Modeling Schools
The movies always make it look so easy. The young, bright-eyed star or starlet always overcomes adversity in the end. He or she may meet with a few setbacks at first, but it is never anything that can't be resolved in under two hours. Either she can't find a helpful modeling agency which can build her career, she can always at least find a crucial first role in some movie, advertisement, or play. And from that first role, her foot is in the door and her meteoric rise to fame soon follows.
In reality, professional modeling isn't so easy. A lot of people do succeed by responding to an open tryout, but having some training greatly increases your chances. As a matter of fact, there are many casting calls which actually give priority to candidates from modeling schools. They assume that, if you have gone to a modeling school, you will have a professional demeanor and consistent performance, picture after picture, shoot after shoot.
Modeling schools are also good places to learn about the industry. Although most open casting calls are reputable, a fair number are not. Many young, naive would-be models get taken advantage of by unscrupulous talent agents willing to do anything to make a buck. They are paid less than their time is worth or ripped off entirely, and often leave with nothing for their troubles but a wasted day. Modeling schools prevent models of falling into the clutches of people like that in the first place.
Of course, a good modeling agency will help you out as well as modeling schools will. The great thing about modeling agents is that they handle the business side of things for you. When my friend Chandra first became a professional model, she knew nothing at all about the business. Fortunately, it did not matter. Her agent set up modeling shoots for her, negotiated contracts, helped her set up a good portfolio of shots, and much more. Basically, all that she had to do was show up for her shoots. He even
helped to coach her in how to make a good impression on modeling photographers. He knew which models wanted lists were reputable, and which weren't and had all the industry contacts anyone would need. After a while, of course, she had to make some of her own deals and contacts. Nevertheless, her agent provided her with those first crucial introductions that were required.
