Category Archives: Insider tips

How to Nail Your Next Audition!

MAX Agency Talents and Models find out how to nail your next audition!!!

General advice

  • Research the company in advance, so you know what theyre about and the kind of person theyre looking for. Youll come across as both professional and organised.
  • Ask your agent as many questions as you can. Its their job to make sure you head to your audition prepared. If you arent sure about something (from the address to lines to memorize) ASK!! Youre agent shuold give you all the information but if they dont and you arent sure ask!
  • Smile! Youll make a good first impression.
  • Get a good nights sleep. Your eyes will be brighter and youll be more alert for your audition.
  • Be on time (or early) for everything. It sounds obvious, but some people find this a real challenge.
  • Avoid stripy or boldly-patterned clothing – itll be distracting on camera.
  • Youre likely to feel nervous if youre not used to auditioning, or if its a part you really want – but try to relax in front of the camera (or, if appropriate, use your nerves for dramatic effect!).
  • Believe in yourself. Your confidence will come through in your audition.
  • You probably wont get every part you audition for, but youre gaining valuable experience along the way.

Actors

  • Learn your lines back to front, and inside out. Practise with a friend, so you feel confident on the day and dont freeze up! Practive in front of friends or family, or even the mirror if you have to. This allows you to see the reaction from others before going into the audition.
  • Listen carefully and follow any instructions youre given, but also try and have an original take on the part so they remember your performance.
  • Asking questions shows youre engaged and have initiative, but dont ask too many questions – casting directors dont have all day to chat.
  • You dont need to be in character for the entire audition – the casting director needs to see the ‘real you, as well.

Models

  • Be co-operative: follow any instructions, ask for direction if you need it, and avoid any conflict or dramas.
  • When attending meetings or castings, go for a fresh, natural look. Dont overdo the make-up or hair styling.
  • Dress comfortably – dont be sloppy, but slim-fit jeans, boots, and a tailored jacket should work fine.
  • Carry your portfolio with you (and your comp card, if you have one) in case anyone needs to see it.

Types of Modeling – Modeling Industry Categories

The current national and international modeling scene is well-established with specific yet unofficial requirements and model categories already in place. Knowing what these are where you fit in will help you better position yourself to pursue your modeling career. As a model, you may fit in to only one or multiple categories. Here they are at a glance:

FASHION MODEL:

A Fashion Model’s requirements are the most stringent and specific. This includes “Runway” or “Editorial” modeling. A typical Fashion Model in this category should be young, tall and thin. Specifially, this means the fashion industry size standards as listed below:

FEMALE FASHION MODELS:

  • Height: 5’9” to 6”
  • Measurement: 34-24-34. (There are rare exceptions within one inch, maybe two. Anything beyond is extremely unlikely to be considered)
  • Age: 16-21 years old
  • Size: 0-4

MALE FASHION MODELS:

  • Height: At least 6’
  • Weight: 150-180 lbs, directly proportional to height
  • Measurement: Waist between 29” to 32”. Jacket size between 40 and 42
  • Age: 18-25 years old

EDITORIAL FASHION MODEL: These types of models are featured in the editorial spreads of pages like Elle, SHE, Vogue, Flare, etc. They must fit the modeling requirements for a “Fashion Model” (listed above) in order to be considered. Most editorial fashion in Canada is Toronto-based. Other opportunities in editorial fashion can sometimes be found in major cities such as Montreal and Vancouver.

FASHION CATALOG MODEL: The requirements here are slightly less restrictive than fashion modeling in terms of height and measurement requirements. Catalog modeling still has rigid standards nonetheless.. Catalog models found in clothing catalogs online and offline, posing in a variety of outfits. This category is where most models fit and can be very lucrative for a model.

RUNWAY MODEL: Catwalk or Runway Models are hired to wear and display the fashion garments of a clothing designer. They must fit sample size clothing on display. They must be tall (5’9” and up for females, 6’ and up for males), slender and have measurements that fit the standard designer clothing size. And they definitely must know how to work the catwalk.

COMMERCIAL MODEL: Most agency models fit and work in this category. Commercial Models can take on many different and fun projects, including: print advertisements, catalogs, websites, campaigns, television shows, magazines, trade shows and much more. The possibilities here are endless. There is no height or size requirement for Commercial Modeling. If you are dying to be a fashion model but simply do not fit the size requirements for mainstream “Fashion Modeling”, you can find work and book great paying jobs as a “Commercial Fashion Model” doing fashion print and projects, of which there is abundance of demand for. Not interested in being a Commercial Fashion Model? This category of modeling accommodates many types of looks: from the girl-next-door, to middle-aged men, to those with very “unique, interesting, and character” faces.

PRINT MODEL: Print models are used for many different kinds of publications: magazines, print advertisements, billboards, posters, subway ads, wrap adverts (on buildings and buses,) calendars, campaigns, booklets, flyers and banners. Print models must have an attractive face, good skin, a nice figure and of course, a pleasing smile.

PROMOTIONAL MODEL: A Promotional Model, also known as a “Promo Model,” is hired to represent a brand, product, or service. This category of modeling does not have a height or weight requirement. It is easier to get into promo modeling than many other types of modeling. While there are no height or weight requirements, there are other general requirements for booking paid promo work: a great attitude, outgoing nature, a nice smile, and the ability to work with the public. These models may take part in events such as The Food and Wine Show or The Auto Show.

PETITE MODEL: These are models that are on the shorter side who are typically 5’4” and under. While they will not be able to find work as a fashion model, petite models can find work in other categories such as a print, commercial or promotional modeling.

FITNESS MODEL: Fitness Models are in superior shape. They are healthy, proportioned and have good muscle tone. There are no size or height requirements except being in exceptional shape.

PLUS-SIZE MODEL: “Plus-Sized” or “Full Figured Models” are beautiful models that just do not fit the stringent size requirements for mainstream modeling. They have fuller figures, weigh more and have pretty faces. They can be hired as Catalog Models for plus-sized clothing brands and stores, as well as many other job opportunities.

NUDE MODEL: Nude Models typically only find work in photoshoots. They can pose topless, partially or fully nude. There are no height or weight requirements but must have good proportion and good skin tone.

Max Agency represents types of models. To be considered at an Evaluation Meeting by an Agent, please fill out the Application Form here:  http://maxagency.com/application.php.

Helpful Tips for New MAX Talents

With all the hustle and bustle of the season, visions of sugar plums, racing cars and vacations swirling in our heads its easy to sometimes forget basic audition etiquette. The most important thing to remember is to always be arrive on time. If anything arrive 15 minutes early! If something happens please call your agency.  We understand that things happen, but  a Casting Director waiting for a talent to arrive is likea small child  waiting for Santa on christmas eve. After that just be confident! You were s elected for an audition for a reason. Have fun and most improtantly you have the agency crossing their fingers for you!!!