WebModels Forum is a message board for models, photographers, agents, managers, and others associated with the modeling industry.

Posted by: Michael McGowan (24.93.248.8) on May 29, 2003 at 05:17:50

Location: Ohio

In Reply to: What Works? posted by royce on May 29, 2003 at 00:11:53:

Somebody I know from another forum calls these quests "solutions without a problem."

The fact is that a model who wants to work with an agency should apply directly to the agency, with the information that agency requires. Different agencies need different information. (Note: I'm using the word "agency" in its common, catch-all meaning. Different states call them different things.)

Once someone is signed on to an agency, she (or he) will need photos to work in that agency's market. About 99 percent of the old stuff will be unusable.

I've known a number of people from agencies. They spend more time pitching material than they do looking at it. So, a prospective model is best served by offering her photos/info in the form the agency desires. Anything else means the model wasn't paying attention to the agency ... and that's a sure way NOT to be accepted.

Not too long ago, the "hot" idea was portfolios on mini-CDs. Online model directories are supposed to appeal to agencies, if you believe some of the scams.

But a book? For people who spend 10 seconds on a headshot? If somebody at an agency opens a book and sees anything less than the agency's book (and believe me, they're polished), she's going to pitch it in a heartbeat.

I think it's great to try to give models exposure. But I've noticed that those who seek to do so at a profit don't usually get much for models.

What's your track record? Do you have experience with agencies that might lend some credence to your project? It certainly flies in the face of past practices at agencies. As I said, agencies do't like it when prospective employees don't do things the right way. What kind of research do you have that indicates ANY agency would spend the time necessary to examine a book of prospective models?

(BTW, this lady was a model for a major agency in her youth.)

Follow Ups:

Do Not Reply to Archived Messages

Name    : 
E-Mail  : 
Password:  A password is required to post messages. If you do not have one, pleaseregister now!
Subject : 

Location: 

Comments:
: Somebody I know from another forum calls these quests "solutions without a problem."

: The fact is that a model who wants to work with an agency should apply directly to the agency, with the information that agency requires. Different agencies need different information. (Note: I'm using the word "agency" in its common, catch-all meaning. Different states call them different things.)

: Once someone is signed on to an agency, she (or he) will need photos to work in that agency's market. About 99 percent of the old stuff will be unusable.

: I've known a number of people from agencies. They spend more time pitching material than they do looking at it. So, a prospective model is best served by offering her photos/info in the form the agency desires. Anything else means the model wasn't paying attention to the agency ... and that's a sure way NOT to be accepted.

: Not too long ago, the "hot" idea was portfolios on mini-CDs. Online model directories are supposed to appeal to agencies, if you believe some of the scams. 

: But a book? For people who spend 10 seconds on a headshot? If somebody at an agency opens a book and sees anything less than the agency's book (and believe me, they're polished), she's going to pitch it in a heartbeat.

: I think it's great to try to give models exposure. But I've noticed that those who seek to do so at a profit don't usually get much for models.

: What's your track record? Do you have experience with agencies that might lend some credence to your project? It certainly flies in the face of past practices at agencies. As I said, agencies do't like it when prospective employees don't do things the right way. What kind of research do you have that indicates ANY agency would spend the time necessary to examine a book of prospective models?

: (BTW, this lady was a model for a major agency in her youth.)


Optional Link URL:  
Example: http://www.webmodels.com
Link Title:         
Example: WebModels - Information and Resources
Optional Image URL: 
Example: http://www.webmodels.com/images/webmodels.jpg

Do Not Reply to Archived Messages