Breaking into the modeling business begins by gaining entry into the heart of the industry: your friendly neighborhood modeling agency. But what is the best way to get a foot in the door? Every aspiring model has a different method for success, but here’s a quick look at the top ways you can get noticed by modeling agencies, large and small, local and global.
The dry call
The adage “there is safety in numbers” can be applied to many areas of life, but modeling is not one of them. When you submit your photos to an unsolicited agency, you join the thousands of other aspiring models who have chosen the same entry point. The potential problem with the dry call is that no matter how good it looks, your headshot is likely to get lost in the confusion. And that confusion is likely overseen by the cynical and overworked intern, not the dream maker who sits in the agency’s corner office. While there ARE dry calling success stories, don’t expect a call 3-5 business days after your headshots hit the mail.
Advantages: cost effective, allows you to cover many agencies at once, you are only limited by your shipping budget.
Disadvantages: The volume of dry calls a modeling agency receives on any given day makes it difficult to stand out from the crowd.
The Walk In
Nothing says “I’m ready to work” like showing up at a modeling agency is glorious 3-D. Walk-ins give you a chance to show your portfolio to booking agents, get interviewed, and generally show off. Walk-ins must be scheduled in advance by phone. When you arrive at the agency, always dress professionally and maintain a positive mental attitude. This is your chance to shine beyond your photos: make the most of it.
Pros: An individual opportunity to impress modeling professionals. Unlike the open call, you probably won’t have to wait in line with hundreds of other respondents.
Cons: Like the dry call, you can never be sure that the input results don’t end up in the world’s largest backroom filing cabinet. Still, the fact that the agency had a chance to see you in person and experience your personality gives you a head start!
The open call
Placing yourself firmly in the good graces of a modeling agency means being there when they want you (and not just when you decided it was a good time to drop them a line). And that’s where the open call comes in. An open call refers to that special time when an agency places an ad looking for talent. The process is simple: you show up, they love you, you become famous! Okay, maybe it’s not that simple, but the open call generally produces the most success because you, as a model, are fulfilling a need in the agency. When you make a dry call or visit, it can be great, but there is no way to gauge the hiring climate at the agency. With an open call, you are there because they want you there!
Advantages: The open call is a sign that the agency in question is looking for new talent. There is no better time to put your foot in the door.
Disadvantages: You will not be the only one reading the ad from the modeling agency. Be prepared to spend much of your day waiting to be seen by the right people.
(C) Copyright – Coach Models – Jochen Talmon
