Modeling & Acting 101 - A Model/Actor's Diary

Candy Wrote: Hi Dania, I came across your blog when searching for tax information. I have been on the IRS site for hours and can't seem to find the form that I need to file as a freelance model working overseas. I have been reading quite a bit and have not found my answer, so I thought I would go ahead and ask you:) I read your blog on taxes that was written back in 2009. The only answer I was not able to find on that blog was what tax form was used to file your taxes. I hope you are able to help me:)  Hi, Candy! I hope I'm able to help you, too. :-) There is no specific tax form in order for you to file as a freelance model working overseas. As you may or may not know, in the USA, clients often ask models to fill out a W9, which allows them to then send the models they've worked with a 1099 form for their tax filing purposes for that year. However, in other countries, they operate very differently and forms like the W9 and 1099 may not even exist over...

I love my job because not only do I get to participate in fun shoots, shows and projects, I get to network with some amazing people. A while back I did a feature on Paul Fisher, who has represented some of the industry's top supermodels...well, he's back and with a new TV show that is actually premiering on the CW tomorrow, February 1 at 9PM (PST). "REMODELED" gives people an inside look into the industry from Paul's perspective as he and his crew aim to completely change the modeling world from the inside out. I had the opportunity to interview Paul and find out more about his mission and the steps he's taking to reach his goals... DD: After leading such a long, successful career in the modeling industry, why have you decided to take action now to change things? What prompted you to take things into your own hands through projects like "Remodeled?" PF: It was not an easy decision to allow the cameras into our business. I started on a journ...

(If you haven't done so already, PLEASE read my blog post " Modeling Scam Alert " first, which will put this modeling scam alert update into better perspective for you.) Boy, I tell ya, these scammers are doing everything they can to entice gullible and naive models into bad situations. If you read my post about the Modeling Scam Alert, you'll know that these guys will do whatever they can to convince models that their assignment is legitimate, will give them tons of exposure and a huge paycheck. Well, they've stepped up their game--how do I know this? They "almost" got me. By that, I mean, my scammer spidey sense started tingling but I pursued the opportunity a bit further to make sure I was right. What really confirmed my suspicions was that the dummies actually tried to scam me twice...after receiving the first "reply offer" via email, a few days later I got another offer for a different modeling assignment BUT the body of the message...

Last Saturday I had a shoot that definitely makes my list of "Most Fun Gigs." It was pretty much a lifestyle shoot. The images were for a new dating website (we won't know the actual name of the site until everything's ready to go), which focuses on the interracial dating niche. There were 8 models total: 4 girls, 4 guys. We were assigned our "significant others" that morning, although a few of us were switched around or photographed with more than one partner, to add variety. Call-time was 10AM in San Francisco, off the Embarcadero, which is right next to the water and the Bay Bridge. I was super excited that the weather was amazingly gorgeous--totally sunny and (for once) not bitterly windy. I arrived early as usual and eventually the models showed up one by one. I was happy that everyone was very social, outgoing and fun...by the time the production crew showed up, all the models felt like we'd known each other for years. I love it when that hap...

This past Sunday was the first show of the Spring 2012 Bridal Season for the production company I've been working with for the past 2 years, Brocade Weddings. As always, there was a lot of changes as far as casting decisions, designer choices, etc. I helped the model coordinator with casting new faces for the season, which took place about a month ago so I was eager to see who ended up making the cut (I wasn't a part of the selection process...my role was to take the models in small groups, introduce myself and explain what the bridal shows were all about. Then I demonstrated the type of "walk" the casting panel wanted to see, so that the models would know exactly what to expect when they went into the room to audition) . This season, the designer wanted to include more plus size brides (her boutique specializes in plus size fashions), so we had a really great mix of all heights, shapes, sizes, ages and ethnicities. After all, we're marketing the clothes to ...

Ashley Wrote: Dania, First off, great blog. My name is Ashley. I'm 21, five foot ten and within the standard parameters of a model. I have been told that I look like I am 16. Recently I sent some photos to a reputable agency and received a call back for an "interview". My concern is, do you think I would still be able to do runway at my age? It makes me nervous because I know runway is very competitive for african-american females. Thanks,  Hey, Ashley! Congrats on getting an agency interview! 22 is the maximum age for most fashion agencies so you just make the cut. That being said, I wouldn't consider you too old, especially if you look younger. Perhaps the only criticism you may receive is that you may be too "old" (I'm using that word VERY loosely) to begin a runway career. However, you shouldn't be too worried about that because as long as you are a fast learner, develop a great walk and have the right measurements and look th...

Natalia Julianna Wrote: hi Dania my name is Natalia and im only 5'1" tall....my passion is modeling and i know i have tlent and the drive to succeed as a model...i cant find any agencies or talent scouts willing to give me a chance because i am so short !! do you have any advice or anytihng i can do to make it ? this is my dream and i dont want to let it go simply because I am not tall enough. Hi, Natalia! It is tough being a shorter model, especially at your height and I'm sorry that you haven't come across anyone willing to give you a shot so far. Freelance modeling will more than likely be your best bet. This allows you to act at your own agent by finding castings and gigs and submitting yourself to them directly. Many clients that hire freelance models have projects where the height requirement isn't so strict, which could give you more opportunities to look into. Being a freelance model is tough but not impossible. Below are links to blog posts I've ...