How To Start A Career In Commercial Modelling & Acting

So you want to be a model or actor, but where do you start?

Get A Headshot- Every actor needs an 8x10 headshot with a resume on the back and even beginner models may start off with a simple headshot before the start building their portfolio.

Build Your Portfolio- A simple headshot will only serve its purpose for a time, then you need to upgrade. Determine what type of roles you might be cast for as a commercial print model. Examples include athletic, young mom and businessperson. You should now work on building your portfolio with these looks. Determine what types of roles you’re most likely to be cast for and build your portfolio around them. Be realistic about it, and take a look at your strengths. For example, If you’ve got an athletic build, you may be a great fit for athletic and fitness campaigns and acting roles. Recognize your strengths and use them to your advantage.

Find An Agent- Do some research about reputable agencies in your area. Give them a call and don’t be afraid to ask questions about the process of applying, the types of campaigns they do and what they’re ultimately looking for. We’ve heard great things at Carolyn’s Model & Talent Agency, not that we’re biased or anything. Some people advocate for a do it yourself approach, but we firmly believe an agent will help you navigate more effectively through the industry and will ultimately give you access to the connections you need.

Take Classes- This is a no brainer for actors; of course you should take classes. But for models, it can strengthen you commercial work by helping you to learn how to pose, learn more about your body movement and what you’re capable of. It’ll also help you to improve your role-playing and help convey emotion better.

New Toronto Actress

Welcome to Shamique Bowes! We are so glad to have this talented and beautiful woman on board our roster. Doesn't she have a gorgeous smile?

New Toronto Model

Welcome new model Margaryta Soldatova! She is now moved over from CIM to Carolyn's Model & Talent roster. Isn't she a beauty?

NEW Toronto Model

Welcome, Cara Chau to Carolyn's roster of NEW models! We are so glad to have her, she is a true beauty and takes stunning photos. 

New Carolyn's Kids Talent

Welcome to Vanessa V. to Carolyn's Kids! Her and Jenna V. are twin sisters and we are pleased to have them both on board! 

Acting & Modelling Classes

There are many modelling and acting classes offered through "Freedom of the Arts".

Open to anyone who can attend; below are the classes we offer. There's anything from modelling or acting classes for all kids, teens and adults! If you're interested in taking part in any of our classes give us a call at 905-542-8885 or send us an email at freedomschoolofthearts@gmail.com 

To see some of the teachers for these classes check them out here. 

It's never to late to invest in your career with some great classes to help you out!

OPEN CASTING CALL!

MISSISSAUGA, ON Jan. 29, 2013 - Creative open casting call with Scout Media and Sterling Studio for a unique project that combines stills and video to be edited together as a beautiful vignette of real people showing a range of expressions. 

This is a great opportunity to get industry experience and build your portfolio. This is an OPEN call so anyone can inquire and audition so if you're looking to get into the industry this is the perfect opportunity to get started. 

WHO: Sterling Studio/Scout Media 

WHAT: Unpaid 2-3 hour session

LOOKING FOR: Multicultural cross section of adults ages 18 and up who have a unique and interesting face. Also looking for fitness/athletic types! 

You will be provided with a high resolution re-touched file of your best photo and there will be excellent coffee the day of the shoot! 

Any talent who would be interested in being part of a personal portrait creative project please inquire for further information with photo. 

For more information:

Michael Banasiak - michael@camerawork.ca

www.scoutmedia.ca

www.sterlingstudio.ca

Beauty Tip: Nude Lips

For female models and actors, having a fresh face is extremely important. This means no flashy or bright makeup but clean and simple. When attending castings or go-see's your face should be a clean canvas for any clients who want to book you for either print and/or runway but also for commercials, films and TV. So girls, rocking the nude lips is a major must & even better, it's universally flattering!

It's okay to wear a bit of makeup to auditions and castings but go basic and natural. Having the perfect nude lipstick is a must so be sure you have one best suited for your skin tone and colouring on hand at all times. 

Even if you're not in the entertainment industry, a nude lipstick is a staple for any girl's makeup collection as it has become a part of such a new classic look. You have so many options with a nude lip! You can play up the cheeks with colour or eyes with a smokey look or dramatic lashes. 

So when attending an audition of any kind, be sure to wear you nude lipstick to add some simple colour to your lips. You'll stand out whilst looking like that natural beauty you are! 

Some shades I recommend (featured above in order from left to right) are M.A.C's 'Fleshpot', a gorgeous pale nude shade; 'Hue' for a more pink toned nude; and 'Viva Glam II' for a darker beige-nude. CN $18.50 / US $15.00 

• First be sure to exfoliate your lips so they are soft and smooth. I recommend a sugar scrub (there are some DIY options for this that can be found online) and then add a lip chap to moisturise. This is important so your lipstick isn't streaky and because some nude lipsticks tend to be sheer.
• Second be sure to apply a thin layer of concealer or your foundation to act as a base, especially if your lipstick is on the lighter side. This also helps make the colour more opaque. 
• Apply a matching lip liner for a fuller and more dramatic flare and then your nude shade of choice. (You can either leave it Matte or add a nude gloss on top). 

We love both Carrie Underwood and Katy Perry! They both know how to rock their nude lip according to their different skin tones and colouring. Blondes can get away with a lighter nude shade (M.A.C 'Fleshpot') while dark haired beauties like Katy should go with a warmer nude with some pink hue's (M.A.C 'Hue'). 

What is your favourite nude lipstick? Let us know! 

Talent Tip: Be Weird & Be Proud!

Here is some great advice straight from the successful new star Jennifer Lawrence of The Hunger Games and Silver Linings Playbook.

"Keep being weird and just be proud of it!" says Lawrence.

Lawrence is a great example of how to be in the entertainment industry. She is strong and humble and has stayed true to herself through her success and rise to stardom. Lawrence is a true role model to aspiring actors and even models! These are important qualities to hold on to in this industry and something we also promote! It's so refreshing to see happy, humble and modest individuals in this industry.

Some tips to take from Jennifer:

- Stay true to who you are, BE WEIRD!
- Have a sense of humour and don't get too serious.
- Be modest about your success.
- Enjoy yourself and have fun!

"I'm not that crazy, but I'm an artist" says Lawrence.

Make sure to let your personality shine, always! It will not only allow you to be true to yourself but it will also help get you recognised and stand out in castings!



Check out a great article and interview with Jennifer below.

http://www.wmagazine.com/celebrities/2013/02/jennifer-lawrence-silver-linings-playbook-actress-golden-globe-winner