Recently I polled the following question to local photographers, "If you could write a 90 day start up plan for an aspiring model, what would you include within your plan? The responses were overwhelming. I've categorized everyone's opinion into these following steps:
Give them the chip, not the whole bag! DeeDee Thompson writes...
Be prepared! Jessy Cook
Remember, modeling is an art! Andre Askew Begin with a "Mood" board. One can be easily created and shared via sites such as Pinterest. Outline the theme and color selection with the creative team (Photog, MU&H, Wardrobe, Etc). So many don't realize that the color scheme of the session makes a difference. Meet with each key player (in person, Phone, E-Mail, Etc) at least twice. Once to discuss the concept and to finalize and verify the session. Nothing is worst than to plan on a Green & Red color palette and the model arrives with Blue & Yellow. That will cost you "Time and Money". Have at least 3-4 location options. The team will need to know if they can carry out their duties on location (Lights, Power, Changing Rooms, Etc). Lastly, remember that if this is your session, you are responsible for the execution. You must have a trusted team by your side. No team, no problem but you must ask for assistance from someone who understands your needs and desires. Proceed with caution! Mike Wilson
So in summary here's my take on it. Being prepared is always key. There's nothing more enjoyable than working with an aspiring model that's on time, prepped and an agile within posing. It's important for the photographer to offer direction and the model, suggestions. Upon completion of your photo session, network your images as if you were applying for a job. Think of that select image (up to 3 max) as your resume. I've had more success with one picture published at key times. (Check previous blog post on best times to post on Facebook). Finally, take caution and always research the respected photographer. Ask questions and request for references from other models. This will ensure you are working with a professional regardless of the compensation. And as mentioned, have fun! A word from the author: The information contained within this blog is expressed written consent from each respected photographer. These are their personal opinions based on experience and professionalism within their respected field of expertise. Todd Matherne Photography & Promotions neither denies or affirms the content within this blog post.
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You have to start somewhere! Why not here? Do you have an interest in the movie industry? Are you looking for a right place to start? I'm going to share my experiences and advise with you. You'll also hear view points and invaluable information from a few friends in the movie industry. Ever since the age of 4, I knew that my lifelong dream was to perform. As my parents watched their favorite shows, such as "The Carol Burnett Show, I Love Lucy and The Honeymooners"...I would extensively study and act out the character scenes. I would sing commercial jingles and attempted to be their daily entertainment. Yes, it was quite a hilarious sight! That carried into adulthood, where the stage and set is now my second home! In September 2011, I began to reach out to several casting agencies. By October that year, I was cast as an Extra for background work in the movie, "Thunderstruck." From that point, I received countless movie and commercial opportunities with every casting agency across the state. That Extra work lead to Featured Roles, Body Doubles, Stand In, auditions for main roles, Inspirational Speaking and Life Coaching. From those castings, I've also been contacted by Producers and Directors across the country. It's been quite the adventure, and looking forward to further endeavors along the way. Now that I've shared my experiences with you, are you ready for some exciting news? You now have one central spot for all casting! "My Casting File" www.MyCastingFile.com That's right! One spot where you can sign up for FREE and even *Upgrade to Pro* for only $24 a year. I highly recommend doing this, as you can add more content and improve your chances of being cast. Another word of advise is to get a Talent Agent and Professional Headshots! So, you're ready to be an Extra? Now's your chance to hear from these select few... "Stay vigilant. Learn as much as possible. Don't approach talent when on set. Make sure you get professional head-shots from a head-shot photographer. I have shot over 600 actors and know exactly what casting wants. There's so much more... When you sign up for a class with me, you'll learn everything you need to know!" Steve Hammond, Owner and Operator of AMP'D Studio A Full Service Photography & Videography Company in New Orleans. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shot.by.steve/ Website: http://www.stvhmmnd.com/ "If you have ever been interested in acting, being a movie star or background actor...it's a great place to start. It's fun and you get paid. This is how I started my journey into acting and I must say that I do love it. Many people think you have to take expensive acting classes that can cost up to thousands for modeling agencies. "Package deals" that usually tell everybody they can make them a star. Don't fall for it. These are scams. Never pay up front fees to get into movie extra work. Many real casting agents and agencies post calls for movie extra work on their websites, and many use Facebook. Yes that's right, Facebook! You can also check Craigslist under gigs or Talent gigs. This is the best way to start. Remember, real agencies never require an upfront fee. Once you have made it onto the movie sets, remember to network - network - network and do not be afraid to ask questions! Before you know it, you'll be a pro and on the road to being a professional actor. Michelle Torres, Actress https://about.me/michelle.torres The Next Step... From informative advise and tips to contact resources, you're now one step closer to being cast as an Extra! So, make your next move and get some professional head shots made. You're going to need those along your way. I highly recommend Steve Hammond, as he knows the movie industry inside and out. Not to mention, the top quality you'll receive! Next, go to www.MyCastingFile.com and register. Communicate with others doing the same, and ask questions. You'll be surprised by the wealth of information you can gain from other like-minded professionals in the industry. Do you want to pursue an acting career? If so, you will need those professional head shots more than ever and a Talent Agent. In next Saturday's Blog, we'll cover agency search do's and dont's. In Closing... For those beginning your journey as an Extra or in your acting career, I hope you've found this blog to be insightful. Now, I'd like to open this blog up to any questions or other information you'd like to share. Ok? Ready, Set, Go. Like & Comment below... Star Roberts Actress, Singer & Writer Editorial & Marketing Assistant Todd Matherne Photography & Promotions Frustrated with the lack of views on your Facebook post? A slight adjustment may be all you need! One of my favorite quotes from life coach Tony Robbins, “When it seems impossible, when it seems like nothing is going to work, you're usually just a few millimeters away from making it happen.” ~Tony Robbins In this short blog post we'll discuss some of the most effective times to publish content on Facebook. I use them effectively all the time. Matter of fact, this blog post is posted during one of those "high traffic" times. Just what are the most effective times to post content on Facebook? Here's a quick summary...
Let's take a closer look...shall we? Early am? Remember back in the day when your parents or grandparents would come to the table with the newspaper? Hopefully today, that still takes place though for many of us. Checking our cell phones is the first thing we do after waking up. Right? If you manage a FB page or enjoy writing your early morning thoughts, try posting near 7:00 am or so. A quick tip to use through out the day, is 5 minutes before or after the hour. Mid morning? OK, so maybe not everyone is up at 7:00 am or the likes. Maybe after breakfast, just getting to work or taking that first break is a better time. Notice this blog is posted each Wednesday near 10:05 am? Mid afternoon? I'm not a huge advocate of lunch time or right after lunch. Often times people tend to get a little sleepy. What I've found works best, is near 3pm or so. This has been one of my highest reach times. Before prime time? No doubt everyone is tuning into the Big Bang Theory or their favorite series, right? So why try to compete with them? Either post before the big networks or shortly afterwards. Around 5:30 pm is a great time given most people are getting home from work. We tend to repeat the morning routine agree? Create an infomercial? OK, yes I work in sales and I watch them. You might actually learn a marketing thing or two. See, the infomercials actually air often between 11:00 pm and midnight because there's generally not much to watch on regular cable TV. Hence, as I say the channels aren't "busy". So why not post a 30 second video during this time to engage your audience? Did I say 30 seconds? I'll save that for a rainy day blog post.
Veronica Nesmet meets "3001: A Space Odyssey" As mentioned in the previous blog, "The Nuts & Bolts of Entertainment"...I'm currently playing the role of Veronica Nesmet in the spaceship comedy, Cosmic Con at Central High School on July 14-16. This dynamic playwright by Dinah Toups, will take your adventures to new and greater heights. This is where my real life character meets Veronica, the movie actor. All for the Livingston Parish Children's Choir fundraiser! Can you think of a better way to share time and talents? Come see me as, Veronica "movie actor" and this adventurous cast. Fly me to the moon! Promotional Photography for a cause! Alan Knight with Captured by Knight dedicated time to capture many shots from a recent rehearsal. One particular snapshot, is now featured in the Arts & Entertainment *Front Page* section of The Livingston Parish News, which also features Minnesota tourists... Tenya Ingalls and Ken Nance. Todd and I captured several photos along the way, including the featured headliner of variety cosplayers. Todd Matherne Photography & Promotions believes in giving back through community fundraising opportunities. We are thrilled to be a vital part of this comedic production! So, how can I get on-board to this awesome show?
Tickets are still on sale for $35 a seat or $240 for a table of 8. Go to www.LPCCsing.org (Paypal) or call/text Barbara Walkers (225) 247-8555. Get your tickets now, as we are selling out fast! This includes a dinner buffet catered by Bantaa, choice of several entrees/sides and dessert. Not to mention, door prizes and raffles! Many surprises are in store. Join us and stay tuned! Star Roberts Singer, Actress & Writer Editorial & Marketing Assistant Todd Matherne Photography & Promotions The eyes have it! In this week's blog post, I'm going to cover another one of my pet peeves...catchlight. So, what exactly is catchlight? A “catchlight" is simply the highlight of a light source reflected off the surface of the eye. This highlight adds depth and dimension to the eye, and gives the eyes life in a portrait or snapshot. In this short blog post, I'll share light sources that easily produce catchlight including:
featured photo Cathy Imson's Images Proper catchlight... Catchlight has existed long before any of our DLSR cameras or cameras for that matter. See the portrait painters of that time, knew where to place that little white reflection of light above the iris. While many argue the placement between either 11:00 to 1:00 o'clock or 10:00 - 2:00 o'clock, this I know ; Without some degree of catchlight, your model or client will appear like the walking dead. Not the most flattering when trying to have your images stand out, right?
How can I become a communication vessel of social media? Building an online presence and being able to interact effectively online is becoming an increasingly important skill in every area of life. Social media continues to provide people with endless benefits and opportunities to empower yourself in an expansive variety of ways. Because of those expansive forms of communication made available, we can now maintain social connections and access more information than ever before. Such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat. Ultimately, it's invaluable for establishing long term business and personal relationships. So, I know you're asking yourself..."How can I become a communication vessel of social media?" And to answer that pondering question, let's move on to...my position as Media & Marketing Assistant of Todd Matherne Photography & Promotions. Following, you can then get a clear understanding of not only how to use online communication to it's fullest potential, yet learn how to become an ambassador of social media. One of the most important factors in what I do, As Media & Marketing Assistant, I always start each day by mapping out a detailed marketing plan, which includes editorial writing across all social media outlets. To ensure these things get implemented, the mapping out process sets the overall tone for the day. Each administration Monday, we collaborate new ideas and marketing strategies to keep things flowing in the right direction. One of the most important factors in what I do, is scoping out updated content and data on Music Entertainment and Promotional Photography. The four communication vessels... This helps to deliver the most precise and engaging information. I've always said, "Know who your audience is. Know your business. Know your services and products. Most of all, know how to provide the best quality at reasonable prices." That being said...rather you utilize social media for business or personal, keep in mind these four communication vessels...
Are you ready to be on board? Are you starting to see how social networking plays such a vital role in people’s lives, talents and businesses? While social networks brings excitement, it also encourage creativity and discovery. We are slowly becoming ambassador's of social media through these many social channels. Who's ready to be on board? The benefits of social media is right in the palm of your hands! We want to hear your thoughts, too. Go ahead and Like, Comment, Share, @ Tweet! Star Roberts
Media & Marketing Assistant Booking Manager Todd Matherne Photography & Promotions [email protected] |
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