley? Feel free to email me for suggestions.
Blessings,
Tiffany
Can models and actors get started without putting a lot of money out up front? Absolutely! In fact, if anyone asks you for money to get you started, please go elsewhere. Most likely, it is a scam. Having said that, there are some agencies that also have classes (which you do pay for) to teach you the basics. I must admit some people really do need this. But realize there are many people who go through the classes and do not get any work after that, and there are also many people who do not do classes and get a lot of work. I just saw an email from Kathy Wickline Casting in Philadelphia who is offering a 1 hour basic class on 2/19/2011 entitled The Acting Basics - Getting Started .
For $25, it would be worth your time.
So, to even get an agent, what do I need you might ask?
Answer: Great pictures.
But isn't a professional photographer expensive?
Answer: Yes, they can be but you may not need a professional photograph right away and there are some other, lesser known possibilities you may not be aware of.
My son, Will is a great example. I paid to have some photographs done locally but when we met with the agency in NY they wanted us to go out in our backyard and shoot some digital shots of our own. They picked the ones they liked and I had 50 5x7 prints made. That is what we used to get started:
Finally, some photographers do what they call "test shoots". In most cases the models do not get paid BUT (and this is a big but) they usually get the photographs for free. This is a fantastic way to build a portfolio. In fact Will, Zach and I all recently modeled for a photography seminar in Bethlehem, PA. We were not paid, but look at some of the fabulous photos we got (some to use for their portfolios and some as cherised keepsakes for me!)
Looking for more information on photographers in the Lehigh Valley? Feel free to email me for suggestions.
Blessings,
Tiffany
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
It's a Job, Just Like Anything Else
As I was pondering what topic to tackle for this post, it just struck me...I honestly didn't want to write at all. I have been playing Angry Birds on the Ipad and I would much rather continue to do so on this icy, snow day.
SO, what I'd like to address is the question of whether or not modeling and acting is a full-time job. In my opinion, the answer is unequivically yes. Although the actual work, the majority of the time is sporadic, it is your "job" to be promoting yourself at all times. For example, I took some time this morning and created a Facebook Fan Page.
Here are some ideas of what else you can be doing:
SO, what I'd like to address is the question of whether or not modeling and acting is a full-time job. In my opinion, the answer is unequivically yes. Although the actual work, the majority of the time is sporadic, it is your "job" to be promoting yourself at all times. For example, I took some time this morning and created a Facebook Fan Page.
Here are some ideas of what else you can be doing:
- Research agencies online who you can submit your pictures to
- Find out when the agencies are holding open calls and attend them
- Research photographer websites and portfolios to get ideas of what you like in a headshot
- Read acting blogs to get a sense of what you can expect
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