There is good news and there is bad news. Which would you like first?
Well, the bad news is that Facebook’s recent “Doppleganger experiment” is a prime example of the TALENT’s first major hurdle to working as an actor or model. You were probably watching your friends post celebrity pictures including the likes of JESSICA SIMPSON, KATE WINSLET, and even BRAD PITT. But as an objective viewer, you likely thought to yourself, “Hmm, that’s a stretch. I don’t see the resemblance.” Maybe they have the same brown hair as Natalie Portman . . . or those coveted Angelina Jolie lips . . . but that doesn’t make them twins!
Physicalities are the FIRST of many deciding factors in the level of your success as an actor/model. That may not be surprising since it’s an image business. What IS shocking, however, is how grossly we misjudge who we are and where we fit. Just because your aunt Gertrude suggests your tall and beautiful like a model, doesn’t make you high fashion material. Likewise, signing up for an acting class doesn’t make you an actor. But reading this blog puts you on the road to reaching either or both of those goals, so forge ahead!
Honestly look in the mirror and ask yourself – who am I? Make a list of the obvious first including hair color, eye color, height, weight, ethnicity, body type, age, gender, etc. Then include more detailed information like your best features. Do you have big eyes or are they deep set? Are you likely to be the prom queen or the bookworm? Are you toned and athletic or thin and lacking curves? What is the quality of your skin, teeth, hair, and overall health? The more honest you are with yourself, the easier life is going to be.
Which brings me to the GOOD news . . . no matter what you wrote down as an honest answer, there IS a place for YOU in entertainment! The challenging part isn’t so much finding where you fit (I can help you with that in a matter of seconds and without even meeting you), but rather in the talent him/herself being able to fully embrace your place and accept it whole-heartedly!
Steve Buscemi is an amazing well-paid and well respected actor, but he isn’t likely to do the next Ralph Lauren campaign. Let me say as a side note that knowing and embracing where you fit, doesn’t limit you from branching out into less likely opportunities – Charlize Theron is a perfect example of this.
All that being said, a truthful and clear assessment of who you are will likely hurt your feelings on some level. It may even bring to light things you hadn’t realized, causing you to become more self conscious. Bear in mind that we all have blemishes. The viral Dove campaign (Evolution of Beauty) showcases this dramatically. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hibyAJOSW8U) Nothing in marketing is a reality, so it’s good to keep that perspective if you are going to be scrutinized day in and day out.
Hope this suggestion was helpful! Share with me your height, weight, an image, your dream, and I’ll help you figure out where you fit! Are you ready?
Melinda Eisnaugle
Agency Director
The Avenue Model & Talent Agency
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