I had high hopes going to Pro Model today. I went over on the spur of the moment, with my previous modeling photos from a few years back, copies of a couple commercials I've done on DVD and also a runway show I did several years ago on DVD as well. Earlier today, I'd snapped a few shots to take with me as my recent photos - because in my experience they always ask for that - headshot smiling, full body shot, etc.
I was prepared. It's been about 5 years since I last did anything related to modeling, but I thought I might see what was out there. I did my homework. The agencies locally got bad reviews. So in my brief search, Pro Model looked promising. Now I was ready to interview them. I showed up armed, and met with a talent scout after I told the girl behind the desk that I had experience and I wanted to speak with someone.
She came out and we sat down in a small room. She looked at my photos, I told her about my previous experience with 4 agencies around Ohio - Youngstown, Akron, Barberton, and Toledo. I explained how I did commercials, print ads, live tv, and runway. She never asked me if I had any formal training in any of it - with the exception of acting. She focused on my acting training heavily - did I have it in high school? College? Youth? I didn't know why it was such a big deal when I could clearly show her 3 commercials I'd acted and spoken in.
She didn't want to watch any of my materials, but did say I had to come back this weekend for 1 1/2 hrs for an open call. When I expressed to her that I've never been to one and she needed to explain, she seemed surprised. Now, from what I've read, I'm very disappointed. I'm clearly not going to the meeting. The 4 other agencies I've been with, did not require any money upfront. Zero. I was not told to take any classes of any sort - whether it be makeup, hair, runway, self-esteem, or any other crappy class.
My Mom brought me up to always sit up straight - not slouch, and to walk with my head held high. I didn't know how to do runway until the Cleveland clothing designer hired a choreographer to teach us what he wanted. Then we practiced. On the job training. There was only one thing I've ever been expected to pay for and that was my comp cards. Out of the 4 agencies only 2 required them. I think that's fair.
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