PGNewsWire launches to support industry news

Publisher of Peter Glenn Publications launches new blog site called PGNewsWire to support latest updates, industry news, and trends withing the film, fashion and modeling industry.  Check it out at www.pgdirect.com and then click on PGNewsWire.

Also, check out the Model Magazine.  The new online magazine for aspiring talent, models and parents.

Is America's Next Top Model for real or for show?

I have been in this industry for 20 years and have personal relationships with agencies, casting directors and clients all over the world. I have worked for CosmoGIRL, ELLEgirl, Rampage to name a few and over the last few years in producing the So You Want To Be A Model Contest, which was featured on E! News with Ryan Seacrest.

In watching the show, which I can barely do anymore, I think the show has turned for the worst. In the beginning, I thought Tyra's perspective was helpful and gave some guidance in an industry that most aspiring talent lack and so do the parents. By either through Tyra's own words or the editing of the show, the comments communicated on the show hide the truth.

To say, that one does not need to invest in this industry or to say that other people will pay for everything for you, if you have what it takes... is foolish. Name one, just one, other field or career that you can say this about. Personally, I think Tyra is missing the point. When 9 out of 10 jobs that hire talent are NOT geared toward fashion, but for All-American commercial types, I find Tyra's comments misleading or come with a shallowed perspective. Now it may not be all Tyra's fault, as the editors of the show are very good at what the do, but over the last year in working with Cosmo, we saw over 20,000 girls in our casting process, the perspective of the show was clear... Wait and they will come, they will pay for everything if they want you, just wait!"

In turn, I ask the talent, what about you taking responsibility for your actions and setting goals and being proactive. The response is shallow. I find this sad, don't you?

Please share your comments, as I would love to hear what aspiring talent on what you have to say about this.

Meet Producer Gregory James

Dear Aspiring Talent,

Are you truly serious about taking your career to the next level? That are your concerns: the realities? the scams? Is America's Next Top Model for real?

Parents: do you know what you are getting your teen in to? My top discovery Amber Heard (North Country, Friday Night Lights, Alpha Dog) is only 5'7", yet at 21 years of age, she is beautiful and recently featured in CosmoGIRL ad one of the up and coming next Hollywood stars.

What is it about this industry that allows parents and aspiring talent to forget their common sense. Last year with CosmoGIRL, we saw over 20,000 aspiring female models and talent, but only a few understood the key to success in this industry. Do you have what it takes? Really?

If I asked you your perspective, what do you think the real answer is:

a) your looks
b) your height
c) your personality
d) your perservance skills

I have worked with some of today's top stars... what separates them from the rest. If you really want to get into this industry and succeed, then I beg you to ask yourself.

Model Markets feature New York City

Modeling - The New York City Market

New York City is a mecca for modeling. Everyday in NYC top designers are casting top models to pose for top photographers or strut the runway at the next top fashion show. Although there is a lot of available work for all types of models, from catalogue to editorial campaign to lingerie to commercial print, the city is known to have the fiercest competition.

A wide variety of work for models in NYC does not mean that most agencies do not have requirements. Remember, NYC has the fiercest competition for models! The typical height requirement for female high fashion models in NYC is 5'9" - 5'11" with the typical fashion sizes being 4-6 and couture sizes 2-4. Runway models are usually required to be 5'9" - 6'0" in height. Commercial models are required on average to be between 5'4"-5'8" in height.

When first entering the NYC market a model should be confident, aggressive and willing to listen and learn. When presenting oneself to an agency, the less is more approach - natural beauty and casual, well fitted clothing is the ideal look for a model. Also, a lanky, in shape body is a must.

Once a model has been established with an agency she can expect to work various bookings. There is usually more profit in commercial modeling than in high fashion modeling. Commercial models can make anywhere from $2,500-$25,000 for a full days work while the average pay for editorial is $0-$1000 per day and a runway model per show earns between $500-$1000. A model should also expect the agency to charge a 20% commission rate. At times agencies will cover necessities like travel and accommodation for fashion models, with the exception of personal pocket money. However, this is not the case for commercial models. Commercial models should be prepared to provide for all their expenses on their own.

All in all, NYC is a great place for models to begin their careers and possibly find great success. Since it is busy all year round, the market is always ready for fresh faces.

Check out next Wednesday Model Market, of which we will feature the Miami Market.

This blog posting comes from Peter Glenn Publications book, Model Markets of the World, which is available at www.pgdirect.com

Modeling - How to find an agent

I often get asked by aspiring models, "How do I find a legitimate agency?" My advice is to start in your local market. If you were going to look for a job in any field, you would first put together your resume and then you would approach job opportunties where you live. I would start the process of finding an agent the same way. May sites refer you to the "Yellow Pages," but you need to realize that anyone can say they have an agency and put their phone number in their... in many cases it is test photographers posing an agent.

The second place people often look is the web, but many sites post outdated information, of which you spend your time researching a company that has not been around for years. Have you ever heard the phrase, "Time is money!" Well it is true here as well. If you are serious about pursuing a career in modeling or acting, you need to protect your time.

You should first start by researching any agency within a 3 hour driving distance from where you live. You then need to gain access to a list, then you start checking out their web site. If your list does not include a web site, you should call and ask if they have a site. Remember, the more research you do now, you will give you a better idea of what the agency is about and what questions you should ask in your interview.

At Peter Glenn Publications, we publish the MODEL AND TALENT DIRECTORY, an annual directory that lists over 2,000 model and talent agencies all over the world and ones in your area. Each agency that is listed has been reviewed by us prior to us approving or declining their listing and each company was required to provide detailed information about their agency. In addition, you can access a more detailed profile and contact at http://www.pgdirect.com

When reviewing their site, you should print out things such as their contact and about page, plus if they offer a list of the clients they work with. One way I judge an agency is the quality of their web site. If their site, looks like it is outdated or something from the 80's, then you should question if this is the type of company that you want to reflect your image, if their are your agent. For those sites that represent your style, you should then contact them and ask for the New Faces contact name, if your list or their site does not provide you with the name. Also, some sites advise how a aspiring talent should go about interviewing with their agency... obviously you should print these instructions and follow them. The agency would not have provided you with this info, if they did not want you to follow them.

Then you should submit 2 pictures that capture the real you with your stats and a cover letter to the new faces agent. More on how to take those pictures in our next blog...

In closing, as the Executive Producer of CosmoGIRL!s So You Want To Be A Model Contest, I am often asked how do you know if the agent I meet with is the right agency for me? Here is my advice:

"An aspiring talent first job is to get an agent, there are things one can do to get a leg up on the competition, most of which is doing your homework and researching the agency. It is NOT important to just get represented... it is more important to get represented by the RIGHT agency, how loves you and your look!"

Good Luck!

Modeling - The Things You Need To Know - Other Discovery Opportunities

Scouting Companies: These companies conduct meetings, seminars and other events as part of a national tour to discover new talent. They typically advertise these events on local television or radio. After an initial meeting, hundreds of young people are invited to a regional event. Over a two day period, seminars are offered by industry professionals. Agents and scouts are flown in from around the world by the scouting company. Opportunities also include walking the runway and sharing photos with 40-50 agencies. The costs associated are usually in the $400 - $600 range plus hotel and travel fees.

Modeling Conventions: Unlike a scouting company, a modeling convention is usually attended by talent from modeling schools or small agencies that have been trained to compete for the convention. During the convention there are demonstrations, seminars, and competitions. The costs associated can range between $800 - $5,000, depending on the duration of the event (plus travel and hotel fees).

Internet Scouting: Within the last few years, the advanced in technology and the growth of use on the Internet has caught the modeling industry off guard. The are many legitimate Web sites that show how to become a model. A growing number of traditional modeling agencies are using the Internet to promote their models. Beware: the Internet provides tremendous opportunity for unscrupulous individuals to take advantage of aspiring talent's dreams.

Modeling - The Things You Need To Know - Final Advice

The previous posts encourage aspiring talent to take the direct approach: contact an appropriate, well qualified agency in the area and prepare to make the best presentation possible. Some talent scouts may approach a model on behalf of a modeling or talent agency. Be cautious: ask for a business card which should have all of the important information about the agency. Check out the company by using Consumer protection boards, the Better Business Bureau, and other consumer agencies.

It is important to discuss rejection. Becoming a successful model takes hard work, beauty, a good personality, and self-confidence. Rejection is a daily part of a career as a model. It should not be taken personally and reasons for it may not always be known.

To avoid being scammed: remember to do homework, use common sense, and thoroughly investigate a company before doing business with them. There is not an easy way to break into modeling. If there was, consider how many models there would be.

Modeling - The Things You Need To Know - At The Interview

A good agent can assess a model's marketability within a few seconds of an in person meeting.

Tips for Models at an interview:
1. You have to sell yourself
2. Wear clean, casual clothes, choosing fitted rather than loose garments
3. Use minimal make-up and keep hair clean and simply stated
4. Hands should be manicured
5. Bring paper and pen for notes
6. Be on time
7. Be patient if the agent is delayed
8. When meeting the agent, look into the agents eyes, smile, and it you wish, give a firm handshake
9. Wait for the agent to ask for pictures
10. Do not fidget

Modeling - The Things You Need To Know - Getting An Interview

When calling an agency, models should be prepared for brusk treatment. Agencies deal with hundreds of calls from client, agents, photographers, models, messengers, and others all needing immediate attention. It is a good idea to check with the receptionist about the best time to call back and if the agency has any upcoming open calls. Agencies are used to making initial assessments from a small number of snapshots. These snapshots should include a headshot, a full length shot, and a body shot for proportions. All shots should look like the model.

Models looking to be discovered should mail pictures to the agencies they are interested in. Each picture should have their name and phone number on the back. A letter introducing the model should be included. This letter should contain true measurements, height, and age. It could take several weeks to be contacted in return, so be prepared to wait. Models should keep track of where and when they sent their packages and who responded.