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Position:Home>Theater & Acting> Is there really a market for older models/actors? I am 51 years old but, look ea


Question: Is there really a market for older models/actors!? I am 51 years old but, look early 40's!.!?
I have been trying very hard for the last 3 and a half years!. Getting pictures taken, resume updated, business cards, po box, clothes, gigs, some training, lasik surgery, working out, watching my diet!.!.!.!.!.!.!.etc!. am I just spinning my wheels!.!.!.!.!.!.!.!.When will I get my "Big Break!?'Www@QuestionHome@Com


Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
Hi Karen,

Despair not! I'm male, and I started in show business in 1984 as a "Print" model!. Tough to do when you are 36 like I was (and male)!.!.!.and in Orlando, for God's sake!

You didn't mention the market you are in (area) or the type of modeling you want to do, or if you have a good agent!. Print work can be lucrative, if you have a good agent and the time to "go-see"!. TV commercials are even better (auditioning skills are a must)!. However, you don't usually need to be a trained actor to get paying gigs in commercials!. In fact, the trend now is to use "real" people, not actors!.

Models need "comps"; composite picture sheets, with three to six different looks!. Headshots can work for TV but for print a comp is preferred!.

Sounds like you are doing the rest!.!.!. If I can help let me know
flubadub, aka jimWww@QuestionHome@Com

Well, you've mentioned a lot of superficial things you're doing!.!.!.how about classes and experience!? Are you doing plays!? Auditioning for students films!? Shorts!? Indie's!?

Actor's of all ages are needed, though it's true that for Hollywood, it very much skews young, since the target demographic is in the 18-40 range!. So, that's where most of the roles are going to be!.

I would recommend focusing more of developing your skill as an actor and less on your appearance!. While it's important, there's not much reason, at 51 to try to compete with actors 1/2 your age in the looks department!. Not that it isn't important to look your best, you just seem to be focusing on those things more that what's really important - talent!.

also, it depends very much on where you live!. Location is everything!. Are you in a market that actually HAS paying jobs available!? Picking up and moving to NY or LA may not be the best idea, but you may find better success in a mid-sized market like DC, Chicago or Austin!.

It is definitely frustrating to be working at something for what seems like forever, but realize it does take a while!. Look for managers in your area who may be able to help you!.

also, there are many books out there on the business of acting!. Go check them out and see if any of them have any info about actors starting later in life!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Of course!. You need to subscribe to Tony Smith's newsletter at actingcareerstartup!.com, and read a lot of articles on that site!. You need a copy of Acting as a Busniness by Brian O'Neil!. get it used in paper back for almost nothing at bookfinder!.com or Amazon!.com!. Where are you located!? I agree that markets other than NY & LA are better, like Atlanta and Dallas for example!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

not a huge market for people beyond, say, 30, but there are definitely older models out there!.!.!.
and definitely actors too! start auditioning!.!.!. everyone starts small, do commercials here and there, work your way up!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

soap like passions or as the world turnsWww@QuestionHome@Com