This summer I'm heading out to LA to start my journey on trying to become a model. I have researched a few dif agencies that hold open calls. Ford and Vision are my top two to go to first. What should I expect first off? And what are the chances of actually getting signed? I'm 5'10 measurements are 32 24 35. Thanks guys! super nervous but very excited!!
Your hip measurement is a little big, but you're pretty much right in there for fashion stats.
19 might be a little late to get started in fashion, but there's no reason not to give it a shot. Just keep your expectations in line.
If fashion doesn't work out, keep in mind that there are plenty of commercial agencies out there too. I know a girl who has just been signed by a fairly reputable one and she's nowhere near your stats.
Your stats land right where agencies want them. My advice would be do just go in with digitals, don't bring in a portfolio. The two agencies you mentioned Vision and Ford are strong agencies, given the choice I would definitely take Vision over Ford out here in LA. Ford is stronger in kids and men, Vision is very very strong especially for their women's fashion board. There are a lot of other strong agencies as well. I actually did a post on my blog last week listing the open call times of most of the better agencies. It's here if you want to check out other agencies as well http://stevefischer.net/blog/how-to-get … ng-agency/
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Courtney L Cameron wrote: This summer I'm heading out to LA to start my journey on trying to become a model. I have researched a few dif agencies that hold open calls. Ford and Vision are my top two to go to first. What should I expect first off? And what are the chances of actually getting signed? I'm 5'10 measurements are 32 24 35. Thanks guys! super nervous but very excited!!
Sorry for the critique, but wow, great look.
As to the OP. If you're not moving there chances are very slim as agencies like models to be ready for gosees and castings on a moments notice. I suggest studying the looks hosted at those agencies and build or fill your book with similar imagery. As for chances of getting signed, it's a luck of the draw kind of thing as one day these agencies may be looking for exactly what you bring the next it may be completely otherwise. A positive attitude is a must. Keep in mind that some of the models we know as supermodels were turned down time after time before finally getting a break. Good luck.
faltered wrote: Your stats land right where agencies want them. My advice would be do just go in with digitals, don't bring in a portfolio. The two agencies you mentioned Vision and Ford are strong agencies, given the choice I would definitely take Vision over Ford out here in LA. Ford is stronger in kids and men, Vision is very very strong especially for their women's fashion board. There are a lot of other strong agencies as well. I actually did a post on my blog last week listing the open call times of most of the better agencies. It's here if you want to check out other agencies as well http://stevefischer.net/blog/how-to-get … ng-agency/
Although some one doesnt need very good photos (snaps will work) to get an agency to work with them, it would help- spend time upgrading your port before hand. It must be very tough to model in LA just as you need to drive every where and spend hours doing so where in NYC you dont need a car and traveling is sooooo much easier and the market is so much bigger here too.
At an open call, expect to sit in a waiting room with 20-40 women waiting to stand in front of an agent and have them look at their photos. 90% they will close the book smile and say something to indicate the arent interested- then they might offer you a list of other agents to see. If they are interested- you may be asked to walk in hi heels, have some polaroids taken, meet with other bookers.
You can ask questions like can photo tests be arranged in the first week I work with you and IF their is a charge will you put them on my account- ditto apartment, what type of work do you see for me? How will you market me? What are some of the rates for editorial, catalog, fashion shows, commercial work? Do you have a show walk trainer?
Signing a contract is best avoided but might be necessary- ask to free lance for a while to see how things go. Remember anytime some one hands you a contract to sign, its most certainly written in their favor. If they give you a contract, say you will review it send a copy to your uncle the lawyer and get back to them as soon as Uncle Buck advises me what I am signing.
If they arent interested you can ask for a couple names and numbers of test photographers so you can work on your book if getting an agent takes longer than expected.
Do you act? take some classes.
Anyway good luck
but why LA I wonder??? I mean you can just drive to NYC and in 2 days pretty much know what your chances are . Better for you to try smaller markets.
Contrary to what some one else wrote your height/weight might not be so great- its good but in NYC a huge agency would want you to be about 110-115 lbs.
also go MM browse GOOD LA photographers and MUA write them ask for info advice & opinions on your chances.
Mark wrote: Although some one doesnt need very good photos (snaps will work) to get an agency to work with them, it would help- spend time upgrading your port before hand. It must be very tough to model in LA just as you need to drive every where and spend hours doing so where in NYC you dont need a car and traveling is sooooo much easier and the market is so much bigger here too.
At an open call, expect to sit in a waiting room with 20-40 women waiting to stand in front of an agent and have them look at their photos. 90% they will close the book smile and say something to indicate the arent interested- then they might offer you a list of other agents to see. If they are interested- you may be asked to walk in hi heels, have some polaroids taken, meet with other bookers.
You can ask questions like can photo tests be arranged in the first week I work with you and IF their is a charge will you put them on my account- ditto apartment, what type of work do you see for me? How will you market me? What are some of the rates for editorial, catalog, fashion shows, commercial work? Do you have a show walk trainer?
Signing a contract is best avoided but might be necessary- ask to free lance for a while to see how things go. Remember anytime some one hands you a contract to sign, its most certainly written in their favor. If they give you a contract, say you will review it send a copy to your uncle the lawyer and get back to them as soon as Uncle Buck advises me what I am signing.
If they arent interested you can ask for a couple names and numbers of test photographers so you can work on your book if getting an agent takes longer than expected.
Do you act? take some classes.
Anyway good luck
but why LA I wonder??? I mean you can just drive to NYC and in 2 days pretty much know what your chances are . Better for you to try smaller markets.
Contrary to what some one else wrote your height/weight might not be so great- its good but in NYC a huge agency would want you to be about 110-115 lbs.
also go MM browse GOOD LA photographers and MUA write them ask for info advice & opinions on your chances.
The only reason I suggested LA is because I have family that lives 30 minutes outside of it that would be willing to take me to casting calls. I'm staying their for a month during the summer so I figured I would take advantage of the opportunity and go to some casting calls just to see. Do you suggest I shoot for NY rather then LA agencies? Getting my measurements down would not be a problem. Thanks for the advice!
Of course I would recommend NYC before LA. Even if you are cash strapped you can come up here for under $250 for a couple days- Bus R/T is like $150 and you can stay at nice youth hostels with other fun young people traveling from all over the world for $35/night. Clean and safe. You could go to some open calls and TEST. Those are some very unmarketable images you have- the ones that make you look 30yo and as if in Mildred Pierce -like film.
You really need to get testing- you say in your profile professionals only- well that, IMHO, is too demanding. Just shoot shoot shoot. You should also think about coming here or going where ever to get some decent testing in. Also look into getting with an agency in NC or Atlanta. You can do that now and maybe get some work or experience before showing up in LA.
Mark wrote: Contrary to what some one else wrote your height/weight might not be so great- its good but in NYC a huge agency would want you to be about 110-115 lbs.
5'9" and 110-115lbs? Eh yikes! I wouldn't stand a chance with my height, but that sort of stuff makes me keep modeling as a hobby. Good luck to you though, OP, you aren't far from the requirements!
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