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| Hawaii Fashion Month Runway Show 2013 |
I'm going with a list format for this post. People like lists, right? Lulu's audition tips:
1) First, get an agent. You have a LOT more clout with representation and comp cards (AKA composite cards). I love my agency Niche Models and Talent, but there are a handful of other agents in Honolulu that are awesome.
2) Be physically fit and ready at all times. Straight up truth right here-- you have to focus on your physical health and appearance ALL. THE. TIME. You need to make sure your skin is taken care of, your nails are manicured, hair properly groomed, you're getting enough sleep, etc. Many auditions happen last minute. The last casting call I went to, I had less than 12 hours notice. I have even gotten calls from my agent 30 minutes before an audition-- so I am always maintaining. This is something that is both good and tiring. Good, because it makes you very aware of health and your body, what you eat, how you present yourself, etc. The bad part? I get really tired. Sometimes I don't want to eat a salad. Or shave my legs. Or look cute. I want to eat pizza and watch Netflix for 3 days straight. Just sayin.
3) Be OK with rejection. You aren't going to get most of the jobs that you go to casting calls for. It can be frustrating, but don't beat yourself up. You have to just keep trying. There are a ton of beautiful, wonderful, talented people in this world and you are one of them-- but not every campaign is for you. In Hawaii, I usually don't get much local TV work, for example, because they want someone who is "hapa" or more "local" looking. The gigs I land are casting calls for Caucasian women. That's my niche. And there are many different niches. Campaigns call for a range of ages and ethnicities. You don't have to be super model status to get jobs in modeling. I just hung out with a successful model who was a local, 50+, average business man. He lands jobs because there are not a lot of models in that demographic. Be yourself. Be optimistic. Rejection will happen, and that's ok.
4) Dress the part. If you have information about what the shoot is going to be like, show up to the audition dressed for that role. Outdoorsy? Selling Yoga wear? Don the yoga pants and Nikes.
5) Don't be stuck up. Be nice. SMILE. I find that it is the most insecure, unsuccessful models that walk into casting calls all cocky and rude. They don't say hi to the other girls, they look pissed off, they seem like they don't want to be there. Don't be one of those chicks. People will brand you as a prima donna or a diva. People like nice people. Nice people get referred for jobs. Personality comes through in auditions, on camera, and on film. Don't be stuck up. Be nice.
6) Don't ever arrive late, always be early. This one may seem obvious, but seriously, don't be late. Some casting calls are open, some calls give you a specific time to be there. Either way, arrive early. Get comfortable with the environment-- it soothes the nerves to get there early, get a nice parking spot, touch up the chapstick, take some deep breaths, walk in polished and first in line (some calls, the lines can be ridiculously long and you will wait for hours!).
7) Introduce yourself to everyone. Talk to people! Don't do it obnoxiously, but when you are sitting next to a couple nervous models in a reception area, it helps everyone to introduce yourself, ask about people's agents, where they are from, etc. Break the ice. You never know who you will meet, and there's a lot of really friendly people in the "industry." Referrals happen a lot in the local Hawaii market. Models help other models out sometimes. It's camaraderie, and it's fun. Make the most of the casting calls and get to know who else is out there. It's fun to make friends and compare notes! It's a great way to get advice, too. Not only that, but for some casting calls you will be paired with someone and asked to do some kind of "scene." The last one I did, I had a "husband" and we were "on vacation in Hawaii, watching dolphins, with delight." The one thing that made it easier was the "husband" I had to act with had become my friend in the reception area. I knew where he was from, what he did for his day job, we cracked jokes, and he had the same name as my brother, Justin. So Justin and I kicked that auditions' butt.
8) Be adventurous. Example: I am scared of heights. Legit scared. Recent audition? Zip lining. commercial. Go big or go home. Get out of your comfort zone and push your limits!
9) Keep your look consistent. You need to look like the person on your comp card. Don't do dramatic hair coloring, tattoos, piercings, etc. if you do-- you need to redo comp cards and make sure your agent knows that your look has changed.
10) Love your agent. Keep in good communication with your agent, ask for advice, and send them thank you cards when you get paid work. Good relationships with your agent will ensure that you stay on their "radar" and that they think of you when potential work opportunities arise.
11) Finally, it's OK to be nervous. Know that most people in the room with you are nervous too. The more casting calls and auditions you go to, the easier it will be for you to relax. :)
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| Aloha Sailor Runway Show at Trump, 2013 |
