After you’ve taken pictures that you think are good enough to submit to modeling and acting, the question arises: but where?
Your basic options are as follows:
Modeling agency websites
Social Model Sites
casting sites
Modeling agency sites are always free and will usually give you a quick yes or no answer. Be sure to read each agency’s submission requirements before submitting your photos to them. It just doesn’t make any sense to submit your images to an agency that is only interested in new faces between the ages of 16 and 20 if you’re 28. Also keep in mind that if an agency wants you, they’ll expect you to work in their area. So, be sure and willing to travel to the agency’s area of operations not only for bookings but also for auditions. And remember you don’t get paid for auditions. Remember to include your measurements and age, whether asked or not, any relevant modeling experience, where you live, and your phone number. 2 headshots and 2 body shots should be enough for them to decide if they want to see you. Keep your images around 72 DPI (dots per inch). If you haven’t heard anything after a couple of weeks, it’s okay to resubmit your images. Most agencies receive hundreds of shipments a month. So whether your first submission was lost or they didn’t want it but forgot to tell you, or they just deleted it, resubmitting your images isn’t a big deal.
Social modeling sites have become popular on the web today, and some are quite useful. These sites are usually full of forums, chat rooms and especially areas where one can post their modeling photos for their friends and the world to see. Many of these sites charge for various services, benefits, and membership. Only you can determine if these fees are worth it. If you are interested in the social aspects, such as making new friends with common interests and learning new information about modeling from other participants and experts, so much the better. However, if you go in only to be discovered by agents who are supposed to scan the site for new faces, be careful. Just because an agency logo appears on a site doesn’t mean much. Most agencies simply see placing their logo as another marketing opportunity. It certainly does not mean that they have assigned a reservations agent to monitor the site closely. On the other hand, there is no doubt that some new face bookers at the big agencies check these sites for fresh faces. It just makes sense when you consider how efficient it is for them to quickly look through hundreds of images in one place of people they want to model. Remember, for a new Face Booker user, simply finding someone who can model is not enough. The person must also want to model. Often times, a new face seeker will approach someone and say that she has real potential to model in major markets, only to be told that the person is not interested at all.
Casting sites are a more direct approach to landing modeling and acting jobs. Here you upload your pictures and/or resume for casting directors, producers and agents to view directly for specific jobs. Typically, producers and casting directors will submit short summaries (breakdowns) of a role they want to play on these sites. The breakdown will include the salary, when it will be fired, the type of person they are looking for, whether union or non-union, and any other specific information they would like. Then the people registered on the site read the breakdown and are submitted if they think they are a good fit for the position. Many of these casting sites will allow you to upload a small list for free. However, if you want a full list, it will cost you a monthly fee – that’s how these sites make their money. Most of these smelting sites are regional in nature. That is, there is usually a main one in each of the main markets. Be sure and determine which one in your area is best for you. It certainly doesn’t make sense for you to be listed in a city you can’t get to easily. Also keep in mind that these sites usually list both acting and print modeling jobs. If you do both, make sure you’re listed for both activities.
In short, there are more opportunities than ever to be considered for modeling and acting jobs. There’s no reason why you can’t appear on all three types of sites. As your appearance and experience change, be sure to update your photos and resume. Also keep learning and be aware of new free and paid sites that you could benefit from.