First of all, I’d like to express my gratitude, give praise and encouragement to all of the models and actors who we represent that understand what this business is about and who understand our commitment to providing the best model or actor in this region. Our industry is not an easy one but it can be very rewarding both in life, rich in the experiences you’ll encounter and worth every minute you’ve invested in time and training to be the best. Personally, my acting training helped me with my confidence, encouraged the pursuit of excellence and supported my quest to never stop trying. And the results? The privilege and honor to be in the business I love for over 30 years and run an agency for 21 years.
Not everything is as cut and dry as we’d like it to be and our work as agents is a job that never ever gets done. Much less, one that is rarely appreciated. For those of you who do recognize our efforts…we love you too! Whether you know it or not, we’re always looking for the next opportunity for our models and actors while industry opportunity ebbs and flows like a river of molasses. Job and casting opportunities have been steady but with the ever changing economy, we’ve adopted a “just say yes” mindset to help support our models and actors experience factor in building that portfolio/resume of experience….within reason of course! Our goals, encourage, teach, build experience and help our talent achieve success! And yes!! There is a significant and exemplary path to success we employ!
SUCCESS…How to Achieve it!
One of the biggest unasked questions on everyone’s mind is “how can I be successful in an industry with so much competition?” Back in March, we posted an article about training by Tiffany Minomi and the importance of that aspect in a model or actors career. Please read that article found in this blog. It explains the importance of that path. Any field you enter whether it be modeling or electrical engineering will require a designated path in training. I’m still amazed that most new models/actors coming into the business think that because they have seen some reality show, think that it’s a walk in the park. Best part is, when we audition new talent and give them specific tasks to perform. Anyone new to the business and many who claim to have experience cannot perform up to professional standards that would land them a job! It’s frightening! Yet some still don’t get it that you will not succeed without training. Some of the biggest names in the industry are still training or getting coaching. To be the best, you have to think like the best. Most people who I know that are successful have one trait in common. They REFUSE to LOSE!. And in this business….you can LOSE a lot if you don’t have a solid foundation of training and experience. It always goes back to the training and experience. Ask anyone who is on the casting side of the business and they will unequivocally tell you that your best formula for success is hard work, training and body of work that is conclusive to professional experience. Unfortunately there is a lot of misinformation about the business and many newbies seek advice from people who are unqualified and have never really worked in the industry. Sorry, soccer moms need not apply as career counselors to the modeling and acting profession. Seek the advice from a professional agency, casting director or director. Get the facts yourself and don’t listen to the many myths out there. Remember at all times….this is a very competitive business. Outside of us agents, casting directors etc. who are on the business side of the business, there are very few supporters of your quest other than your immediate family. Friends will be envious and your competition will be your competition. Don’t seek advice there unless you want the latest on “how to do everything wrong”.
Believe it or not your agent has your back. We want you to succeed….REALLY WE DO! Why? If you’re successful, so are we! We get paid a commission! It astounds me that most talent don’t even understand the reciprocal relationship that success brings. You do well….we do well. You train to be the best….you increase your skills that translate to better jobs…you get paid more….your agent gets paid more…everyone is happy! So why do we encourage talent to get training? So that you get more opportunity, build your portfolios and become a more marketable and sell-able talent. Bottom line!
You’ve undoubtedly heard that old familiar tune “Ye’ll take the high road and I’ll take the low road” The low road is the path to achieve greatness as it is with patience and diligence to develop your craft that you will succeed. And success comes on many levels…not just superstardom. Today at Wilhelmina if you take the attitude that you don’t need training when we recognize that you do, that you’ll put nothing into your career and have no skin in the game so to speak, as a professional in this business for over 30 years, I turn and walk away. I’m sorry, I don’t have time for you. But I wish you the best on your chosen career path.
