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The Female Editorial Model

 

Most editorial fashion models work in New York City for the simple reason: very little editorial fashion work is booked out of anywhere else.

 

There are exceptions: Miami and Los Angeles or Chicago. Theres many editorial opportunities abroad including Paris, London, Milan, and Tokyo as major markets.

 

Female Editorial Models measurements vary, but include:

 

Ages 15-25 years old.

 

Height: 5'9" and 6' tall

 

The Male Editorial Model

 

Requirements for men are a little less stringent and have been changing in recent years for male models. Depending on the market city, men need to be 5'11" (6' strongly preferred) to 6'2" (in some cities, 6'3") tall.

 

The traditional male model is slim: size 40 jacket, 30-32 waist. in the last few years there has been a strong movement in Europe, now reflected in the major American markets, for much slimmer men. While in smaller cities, the traditional male model can still be successful, in New York especially, jacket sizes of 36 to 38 are now generally preferred by many agencies, with waists proportionately smaller as well. Men can be older to start.

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Commercial Models

 

Most models are "commercial" models meaning that they appear on local or national print ads, television shows, catalogs, work in local fashion shows and trade shows and similar kinds of work. While most are not high paying (although pay can be very good), national recognition or lucrative national ad contracts are the backbone of the modeling industry

 

Models can be older, shorter, plus-size, or just unique looking and will often get work, and “generic good looks” is the most common look required by bookers and casting roles.

 

Commercial models are asked to play roles in pictures including: “young mom”, “active retiree”, “Doctor”, “executive” Things that help a commercial model are acting ability, an outgoing personality, easy availability for jobs, and good self-presentation skills.

 

 

Tips for Actors

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Understand the Industry

 

Become an expert on the acting and entertainment industry. Read books on the business of acting, talk to actors and meet with as many people in the industry as possible (directors, producers, agents, editors, grips, stage managers, etc.). Pick their brains. Take notes. Send thank you cards. Interview a working actor with a career you’d like to one day have. With this knowledge you’ll have fewer surprises and disappointments down the road.

 

Manage your Expectations

 

If your goal is simply to act, fascinating audiences with your ability to bring characters to life, working among a community of fellow artists, then there is little to stop you. All you need is a bit of talent, and a huge helping of persistence, flexibility, and hard work. Always maintain realistic expectations. 

 

Get Practice

 

Don’t wait for the perfect role or the big gig: get out and act! In addition to improving your abilities, working consistently keeps you on directors’ and agents’ radar and increases the number of people you’ll meet. And work leads to more work. Don't be afraid to take on projects that aren’t perfectly interesting or don’t pay well (or at all). Remember that you can learn something from every acting experience, no matter how dismal.

 

Be Positive

 

People like to be around those with a positive outlook. Not only will the project be more enjoyable and rewarding for everyone involved, but you’ll almost certainly do better work on set.

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What is an Open Call?

An Open Call, also referred to as an open casting call or open audition, is an acting audition or a modeling audition where anyone who wants to audition can show up and audition. Open calls are also sometimes held for movies and television shows where they want to search far and wide for the perfect actor or want to find new talent. 

When an Open Call occurs, there is generally a call time and people can show up to be seen between that time and the ending time. Sometimes no ending time is even provided. If the time runs out and casting is ready to leave, even if you show up fairly early in the day, it is possible that you will be turned away and not seen. Showing up does not guarantee that you will be seen.

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What is a Casting Director?

 

A casting director is the person who initiates casting calls and works closely with the director and his or her particular vision for a project. However, it is important to note that there can be many preliminary casting calls before a choice is made. In these instances, it is usually an assistant who oversees the audition process. If the assistant deems that someone may be good for a role, they are given what is called a “call back.” Many times, a casting director is in charge of choosing who will fill the spoken roles in a job. The casting director also works in the hiring of extras, or background actors, who help to fill in the scene and make it appear more believable. For a large scale project, casting directors have been known to see thousands of people, and choose from a large pool.

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What is a Casting Agent?

 

Today, a casting agent is more commonly referred to as a talent agent. These people work closely with casting directors by trying to find talent to audition for projects that fit their skill level and physical description. When casting agents receive information about upcoming auditions, they search within their client base, or for aspiring skilled performers and attempt to secure an audition spot for them. 

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What to Wear to an Audition

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For new actors, the idea of attending an audition can be exciting and nerve-wracking. From wondering what to wear to whether or not, it is best to dress in character, a lot is riding on your ability to impress the casting agents. There are a few guidelines that can increase your chances of making a great first impression.

 

Though many lean toward dark fabrics to make themselves appear slimmer, this isn’t always the best color to choose on an audition. Sometimes dark fabric has the effect of making someone look much paler then they are, and this can have an unflattering effect on your overall appearance. The same is true for white fabric, which can wash-out complexions. Instead, choose a hue that flatters your skin tone.

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It is also important to avoid glittery, or flashy clothing and accessories. It may be tempting to glam it up on your audition, but this can be too distracting. An audition is your time to take center stage—not your clothing or jewelry. First impressions are important in the entertainment industry. Aim for a neat look that compliments the type of character you are auditioning for.

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Casting red flags

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As a model or actor, it is very important to be cautions when attending castings or auditions. Public castings are not verified since they are from third party sources, so to give you an idea of what to look out for, below are some red flags. Remember, always do you own research when communicating. This is a great article on what to look out for here.

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Red Flag1: A casting director offering payment before a performer has done any work on the project in question. The fraud involves a fake check sent to you in order to get you to deposit it and get your financial information. This is an example of a classic red flag in a casting:

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"The total pay for this job is $5000 An advanced deposit/booking fee of $900 will be mailed upfront to you BEFORE the shoot to ensure your engagement on the upcoming project with us in line with our business ethics. Meanwhile, the balance of $4,500 will be paid as soon as the shoot is completed. Moreover, YOU WILL NOT ONLY RECEIVE A CERTIFIED PAYCHECK OF $900 for your advance/booking fee but also with an ADDITIONAL amount that you will use to pay for your wardrobes bills which you will forward to the designer in charge of your Wardrobe after processing the check. The payment for your wardrobe and clothing measurements has to be forwarded to the designer by you, reason being that, the payment for your wardrobe has to be made or billed to your Name/info as requested and acceptable business terms by the designer, to ensure a tallied customization and label to be printed on your costumes. Please be informed that you are NOT responsible for the funds that you will use to pay for your wardrobe, the funds will be mailed in one payment to you alongside with that of your upfront/booking payment I.e. (your advanced payment $900 plus extra amount for wardrobe cost and shipping fee all on one check)"

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Red Flag 2 : Never communicate via WhatsAPP or transmit banking information. Payment is never in gift cards.

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what is an actors union?

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Actor’s unions were created in order to host equal and fair labor rights for actors and live entertainers who were working on a casting project. Before unions were created, performers were at the hand of directors and this sometimes resulted in long working hours, no health benefits and other low employee circumstances. In recent years many unions have been created to protect an actor’s rights. Actors who are union members will gain usage of benefits, as well as earn a minimum steady rate for certain projects like commercials and film. Once an actor becomes a member of a certain union, they are not allowed to work on a non-union job.

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Screen Actors Guild (SAG): This union or “guild” negotiates for actors who work on any projects that are filmed, as opposed to being “videotaped”. Projects that are “filmed” can include most movies, some television shows, some commercials and industrials. Pretty much every actor who acts in movies is a member of The Screen Actors Guild. Beginning actors are not encouraged to join SAG very early in their career. The guild encourages actors to “gain their chops” first by participating in various non-union jobs before they become a union actor and are thrown into a highly competitive pool of talented actors, and must then accept the responsibility and commitment of being a member of the Screen Actors Guild. The union also has strict eligibility requirements for actors who wish to join. To become eligible to apply, an actor must have proof of employment on a principal, or speaking role in a SAG project, (this can sometimes happen when a background actor is bumped up to a speaking role on set). Or background actors may prove they worked on a minimum of three times on a SAG project, at the SAG rate and conditions by receiving at least three SAG waivers. 

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Example Scripts/sides

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Click Here to View Script Example  Click Here to View Side Example

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Acting resume 

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Click Here to View Resume Example for Models and Actors

What to expect at a casting call

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Arrive on Time

When directors set up casting calls, they will often double book time slots. This means two things for you: be prepared to wait, and be prepared to go in right when you get there if there aren’t any other actors in the waiting room. You shouldn’t worry if someone has the exact same time as you, nor should you let the wait bother you! Attending castings are great opportunities so be sure to enjoy it!

Time to Read

When you are called in to read, you should be ready to encounter any number of situations and people. Auditions usually range from three people to a whole table full of decision makers. It will usually consist of the casting director, yourself, someone running the camera, and sometimes a reader (someone other than the casting director who reads the scene with you). Sometimes there are directors and producers, or assistants and associates. 

After the Audition

Every project and every casting office will do callbacks  differently. You might be told on the spot that they want you to come a back later in the day for a producer or director, or they might call you days or even weeks after your first audition. The goal is to be as flexible as possible. A little confidence and a lot of patience go a long way!

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Test Scripts Male

 

Male TV Commercial

 

Ages 12-15

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I need a vacation from school. I just found out that my parents are taking me to Universal Studios in Florida. I am so excited. Universal is one of my favorite places to visit. I love the Spiderman ride, the shows, and the roller coasters. Universal, it’s the perfect place for a hard working guy like me!

 

Ages 16-24

 

What do you hear? Nothing. No noise … digital audio purity. The new audio systems from Panasonic will change the way you listen to music. So sit down, relax, close your eyes, and get ready for the digital enhanced audio systems from Panasonic. Only at AUDIO ASSOCIATES… there’s no mistaking our sound.

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Ages 25+

 

Go ahead… Make a wish… Now call your Allstate agent. Because today, planning makes wishes come true. And your Allstate agent can help make sure that “family security”, “college funding”, and even a “healthy retirement” are in the stars for you. Your Allstate agent wants to be your agent for life. You’re in good hands with Allstate Life Insurance. Johnson Investment Advisors I was going crazy trying to plan our financial future. It got so bad, even my calculator was threatening to quit. Johnson Investment Advisors took my whole financial snapshot: net worth, investing timeline, financial goals, and created a portfolio tailored to my life and needs. Now I’m resting easy. And I sent my calculator on a cruise to Aruba.

 

Test Scripts Female

 

Ages 12-15

 

My favorite thing to do is play outside. The problem is I play hard and I get really dirty. My mom freaks out. “Jennie, girls aren’t supposed to get that dirty!”…ughhh. Then my friend’s mom told her about Tide’s new heavy duty detergent for kids, and girls like me. Now I can get as dirty as I want. Female TV Commercial

 

Ages 16-24

 

Give me a break! I have school all day and work at night. That’s why when I need a break, I break of a piece of a Kit Kat bar. Kit Kat gives me energy to earn A’s all day and then dance the night away! Break me off a piece of that Kit Kat bar!

 

Ages 25 +

 

Today, parents have a lot of hard choices, pay the phone bill or pay the doctor. Fill the fridge or fill a prescription. But there’s a choice that can make life easier—calling 1-877-KIDS NOW. That’s because every state now offers low cost and free health coverage for kids. Even working families can get the card for Dr. visits, prescriptions and more. So if your kids aren’t insured, call 1-877-KIDS NOW. Write it down—because you’ve got enough to worry about

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How to prepare for a photo shoot

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Photo shoots are one of the perks that performers have in the entertainment industry. For talent who are going on their first photo shoot, it is important to become familiar with a few tips to make their experience a good one. Think of your time in front of the camera like that of a photo shoot for models.

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Try to emulate a relaxed poise that will translate on film. Feeling confident will be a contributor to having a smooth shoot experience. If you feel nervous, try to relax. To help with this feeling, study a variety of poses and practice them frequently in front of a mirror. Once you are able to see yourself and start practicing, it will be easier to self-critique. As soon as you recognize how to feel comfortable and pose in front of the camera, it is equally important to pick a flattering wardrobe. Dress for your body type, and stick to simple fabrics.

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MAKEUP TIPS

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When it comes to makeup, modeling tips for having a flawless face are pretty straightforward.

 

You should always remember to wear concealer that is only one shade lighter than your natural skin tone. If you choose a shade that is too light, it will have an effect opposite of what you desire by highlighting flaws like acne, red patches, and dark circles. Using powder or liquid foundation is another great way to make your face look radiantly beautiful.

 

If you have dry or mature skin, a liquid is probably best. People with oily or combination skin should stick to powder products.

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importance of a portfolio

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Most people in business have business cards, but for models and actors their business card is their portfolio. A portfolio is a collection of photos collected throughout a talents career. For more established talent, their portfolios include tear sheets, which are sheets from actual print jobs that the model has booked.

 

For new talent, a portfolio will be a collection of test photographs that reflect the model’s features and versatility. Photography for a portfolio should be diverse and accentuate the models best looks and features. A high fashion photo is a modeling picture that is in line with current high fashion print advertisements and clothing and accessory styles. A fitness look is a photo that highlights the models physically fit frame, and normally the model will be modeling some type of fitness clothing in these photos. A commercial look is a modeling picture that resembles what would be in a magazine advertising general products or clothing.

 

Commercial photos are very high in popularity as a high percentage of modeling jobs are for commercial shoots. By highlighting these different looks, the model can show that they are able to be versatile for a number of different types of modeling jobs. Model portfolios are used for a number of different reasons.

 

Many times when a model is meeting with a potential modeling agency, they will want to see the model’s portfolio to get an idea of if they will be a good fit with the company. Also during some castings or auditions a model may be asked to bring their portfolio to show the casting director, so the director can get an immediate idea of how well the model photographs.

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SELF TAPE BASICS

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Digital castings have become very popular and now more than ever, casting directors are seeking taped video auditions in replace of in person auditions. In fact, many talent are booked for castings just off their audition tape. Video auditions can be filmed on your mobile phone using some of the basic tips below. Typically, for a video self-tape request, a casting director will supply instructions and a script to read.

 

Shoot: Keep it very simple. Ideally, the camera/phone should sit on a tripod to maintain a steady image. If not, try and put the camera/phone on a stable surface.

 

Frame in a ‘medium’ shot (top of your head to below your shoulders with just a small amount of space above head). It should be shot in landscape mode (wide frame)

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Lighting and Sound: Shoot with enough light so your face is clearly shot. Natural light is always best. Make sure the main light sources come from BEHIND camera (to see your face most clearly). Do not film yourself standing in front of a window. Record a sample clip to see how it looks and sounds before recording the actual scene.

 

Reader (someone reading the other characters lines): When doing the scene have someone read the lines of the other character(s) off camera. They should stand next to the camera. Your reader should not appear with you on camera. Do not look at the camera! Your eye line should be just slightly off to the right or left of the lens i.e. looking at your reader. 

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SIMPLE TIPS ON INSTAGRAM

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Post Regularly

Many models, actors and influencers think that posting and getting likes is the most important thing on IG, it's not! Posting too much can turn users off, that's why engagement is important. Regularly updating your stories on Instagram is important to engage your users and creates a bond with your audience. 

 

Post at the Right Time

Research shows the best time to post is after working hours, 5PM - 9PM, also in the afternoon lunch hour around 12PM-2PM EST

 

Use Hashtags:

This is the most important part to find users and get exposure. Here are the top hashtags for models: #modeling #model #fashion #photography #photoshoot #portrait #style #modellife #photooftheday #models #like #love #beauty #photographer #instagram #photo #instagood #beautiful #fashionblogger #art #portraitphotography #modelingagency #shooting #fashionmodel #picoftheday #fashionista #scoutme

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