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How to start an Acting or Modeling Career
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Beneath the accompanying glamour and celebrity thats so enticing to so many, the
entertainment industry underbelly has been encrusted with more than its share of
scam artists and sleaze balls. The slickest feed on the greed of investors
who ought to know better but are beguiled by the lure of notoriety and quick returns.
The worst parasites prey on the hopes of the innocent, the ignorant, the young and
the defenseless.
Its your kids hopes, in some cases their well being and most certainly their meager
savings (or yours) that are on the line.
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DiPrima is dedicated to finding new faces and promoting them through today's fastest
growing communication medium, the Internet and helping to empower the talent themselves
to create their own success.
Occasionally, we find young man or women who possess that certain excellence that
makes them a candidate for high-paying career. When this happens, we will act as
their mother agent and introduced these new faces to an appropriate talent agent
in a major market. After a combined total of over 50 years in the business, I can
truthfully tell you, this seldom happens. The modeling and acting business is extremely
competitive. Like any other career, if a talent is willing to put in the time and
effort, most likely there will be some type of monetary reward.
As a talent, you must be able to handle rejection. There will be many times when
you'll be on the casting or addition and sitting in the room with numerous people
seeking the same position. The competition is keen!
Read the following information carefully, the information can save you a lot of
time, aggravation and money.
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TOOLS OF THE TRADE
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First you need a good headshot or a three-quarter pose. The industry standard
is an 8" X 10" black and white photograph with you name discreetly placed in the
lower right corner. Do not spend a lot of money on your first photo session because,
most likely, you will want to reshoot when you are interviewed by your agent. You
can get one roll of film shot for $75 to $100 and that is all you need to get started.
NOTE: Parents with infants and/or very small children do not need headshots.
DiPrima does not accept talent less than six years of age.
If you are a model, you may need something a little more exotic to catch a good
modeling agent's eye.
Actors require only a headshot and resume. Actors should plan to attend workshops
in order to improve their skills. Generally speaking, if you're going to be
in film or commercials, New York and California require that should be a union member.
On the other hand, Florida and North Carolina are Right To Work States. In Florida,
I would advise actors to list with several SAG agents as well as a few good non
union agents.
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TALENT / MODELING / AGENCIES
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An organization that represents actors and models appearing in advertisements or
entertainment productions.
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AGENTS
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Most agencies aspire to be principled. Certainly there is a silent code of ethics
in the industry. This business, like so many others, is full of trickery. Many new
talent run into problems because they do not know where to go. They are unsure as
to who is legitimate or who to trust.
Newspaper ads, individuals who come on to you in the nightclubs and agencies that
attempt to sell you a full package deal (photographs, makeup, acting lessons, all
for a large fee) should signal a red flag. If an agency asks you for out of
pocket money beyond the customary expenses associated with of publishing your new
headshot or composite card, be careful! Some "so called" agencies will even
attempt to give you a "full service" package, take your cash, and offer to finance
the balance... definite red flag.
Agents charge 10% to 20% depending on the job. Agents can not charge you anything
up front. They receive their commission only after you have been paid for work accomplished.
There are different types of agents. Some agents represent both models and actors
and some just undertake talent, which includes actors, singers, dancers, etc.
Always find your own photographer and workshop.
An agent may suggest a certain photographer or workshop, but be comfortable with
the selection. Workshops are very helpful and can do a lot to improve your
performance, but specific workshops should not be mandated by an agent. DiPrima
Talent offers very successful
workshops in both Miami and North Carolina.
As I mentioned earlier, have a few pictures taken, visit several agencies, and listen
to what the agents have to say. Speak with other models. Get a feel
for the business. The key words here are "visit several agencies." Unless
you become "exclusive," which generally applies to print models only... avoid signing
any contracts. No agent can guarantee you work. They can help you develop skills,
send you on auditions and open doors but they can not guarantee the work.
You must be available ALL DAY or ALL NIGHT to work. Filming hours are usually long!
Sometimes 8-12 hours, sometimes longer. You will do a lot of sitting, but
you are being paid to sit and wait just for the right time for you to be used in
the scene. You should bring something to amuse yourself, like a book, sewing,
games, et cetera, just to pass the time. Read More
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Copyright © 2005 Diprima Corporation
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