The Successful Talent: Tips for the Actor & Model

WHERE am I (logistically speaking)?

Often, talent set goals based only on their own self image.  Figuring out who you are and how you fit in the overall industry is only the first step, though.  The next thing to consider is the market where you already live – especially if you are just getting started.  Ask yourself:

 

(1)  Where do I live?  (e.g., this is city, state, and country)

(2)  What is happening in my city production-wise?  (e.g., photographers, ad agencies, production companies, casting directors, etc.)

(3)  Based on what you found, how do you fit into your city’s industry infrastructure?

 

Obviously, these questions will require some research by the green talent.  For those seasoned talent, don’t be fooled into thinking you already have the answers unless you have worked in your local market for decades.  Even then, bear in mind that we work in an industry changing by the day, so there are changes of which you may not be aware!  Google your market – use words like production company, talent, actor, model, ad agency, photographer, etc.

 

If you need to better understand what you’ve found, leave me a message!

 

Once you know both who you are and what your market is doing, you’ll know how you fit . . . or don’t, which means you’ll be looking at relocating - or making changes to fit the market.

WHO AM I AS A TALENT?

There is good news and there is bad news.  Which would you like first?

 

Well, the bad news is that Facebook’s recent “Doppleganger experiment” is a prime example of the TALENT’s first major hurdle to working as an actor or model.   You were probably watching your friends post celebrity pictures including the likes of  JESSICA SIMPSON, KATE WINSLET, and even BRAD PITT.   But as an objective viewer, you likely thought to yourself, “Hmm, that’s a stretch.  I don’t see the resemblance.”  Maybe they have the same brown hair as Natalie Portman . . . or those coveted Angelina Jolie lips . . . but that doesn’t make them twins!

 

Physicalities are the FIRST of many deciding factors in the level of your success as an actor/model.  That may not be surprising since it’s an image business.  What IS shocking, however, is how grossly we misjudge who we are and where we fit.  Just because your aunt Gertrude suggests your tall and beautiful like a model, doesn’t make you high fashion material. Likewise, signing up for an acting class  doesn’t make you an actor.  But reading this blog puts you on the road to reaching either or both of those goals, so forge ahead!

 

Honestly look in the mirror and ask yourself – who am I?  Make a list of the obvious first including hair color, eye color, height, weight, ethnicity, body type, age, gender, etc.  Then include more detailed information like your best features.  Do you have big eyes or are they deep set?  Are you likely to be the prom queen or the bookworm?  Are you toned and athletic or thin and lacking curves?   What is the quality of your skin, teeth, hair, and overall health?  The more honest you are with yourself, the easier life is going to be.

 

Which brings me to the GOOD news . . . no matter what you wrote down as an honest answer, there IS a place for YOU in entertainment!  The challenging part isn’t so much finding where you fit (I can help you with that in a matter of seconds and without even meeting you), but rather in the talent him/herself being able to fully embrace your place and accept it whole-heartedly!

 

Steve Buscemi is an amazing well-paid and well respected actor, but he isn’t likely to do the next Ralph Lauren campaign.  Let me say as a side note that knowing and embracing where you fit, doesn’t limit you from branching out into less likely opportunities – Charlize Theron is a perfect example of this.

 

All that being said, a truthful and clear assessment of who you are will likely hurt your feelings on some level.  It may even bring to light things you hadn’t realized, causing you to become more self conscious.  Bear in mind that we all have blemishes.  The viral Dove campaign (Evolution of Beauty) showcases this dramatically.   (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hibyAJOSW8U)   Nothing in marketing is a reality, so it’s good to keep that perspective if you are going to be scrutinized day in and day out.

 

Hope this suggestion was helpful!   Share with me your height, weight, an image, your dream, and I’ll help you figure out where you fit!  Are you ready?

 

Melinda Eisnaugle

Agency Director

The Avenue Model & Talent Agency

 

 

BLOG GOALS AND DIRECTION

Who would do ANYTHING without having a purpose (e.g., a goal)?  As an actor, you are constantly figuring out the goal of your character.  Models are focused on the goal of the image.  This blog has goals, just like you do!  (Note:  If you can’t say you have the same, stay tuned for how to set effective goals in a future post.)

 

I have FIVE strong intentions as I start this blog.  These goals, like this industry, have the ability to progress and develop farther as we grow together.  For those of us that like Easy ways of remembering information – here are my FIVE E’s.

 

Goal #1 – to EDUCATE

Posts will be focused on educating the actor and model.  In an industry with endless questions and few answers (even the answers you think you have are likely subjective and/or temporary), having an education is invaluable.  If you can’t speak the language, for example, you won’t be able to go far.

 

Goal #2 – to EQUIP

Posts will be geared toward equipping talent with the tools, knowledge, and skill sets to run a successful career or hobby.  These will be widely diverse and changing as technology becomes available to the talent pool.

 

Goal #3 – to ENLIGHTEN

Posts will be challenging ideas and concepts that may lead to enlightenment – be forewarned!  Many talent never realize they are burying themselves since most of them don’t get critical feedback.  Those who do, rarely take it effectively.  This forum will be a place to challenge misconceptions, reveal misunderstandings, and engage in effective group learning.

 

Goal #4 – to ENCOURAGE

Spend a little time as a talent and you will realize the emotional rollercoaster you signed up to ride!  Just like your high school coach provided, we all need encouragement to battle the rejection of a subjective opinion.  We will dive into some effective ways to gain control of your emotional highs and lows, so that you can use your emotions to your benefit rather than letting them become an obstacle to success.

 

Goal #5 – to EMPOWER

Once a talent understands the code of conduct, professional relationships, and the value of appreciation, he/she will become empowered to reach his/her full potential!  As an agent, I don’t expect to have to hold the hand of each actor and model I represent.  I do not fear them growing, expanding, changing, or making decisions on their own.  Talent who are effective and successful know that they are a part of some larger team and picture – they are confident about their place, their skills, and the expectations put on them. 

 

By delving into the REALITIES of being a talent and working in film, television, print, promotion, voice over, and commercials, you will Expand your horizons  (we’ll call this the sixth “E”) and reap a blossoming calendar of bookings!

 

Melinda Eisnaugle

Agency Director

The Avenue Model & Talent Agency

Welcome!

Hey, thanks for checking out today's post. This blog is intended for the aspiring or working model and actor. Click here to subscribe for our e-mail updates!

THIS BLOG IS FOR THE ACTOR & MODEL!

I am constantly amazed by the wild misconceptions, incorrect assumptions and beliefs that are spread throughout the talent industry.  Years ago when I was a working talent, I found myself hearing the same stories . . . asking these same questions . . . wishing for some reliable resource.  Even for those who are willing to self-educate, there is nowhere to turn – no “how to” or “book for dummies” to consult.   The books that have been written are not all -inclusive and are likely not relevant to your situation.  In a frustrating and emotionally charged line of work, a lack of know-how can bring us to our boiling point for even the most socially competent talent!

 

I’ve been working on this blog idea for a few years in hopes of being able to speak to the issues that plague a model and/or actor.  I glean the trusted advice from working industry professionals, consider my own experience as a performer, and track the progress, challenges, successes, choices, and efforts of the talent I represent. 

 

This blog is for you – the actor and the model.  What to expect?  A continuously morphing community that deals with the NOW - the industry is growing faster than you can track.  Since books on the library shelves are long outdated (like the new computer you bought 6 months ago), the consistently updated information within this blog will be a source of up-to-the-day information in a changing-by-the-minute industry.

 

What you won’t find here . . . 

Gossip.  It’s the one thing that I won’t engage in.  (I’m not saying you can’t – just don’t expect me to join in.)

An instruction manual.  Although the information will be valuable, each talent’s individual situation may vary slightly.  If you have a specific question about your situation, ASK ME!

What YOUR agent is doing wrong.  I focus on speaking in facts.  What I suggest or cite as something I do with our agency’s talent does not make it right or wrong for your agent.  Watch for more in a later blog on this subject.

All the answers.  If I don’t know the answer, I will say so and we’ll find it together. 

 

So sign up to follow the helpful advice, tips, and secrets that will make YOU the success you have always dreamed of being!  And while you’re here, tell me what questions plague you most about being a talent – I’ll speak to them specifically in blogs to come.

 

Cheers and I look forward to watching you grow and prosper in this exciting industry!

 

Melinda Eisnaugle

Agency Director

The Avenue Agency