I just got this clip from Fox news where I was featured answering some questions on getting kids ready for open calls & modeling auditions….Check it out!
Hope you Enjoy!
xoxo,
Marlene
Aspiring models have a big feat ahead of them. From open calls to judgment calls, the world of modeling is a tricky one; furthermore, breaking into the industry can be even trickier.
Here to answer some of the most basic questions on modeling is industry expert Marlene Wallach. Wallach offers her Just Ask Marlene series on her Web site, www.justaskmarlene.com, and has penned multiple books. In addition, Marlene is president and owner of Wilhelmina Kids & Teens, a leading New York City modeling agency.
t&T: What’s your number 1 rule for tweens and teens attending an open call or casting?
MW: It is very important to have realistic expectations for yourself when you go to a casting call or an open call. I talk more about expectations on www.justaskmarlene.com.
t&T: I know you used to be involved in the Miss Teen USA pageant. How do print and high fashion modeling differ from that?
MW: Print and high fashion modeling are completely different than pageants. They each require a very different set of skills.
t&T: What types of photos should tweens or teens bring to agency open calls? Candid pictures, straight on photos, Polaroids?
MW: Snapshots are typically acceptable at an open call. Posed but casual photos are always acceptable. I have a whole section on my site for tips on taking photos.
t&T: What are things to avoid wearing come the day of the casting call?
MW: The first thing an agent doesn’t want to see is too much makeup. Remember, you’re not a stylist, you’re an aspiring model. You should dress in a current, yet not over-the-top style. For ideas take a look at ads from Abercrombie and Target.
t&T: How can someone make herself or himself stand out among hundreds of others competing for the same contract or job?
MW: Believe it or not, a good joke sometimes works. Give it a try!
t&T: How about hair and makeup? Should aspiring models wear any makeup? Keep their hair down or up?
MW: Makeup should always be light for an open call. I suggest wearing your hair down, having a clip handy and asking the agent if they want to see it up. Take a look at the beauty video at JustAskMarlene.com for some tips.
t&T: How can someone tell a reputable agency apart from a fake one? What are certain red flags to look for?
MW: There are [some] expenses involved with getting your career off the ground, but a red flag with fake agencies is that they often ask for your commitment to spend a large sum of money right then and there. If something doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t. The best thing to do is check them out with the local Better Business Bureau.
t&T: Being a minor, if a teen is scouted out in public, what are the proper steps to take to protect themselves from being taken advantage of?
MW: If scouted on the street, teens should take down all information and tell the scout they have to discuss it with their parents. It is always the role of the parent to protect their child and investigate the scout’s organization.
t&T: What is a good first tip for someone heading into their first photo shoot?
MW: Get a good night’s sleep before your shoot! The camera doesn’t lie, and staying up the night before will surely show up on the photos.
t&T: Is there anything that you would like to add to inform our readers on the world of modeling?
MW: The world of modeling is a fun and exciting place to be. It also involves a lot of hard work with ups and downs; not everyone is cut out for it. Take a look at the modeling section of my site for things you should know about when getting into modeling.
Having said that, if your dream is to become a model— go for it!
