The Successful Talent: Tips for the Actor & Model

RECIPE FOR DEEP DOWN SUCCESS!

Photographer Van Rossen shares on his website modelingadvice.com, just what it takes to be a model, and it's surprisingly deeper than the surface!

Besides needing the physical requirements to be a model you also need a personality for it. Professional modeling is a tough business. Only certain people can stand up to the hard work schedule and stress that modeling demands. So what are some good traits for a model?

1) Love the Show - When you hear, 'It's show time' or 'Time for magic' do you come alive? If you love performing and being in front of an audience, whether it's a room full of people or the eye of the camera, you will enjoy modeling. If it is something you enjoy you are more apt to work hard at it, take greater risk, and work through the hardships that come along. If you love the work, you will love your life. If you hate the work, you'll be miserable.

2) Hard Working - Modeling takes a lot of hard work and stamina. A photo shoot can run as long as 16 hours and at all times of the day & night. Just getting a job can have you running all over town. And at the end of the day you still have to do all the stuff needed to keep you in shape and looking beautiful.

3) Projection - You need to be able to project your personality, your charisma, your charm, and your sex appeal. You need to be able to sell yourself to be able to sell the product.

4) Intelligent - There is a lot to learn about modeling, being an independent business person, about yourself and about surviving in a big world of sharks. If you can't learn it fast you could get eaten alive.

5) Extrovert - You will be constantly meeting new people and walking into new situations. You will be performing before strangers every day. You need to like new experiences, challenges, and meeting new people. If you are shy and reserved you will forever be uncomfortable modeling.

6) Good Self Esteem - Ok, so it doesn't hurt to be a little bit of an egomaniac. This industry is a real ego bruiser. Good self-esteem can help pick you up and get you through those tough times.

7) Ambition - For most, careers in modeling won't come easy. You will have to go through trials and tribulations before you achieve success. The ambition and desire to succeed and achieve your goals in modeling will help you over the temporary set backs that come along.

8) Self-Starter - As a model you are an independent businessperson in charge of your own career. You must be able to take charge of you. This includes your training, your physical upkeep, your professional practices, your finances, and your life.

9) In Control - You need to be able to control your health (size and fitness), your body for posing, your emotions for acting them out, and your life so you show up on time.

10) Organized - You have to keep track of your schedule, your finances, your modeling materials, and your body's up keep.

What is your best personality trait and how does it work to your advantage with modeling?

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Facts for Prospective Models

GAINING THE MODELING ADVANTAGE!

Marcia an author from modelingjobshq.com, provides useful information about the importance of learning what type of modeling is right for you. Knowing this information may secure your delivery in audition and may set you apart from your competition. 

It is important for a prospective model to understand two ineluctable facts.  First the needs of the market determines what models are needed; and second, the prospective model should understand the type of model that they want to become.  By understanding the type of modeling you are interested in, you can learn what the requirements are and if you can meet them.

Understanding the divisions in modeling can also help in avoiding a rip off.  Most rip offs and bad business decisions happen when a wannabe model is thinking of one type of modeling (usually high fashion) and a scout, agent, photographer, etc. is recruiting for another.  The garment and beauty product industries are large users of models. People want to see what clothes or beauty products look like on a body. High-fashion, designer-label garments, are designed for what fashion designers view as the “ideal woman.”  In smaller markets fashion models often don’t meet these measurements. It is more important the look of being tall and slender be there and that the sample clothes fit. The “look” can run from classic beauty to some extreme looks for fashion magazine editorial.

If you are going to work in front of the camera you need to be photogenic and you can’t know [if you are] until you do a test shoot. This doesn’t mean you need to rush out and find a photographer. If you are photogenic in snap shots that have been taken of you, chances are that you will be in front of a professional photographer as well.

What type of model do you want to be?  What type of modeling is a good fit for you according to industry standards?

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Posing Tips That Count

How to Look Your Best for the Still Camera

HOW TO LOOK YOUR BEST FOR THE STILL CAMERA

Bryce Buell, a international professional model gives tips from his experience on the best way men can prep for a photoshoot. Not all of these tips are just for the guys, though.  Listen up ladies and heed some good advice!

As a full time fashion model throughout the 1990’s, fitness took a vital role in my career. While I was a fashion model and not a “fitness model” per se, my ability to maintain a lean, fit body led to many opportunities that my thin but unfit counterparts could not partake in such as underwear ads, Men’s Fitness articles, swimwear, romance novel covers, etc.
The secret was to maintain a body that looked very muscular in underwear or swimwear, but still allowed you to wear standard catalog industry suit sizes (40R – 42L) nicely and other clothing for my more mainstream work in catalogs. The secret to achieving this balance was simple: definition.

Definition is achieved through maintaining a very low body fat percentage. A high degree of definition makes you appear very muscular when in fact you may not carry a lot of actual muscle mass on your frame.

Once you achieve a low body fat percentage through proper diet and exercise, your biggest enemy to looking as defined as possible is water retention. Water retention makes one look “soft” and less defined. Fortunately there is an easy, natural solution. If I knew I had a body shoot coming up, my trick was to drink at least a gallon of water a day for at least four days before the shoot, five days is even better.

Drink more water so your body looks less bloated? That doesn’t make any sense… or does it?

The reason may seem counter-intuitive at first -- but the science behind it and the real-world results are sound –- the more water you drink, the less water your body will retain. Why? Because unless you are already drinking at least a gallon of water a day, your body is in a state of dehydration. Anytime you are thirsty, your body is heavily dehydrated and desperately needs water – hence it signals you, “Hey, I am thirsty!” As a result, any water your body receives it will hold on to, often under the skin, making you look smooth.

When you drink at least a gallon of water a day, after a few days your body realizes it is getting enough water and therefore it no longer feels the need to retain as much as it can and it dumps it. The end result is your musculature will look sharper, feel tighter and will photograph much better. When you drink that much water your urine should be very clear – so clear that as my dear friend and model colleague Jonah Taylor used to say “you could re-bottle and sell it.”

Working the still camera as a talent is imperative!  There are many reasons as models cross into on camera work and actors continue to do still shots to learn the other side of your industry as a talent.  What other tricks have you found that make you look your best before a shoot?

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Lets Get Personal

POSING TIPS THAT COUNT

 

Everyone knows that there is more to modeling then just taking pictures. The best models don't just look good for the photoshoot but they also know how to pose for the camera. Chris Calumberan,a professional photographer has great tips on how to practice enhancing your poses for a photoshoot.

It’s a common misconception that naturally beautiful models take naturally beautiful photographs. The truth is—without modeling poses and modeling tips, perfect photographs are harder than you think.

If you are a professional model, a photographer will most likely guide you through a variety of model poses throughout the photo shoot. But if you are an inspiring model and are still working your way up to the top—you may have to control your poses to ensure great headshots and sample modeling photographs.

Live show models, promo models, photographic models, and runway models all rely on professional model poses to succeed. Whether you aspire to appear in print magazines or fashion shows and Hollywood movies; if you want to be a model, pay special attention to this insider guide to modeling poses.

Breathe
Although sometimes concentration enhances a good photograph, obvious concentration can distract and often ruin a good photograph as well. Do not hold your breath for a modeling pose; always remember to breathe and appear at ease.

Posture
Bad posture is an unrecognized flaw in many people. However, for models, posture is a harmful flaw. Always remember to keep your back straight and your shoulders up. Slouching affects the mood of the photograph and enlarges the appearances of your stomach. In addition to your back and shoulders, always remember to flex your stomach muscles. Despite your weight or state of shape, your abdomen will appear more toned if you flex.

Limbs
Symmetry is officially out in the modeling world. When posing, make sure to differentiate your arms and legs with asymmetrical poses. If you have one arm long and straight by your side, make sure the other arm is bent. Whether a big or small angle, the bend will make the modeling pose look more real, less artificial. Continue the asymmetry to your legs. If one leg is locked straight, give the other leg a casual bend.

Camera
Although the camera is the ultimate focal point of a modeling photo shoot, great models do not look directly into the camera. To enhance the quality of your photo shoot, look away from the camera with a mix of head and eye poses. Looking off to the right or left side, or tiling your neck to either side can help you avoid direct eye contact with the camera. In many cases, your head and neck can remain stationary in your modeling pose—and your eyes can do all the work. Head and eye positions, coupled with personable facial expressions make for great model poses.

Sitting Poses
If you are sitting down during your photo shoot—don’t think it’s ok to slack off. In fact, sitting photo shoots require a lot of extra work. If you are sitting down or reclining, it’s important to put your eight on the back of one thigh, rather than distributing your weight equally on both thighs. If you roll one hip up from the ground or surface, shifting your weight will be simple. This pose results in a slimming effect that you don’t want to miss out on.

Cleavage – (Sorry guys I have no samples for this one)
To make sure your best assets shine, there are a few basic guidelines to follow. Based on two distinct poses, a forward lean and a backward lean, any model with any breast size can maximize cleavage. When leaning forward, either bring your arms together at your waist, keep your arms straight at the elbows and clasp your hands together below your waist, or simply cross your arms. When leaning backward, raise your arms about your shoulders and head, keep your arms apart, and always slouch for the best cleavage results.

Smile
If you have a naturally beautiful smile—show your pearly whites with pride, just not every time. If you smile in each modeling pose, modeling agents will notice your lack of versatility, not your smile. To add variety to your modeling poses, try switching up your smile with a cute frown, a bratty bout, a friendly laugh, or even an edgy scowl. Your facial expressions can make or break your modeling poses. Let your smile show, but make sure to show what else you can do.

In addition to these personalized tips for modeling poses, every model should be aware of the basics of posing. There are 4 main types of model poses: lifestyle pose, movement pose, portrait pose, and body pose.

Lifestyle
The lifestyle pose evokes a sense of everyday living with common body movements and facial expressions. Throughout the day, moments of happiness, love, anger, and hope arise. To succeed at the lifestyle pose, each model must be able to recreate these everyday emotions.

Movement
The movement pose captures a specific action, such as running or jumping. Because this pose is most often used for a marketing photo shoot—the model is used to promote a product. Each model must be able to smile and laugh when using the products in the photo shoot.

Portrait
This modeling pose emphasizes the face of the model—and relies purely on facial features. The model will be in modest makeup and relaxed hair and should pose with a casual, genuine smile. Many portrait photographs are close up and emphasize details of the model’s face. If you are scheduled for a portrait photo shoot, make sure to pay extra attention to your skin and drink at least 8-12 glasses of water a day.

Body
Full-length photographs require body poses. Models are encouraged to shift weight between hips and make arms and lengths into asymmetrical stances. Although many body poses do not require specific facial expressions, putting your entire body into character during full-length poses helps your body find a natural balance.

Keep these insider model posing tips in mind during your next professional model photo shoot to ensure you blow the photographer away. Whether you’re a trained expert or an ambitious beginner, all models have the ability to excel in photo shoots. Focus on your posture, attitude, and facial expressions to succeed beyond your wildest expectations.

In your opinion, what is your strongest pose? Describe or post it!

UNDERSTANDING RESUMES AND HEADSHOTS

Commercial Print Instructor, Scott Powers provides us with an understanding of the resume and headshot controversy.

There has been this lingering great controversy/debate simmering under the surface that needs to be addressed once and for all.  Closure.  End of discussion. 

Namely, how to attach your résumé to your headshot.
 
Assuming you have a dynamite glow-in-the-dark headshot that looks just like you on your best day AND is 8"x10", in color, matte finish (not glossy), with borders and name on front; you would like to keep the elegance of your promotional material.  Interestingly enough, a bad job of attaching your trimmed 8"x10" résumé can gum up the works, pun intended.  And cheapen the product - you.  What are the options, plusses and minuses?
 
1.       Glue stick.  No.  Glue sticking a   résumé can dry out and a résumé separates and floats to the bottom of a file drawer, joining the other orphan résumés bearing traces of glue stick.
 
2.       Rubber cement.  Will create more wrinkles and lumps than you ever thought.  Old before its time.  How you will look when you're 85.
 
3.       Staples.  Long considered the industry approach.  Often because they are not aware of a better, simpler, more elegant alternative. [Coming up on that.]  Think about this: you have a beautiful headshot and it gets punched through by clunky staples.  AND, if you update your résumé and remove the old staples, then add more staples and more holes.  Starts to look a bit chewed up.  Also, a hard copy headshot/résumé could get filed in a file drawer usually overstuffed with other headshots/ résumés.  Forced in, ripped out.  And every other one in front and behind yours gets the same treatment.
 
What, oh, what to do in these perilous times to solve this crisis?
 
4.       Permanent double-sided Scotch tape.  1" on each corner is all it takes.  No lumps, no bumps.  If you have to replace your résumé, just peel off the old one, put the new one on.  AND, it preserves the elegance of your costly headshot.   Beware: there is now a removable double sided Scotch tape version now on the market.  Be careful not to buy this by mistake.  It will not hold your resume and make for résumé rage.  Make sure what you buy is permanent double sided Scotch tape.  Staples has it; Duane Reade has the one you don't want.
 
As they say, the devil is in the details.  People are either consistently superior on all fronts, or consistently mediocre on all fronts, or consistently substandard on all fronts.  Being consistently superior on all fronts presents a professional actor, one that shows that they are competitive and hirable.  This is just one little contributing factor that cumulatively adds to your luster.
 
Of course, this advice is only helpful generally speaking.  There are always cases where a particular casting director will rather you use staples or some other method, so always follow the advice of your agent prior to an audition. 

Does your presentation meet the standard that makes us happy to pass your headshot along to the decision maker?

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HEY, GREAT HEADSHOT!!

Nancy Berwid, the founder and acting teacher of First Take; provides teaching and coaching for aspiring actors so that they can advance in their careers while in Los Angeles. Nancy, who is known best for her insight about the industry, has provided insight into what makes a great headshot.

So what is a good headshot?

A good headshot captures your essence, your uniqueness, your personality, and your specific type.  It makes it easy for a Casting Director or agent to see what roles you would be right for.   A good headshot looks like you.  It should not be overly glamorized, and you should [always] look like your headshot when you walk into the casting office.  If your headshot has been airbrushed to make you look ten years younger and you can’t produce the same look in the audition, the Casting Director will not be amused.  In their mind you just wasted their time and took a time slot another actor could have filled.

A good headshot shows your face but your entire face doesn’t fill 100% of the frame either.   A good headshot has good lighting, is in focus, does not distract with odd clothing, costumes, patterns, accessories, or any other potential oddity that could take the attention off of you.  The headshot should be pleasing to look at and convey information about the actor, such as a specific type that could be easily cast right now.  The goal should be to move the Casting Director to say something like, “I could see her playing______”.

Taking the time to ensure you have a good headshot is crucial to your success.  Your headshot is the first impression you make and can open or close doors to casting quickly; but it is also the LAST impression you leave when decision makers are ready to book.  If they feel confident that you are professional and the perfect fit, they may pass on another talent with a less professional or reassuring headshot -- even if that other talent may have given a better read in the casting room.  By this point, nuances in delivery have been long forgotten!   Nancy gave great suggestions to consider while working towards getting headshots taken or retaken.

Do your headshots set you apart?

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OUTSIDE OF ACTING

You mean to tell me there are other jobs in entertainment besides being an actor or model?  Yes, Virginia, this industry is not run by Santa Claus!  You may realize there are people working with and for your benefit as the talent, but are you aware of what their daily grind is like?  Most likely, you have misconceptions without knowing it.

What does that CD who always seems so stressed out (or nonchalant) deal with every day?  Find out from our fellow industry professional Scott Powers!

It is vital that performers know not only how to act and market themselves, but how the business works from all sides.
 
One of the approaches that we have recommended with great results to abolish this situation is - ready? - go for an internship or be a reader.  Internships are basically unpaid or low-paid or transportation/meal stipend paid positions.  They can be a few hours a week, on a daily basis or for a specified period of time.  Interns open the morning mail and email, field phone calls, file headshots, watch the actors/models coming in and out of the office, interface with the industry, discover what problems the business has to grapple with day in and day out, maybe even sit in on the decision making process.  You will have a great first-hand to generally/specifically observe how the industry - the "other side" - REALLY works.  What a great opportunity you created for yourself!  And if you know THAT, your pursuits and career will absolutely benefit.
 
Being a reader for auditions at a casting company gives an actor first-hand experience on how the casting process works.  What works and what doesn't.  Talk about an eye-opening experience!
 
Are interns all really young?  No.  If you're, say, over 30++, don't worry about it.  You bring to the position certain life experiences and approaches that someone younger hasn't had yet.
 
Be pro-active.  You contact them.  Most offices have a continuous need for interns.  You can approach a company in general or target a specific person.  Want to get in good with an agent?  Offer to intern for them.  Want to get in good with a casting director?  Offer to intern; be a reader for them.  Send them your headshot via email or snail mail and on the outside, mark "INTERN APPLICATION" or "READER APPLICATION" (or on the Subject line if email) and inside have a BRIEF cover note. Tell them what qualities you can bring [to the potential partnership].  Tell them what times/days of the week you are available and how long you can be available.
 
[An experience like this can] change your outlook forever.  Not only will you have a much better understanding of the business, but you will have a much better appreciation of it as well (and there would be a lot less moaning and groaning out there!)
 
Of course, if we could only get the agents and casting directors out on a few auditions and go-sees to see what the actor/model goes through, we might have a nearly perfect world....

And that reminds me of a bet I lost once with an actor.  My pay up was to take Caroline Locorriere's scene study workshop for a month.  It was mostly fun, but also great insight into what our actors grapple with every day.  Learning can go both ways, but you can only choose to learn for yourself!  Internships aren't limited, so think outside the box and find something that interests you as well.  It may be photographry, television, publicity, management, etc.  Your options are only as limited as your imagination!

Where could you intern and how could having done so help you in the casting room or on set?

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LETS GET PERSONAL

All too often I hear actors and models make comments about things they wished they had said or done in the casting room after the fact.  Actors get caught up in trivial things, like missing a line in a script or interchanging words.  The truth is that no one cares if you miss a line or forget to say thank you when you leave.  What you should REALLY be focused on is whether or not you are presenting the character we are interested in watching -- both on the screen and the runway!

So how can you make your character more personal and relatable?

Brian Timoney says that personalization is a technique used by method actors to help them give ‘real’ performances without the need for imitation or inspiration. By simply fueling your performance with real feelings and real emotions, you are able to give performances that can be more convincing than if you had months to invent these feelings and emotions.

Let’s imagine a common scenario. You are in an audition and you are required to play a character who’s in a complicated relationship with a member of the opposite sex. You are required to play a scene in which the relationship is coming to an abrupt end. Now, this would be very difficult to prepare for in just a few minutes, especially if the actor opposite you was someone you’d never met before. However, by using personalization you would project the personality of someone from your own past onto your fellow actor. By carefully and accurately projecting the image of someone you’ve been in a doomed relationship with and recalling your own feelings at the moment it all came to an end, you will be able to give a thoroughly authentic performance at almost a moment’s notice.

This is a great technique for any acting scenario but it’s particularly useful for auditions. One of the best things about this technique is that it can be completely internalized. This means that those that see your performance won’t know that you are using personalization to fuel your performance. They won’t know whose image you are projecting onto your fellow actor and they won’t know about the raw, evocative emotions that you felt as you gave your performance.

All they will see is an actor giving a great performance with only a few moments to prepare!

How can you maintain your focus on the emotional life of your endeavor rather than the trivial things?

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TED TALK WITH SUPERMODEL CAMERON RUSSELL

In this TED talk by Supermodel Cameron Russell, we get to live from the model's point of view the true power of beauty and the entertainment industry.  Her disarming appeal and approach will win you over!   Think that modeling is the career path for you? 

 

Supermodel Cameron Russell has graced the cover of Vogue and launched the Victoria's Secret runway during her career, but those are just some of her accomplishments.  Russell began modeling at 16 years of age under the eye of Ford Models.  She is currently housed with Elite.  Her most notable credits include runway fashion shows for designers including Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Marc Jacobs, Versace, Vivienne Westwood, Ralph Lauren, Victoria's Secret, and Diane von Fürstenberg.

She majored in economics and political science at Columbia University.  She is involved in charitable organizations and gives her time as a model to give back to her community.

 

 

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THE BIG WINNERS!

Each year, The Avenue Agency gives away valuable prizes to the talent who have set themselves apart from their peers in some way.  There are those who are brave enough to be competitive at the holiday party games, as mentioned in earlier blogs.  But more importantly, there are the hand full of talent who go the extra mile to give 100% to their career.  These talent are known to submit requested materials without having to be asked.  They frequently track details on their opportunities and approach their craft as an organized business professional.  They have the initiative to seek out advice and support their skill set with great marketing materials.  They do not offer excuses when things don't go their way.  These talent not only bring value to our partnership, but they also bring peace of mind to me as an agent when pitching them.

Some have worked for years and finally seen their preparation met with opportunity as they reap the rewards of success.  Others came on board ready to go from the start and were quick out of the gate.  The annual MVPs may change from year to year as we cannot honor ALL of the special partnerships at one time, but their work ethic and determination are consistent across each year.   I'm so thankful to announce the winners and MVPs on The Avenue's roster in 2012:

Emily Landham will receive a free one hour personal training session with Jennifer McCoy, BS ACSM, of One Body. One Life. Health Fitness Specialists & Personal Trainers (to contact Jennifer, email jennifer@body1life.com)!  Emily's earlier year was wrought with challenges when she broke her foot while giving back to her community on set for a non profit, but she still finished strong ending the year with multiple feature films, industrials, and a principal role in BET's The Game!

Joel Diggs will receive a complimentary three look modeling photoshoot with photographer Michael Gomez.  Joel came onto The Avenue's roster with a strong presence and has shown commitment and follow-through that put him among the top money earners in his demographic.

Steve Caviness will receive a complimentary space in acting coach Caroline Locorriere's The Actor's Studio in Nashville, TN.  Steve started 2012 traveling for an ad campaign that padded pockets and kept him busy in the new year.  He showed that he knows how to build relationships, as clients continue to come back to him and ask for him by name.

Rusty Whitener will receive a complimentary two look actor's headshot session from Michael Gomez.  Rusty took a hiatus in the first half of the year as his Christy Award winning novel was made into a movie.  In the latter part of 2012, he showed his strength and presence by booking principal roles in the hit series "Nashville", and leading roles in several movies to be released in 2013-2014.

Stephanie Gamonet will receive a complimentary 30 minute private coaching via skype with Casting Director and coach Holly Allen (a $60 value).  Stephanie's dedication and persistence are proof that hard work does pay off!  The past year saw her book the lead female role in a feature film as well as a national commercial spot!

Diana Moseley was 2012's child MVP and will receive a complimentary "Acting in Commercials" workshop with acting coach and working actor, Alan Dysert, of The Actor's School (a $125 value).  Diana was quickly welcomed into the market when she started, but this year faced her most challenging role -- playing a tomboy.  She'd rather be in pink dresses, but says "it wasn't so bad."

Alice Raver will receive a complimentary 60 minute massage from massage therapist to the country stars, Deanna Porterfield, of Balance Massage.  Alice's incredible flexibility and focus has brought her business of acting to a new level in 2012 by booking commercials, print work, and feature film roles.

Jared Carter will receive a free one hour personal training session with Jennifer McCoy, BS ACSM, of One Body. One Life. Health Fitness Specialists & Personal Trainers (to contact Jennifer, email jennifer@body1life.com)!  Jared has maintained an established career for years alongside The Avenue.  His most exciting role in 2012 was playing David Byrne in the movie CBGB (set to be released in 2013), alongside legendary actor Alan Rickman.  Getting his picture and an interview in the Rolling Stone wasn't so bad, either!

Congratulations to our recipients in 2012.  The Avenue is excited about helping invest in your career to continue your success into 2013!  Contact Melinda via email for details on how to go about collecting your prize.  Were you not one of the celebrated MVPs?  Stay focused in 2013 and be sure to schedule your End-of-Year Review so Melinda can give you personalized attention and help you set goals for the new year!

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2012 Holiday Party!