How to Find an Agent... and Survive, part 2
by Cathy McKim
Major modelling agencies in urban centres such as Toronto will
generally recommend either one or more reputable imaging
specialists or a short list of photographers to test with. Again,
you should visit each one, look at their work, and select the one
you feel the most comfortable with. Modelling agencies and schools
outside of urban areas such as Toronto are more likely to directly
arrange the test sessions for their prospective models.
If you are booking a photographer through an agency, find out the
name and credentials of the photographer, what services are
offered, and what you will be charged for them. Ask to see samples
of the photographer's work and make sure that he or she is a
working professional photographer. Contact other people in the
industry to find out the photographer's reputation. Comparison
shop: get price lists from other photographers, but remember that
price is not as important as quality. Find out what this
photographer charges for a session not booked through the agency:
the price should be the same.
Keep in mind the differences in photographic requirements for actor
and models. An actor needs a black and white 8" x 10" headshot.
Actors do not need portfolios. A model does need a portfolio and
"comp cards". The initial portfolio is developed through test
shoots with fashion photographers, and is then expanded with
tearsheets of the model's professional print work. Some of these
pictures are used in making up the comp card. Models being
promoted for commercial television will also need a "TV glossy", or
8" x 10" headshot.
Child actors under eight do not need professional photos. It is
acceptable to promote children with inexpensive snapshots, and most
agents do this to avoid the expense of having new professional
photos taken for children every few months as they grow and change.
Child models may require comp cards, based on the agency's
policies, but should not require the extensive portfolios that an
adult model needs.
Actors will need prints made of the headshot that you and your
agent have selected from the contact sheet provided by the
photographer. Models will need prints of their TV glossies, blow-
ups of the shots to be used in their portfolio, and multiple prints
of their comp cards. It may be convenient for your agent to
maintain the supply of prints and promotional photos, and bill you
for reproduction costs. Check the costs first; find out what a
reproduction house would charge you for prints. Whatever you
choose to do, make sure that your agent has a supply of your
promotional photos on hand at all times; you don't want to miss out
because your agent had no photos to send out.
Classes and Workshops
Talent agencies sometimes offer workshops for actors, bringing in
a well-known or respected specialist for an evening or weekend
session. If attendance is optional and prices are not excessive,
this practice is acceptable.
When talent or modelling agencies offer on-going classes in-house
or make arrangements for clients of an agency to take classes at a
specific school (which is often affiliated with the agency), you
need to do some investigation. Check the training, experience, and
other credentials of the instructors. Check the cost against fees
charged by independent schools or instructors. Find out if you
must take the courses provided by this agency before you will be
represented. An agency that does not accept training from other
sources is not serving your best interests.
There are many places to get training: universities and colleges
offer acting and drama courses, and some colleges offer programs in
fashion and modelling as well. There are independent schools with
good reputations for both actors and models, and many highly
regarded individuals who offer classes, workshops and private
instruction. Local school boards may offer acting and modelling or
"self-improvement/self-image" courses through their continuing
education departments. A model's most valuable training can be the
"on-the-job" experience s/he receives in the course of shooting
his/her test portfolio.
Some modelling agencies, especially those outside the heavily
competitive Toronto area, run legitimate schools which serve both
as self-improvement or "finishing" academies for young men and
women who are not planning a career in modelling, and as
introductory training schools for those who are. The hallmarks of
such legitimate schools are honesty with respect to an applicant's
potential, strong ties to the local business community, and
connections with national and international "high profile"
agencies. Most also participate in one of the Canadian modelling
associations: the Modelling Association of Canada (MAC) or the
Canadian Model and Talent Convention (CMTC). To check out such a
school, request local business references, and ask about
affiliations with national and international agencies and modelling
associations.
Back to Part 1 | Continue to Part 3
From "An Actor's Guide to Agencies in Toronto,"
published by Moonlighters Publishing Inc. Copyright © Moonlighters Publishing Inc. Used with permission of the author.
All rights reserved. Not to be reproduced or distributed by any means without this copyright notice.
email:moonpeg@inforamp.net
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