Finding Jobs in the Entertainment Industry: Acting, Modeling, and Beyond

1. Making The First Steps
2. Creating And Building a Portfolio
3. Applying To Casting Calls
4. Staying Connected
5. Remaining Persistent

The majority of adults have a general understanding of the process of finding a traditional type of job. Meanwhile, finding a job as an actor or model is fundamentally different from finding a regular job. Continue reading to learn about the several key aspects that differentiate working in the entertainment industry from the typical 9-to-5 job, and how to actually get jobs in such a competitive field.

The entertainment industry encompasses a wide range and variety of possible jobs, many of which are rather similar to traditional employment sectors. Yet, acting and modeling are, obviously, significantly different types of jobs due to being based on creative performances. This also makes the job search process less structured, with the job openings being less clear in their descriptions and requirements. Due to that, the employer's decisions upon which candidate to hire can be way more subjective, sometimes hiring an actor or model for their individual specific traits, and not their professional skills and experience.

Making The First Steps

• As An Actor

Aspiring actors should start off small before trying to reach a professional level and aiming at major productions. Initial experience can be gained in low-stakes local theater productions, or school plays, providing beginners with a valuable understanding of the workings of performing arts. It is highly advised to enroll in reputable acting classes or workshops as well. Such training and events can help aspiring actors develop and hone their skills further in more specific ways.

• As A Model

While modeling can be a versatile profession, aspiring models should also consider narrowing down industries they would be a better fit for appearance and personality wise, e.g. fitness, fashion, or commercial. Practice in front of the camera sparingly with photographers and even friends can serve as the first experience before ultimately moving on to applying to professional casting calls.

Creating And Building a Portfolio

• As An Actor

As soon as the initial experience as an actor is gained, the aspiring performers should build their acting portfolio. A professional portfolio typically should serve as a showcase for the respective actor due to it being a key factor to advance from the application process to the auditions.

The portfolio should always include a resume - an organized look at the actor's experience. It should list their performances, including roles played and the projects they were a part of. Every bit of information and documentation regarding previously gained training and education also should be in the resume.

The inclusion of professional headshots is very important as they serve as the first impression for casting directors. As it would be with acting roles, the headshots also require a certain level of variety to showcase an actor's visual personality.

• As A Model

It is quite similar for aspiring models who also should start building a modeling portfolio as soon as possible since it will serve as the first impression about them whenever they apply to casting calls.

Since modeling is primarily based on appearances, the portfolio should allow performers to demonstrate their range across different styles and genres within the world of modeling. The headshots serve as its main point of attention, so they should feature a wide variety of poses, expressions, and looks suitable for different types of modeling gigs.

Investing effort in having a professional portfolio can lead to positive long-term results, as the competitors often might not always do the same, thus helping the candidate to establish extra credibility about their professionalism to casting directors.

Applying To Casting Calls

Actors and models can remain informed about new casting calls and auditions for various types of productions and projects more easily than ever before. The rise of social media, as well as casting-focused online platforms, such as AllCasting, makes it very convenient and easy to search and find but also apply to them.

Searching for new casting calls in casting online platforms also often allows the possibility to filter out particular locations, types of gigs, requirements, or other specific needs. There are also open casting calls where candidates can arrive on-site without prior invitations or appointments.

When applying, candidates should always make sure their portfolios are updated with all the most recent information, as well as double-check if there are no more things to include depending on what the particular gig requires.

If the application materials are strong enough, it is only a matter of time before the actor or model finally gets their invitation for auditions. Inquiries about the application results are acceptable, though candidates should avoid being overly persistent.

Once the invitation has been received, the performer should then prepare diligently for the opportunity.

Staying Connected

Networking in the entertainment industry is very valuable for both actors and models. By attending show business industry events, film festivals, fashion weeks, and other similar occasions, performers are able to meet and connect with fellow professionals from their industry. It also increases the visibility of the respective individuals as someone to keep in mind when a job vacancy opens up.

Since showbiz is built on connections, making and keeping relationships with influential people, including directors, casting directors, designers, and fellow actors or models, can potentially open doors to new opportunities, including referrals, auditions, mentorships, or even straightforward jobs.

Remaining Persistent

The same as it would be in any other field of work, it is most likely the majority of acting or modeling applications will ultimately face rejection, and the path to becoming a successful performer is unlikely to be without challenges or setbacks. Even the casting and audition process can be time-consuming without any guarantee of success, sometimes even without receiving feedback. This is why one of the main things when working in the entertainment industry, especially on the creative side of it, is to remain persistent and resilient.

Where there are challenges, there also are opportunities, and that is what makes working in the entertainment industry such a dynamic and vibrant field to create a career for both actors and models. 

The entertainment industry is vast and offers numerous avenues for professionals in both fields. The multiple platforms and mediums available to models and actors give them the opportunity to showcase their talents and skills in different ways, and even potentially see the world, and network with people from nearly every background in the process. And that is even before mentioning the eventual potentially lucrative financial rewards, recognition for their creative output, and the fact that there are no age limits for actors and models.

To increase their chances of finding new job opportunities, aspiring actors and models should commit to remaining motivated and competitive, regularly follow industry-relevant news and updates, and continuously work at improving and honing their craft.