The Modeling Connection

Open Call Madness

2012-01-02T07:28:00.000-08:00

If you have been involved in the modeling or acting industry for any amount of time you have probably heard the word “open call” more than once. Open calls can be hectic, especially it is for a younger child. Whether it’s an open call for a department store fashion show, or for a modeling agency seeking new talent, there are a few things you should know before venturing out to one.

First of all, “open call” simply means “casting” or “audition” but the term “open call” means there will be many more people attending then at a regular casting. A lot of castings and auditions are for pre-selected talent, but an open call is usually for the general public, or if you are with an agency, it is for many more people than just a regular casting. Be ready to wait in long lines, bring lots of food, and if you are with a young child, make sure he/she has gotten his or her nap right before (if applicable) or that they are not too tired that day. It takes a lot of patience on the parents’ part, but the child also needs to be prepared.

Prepared for what? Well, sometimes hundreds of children show up at the same time…I don’t think I need to tell you the problem with that one. Or, if the client who is casting for the job runs out of time or the open call is running too many hours, they will start to line people up and pick them out for who is going to be staying and who will be leaving. Sound a little inhumane? Well, unfortunately it happens, and all those warnings of needing to have a thick skin and take rejection well will come into play here.

SUMMARY:
• Open calls tend to have a lot of people attending and long waiting periods to see the client
• Bring snacks and make sure children are rested
• Prepare your child for a long wait and possibly dealing with a large crowd

Over 40 Females

2011-01-23T17:09:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted here in a long time because I have been very busy with my company "Over 40 Females."

Over 40 Females is a networking group, but the philosophy doesn't stop at merely exchanging business cards - we take it one step further and offer women over 40 many opportunities, events and giveaways that they wouldn't normally have on their own.

We also offer companies an opportunity to reach out to our demo in a very interactive way.

We're expanding to be nationwide and it's very exciting!! We were in Scottsdale last week, NYC the week before and are looking to spread the Over 40 Females network everywhere.

Please join us on Facebook if you are not a member, and also visit the website when you can...if you are interested in starting a chapter in your area, contact us through the website:

www.over40females.com

Otherwise, here is our Facebook page, and we will "see" you there!
CLICK HERE TO GO TO FACEBOOK GROUP PAGE

My Show "Women Power" Aired on Time Warner TV

2010-07-22T12:19:00.000-07:00

When I was the host of "Women Power" I interviewed women from all over the WORLD, and gave back at the same time by making them commit to a women's cause.

Not a typical news show, "Women Power" was fun, exciting and embraced ALL types of women, including children and teens from the age of 6 years old.

When I started having an interest in TV I was very young, and started with acting camp, plays, musicals then into my teens and 20's sent my photos to commercial agencies, etc. And at the age of 42, I am finally pursuing my dream of hosting.

Let me know how YOU feel about getting your child (or yourself!) into the TV industry.

Hosting Later in Life

2010-06-27T18:35:00.000-07:00

Typically, a lot of models go into acting, and I have most recently pursued hosting at the age of 41.

My first ever interview was a private sit-down with Laura Bush at More Magazine's Reinvention Convention with the nationally acclaimed Better TV, and I interviewed many other celebrities like Barbara Corcoran and Nora Ephron. Since then I have hosted City Buzz, a show called "Women Power" that aired on Time Warner and a cooking show series with McCormick. I also hosted a live roundtable discussion for Playtex Baby Bottles!

I'm telling you this because the pursuit of happiness in a career should never have an age limit - go for what you want and GET IT!!!

Many people will tell you that hosting is for teens and 20-somethings...I proved that is not true, and so can YOU in whatever you choose to do.

Fashionista Prep and ELLEGirl Model Search are hosting a party in NYC May 19th!

2010-05-10T11:58:00.000-07:00

Join us - I'm an instructor at Fashionista Prep and will be at the party!

CLICK HERE FOR INVITATION LINK

SEE YOU THERE!

Want To Be a Part of The Fashion World?

2010-04-23T10:15:00.000-07:00

Have you ever thought about being a designer, stylist, fashion publicist, model or modeling agent?

Join us at Fashionista Prep, where you can learn exactly how to get into these careers, and valuable contacts to help you get started! Kind of like a school and career manager combined...and classes are limited to 20 students, so you get up-close, personal treatment. Join us!!

Over 40 Female Movement!!

2010-01-02T08:11:00.000-08:00

Ok, ENOUGH of the world not knowing our abilities...ENOUGH of the Prada/Gucci ads showing girls 16 years of age...ENOUGH of our not being able to express our talents, wisdom and courage!!!

JOIN ME NOW: www.over40females.com and let's SHOW THE WORLD what we can do!!!

Time for change - why shouldn't we have more of a say in the world we run behind the scenes??? Mothers, aunts, sisters, entrepreneurs, nurturers, ground-breakers, philanthropists, volunteers, EVERYONE - join me in celebrating LIFE AFTER 40!!!

2009-12-31T08:54:00.001-08:00

It's been a long time since I've regularly blogged on this blog...how is everyone?

The modeling industry has opened doors for me to do more and more TV, so here I am as a "TV Personality" on the red carpet for a movie premiere this past November...there are so many ways a career path can lead you! This one took me to the red carpet - after countless appearances across the country as a model expert, lifestyle expert, host and author on TV.

Have you heard of Kariza Chan? She is simply amazing!!! She is the one in the picture below me...she didn't think there was work out there for an over-40 Asian woman, and she scored a campaign with Harper's Bazaar and Estee Lauder!!! SO proud of her.

I do see more and more of over 35/40 work for women...it's slow going though, and the best agencies (in NYC) out there right now for this demographic are CESD, Ford, Wilhelmina and Abrams Artists.

Any success stories to be shared?

CONGRATULATIONS KARIZA!!!

Easy Street Modeling

2009-10-27T09:49:00.000-07:00

There is no such thing!!!

You can't pay money and become a star - if you could, more people would be doing it. Also, once you get agency representation it is HARD WORK to stay in the business with constant running around on appointments, going back to see the same person over and over again, and keeping yourself in shape and skin beautiful so that you will score a job.

Has anyone gotten representation lately? Would love to hear some more success stories!!

The Afterlife of Modeling

2009-05-02T19:03:00.000-07:00

Someday, sometime, somewhere a career in modeling ends...what to do next?
I personally went to the other side of the camera in the past, producing, casting and being a modeling agent.

Now I'm back in FRONT of the camera, but television cameras this time instead of print work!!

I am a regular correspondent on "Better TV" - here is my most recent interview with Laura Bush: CLICK HERE

Does anyone who is reading this have a "2nd career" that they are passionate about?

Child Modeling

2008-12-14T17:26:00.000-08:00

Wow, it's been awhile since my last post!!

I get asked a LOT of questions about modeling all the time, especially since my book came out ("Break Into Modeling for Under $20") and many lately have been about how to get a child into the modeling industry.

There are so many scams, rip-off's and untruths out there, but there is one site that I know is 100% legitimate: www.thecutekid.com

You can subscribe for free and post your kid's pictures and/or register your child in a contest for a minimal fee of $19.95. It is THE BEST place for finding more information about the modeling industry for children, AND a few kids have been discovered on the site as well for major campaigns!!Just thought I'd let you know...anyone think that their child should be modeling??

WATCH ME ON CW11.COM IN NY FOR A SEGMENT ABOUT MODELING SCAMS!

2008-10-12T12:54:00.001-07:00

Watch me talk about modeling scams on TV for CW11's "Help Me Howard!"
CW11 10:00 news "Help Me Howard"

Post some of the scams you have discovered while involved in the modeling industry - it's the only way ALL of us are going to learn!!

Finding legitimate modeling agencies

2008-09-24T08:04:00.001-07:00

Are people having questions about how to find modeling agencies and if they're legitimate?

If so, speak up! Let's spread the word about scams/agencies people should stay away from!!

Water is SO important!

2008-09-17T08:56:00.000-07:00

Are you drinking water? If so, how much do you drink a day?
This blog is about "water awareness," and figuring out how much is enough, especially if you are DIETING. Models are forever carrying around bottles of water, do you know why?

I personally drink at least a litre per day...

The GREAT DEBATE of MODEL SKINNY

2008-09-14T18:00:00.001-07:00

Were models actually less skinnier this year than other years?

This article from the Huffington Post debates:
Huffington Post

Did anyone see any of the shows in NYC? If so, what did you think?

Age 15 is too young to model overseas...

2008-08-14T11:25:00.000-07:00

It's catching on - London has followed Italy with the age requirement being a minimum of 16 years old to walk a runway.

They're TRYING to make stricter standards for models, do you think this is a good start? Will America catch on to this trend?

Plus Size Modeling is catching on!

2008-08-03T13:33:00.000-07:00

Check out this article from "The Mirror" - a newspaper in the UK:
(Image taken from Abby Z)
Meet some of the country's plus-size models
Tanith Carey, sundaymirror.co.uk 3/08/2008

Gorgeous Joycelyn Phillips and Tara Gibson used to starve themselves to be slim enough for the fashion industry.
But after deciding to ditch the diets and pile on the pounds the trio tell TANITH CAREY how they have never been happier, healthier or wealthier now that they're some of the country's most successful plus-size models...

JOYCELYN PHILLIPS
Size 8 to 16

Joycelyn, 35, from West Hampstead, North-West London, says: "When I look back at pictures of myself as a stick-thin model, part of me doesn't believe it's me. I was just eight and a half stone, at 5ft 9ins.
"I feel I've gone from being a caterpillar to a great big, beautiful butterfly. I've done ads for Nivea and been on TV for QVC and This Morning. Now I love every part of me...my stomach because there are no stretch marks, my arse because it's still high and my legs because they're a great shape."

www.plushmodels.co.uk

TARA GIBSON
Size 8 to 14/16

Tara, 35, from Surrey, says: "Until my early 20s, as I was 5ft 10in tall I was naturally thin. I ate what I liked and it never made a jot of difference, which made modelling easy. I had my first child at 23 - and my body size changed. I tried to lose the weight but when two more babies followed, it crept back.
"Finally I realised I didn't have to punish myself by making myself ill. How I look is a fairer representation of who I am now - a busy mum. I can finally model real clothes for real women."

www.realitycheckmanagement.com

'Now I'm busier than I ever was'

Judy asks: Can it happen with plus size models here, or is America to obsessed about weight?

FOX 5 and CW11 interview on "Break Into Modeling for Under $20"

2008-07-23T18:03:00.001-07:00

Click here to see my interview on July 23rd:
FOX 5 News

CW11 is coming soon...stay tuned!

"Break Into Modeling for Under $20"

2008-07-21T19:03:00.000-07:00

IS FINALLY IN BOOKSTORES TODAY!!!!

Judy will be on the "Cooper Lawrence Show" airing in the twin cities!

2008-07-18T11:46:00.000-07:00

COOPER LAWRENCE SHOW GOES TO THE TWIN CITIES!!!

If you are in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, listen to me LIVE on the "Cooper Lawrence Show" at 4:30 on Wednesday, July 23rd, or you can listen on your PC: The Cooper Lawrence Show!

The night before a test photo shoot

2008-07-10T17:20:00.000-07:00

Don't eat a high sodium dinner the night before (to keep away the puffiness) and go to sleep early.

Pack a bag with things you may need on the shoot like compact, lip gloss, mascara, extra pair of fashionable shoes and a nude bra and thong panties.

Any other advice from anyone who has newly found a modeling agency and wants to give some great advice?

"Break Into Modeling" YOU TUBE

2008-06-20T19:50:00.000-07:00

How FUN!

Better TV put my segment on You Tube, it's a great preview of my book:

Break Into Modeling - You Tube

How can you tell if a modeling agency is legit or not?

2008-06-18T18:58:00.000-07:00

I've been interviewing recently for the release of my new book (in case you haven't heard it's "Break Into Modeling for Under $20" - SHAMELESS plug!) and several times I went on the air with people who call-in and ask me questions regarding the modeling industry. One of the most frequent questions I get is "How do I know a modeling agency is legit?"

Well, one of the best ways is to ask the models who are already with the agency what they think of the agency, and what work they have booked. Also, check the Better Business Bureau for complaints.

Since some of my regular bloggers are not from the New York area, I would LOVE to hear some of the great agencies out there that people can count on as being legitimate.

I'll start - I LOVE the Diamond Agency in Orlando, Florida!!!! They started Mandy Moore's career way back when, and work hard and are honest.

Others??

CONGRATULATIONS LAURA!!!

2008-06-05T13:28:00.000-07:00

Laura just got selected to be with Gilla Roos Agency in New York City - GOOD JOB!!!!!!

Keep us up to date on your castings and how it's going for you.

We're so proud of you Laura!!!!!!!

SUCCESS STORIES!!!

2008-05-24T14:42:00.001-07:00

C'mon...you deserve it!!!!

There are a lot of success stories since I've started this blog, and I want people to start posting them.

You guys KNOW who I'm talking about...Karen M., Mary E., Laura S., and of course Lani - go ahead, you guys deserve bragging rights!!!Please write what's going on with you in the modeling world - and if you're still trying to get an agency and have had a response, write it here! Give it positive energy and talk about it!!!

I have what's called a "manifestation board" - and on that board (it's a bulletin board) I wrote down my dreams/goals that I want to accomplish, and I look at it every day.

I'll start - "Break Into Modeling for Under $20" is going to be an international bestseller!!!!!!