Monday, October 4, 2010

Research The Principal Performing Talent Agency

By Joshua Aguilar

If you've ever tickled your brain with dreams of modeling, you should first make sure to avoid agencies that'll try to scam you out of time and money. It's hard to know who to trust when looking for work in commercials, TV, or print ads, but there are definitely things to keep an eye out for. In the poker game of talent, good and bad agencies both have "tells."

The best clue is to find an agency that is fully licensed and preferably someone who's been around for a decade or more. Check out the agency's list of clients. There should be some names you know on there. If it's all obscure names, probably you want to go elsewhere. A good agency will also help you put together your model composites, an important first step -- as the composite is your business card. This can cost money, too, but it's a necessary process, so make sure you discuss it with your prospective agency.

As far as acting goes, owner and staff background best be quite extensive. Did they study for years at the best Theater Institutes, or work as an agent for talent agency in NYC or as a head-booking agent for a commercial print and fashion Model & Talent Agency? Have they appeared in many films, TV commercials and theatrical productions?

The exciting thing is figuring out what kind of work you want to do, whether print ads, runway work, hand modeling, acting in television or film. Casting directors are always looking for talent to populate shows, like in Southern Florida, where USA Network is filming "Burn Notice" and Fox is producing "The Glades."

Over the years, these agents have been able to match up the best talented people with the correct movies, print/runway work, music videos, promotion, and television commercials and series. Deciding to unite their various entertainment industry talents was the best decision of their lives. I suspect I've given you a lot to think about. But this is just the tip of the iceberg; there's lots more to learn. It gets easier, certainly, and more interesting. But the point is to find a good agency early on and avoid a lot of the pitfalls that trip up other folks, including those scams. You've still got to contend with model composites and auditions, but with hard work and the right people on you're side, you're well on your way.

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