How to get your foot in the door at a modeling agency
Website design By BotEap.comBreaking into the modeling business starts with gaining entry to the heart of the industry: your friendly neighborhood modeling agency. But what is the best way to get your foot in the door? Every aspiring model has a different method to success, but here’s a quick look at the top ways you can get noticed by modeling agencies big and small, local and global.
Website design By BotEap.comThe dry call
Website design By BotEap.comThe saying “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 agency without being asked, you are joining the thousands of aspiring models who have chosen the same point of entry. The potential problem with the dry call is that no matter how good it looks, your headshot is likely to get lost in the shuffle. And that mix is likely being overseen by the overworked, cynical intern, not the dream-maker sitting in the corner office of the agency. While there ARE dry call success stories, don’t expect a call 3-5 business days after your headshots arrive in the mail.
Website design By BotEap.comPros: Cost effective, allows you to cover many agencies at once, limited only by your postage budget.
Website design By BotEap.comCons: The volume of dry calls a modeling agency receives on any given day makes it difficult to stand out from the crowd.
Website design By BotEap.comThe walk
Website design By BotEap.comNothing says, “I’m ready to work” like showing up at a modeling agency is glorious 3-D. In-person appointments give you a chance to show off your portfolio to booking agents, get interviewed, and generally strut your stuff. 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 opportunity to shine beyond your photos: make the most of it.
Website design By BotEap.comPros: A solo opportunity to impress modeling professionals. Unlike the open call, you probably won’t have to wait in line with hundreds of other respondents.
Website design By BotEap.comCons: Like the dry call, you can never be sure the results of the visit won’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 an edge.
Website design By BotEap.comThe open call
Website design By BotEap.comPlanting yourself firmly in the goodwill of a modeling agency means being there when they need you (and not just when you decided it was a good time to write to them). And that’s where the open call comes in. An open call refers to that special moment 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 usually produces the most success because you, as a model, are filling a need at the agency. When you make a dry call or walk in, it can be great, but there’s no way to gauge the hiring climate at the agency. With an open call, you are there because they want you there!
Website design By BotEap.comPros: The open call is a sign that the agency in question is looking for new talent. There is no better time to get your foot in the door.
Website design By BotEap.comCons: You won’t be the only one reading the modeling agency ad. Be prepared to spend much of your day waiting for the right people to see you.
Website design By BotEap.com(C) Copyright – Coach Models – Jochen Talmon