Know your market!
Linda was asked by F & W Publishing to write Know Your Market which they included along with her article glossary of types in their 2002 Guide to Model and Talent Agencies.
One of the biggest mistakes I see people make in this business, is not knowing who they are and where they fit into this industry. For that reason many women and men believe they should be sent on things that they are totally wrong for. When I first entered the industry as an actress I had long, naturally curly, Cher-type hair for which I was constantly receiving compliments. I also had a very bikini-friendly body. A day at the beach was enough to feed my ego for a week. Then I entered the world of commercials TV and Film. My first mistake was looking for an agent in the newspaper, of course I found all the scams (many of which can still be found in the classifieds) I chose one and $900 later I had a “portfolio” of useless photo’s illuminating my sexy bod and freshly mussed hairstyle. They told me everything I wanted to hear about how much work there would be for a “hottie” like me, including evening gown and fashion. What they neglected to notice is that I was about 5′3″ and 1/2 (they told me to put 5′6″ on my comp like it would change things) and very close to thirty years old. Now granted in the real world I wasn’t exactly “over the hill” but in the world of show biz I was way out of my league.
Once I found a real agent, actually Sharon Martin (now of Martin and Donalds) she quickly informed me that I was headed for disaster. I was not “model” material, too short, too old and not beautiful in the industry-sense of the word. I had two choices, to accept the fact that I was destined to play young moms, nurses, lawyers, aging hookers or neighbors (I would not be the sexy young, thing) or give up the the dream I started to pursue. I cut my hair, got a “mom” type wardrobe for castings, a good headshot that looked like me and started studying to be an actress.
Several years later when I had my daughter, I gained a lot of weight which I did not take off, suddenly I became a “character” actress. I was devastated until I realized that the “fat” me, was in even more demand because there wasn’t as much competition and that the parts were definitely more interesting.
I see so many beautiful 50 year old women demean themselves by trying to play 30 year olds. I see men spend time and money getting “plugs” when there are constant calls for bald men. I see plunging necklines and tight pants on very “nice” bodies who will never get the part because if they want that, it’ll be on a model. By model, I mean the industry standard tall, thin, young and breath-takingly gorgeous on camera.
There are roles for every type of person but you must honestly assess your strengths and weaknesses. Watch commercials for your average age and type and get professional advice. Do not be confused by women like Dyan Cannon, Cybill Shepard and Geena Davis who get away with everything I have just told you not to do. They are stars. When you are a star you can do whatever you want. For now, ask the people who know. Before you spend money on a composite seek the advice of a respected print agency, such as Boca Models, the Green Agency, Wilhelmina, etc. You may only need a headshot. Do not take the advice of an agency who is trying to sell you pictures. Seek out a reputable photographer like Bob Lasky, who will risk losing your business, before he will accept your money for inappropriate shots.
Be who you are. If you’re short, fat, bald or just a little “funny-looking", go for the character market. If you’re “average looking” you’ll be perfect for the “everyday real-life commercials” we see constantly. Don’t be the oldest one on any casting. You may look younger in person but the camera is hard to fool. Know your category. If you’re unsure ask a casting director, they can usually tell you what they’d call you in for. In my “Succeed” class I go around the room and tell each person where they should focus their energy. Once you know this, you can then choose your wardrobe, pictures and agents accordingly.
Good Luck!