Friday, August 6, 2010

Model Search

By : Mae Alexander

We have all heard the radio ads for "The Search for the Next Supermodel - could it be YOU?" So many young women dream of being a successful model and are looking for their break. They want to be discovered and they're not sure how to make it happen. A model search seems like a great way to get the exposure they need. The ads are seductive and promise the moon.

It's not untrue - perhaps the best way for a model to put herself in front of as many agents as possible is a model search. A girl can potentially be seen by up to forty of the top agencies around the world at a single model search - but they need to understand what they're getting into. There will be crowds of upwards of 800 people who all want the same thing. And going to a model search is expensive. The company putting the search together must fly in agents from all over the country and cover their own costs involved with holding the event. That money comes from the fees paid by the attendees.

Depending on the way the model search is organized, hopefuls may be doing quick interviews with agents at their booths, runway demonstrations, and (paying for) seminars. If any of the scouts or agents wants to see a girl again, she will be contacted for a callback. She then may be asked to fly to the city where the agency is located, at her own expense. This is really very typical of what happens at legitimate model searches, but the odds of becoming a successful working model after being discovered at one are fairly daunting. Perhaps 15 girls out of nearly 1000 will have what it takes to be a professional model and will find representation with a reputable agency.

In an industry like modeling, unscrupulous companies find it easy to prey on young girls with big dreams. Some "model searches" truly are just scams. These companies may ask aspiring models to shell out a lot of money to put their pictures on the company's website, or to pay highly inflated fees for "mandatory" portfolios. There is a very low likelihood of any legitimate modeling work coming from these types of companies. Be wary of what is being promised. If someone is paying, they're going to be told what they want to hear.

So how are models discovered if they don't want to participate in a model search? Most agencies have open castings weekly or monthly. Aspiring models can come to the agency with some snapshots and get a truthful evaluation as to their potential.

A magazines or website may hold their own model search, which only involves sending in a photo - no cost to the model.

Promising success in the modeling industry is a big red flag. If you want to attend a model search, make sure you research the company promoting it, know what agents will be there, and understand the reality of the situation. There's a lot to be said for chasing your dreams, but do it in a smart, educated fashion.

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