SUPPLIES
- Photos of your face and body
Overview
Los Angeles is usually considered the entertainment capital of the world because so many films, videos, commercials, etc., are developed and produced in the city. Many young men and women flock to the City of Angels to try their luck at acting and modeling. There are many modeling agencies in L.A. that offer work opportunities for aspiring models.
Step 1
Prepare photos to send to modeling agencies. Most agencies like to see at least one head shot and one full body shot. Make sure that none of your photos has been Photoshopped; they need to portray your appearance as accurately as possible.
Step 2
Send your photos to modeling agencies in Los Angeles. You can send them via email, regular mail or you can pay a visit to the agencies in person. The top modeling agencies in Los Angeles are Ford and Elite. They represent some of the biggest names in the industry including Alessandra Ambrosio and Chanel Iman. Visit or send your photos to Elite Models: 345 North Maple Drive, Suite #397 Beverly Hills, CA 90210, or email to LAinfo@elitemodel.com.
Step 3
Get representation. It's imperative to get a representative in the form of a modeling agent in order to get more exposure and work opportunities. One great agency in L.A. that represents such big names as Sarah Larson, Paris Hilton and Nicole Linkletter will help you get the type of exposure you need to land the best jobs. Contact them via email (modelinfo@nousmodels.com) or regular mail (117 North Robertson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048). Nous Models also represents commercial actors in the L.A. area.
Step 4
Prepare for auditions and interviews. As a model, you will be interviewed often by prospective clients. If you're shy or apprehensive about the interview process, you may want to prepare yourself by setting up some mock interviews with your agent or even friends and relatives. You should also be prepared to give an audition for a small part in a TV show or commercial, which may require a small speaking role.
Step 5
Go to castings, auditions and go-sees. You should attend as many castings and auditions in the L.A. area as possible. Castings are basically brief interviews in which a client determines if you are the right fit for their product or brand. As a model in Los Angeles, you may be called in to audition for roles in shampoo or car commercials. Los Angeles has a larger market for commercial modeling than fashion modeling like in New York or Milan; thus, you should be open to more commercial opportunities to be successful in L.A.
TIPS AND WARNINGS
- TIP : Make sure to take good care of your body, skin, nails, teeth and hair. Your body should be fit, your skin blemish-free and your hair healthy and shiny.
Take a few acting classes to help you prepare for commercial auditions.
- WARNING : Don't sign with agencies that ask for money upfront. This is a scam and no legitimate agency will try to take your money.
Don't feel obligated to go to a modeling school; these are mostly unnecessary institutions and no model is required to attend a school to learn basic modeling techniques.
Resources
