FAQ’s – Frequently Asked Questions

The modeling and acting business is just that – it is a business. The main goal of any business is to make money. In order for you to make money, the agency introducing you, has to make money. In order for the agency to make money, the casting director or advertising executives need to make money. In order for the directors and executives to make money, companies need a product that makes money. This product comes full circle back to you – you need to be the right face or the right talent in order to represent this product and/or business.

And in order for you to get your chance at representing a product or business, you need to be seen. The first step is introducing yourself to agencies and letting them know that you are interested and serious about pursuing a profitable career. The way that model agencies get to know about you are through photos. In the modeling field, composite cards or Comp cards are distributed to the various agencies as an introduction or “your personalized business card.” Talent agents require Headshots rather than Comp cards. You can not go to a modeling or talent agent without either a Comp Card or a Headshot (unless you are 4 years old or younger).

Maximum Exposure will meet with you to see if you “have what it takes” which is more than “good looks.” Are you photogenic? Can you portray various looks, expressions, that are compatible for print, commercial or acting? Do you have the personality that will get you noticed and one that will merge with the strict requirements of casting calls, photographers, directors? Will you be targeting a specific area such as High Fashion, Runway, Acting, Singing, Commercial Print, etc.? (See “Model and Talent Requirements”). We can help you decide what your positive qualities are and where you would best be suited in the industry. We help you to decide if you are truly marketable in this business.

Maximum Exposure is set up to get you “exposure” with the least amount of cost to you. Plus we take the extra step and assist you in writing up your resumes or letters of introduction, and if desired, we will send out your Comp Cards/Headshots to the agencies. Some agencies have specific age, height and weight requirements and your card will go to only those in which you qualify.

We can’t tell you how many times we’ve heard that because someone thinks they are good looking, they don’t need to pay anything to get into the business. Agents should be paying them! What a misconception that is! Where in life are you paid to “maybe” be a star, “maybe” be a top model, “maybe” be a success in life? It takes a lot more than looks to make it in this industry.

It would be too costly for agencies to foot the bill for your Comp Cards or Headshots. Also, since most models don’t sign exclusively with one agent when first getting started, it would be too risky for both the model and the agency. Much more goes into becoming a successful model or actor than good looks and the possibility of getting “discovered” through chance and/or luck is minimum. Just like any other career, hard work and golden opportunities make you more likely to succeed. Agents can’t afford to base their own business on individuals that may or may not have good work ethics or those that have opportunities but don’t take advantage of them.

Yes! This is your tool in marketing yourself either to agencies or on open casting calls, auditions or bookings. Agencies rely on these cards to market you if they decide to represent you. There are industry standards for the photos selected for individual Comp cards. Models need a composite (Comp Card) of up to five different photos. Different “looks” allows a greater diversity for all the different possibilities that are being sought after.

Maximum Exposure helps you use your creativity in setting up your photo shoot. We work with you to promote “you” – your favorite look, your hobbies, sports and interests as well as a “groomed” and elegant you!

In contacting talent agents, they want the first contact to be very basic - a Headshot (8x10) with a resume on the reverse side. When called for a specialty such as voice overs or a speaking part in a commercial, the agent may request a demo tape. All other requirements are usually met during auditions.

Comp cards and Headshots are professional marketing tools and require specific standards. Amateur representation will most likely be passed over for a more professional look as agents and casting calls collect massive amounts of potential models/actors. Professional photographers know how to capture the right light, different looks and poses and how to capture the unique “you” for the camera.

Maximum Exposure is known for the quality of our cards by using professional photographers, makeup and hair artists and printing companies. Our name is our trademark and the cards must be exceptional.

You will need a photo shoot with resulting Comp cards or Headshots. Professional portfolios are extremely costly and unnecessary. All model agencies require Comp cards only and will not accept huge portfolios to review.

Maximum Exposure keeps the cost to a minimum by arranging for our professional photographers and cosmetologists on specified dates for photo shoots. Our photographers are able to photograph many models in a rotation cycle allowing several models to change clothing, makeup and hairstyles while keeping the time and therefore the individual cost to a minimum.

Will you be targeting a specific area such as High Fashion, Runway, Acting, Singing, the General Lifestyle, etc.? We can help you decide what your positive qualities are and where you would best be suited in the industry. We help you to pick the you that is best for you and the market.

Maximum Exposure is set up to get you “exposure” with the least amount of cost to you. Plus we take the extra steps by assisting you in writing up your resumes or letters of introduction. And if desired, we will send out your Comp Cards/Headshots to specific agencies. Most agencies have specific age, height and weight requirements and your card will go to only those in which you qualify.

The minimum print run is usually 100. You will need these for your initial submissions. There are over 30 agencies in the Tampa/Orlando area and if you want to broaden your scope, the Miami/Ft Lauderdale area has at least another 30 agencies.

If several agencies select you, each agency requires that you supply them with at least 15-20 Comp cards and/or Headshots to keep in on hand to send out as needed. For open casting calls and auditions, you will need to present 2-3 cards at each event.

Maximum Exposure keeps 10 of your cards on file as we have agencies call our office after viewing the models listed on our website. We mail them out for you and let you know who called and what they were looking for.

No, you will be an independent contractor as outlined by the IRS standards. We will explain how this works and advise you in the best ways to track your expenses as write-offs for this form of self-employment.

You may be signed up with several agencies who will market you – that is the main focus of agencies. They call you specifically if you fit a booking or casting call need. However, you will not work for anyone specifically. They will not be your employer but will take a commission when you get a paying job. The agency that lands you the job will be the one getting paid and in turn they will deduct their commission and send you a check. The usual commission in this area of Florida is 20%.

In essence you are self-employed and you need to promote yourself as well as you would in any other job. Maximum Exposure sends out monthly newsletters letting you know what is generally going on in the area – who is having open casting calls, when, where and any other information we deem that may be helpful to you. We also like to let you know who is getting calls, what kinds of jobs have been filled and what is happening just to keep all on our email list informed and up-to-date.

This is not a “weekend” hobby. Work hours are normally Monday through Friday, 9am to 6pm (or later). If you get selected for a call, you will have to be able to get time off from work (or in the case of children – an excused absence from school). If you want to get the best opportunities, you need to adjust your scheduled to the casting calls.

It varies for each job and for each experience. Your income will increase with experience, good performances and varied exposure.

Less than 1% of models/actors become famous. Only a very few make a full-time living at it. If you have a good attitude, pleasant working personality, enthusiasm and a genuine enjoyment of what you are doing, you’ll most likely make a regular income. Until that happens, you need to balance your time with at least a part time job that is flexible. That’s why you hear so many actors talk about their crazy jobs before they made it!

When you find your “place” either in acting or modeling, you will know that all the doors that opened for you in the beginning were all worth it. Where those doors takes you is an adventure – experiencing and exploring, meeting all kinds of people and enjoying a whole new world you felt was too far out of reach for you. It is possible and lots of fun but it does take a work and the desire and dream to make this journey. Are you will to take that journey?

If you focus on a career in modeling or acting for the “fame and fortune” aspect, you will most likely be disappointed. Modeling and acting, first and foremost, should give you personal and artistic satisfaction. Extra income is your second focus. Success, “fame and fortune” follow when you are not only enjoying yourself but you also have that “something extra.”

Generally agents are looking for children who are personable, animated and outgoing. Children must have a good attention span and able to follow instructions. Those who are shy, cling to their parents and do not take easily to strangers are generally not good in front of cameras. You cannot force your child into modeling or acting – professional in the industry will detect this immediately. Your child must be the one who wants to do this not you.

Maximum Exposure helps children four years and older. If children are with a mother/father or older siblings in Lifestyle shoots, any age is accepted. Lifestyle family shoots and casting calls are in high demand in this area with all the amusement parks vying for the “tourist family” industry.

Infants and toddlers do not need Comp Cards or Headshots as their looks change so quickly during those first four years. There are agencies that deal with infants and toddlers and keep “Baby Book Files.” The requirements are specific and Maximum Exposure can assist you with these special needs.

There are NO guarantees in this business as there are none in any other business or life. Maximum Exposure helps you to get started, helps you to get exposure in the market. Agencies select and market individuals based on the needs of their clients – casting directors, advertising executives, etc. Agencies can’t guarantee that you will ever work. Disney, Busch Gardens, Bealls, Target, etc. choose the look, the style and the people who appear in their commercials, advertisements, movies, etc. The only guarantee an agent can make is that when requested for a specific look, age, size, talent – they will present your Headshots or Comp Cards to that client.

You do not have to take modeling classes. A modeling school can possibly bring out the maturity and instill more confidence in a child but they do not make models out of girls who don’t have the desire or personality to become models.

Reputable acting training is always a good idea as well as experience in theater whether in high school or community plays. However, neither is necessary to start out. If you find that is what you really want to do, be sure to follow that desire up with classes or special instruction.

I want to be a model and/or actor but I have no money to get started. Can’t someone help?

If you really want to be a model and/or actor, you don’t need loads of money to get started. You will need the cost of a photo shoot and the cost of Comp Cards and/or Headshots. You cannot become a model and actor without them. These cards are in essence your “business cards”. Agents use these Comp Cards and/or Headshots to present you to their clients. The amount is reasonable – usually no more than a month’s rent. If the desire is there, the means will be available.