The Successful Talent: Tips for the Actor & Model

WHAT WE SEE IN AN IMAGE

Mercedes Rose, blogger for Backstage Unscripted provides perspective on other things the casting directors look for.  As obvious as it sounds, headshots are one of the biggest headaches CDs deal with.   She says . . .

Many actors do not look like their headshots. Or forget them entirely so I have no idea if they look like their headshots or not. This is such a no-brainer I can't believe it is still an issue... bring a headshot and resume already stapled to every audition NO MATTER WHAT. Better to have it and not need it then need it and not have it. And that headshot that you remembered to bring every time should look like you. And preferably it shouldn't have a coffee stain right across your forehead. This is your calling card. What is it saying?

I am sure I haven't heard every excuse in the book . . . yet, but I don't deal with as any talent as a CD would.  Each time a CD hears an excuse, (s)he becomes more callous, which means you could be the next unfortunate soul to have all the negative feelings of prior irresponsible actors or models thrown at you.   No one wants to be the straw that breaks the camel's back when it comes to explosive anger.  Set yourself up for positive feedback and positive experiences - be professional and prepared!

How do you keep your headshots available and in good condition for last minute audition opportunities?

DOES YOUR FACEBOOK HELP YOUR CAREER?

Social media becomes a bigger factor in booking on almost a daily basis.  Repeatedly in the past few months, I have heard producers, directors, and photographers say things like, "I wanted to know more about [insert your name here], so I checked out his/her facebook page and saw . . . "   That lead in has ended with some really positive statements and translated into a booking for the named talent.  It has also sometimes began a displeasurable rant about politics, sexuality, religion, and other topics. 

Social medias are a new front for marketing, entertainment, and communication.  Like most new things, we are going to have to learn some lessons the hard way before the younger generations are coached on how to use them effectively.  Since most of us are already adults and making an effort to join the technological era, these words from BackStage blogger Mercedes Rose are well-timed.

Social media does make a difference. A producer in the room for final callbacks recalled a recent very negative Facebook posting one of the actor had recently done. The producer immediately said he wasn't "overly excited" about the prospect of that negative energy coming to set. Now, I totally understand that one negative FB status does not a negative actor make. The point is: this producer didn't want to take that chance. And that is his right as the one doing the hiring.

In his new book, Talking Back to Facebook: A Common Sense Guide To Raising Kids in the Digital Age, Steyer explores some of the effects of digital media and outlines strategies for avoiding what he calls RAP — relationship issues, attention/addiction problems and privacy pitfalls — while navigating the digital world.  "Young people in particular often self-reveal before they self-reflect," Steyer tells Fresh Air's Dave Davies. "There is no eraser button today for indiscretion."

There is a place for personal discussions in life - it is between those involved and in private.  There is also a time for venting and bouncing ideas off of trusted sources - it is again, between those involved and in private.  Social medias are too easily accessible, too quickly completed, and too likely to not be filtered based on statistical analysis noted in the book, Talking Back to Facebook. 

There are ways to make certain posts visible to a specific group of friends; say, your family of origin, for example.  Keep in mind, though, that the information you posted may only be immediately visible to those you choose, but it is still accessible out there on the worldwide web.  No need to have haunting things pop up later when you make it big, right?

 

How are you using your social media positively?  What results have you seen?

OPEN ANY MAJOR FASHION MAGAZINE . . .

 

Open any major fashion magazine this month and you will see the face of The Avenue's Meghan Wiggins in Guess' latest campaign.  Elle Magazine features a full spread in the front cover!  Watch for more Meghan in future weeks on your local billboards and store campaigns.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

HBO's Documentary, "About Face:  Supermodels Then and Now" debuted in New York City.  Director and producer Timothy Greenfield-Sanders brought the faces that launched the fashion industry together in his documentary to explore their lives and the complex relationship between physical appearance and the business of beauty.  He disspells rumors, myths, and even conquers the tough realities of aging and it's effects on women worldwide.

You can read HBO's full interview with Timothy Greenfield-Sanders here, including some stories about designers and models like Calvin Klein, Eileen Ford, Isabella Rossellini, Paulina Porizkova, Beverly Johnson, Jerry Hall, Christie Brinkley, Christy Turlington, Carmen Dell'Orefice.

"About Face: Supermodels Then and Now" premiered on July 30, 2012.  You can watch this film and other documentaries at HBO GO® or request it on Netflix (release date TBD).

 

THE NEW SUPERMODEL

 

A few years ago, models were griping that celebrity actors had taken over a significant amount of their opportunity through campaigns, endorsements, and magazine covers.  Like any industry professional with a will to survive, the modeling industry has launched itself full force into on camera work.  Models are no longer just pretty faces and symmetrical features for a posed still camera (although, those in the industry would know they were always more than they appeared to the public anyway).  Designers like Prada are blazing a new path for models (and maybe actors alike)!

Supermodels are taking on camera work seriously and bringing new life to campaigns like this one for Prada's Fall/Winter line.  Famed photographer, Steven Meisel creats a somewhat Matrix-like chess game with Vanessa Axente, Magdalena Frackowiak, Madison Headrick, Elza Luijendijk, Iselin Steiro & Anne Vyalitsyna.

Knowing how to move for the on camera model and actor will be imperative to building a career.  Years ago, actors were thrust into learning how to work the still camera and they opened a whole new income source.  Will models hear the call and follow suit to reclaim their lost opportunities?

What can you do as a model or actor to learn the other side of the talent world and become more sought-after?

RAW SOLSTICE-ANNE HARTLEY

On June 21st, 2012 RAW Nashville put on an event at Mercy Lounge that showcased the work of independent local photographers, fashion designers, artists, singers and film makers. One of the local talent showcased was April Nicolaides, owner of Ferocity jewelry.  The Avenue's Anne Hartley walked in Ferocity's show and we asked her a little about her experience.

Was this your first time walking in a fashion show? How was it?                                               

    This was the 2nd fashion show I've done. It was great! I had a lot of fun and met a lot of really cool people there. 

What was your favorite part?

    My favorite part was walking! I love the rush it gives me! I also liked getting my hair and makeup done, because it's mostly a surprise--they don't show you what it looks like until you're done, and I didn't look anything like myself. It was awesome!

As a model, how does this compare to the other jobs you've had in the fashion industry?

    Runway is more exciting than other things I've done as a model, because unlike photoshoots, it goes by quick and it's less standing around and having your picture taken--which is great too! it's more nerve racking though, because there's tons of people watching and you have to be careful not to fall.

Is fashion a big part of your life? Are you always up to date on the current trends?

    Fashion is a HUGE part of my life. an entire wall in my room is covered top to bottom with fashion photography shots from Vogue and Teen Vogue magazines. I love reading fashion blogs and I'm always shopping!

How was working with the designer, April Nicolaides? Did you enjoy modeling her jewelry? 

    I really enjoyed working with April. she was really nice and I loved her jewelry--it was so edgy and unique!!

To keep up with everything Ferocity, follow April on twitter, or like her on Facebook! And keep an eye out for Anne Hartley on the runways! Cant wait to see what the future holds for these talented young ladies!

Do you have a favorite piece of jewelry in your closet?

 

 

TALENT WARDROBE 101

Knowing the right clothing to wear in your headshots can be a tough task for some, especially if you haven't been blessed with what they call the "style gene". But that's why you're reading this, to help you prepare your wardrobe for the photoshoot. While reading these tips, remember this number one rule: Keep it simple!

1. Stay away from prints and bold patterns since these will distract from you. Also limit (or avoid altogether) accessories for the same reason.

2. Solid colors always work best on camera (still or video).  Avoid logos or typeset.

3. For these purposes, color is your best friend! Find a color that works best with your skin tone.

4. Wear clothing that flatters your figure.  Loose clothing does not work well on camera and actually makes you look bigger than you are -- fitted is the way to go!

5. Make sure that clothes are clean and wrinkle free! The camera will pick up wrinkles.

6. The last, and maybe most important tip, is to wear clothing that you feel comfortable in! If you are uncomfortable in an outfit, that will come out on camera. You will get the best shots if you are confident and feel great!

Below are examples of what to wear and what not to wear to your headshot session.

                               
            DONT!-crazy print, not fitted                                                      DO!-great color, fitted, plain, timeless

Erika Ludwig, a Minnesota based photographer, tells you how to prepare and what to bring to a headshot session. She has also attatched several photos of great headshot examples to give you ideas!

What pieces in your closet are your go-to choices for auditions and your marketing or promo materials?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3 MINUTE MANICURE

There's been so much hype about fingernail art these days. You know, the ones with neon stars, gemstones, the whole 9 yards. Check out these below:

                                                

We all want to make an artistic statement, but for the working model and actor those cool designs and colors are just not practical. So, how about trying a simple polish-less manicure that you can do at home? Glamour Magazine has come up with a 3 minute manicure perfect for both men and women. The manicure process is laid out step by step here:

Glamour magazine(http://www.glamour.com/), in its June 2012 issue, shares a step-by-step guide on how to give a quick and simple polish-less mani. This is perfect for male clients or customers who want their nails looking fabulously natural.

Step 1: File nails

"Shape your nails into a soft square using a thin file," says celebrity manicurist Jin Soon Choi. "If the grain is rough, go in only one direction to avoid making ridges."

Step 2: Clean up

Push back cuticles with an orange stick. Then use either that little nipper tool or a cuticle eraser.

Step 3: Buff 'em

"Find a buffer that has one fine-grain side and one rubber side," says Choi. "It won't wear down your nails." We like OPI Brilliance Block. Go back and forth with the rough side, then repeat with the smooth side for crazy shine.

Take some time for yourself, have a do-it-yourself spa day and get ready to not only show off an amazing skill set, but also a polished appeal!

Have a day off and feeling creative? Visit Pinterest for awesome ideas on how to take your nails to a whole new level! http://pinterest.com/search/?q=nails

GUESS WHO?

Meghan Wiggins, star of the CW's Remodeled, Network Model, and one of The Avenue's own, is being featured nationally in Guess's new campaign.  What a tremendous accomplishment.  Congratulations, Meghan!

Watch Meghan walk the runway at Guess's 30th Anniversary Event!

 

It's exciting to watch someone's dreams become reality.  What are you doing today to pursue your dreams?

THE COST EFFECTIVE WAY TO CLEAR SKIN

Beautiful skin matters in almost every aspect of entertainment.  Beauty may only be skin deep, but there are still things we can do to help our skin radiate a healthy glow.  Surgeries, medicinal prescriptions, and abrasive washes bombard us every day via marketing.  What about an oldie and goodie home remedy?  The cucumber!

Cucumbers are 96% water and almost 1% soluble fiber.  But the remaining 3% is where the cucumber packs it's punch!   This raw vegetable has enough water content to rehydrate the skin if thin slices are applied directly to problem areas, plus the right amount of sulfur to build healthy skin cells, nails, and hair.  And while doing all of that on the outside, the cucumber cleanses the blood stream, too.  Our skin is dictated first by the health of our blood according to research published in The Encyclopedia of Foods and Their Healing Powers. 

In this video, skin care specialist Keeley Selvage teaches us how to make a homemade cucumber mask.  She's endearingly off-beat in her delivery, but dead-on in her science!
 

You may feel goofy for a second when trying it for the first time, but it won't take long to relax and give into the cool sensation they create on your skin.  And in this business of quick first impressions, clean skin can get you off to the best start possible!