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My Casting Call Experience: BMG Models

I recently took a road trip down to Los Angeles to interview with a designer about being a potential model for her upcoming line and I figured since I was going to be in the area, I may as well see if I could kill two birds with one stone by attending any open casting calls what were available during the dates that I would be there.

The one that ended up making the cut was BMG Models. Known for representing both fashion and print models, I made sure to have all my stuff ready: portfolio, headshot and resume.

After taking care of my interview, which went really well, I stayed overnight at a friend's and prepared for the open casting call the next day. BMG holds their open calls every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 4:00pm - 5:00pm. I went on a Wednesday with one of my friends in tow for support. I wore form-fitting, dark jeans, my taupe 4-inch heels and a form fitting, dark green tank top.

After stepping off the elevator we searched for the right suite and opened the door. There was no one in the lobby so that was good. I wasn't sure if I was going to have to deal with a long line. There was one other guy behind us but it turned out that he was a music artist and had an appointment for an interview (BMG also represents music artists). There was no receptionist or secretary and it took a minute for someone to walk out and see that we were there.

A man came out and asked us if we had an appointment or were there for the open call. After telling him, he asked to take my portfolio and I made sure to also give him my headshot and resume. He asked us to take a seat in the lobby and that he would take my portfolio and information to their office to look over.

I thought it was odd that I wasn't invited to go in and meet with them and was a bit nervous about the fact that they would be reviewing my portfolio without me there but hey, there was nothing else I could do so I sat with my friend and made small talk.

After about 10 minutes, a woman came into the lobby and asked me to sign in. The sheet asked for my name, age, height, phone number and email address. I quickly glanced at the other people who signed in before me and by far I was the shortest. Their lifestyle/print division's minimum height requirement was 5'6" so I already knew there may be an issue with the one inch I was lacking. I put my 5'5" height and crossed my fingers. Once again I was left in the lobby and put the clipboard with the sign-in sheet aside.

5 minutes later the same woman came back with my portfolio and handed it back to me. She was nice and asked if I was interested in commercial acting as well. I told her I was and she said that they would keep my headshot and resume to look over later on that day and if they felt I would a good fit they would be in touch. She didn't say when though. And that was it.

It was definitely one of the more out of the ordinary casting calls I'd been to since they didn't ask to see me themselves but I tried not to think too much about it. If it's meant to be they'll give me a call. And if I don't hear back from them, it's all good, I'll just keep pounding the pavement until I find the right agency for me.
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Cameron said…
I hear ya, I'm considered petite too at 5'7 and I have had the same difficulties. I believe that what God has for you will manifest, especially when you least expect it. All you can do is try, never giving up, and you will reap the benefits!!
November 2, 2009 at 6:26 AM
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