How To Become A Successful Commercial Model: An Excerpt Total results: 7 Pages: 1 [ 1] |
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 ID: 228669 Posts: 87 | Date: 2008-01-29 22:05 By Aaron Marcus
What are commercial models used for?
Every day you see commercial models in many different types of ads. They appear
in newspapers, catalogs, magazines, editorials, (photos shown in conjunction
with an article in a magazine), brochures, on posters, billboards, sides of
buses, packages of food items, household products, games, etc. The commercial
model is the silent salesperson promoting a product or company. He or she has to
act without words.
commercial model, modeling
To even be considered as a fashion model you must have very specific physical
requirements. Normally female fashion models are between 5'9" and 6' tall and
must wear a size between 2-6. Some markets outside of the United States will
allow the models to be a little shorter. Male fashion models are normally 6' to
6'2" tall and wear a size 40 regular jacket.
Commercial models, on the other hand, need only to have the ability to look like
a real person. In commercial modeling people of all heights, weights, sizes,
ages, and races are hired. Fashion models normally promote high-end designer
clothes; commercial models advertise everything else.
The commercial model connects the client, product and the consumer. A client is
the person whose product needs to be advertised. Usually, the client hires an ad
agency to produce an ad, the ad agency hires the photographer, and either the
art director from the ad agency or photographer hires the commercial model
through the models agent.
How much do commercial models earn?
The fees are different from city to city and job to job. Adult commercial models
can expect to make anywhere from $50 to $250 an hour depending on the market.
Children are paid less than adults, but can earn up to $75 an hour. There is no
way of knowing how much one can earn. I know a commercial model who earned
$50,000 from one job, and I know people who have made $2,000 for an entire
year.
Most people do not realize that commercial modeling is like any other kind of
business. Before entering this or any industry, you must do your homework. You
must learn about the types of photos that will get you the most work. You must
understand what agents do, and know how to make sure you are working with a
reputable and honest agent. You must know what is expected of you as a
professional model, and learn how to practice before entering the business.
Certainly, the people who have done their research and have gotten the needed
information will have the greatest chance for success.
What does it take to make it as a commercial model?
The best way to get work as a commercial model is to learn some acting skills,
be self-motivated, and have the time to accept work.
How do models get work?
This process is explained in great detail in the book. The short answer is that
agents send models composite sheets (a collection of photos) to a photographer
or art/ creative director, and he or she decides which model to hire for the
job. Sometimes models audition for the job by attending a go-see: models go to a
photographer's studio or casting office and they are seen.
What are the advantages to working as a commercial model?
As I mentioned earlier there are no physical limitations to being a commercial
model. Most people do commercial modeling to supplement their income on a
part-time basis. The hours are extremely flexible, and the hourly fees paid to
commercial models are wonderful. And, of course, it is a thrill to see yourself
or your child in a magazine, newspaper, brochure, or on a poster or
billboard.
What are the disadvantages?
There is no guarantee that there will be steady work. That is why most people
work part-time. There are no health benefits, and no money is withheld from your
checks for tax purposes. You are responsible for paying taxes on all income.
What does it take to get started?
A person can get started by simply having a head shot taken. In the book I
explain how to get photos taken free as well as how to find professional
photographers to shoot your head shots. Depending on the area, one can have a
head shot taken and begin trying to get work for about $350. Finding agents to
submit your head shot for jobs would be the next best step. It is important to
get experience working in front of a camera before trying to work in a major
market.
Taken with permission from the book How to Become a Successful Commercial
Model.
Aaron Marcus has been a full-time actor and commercial model since 1986. He has
been cast in 1063 (to date) TV and radio commercials, corporate films, and print
ads. He is represented by 125 agents across the United States. Along with his
modeling and acting, Aaron Marcus was a faculty member of The School for Film
and Television/NY, and writer for numerous industry publications including
Clique Magazine/Canada, New Generation Magazine/England, and The Models Guild.
Marcus is also the author of How to Become a Successful Commercial Model.http://www.onemodelessencelimited.com |
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| Date: 2008-02-29 18:05 Awesome advice! All your posts are very informative.
-Kylie Ann |
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ID: 228669 Posts: 87 | Date: 2008-02-29 18:41 Thank you.http://www.onemodelessencelimited.com |
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 ID: 167441 Posts: 10 | Date: 2008-03-11 22:16 This topic is very helpful. Thanks for posting this up.The Next Big Thing |
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 ID: 249791 Posts: 1 | Date: 2008-07-21 23:26 Hi ther,
I'm jacob 7 years Old I'm
interested....http://www.jurgita.com/actors-id249791.htmpls contact me if your
interested with me.ty |
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 ID: 228869 Posts: 28 | Date: 2008-07-22 02:15 thnx a lot for such a helpful info. |
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 ID: 223398 Posts: 481 | Date: 2008-07-22 13:21 thanks for the adviceKimberley  |
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Announcement |
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| From now on 50 activity points will turn into 1 credit, so you may earn credits as easy as never before !!!
All models and photographers are able to moderate photos! We will save a lot of time for moderators this way. Please read the short instruction on how to moderate and earn points very quickly.
Also, models and photographers can moderate part of the profiles as well! This is a fast way to earn some action points and credits! |
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Total results: 7 Pages: 1 [ 1] |
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