Hi, I am new to this forum. I am looking into getting into modelling or acting management. Like an Agent. I was a model for a couple years when I was a teenager, and since having my son, I can't go back... I was hoping to stay in the industry, but on the management side. The fashion industry has always been a huge part of my life and I would like to keep it that way.
Does anyone have any advice on what education I should be looking into, or where I could start this type of career? Any advice would be great, because right now I have no idea. There are a couple event & talent management courses, but they are on the other side of Canada, so could be done, but not very easily.

Thanks,

Sheena

(1) Research job descriptions of agents and managers. Decide which one you think you want to pursue. Agents procure and negotiate deals. Managers advise their clients. Sometimes the lines between the two get blurred, but you need to really understand the differences (and limitations) before you pick one.

(2) Decide if you want to be an agent representing actors, models, writers, or directors. Since you said models or actors, pick one. It is tough to do both and besides, if you want to represent Tyra Banks (actress and model), she may have 2 different agents for each capacity (acting or modeling). She may have one for both, but some have two.

(3) There are model agencies (Elite Models, Wilhelmina, Ford Models, etc.) and there are talent agencies (Creative Artisis Agency [CAA], William Morris Agency [WMA], International Creative Management [ICM], etc. Check out their websites. Look at job descriptions.

(4) Between repping models and talent (actors, writers, etc.), there is probably more money and glory in the latter, but it depends on what you are passionate about (fashion v. films/TV).

(5) Be prepared to make very little money for many years. Be prepared to be yelled at, belittled, harassed, etc. Have thick skin and don't take things personally. Salaries start at low $20Ks and start there for awhile. Also, keep in mind that most people who go into the industry, LEAVE the industry having not made it. It is a sink or swim business.

(6) Try to read subscription journals like "Hollywood Reporter" or "Daily Variety."

(7) Use the web to research, research, research who's who in the business.

Hi, it sounds like you could give some well needed insight to the business. The best way, I feel, is to try to intern, interns make little or no money, but you have to be in or near the business you want. Networking is the best way to move in the entertainment industry, it is all "who you know". If, you feel you have enough to give, start your own model management firm in your home town,(I'm sorry, did you say where you lived). There are a lot of talented people who need someone to take them to the next level. I know several Talent managers in NY who have paid interns to answer phones, mail, cast submissions and filing, all the while having their ears and eye's open. The point is, keep intending and something will happen.

Hey, I've been researching online at the moment as I'm also interested in this. I found quite a good website here: http://www.startatalentagency.net/

Thinking of opening up a Talent Agency? The Department of Industrial Relations, requires Talent Agencies in California to post a $50,000.00 Talent Agency bond (Bond amount varies for other States). You can read more about it in this link: ATA: Association of Talent Agents - Newsstand

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