Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions regarding the entertainment and fashion industry that continue to prevent many men and women from pursuing their ideal careers. Whether it be body composition, age, or prior experience, many individuals are hesitant to audition for modeling, acting, or working as an extra. For many years Casting Talent Online UK, one of the leading online talent agencies in the United Kingdom, has worked to not only find the next generation of talented models, actors, and extras but dispel the rampant misinformation regarding these professions. Below, Casting Talent Online UK will discuss the most common misconceptions regarding the fashion and entertainment industry and hopefully encourage individuals of all backgrounds to take the first step toward their dream job.
You have to Be Tall and Thin to Become a Successful Model
One of the most common misconceptions regarding modeling is that models have to meet strict height and weight requirements. While many modeling companies continue to look for models to be able to fit into size 0 clothing, this is not an industry-wide standard. There are many modeling assignments that ask for models to be below 5’9,” a good example being fashion supermodel Kate Moss who stands just above 5’6” tall. In recent years, models like Kate Moss have paved the way for more variety in modeling, and today, many reputable modeling agencies based in New York, Milan, and Paris are searching for exceptional models with shorter heights.
The same can be said for models of different sizes. Within the past decade, the demand for plus-size models has grown exponentially, with many agencies citing a need for more “realist” models. These agencies are not just looking for curvy or voluptuous women, but women of all body shapes and sizes. Some of the top fashion companies in the world such as Reformation, For Love and Lemons, and ASOS, are now expanding into the plus-size market and are looking for individuals to model these new lines. Those who may have hesitated to audition for modeling jobs due to their size are highly encouraged to give modeling a try, as those above a size two are in high demand!
You Must Be Young to be Cast as An Actor
Many aspiring actors are at some point concerned that their age may hinder their chances of becoming successful actors. This concern is understandable, as many acting jobs require actors to be of a certain age range to play a character. While it is true that many famous actors such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Emma Watson, and Drew Barrymore got their start as child actors, there is no required age to start acting. Anyone can start acting at any age and find roles within their age group. Unlike other professions, there is no clear path to become successful at acting. An actor can start acting in their 20s and only gain recognition in their 40s or someone can start acting in their 60s and receive a breakthrough role within the first year of acting. While there are some advantages to becoming an actor in your early 20s, there are also many disadvantages, such as being typecasted, losing appeal with age, or struggling to remain relevant. For as many actors that got their start as child actors, there are just as many actors who started acting in their mid to late thirty and gained immediate success, such as Samuel L. Jackson, Harrison Ford, and Alan Rickman. It is simply impossible to say when a person should start their acting career; however, to answer the question “how old is too old to start acting,” the answer is simple – it is never too late to become an actor.
You Cannot Find Consistent Work as an Extra
At any given moment, thousands of television shows and movies are filming in the United States. It is not unreasonable to assume that a large percentage of these scenes will take place in public areas and require extras on set. It is important to note, however, that many extras are typically called the day before they are needed on set, meaning planning ahead can be difficult. There is never a shortage of work for those looking to work as an extra, and those who continue to do good work as an extra will be more likely to be called back by the same production teams. Some of the best ways extras can build a good reputation amongst production companies include:
Arriving on time – If you arrive “on time,” you will be considered late. Extras have technically not arrived until they have checked in with the person in charge and let them know they are there. It is important that extras give themselves time to park and find this person on set. Always double-check your call time and plan out how long it will take to drive to the location. Many production companies will ask extras to bring their own wardrobe to the set. If this happens, actors should bring a few extras pieces of clothing with them in their car if they are asked to change.
Do not try to stand out – Extras are also commonly referred to as background actors, meaning they are not meant to draw the eye of the viewer. Many new actors believe that working as an extra will help them land roles if they stand out on screen; this is not the case. Extras who stand out will have failed the purpose of their job and will often be asked to leave and replaced by another background actor. An experienced extra will try to blend in, never look on camera, and act professionally on set.
Bring Snacks and Quiet Activities – Days on a film set can sometimes last up to 16 hours; it is crucial that extras always be prepared for a long day and have something to pass the time. When working as an extra, most of the day will involve waiting to be called. Therefore, when an extra is called, they must be ready to work as quickly as possible and not delay shooting. This means extras should bring quiet activities and allow them to hear if they are called. Additionally, extras should plan their bathroom breaks sparsely in order to avoid being in the bathroom when called. Finally, while there is almost always food provided on set, there is no way of knowing if there will be enough throughout the day. For this reason, extras should bring additional quiet snacks just in case.
