Answering a Reader Question #655

Izzy Wrote:

 Hi Miss Denise! I'm a huge fan! You're a big inspiration to me and I really wanna thank you for that! Now that I'm done fangirling, onto my question:
A little about me:
I'm a 12 year old girl living in the Bay Area, California. I live about 30 mins away from San Francisco on a good day (you know how Bay Area traffic can be). After reading many of your posts, I'm certain modeling is something I want to do. My parents are supportive, which is a good thing. I'm gonna start taking acting lessons in the fall, I can play piano, guitar, violin, and I'm working on vocal. I've never really taken any dance lessons, but I used to figure skate so I'm flexible and in good shape.
My question:
Do you have any recommendations for local agencies that are good for total newbies like me? Also, I heard minors need some thingy from the state in order to work and get paid. Can I get a little more info about that? Thanks so much for everything in advance!

Hey, Izzy!

Thanks for the fangirling, lol, much appreciated and how cool that you're in the Bay Area, too! :-)

Below is a list of reputable agencies that represent both models and actors that you'll definitely want to look into in the San Francisco Bay Area area:

Boom Models & Talent
http://boomagency.com/

Top Models & Talent Agency
http://sftoptalent.com/

Marla Dell
http://marladell.com/

Scout Models & Talent
http://www.scouttm.com/

Stars The Agency
http://www.starsagency.com

JE Model (Modeling agency only)
http://jemodel.com/

Because you are a minor living in California who is planning on getting into the entertainment industry, you'll need what's known as an "Entertainment Work Permit." It's basically a piece of paper that allows you to work as a model and/or actor legally in California. Your parents will need to take care of this paperwork and below is a link that they'll want to read to get the basic 411 on getting that process started:

California Work Permit Information

Because of your situation your parents must also open what is known as a "Coogan Account." From what I've read I couldn't figure out if this only applies to underage actors/models who belong to the union (SAG/AFTRA) or if it also applies to non-union talent but I would recommend that your parents check out this additional link below, which explains the Coogan Account in more detail and also includes instructions for how to set one up and how to find out if you need one:

What is a Coogan Account?

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Answering a Reader Question #1,037

Image
Charlie Wrote: I just had a conversation with my mother that modelling pays really well. And she straight up went like "it's a dirty business , you don't know what works models have to do to get on the top " . It was my way to tell her that I want to pursue modelling but before I could even tell that to her directly , I lost all my gathered up courage and I can see all my dreams dying right infront of my eyes. Hey, Charlie! I'm sending you the BIGGEST virtual hug right now...you are not the only one who has had the wind taken right out of their sails by a parent who simply doesn't want to risk their child being disappointed, possibly taken advantage of, or wind up as an example of why people shouldn't get into modeling. I don't know your age or what the situation is but if you are under 18, it's gonna be a bit of an uphill battle to try and convince your mom since it sounds like she's already made it clear how she feels. However, that doesn'
Read more

Answering a Reader Question #1,036

Image
Anonymous Wrote: Hi Dania, so kind of you to do this and support us young in the biz. I did a print spot for a well known company as a NU model last Oct. for $2500 1 year buyout. They are considering renewing for 2nd year $2500 and 3rd year $3750. I’m unrepresented atm. I am union now. I’m on hold for my first scene in a feature and I just worked a Chanel commercial (featured BG, let’s not roll out the red carpet here). But, one: I think, even with the strike, I’m moving on up, and two: isn’t 2nd year buyout rates supposed to be more? Could you help me on what an appropriate response would be or a fair counter-offer would be? Again, you rock. Thanks for helping the wide-eyed! Hey, Anonymous! You're SO welcome, thank you for being a reader and reaching out...congrats on the recent bookings you've gotten so far, that's awesome...and yeah, you are definitely moving on up. :-) As far as the buyout rate for the print job, I've been in the same scenario where the renewal rate
Read more

Answering a Reader Question #1,035

Image
Anonymous Wrote: I had a model agent say " but you are not the right type for us at this moment ". What does that really mean. Hi, Anonymous! Typically, that phrase is "agency speak" for politely saying you aren't what they're looking for. If you don't meet the physical requirements stated -- for example, if it was a fashion agency you were talking to and you weren't within their stated height or size range, that would be a common response. Or it could mean that your look isn't one that they feel is currently in demand at the moment and they don't want to take the chance of signing you, only to have you sitting on roster the entire time without any traction.  While it's not a great response to receive, it is their polite way of saying no, thank you. Now that you have a definite answer from that particular agent, you can move on to submitting to others and hopefully find the one that you are the right type for. Best of luck to you!
Read more