Modeling and Acting in Chicago can be the most rewarding pursuits; no matter which path you take in the entertainment industry. Yes it will be challenging but the most rewarding as you meet your career goals and work towards having a successful career in modeling or acting. If you are looking to get started in Chicago you should first put the effort into finding a good agent to work with. Agents are the only people that usually know which productions are casting for what and who is looking for models around Chicago. They usually take into consideration your skills and ability before they submit you to the clients that come to their agency looking for talent. They send out your headshot and resumes to the client and then the client will contact them if they want to set up an audition to see if you have what they are looking for.
There are a lot of different agencies in Chicago, but keep in mind what you are looking for in an agency. There are some that just specialize in working with models and then there are some that do a little bit of everything. You need an agency that will have your goals in mind. Also remember that clients tend to only work with agencies that have already built a solid reputation in the entertainment industry. They will not work with an agency that has just literally popped up overnight, you should avoid working with an agency that is like that too. This is your career.
Agencies typically keep a huge database of all their talent and models, so it makes it easier for their clients to browse who they have working with them and find talent that best suits what they are looking for as well. This database will include all the high quality photos or reels of actors or models that they are working with and that are available to work in Chicago. The client is always looking for images that display the talents commercial appeal in high resolution images or reels. Reels in this industry are usually video compilations of the actor or models best work that they have done since the start of their career in Chicago or any other cities they have worked in.
The client is not just looking at your photos or other talent’s photos though when they are looking into casting someone or looking for a good model in Chicago. They also like to see if the actor or model understands what is expected of them when they are placed for a booking or audition in Chicago. Being a pretty face will only get you so far in the industry as they want to also see if you understand how to move and pose in front of a camera. Anyone going into acting or modeling should have the skills and talent to be confident in front of the camera otherwise this will make it harder for your agent to market you in Chicago.
