Do you want to be a model? An actor? Maybe you want to make it in the entertainment industry and you're wondering how you can get your pinky toe in the door. It all comes down to the one question: "where do I start?" The answer varies for everyone, but I have created a process which reflects my own journey thus far.
Step 1: Decide if this is what you want to do. Really.
It may seem like an obvious step, but it took me years and two BA degrees in unrelated fields to actually admit to myself that I want to be a part of this industry. Some people have had this step checked off for years. If that's you, congrats! If you are more like me, once you actively decide to pursue what you love, you will be ready for the next step.
Step 2: Research your area.
It will take a search of your geographic region to figure out what jobs or booking are available. If you can, talk to someone already in the industry to see if they recommend trying to model/act where you live. If you don't have immediate access to someone (which is most common), try finding people on sites like LinkedIn or even professors at local colleges who teach courses related to entertainment. You can also try to find local groups, like Meetups. If you find there is not much work in your area, you have to decide if you are willing and able to relocate. I moved from Portland to Seattle because there is more work for me up here.
Step 3: Find an agency.
You may be wondering if this is entirely necessary. The short answer is: no. The best answer is: it will make your life much easier. Even if you end up doing some of the booking work yourself, companies respect people who work with agencies because they provide you with added reliability and credibility. If an agency is willing to "take credit" for you, as it were, you must have something to offer. Some agencies do really assist you in finding gigs, so it's all beneficial.
"How do I get an agent?" There are agencies everywhere, especially in major cities. Still, not all agencies are equal. Do your research and read client reviews. There are agencies dedicated specifically to modeling, but you could also try one that represents actors/musicians as well depending on your interest. I can't speak for every agency application process, but be prepared for whatever is asked of you.
Prepare materials like headshots and/or monologues (depending on your goal). Just be sure to read the contract once you get it. Some companies will have strict exclusivity clauses, make you sign with them for X number of years, and/or take a large sum of your revenue.
I am located in the US, so this information may differ by country.
Step 4: Provide headshot & comp card, and attend auditions & casting calls.
This is one of the areas where acting and modeling differ in terms of method. If you are an actor, go to all the auditions available through your agency and do your own research to find auditions. Even if you aren't the best, it's still an opportunity to get experience acting in front of people. In some cases, they may give you advice or tips to improve in the future. If modeling is more your style, look for casting calls in your area. (Be wary: some of the gigs you find on your own may not be legitimate.)
Actors and models should have updated headshots, comp cards, and resumes. For a younger actor, your headshot should show you looking young. Adults who can look like teenagers are desirable in the industry. A comp card shows a variety of professional photographs of you in different settings/outfits/contexts to show diversity in your look. These photos must be professional. Research photographers who do fashion, portrait, and/or headshot work. This is one of the times you need to invest in yourself.
Make sure your resume is up to date and includes necessary statistics (height, weight, eye color, hair color, etc.) and attach to the back of your headshots. You do not need to add age to your resume. Let the directors/producers/creators decide if you look right for the job. Only fasten a few resumes to your headshots at a time. The more you work, the more you will need to update your resume. You don't want to go to the trouble to switch out your resume on all your headshots every time it changes. Also, only carry a few headshots and comp cards with you at a time. If something happens, you don't want to lose all of them, and generally each audition will only require one of each.
Step 5: Network, network, network!
Whenever you get a gig (and you will, gorgeous!) talk to everyone, and I mean everyone. I have had new opportunities arise because I became friends will hair and makeup artists. I got into my agency because I talked to other extras on set. A friend of mine started working with the stars of a TV show because she was friendly with the crew and PAs behind the scenes. There are so many amazing people who work in entertainment, it seems a waste to ignore hard working people just because their jobs aren't as glamorous as the actors and models we aspire to be. I'm not saying you should take advantage of their kindness or position, nor am I guaranteeing anything will come of these interactions, but isn't it worth a shot?
If nothing else, you've just made a new friend!
Step 6: Always be yourself.
Finally, don't let anyone change who you are inside. When you are out there auditioning, working, and networking, let people see the real you. This industry is filled with people pretending to be someone they're not. It is refreshing to meet someone genuine. Some people might find this point naïve, but in my experience, being yourself helps you meet the people you can trust and rely on. Sure, you may have to adapt a bit based on the situation, but never lose what makes you unique. Let that special something, whatever it is, be what makes you stand out.
Don't forget, this is all just a job like any other. Nothing is make or break. If something doesn't work out like you hoped, it will be okay. Try again. Take classes, watch videos, ask questions. Don't let the pressures of the industry pull you down. You are brilliant. You are exceptional. You will shine, so long as you believe you will.
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