ASK AARON - January 2001 Answer

Last Month's Column:

I have gotten a head shot taken and want to do the next step. Since I live in Louisiana , I am not in direct touch with the major players of the industry. I will be going to Los Angeles soon, and wanted to drop off my head shot at some agencies, but don't have a clue as to who to see. Can I call some agents and ask them out to lunch? This will give them a better idea of my character.

Next Month's Column:

I live in the Washington, DC area, and I want to start working with a New York agent. Should I use a New York answering service? I have been told that agents don't like leaving messages for auditions and go-sees. If the actor does not answer the phone, will the agent simply go on to the next actor that can be reached? Is that true?

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Tags: opencalls

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From Rebecca, KY

Next week I am going for my first interview with a modeling agent. She told me to bring a few pictures of myself. The only ones I have are non professional photos. Is this OK, or do I need to bring in shots taken by a professional photographer? What else should I do in order to prepare myself?

Dear Rebecca:

It is perfectly fine to walk into your first agent meeting without professional photos. The agent just wants to see what you look like photographed. There are some people who look gorgeous in person, but when they are photographed, they look awful. Others, look OK in person, but when they are photographed, look incredible. This is why it is essential that the agent sees some pictures of you, even if they are nonprofessional.

Make sure you arrive on time. Being late for a meeting with an agent leaves a terrible first impression. Some agents refuse to represent those who do not arrive one time for their appointment. The agent would not be able to trust you showing up on time for go- sees and jobs. Having irresponsible models makes the agent look bad. There are so many good and talented actors and models who are responsible, there is no need for an agent to work with someone he/she can not rely on.

Bring a pen and paper in case you need to take notes or fill out forms.

Wear clothing that fits the types of jobs you should be getting. If you have an upscale look, then dress that way. If you are more of the “girl next door”, then wear less trendy clothing. In general, make sure you get a good nights sleep, look good and wear clothes that are well pressed and fit you well. You want clothing that fits, so that the agent can see what your body looks like.

Have a list of questions for the agent. To help you with questions to ask, simply go to my web site http://www.howtomodel.com and read the entire Agents chapter from my book How to Become a Successful Commercial Model.

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