Answering a Reader Question #960

Steve Wrote:

Dear Dania,

Because I am unrepresented and new to the commercial/print modeling, I guess I should pursue my local market, Phoenix. Would you say the smaller agencies of medium-size cities are of a ‘type’ designed to fit part-time models more? I say “part-time” as I’m being realistic about how much paid work a new model in my field can actually secure. Do you think most agents would not object to a model being represented by non-competing agencies in Denver, Phoenix and Los Angeles?

How common are the mother agencies, do they consist of both large agencies and affiliates in other states? I am the William H. Macy lookalike in the Showtime TV series, Shameless. Showtime will not talk to me directly, but said they would talk to my agent. But when I talked to agents in Arizona earlier this year about making the connection for me, it felt like they did not have the connections or interest that a mother agency might have. Even the largest lookalike agency in the world, Mirror Images of LA, could not find enough interest for a Macy lookalike. So it’s hard to know how to make that connection work… Though if given the incredible opportunity to appear on the show, I would travel to the filming locations in LA or Chicago in a heartbeat.

In one of your previous blog posts on modeling agencies, you may have recommended to applying to several agencies at the same time, so that if you are offered representation by more than one agency, you will have a choice. I’m guessing that for the average model , the odds of being called back for an interview are about 10% and being signed around 2%. But let me know if I’m wrong with the numbers. So I would think that any offer of representation by a legitimate agency would be a good career move? I’ve been able to create a fairly extensive portfolio with professional photographers, does this mean an agency is more likely to sign me? Are these considered to be test shoots? 

When you say “What kind of work do they book”, there are some agencies that state their specialty in their website, but it’s not clear if most agencies, especially the smaller ones, are more generalized and scrambling for any work they can find for models?

I may have gotten a bit side-tracked by applying for numerous figure modeling jobs. But if I understood you correctly, will these types of jobs on my resume are not the main area of expertise that talent agents are seeking? 

It takes time and money to create a portfolio of 8 ½ x 11” prints, though I bought a book this size per your recommendation. Since most agency submissions are on-line, at this stage, am I ok with just bringing in some 4 x 6 prints (and writing my contact info on the back) and business cards,to interviews for agents to keep?

Steve Norwood

Hi Steve!

Since your comment/questions are lengthy, I'm going to pull out the specific questions and do a Q&A format below to keep my response brief and easy to follow:

Q: Would you say the smaller agencies of medium-size cities are of a ‘type’ designed to fit part-time models more?

A: Definitely. Phoenix is an example of a market that isn't considered very large but does have an established market of clients for that particular area so agencies are likely used to representing models that aim to work part-time.

Q: Do you think most agents would not object to a model being represented by non-competing agencies in Denver, Phoenix and Los Angeles?

A: They wouldn't object at all. It is common practice. As long as the contracts with each agency are non-exclusive, a model is within his/her right to seek additional representation in other non-competing markets. That's the whole purpose of non-exclusive contract arrangements.

Q: How common are the mother agencies, do they consist of both large agencies and affiliates in other states?

A: Mother agencies have been around for quite some time. They are not everywhere but there are usually several in medium markets and definitely in larger markets like LA, NYC and Miami. However, mother agencies are typically for the purpose of grooming, developing and placing fashion models in larger markets, not actors so I don't know that seeking representation of a mother agency would serve your specific acting/career goals described above.

To learn more about mother agencies in detail and how they operate, visit the link below:

http://amodelsdiary.blogspot.com/2011/12/understanding-role-of-mother-agencies.html

Q:  So I would think that any offer of representation by a legitimate agency would be a good career move?

A: Indeed. Even starting with a small agency is a way to get your foot in the door within the entertainment industry. Booking work and continuing to build a portfolio while being represented by an agency all counts towards your professional experience. As long as the agency is reputable and legitimate, an affiliation with them will always work in a model/actor's best interest moving forward with their career goals.

Q: I’ve been able to create a fairly extensive portfolio with professional photographers, does this mean an agency is more likely to sign me? Are these considered to be test shoots?

A: Having a portfolio to show potential agencies can only help and not hurt so it's good to have. However, it doesn't necessarily improve one's odds of getting signed. There are several factors that make up an agency's decision to sign someone and having examples of previous shoots is just one of them. It all boils down to the interview and meeting with the agency staff in person.

The shoots in your portfolio would be considered test shoots but do count as modeling experience. If you have any published images/tearsheets to include, then the agency would take note of that as well and know it is not a test shoot image.

Q: When you say “What kind of work do they book”, there are some agencies that state their specialty in their website, but it’s not clear if most agencies, especially the smaller ones, are more generalized and scrambling for any work they can find for models?

A: No agency is going to lay out exactly every detail of the type of work they book for their models. It's a business decision and a smart one at that. Because of the instability of the industry as a whole when it comes to booking gigs and the fact that agencies cannot promise success or work for its talent, it's wise that they keep things generalized/broad when it comes to how they market their services and relationship with clients.

A model/actor won't know how much work an agency will get for them until after they've been signed.

Q: I may have gotten a bit side-tracked by applying for numerous figure modeling jobs. But if I understood you correctly, will these types of jobs on my resume are not the main area of expertise that talent agents are seeking? 

A: Talent and modeling agencies typically do not specialize in figure modeling so while having this kind of experience is good for your resume and special skills section, it isn't the kind of work you should be seeking an agent to book for you.

Q: It takes time and money to create a portfolio of 8 ½ x 11” prints, though I bought a book this size per your recommendation. Since most agency submissions are on-line, at this stage, am I ok with just bringing in some 4 x 6 prints (and writing my contact info on the back) and business cards,to interviews for agents to keep?

A: It is important to refer to the agency websites to find out what size photos they want you to bring in. Each agency has its own requirements so you'll want to plan that accordingly. The websites will typically say something about this when it comes to open calls.

However, if you are contacted for an actual interview with an agency, then you can ask them at that time what size photos you should bring to the interview. But having sets of 4 x 6 prints with your contact info on the back is good to have handy in general so if you've already got those in place, that is great.