SoCalProModels.com

Teen Models Wanted

So. Cal. Pro. Models is an active management company that is always looking to work with new or experienced talent.   We manage a limited number of teen models.  Teen models must have the full support and consent of their parents.  Teen models must also reside in Southern California.

Our goal is to make our clients successful.  We are interested only in models who are seriously intent upon succeeding in the industry.

For more information, e-mail us by clicking here or call us at (714) 484-2722.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I get you to manage me?
A: You or your parent may call us or e-mail us with information about you and your interests. It is helpful if you send us photos with your first e-mail.
  A parent or legal guardian must accompany you on your first visit.

Q: Do you manage everyone who asks?
A: Sorry, but no. While we would like to, this is a business, but more importantly, we don't want to be dishonest with you. We manage talent with a variety of looks and from all ethnic groups, but … if we don't believe that you have a reasonable chance of financial success, it is not in either of our best interests to work together. Generally, we only work with teen females 15 to 17 years of age.  We will only consider teen models under 15 if they are sufficiently mature and have parental support.  We do not manage teen male models.

Q: What are the requirements to be a teen model?
A: Ideally a teen model will be at least 5' 9", but as with older models, there are opportunities for models that are shorter.  A good figure is important since there are fewer opportunities for plus-sized teens.  It is important to remember that many teens continue to grow until they are sixteen or seventeen.  Therefore a younger teen that is 5'7" or taller will probably grow tall enough for fashion.  Just remember that fashion isn't the only kind of modeling available.

Q: What types of work do teen models do?
A: It needs to be remembered that the West Coast is not a large fashion market.  Models that are 5'9" or taller will get more opportunities in the fashion arena though.  There are some runway shows here but there are also many opportunities in New York and Europe.  A model that is taller may have opportunities to do work in those areas.  A teen with a great look, good figure and the right attitude can still do well, even if she isn't 5'9".  California has many bookings for commercial models which can be substantially shorter and still be successful.  There is also a large swimsuit and fitness market as well as extra work in films and in television.  A younger teen needs to decide whether she wants to start out as a child model or as a young adult.  If a model elects to do the latter, there will be a greater overlap with the kinds of bookings that older models do.  But again remember that youth is a valuable asset in this business.   Some of the most successful models have started out when they are thirteen to fifteen years old.

Q: What about nudity and teens?
A: The question of nudity and teens comes up all too often.  In a perfect world we would never be asked about it, but as controversial as the subject is, we would rather give honest and candid answers than pretend these questions didn't exist.  In any event, here is our view.  In nearly all cases, we feel it is inappropriate for teen models to appear in the nude in print, video or on film.  There are other types of risqué' attire that we discourage also.  We repeatedly have heard the argument that, from a technical standpoint, the law does not prohibit nudity for minors, unless it involves sexual activity or a lewd display of the genitals.  While that might be the letter of the law, we are both opposed to the exploitation of minors and are also concerned about encouraging children to grow up too quickly.  Therefore, we find few situations appropriate and those are generally limited to the major motion picture producers or large magazines and manufacturers.  Even in those cases, the need should be looked at carefully before we recommend that a teen participate.

Q: Does that mean a teen will never be required to disrobe?
A:  Now is the time for a dose of reality.  As a teen and a parent, it is important to understand the routine of this industry.  While nudity in photos is generally inappropriate there are other situations where your daughter will quite probably find herself in awkward situations. The unions have always tended to provide protections for minors in film and video. , The modeling industry often does not.  So while courtesies may be shown to an underage model, the fact is that it is common at a fashion show, for example, for models to come off the stage and change clothes in mixed company.  Fittings may be performed with members of both sexes present.  Changes may be made on beaches or open rooms visible to members of the crew.  Body make-up may be applied for swimsuit assignments.  When participating in live theater or dance, talent may be asked to make "stage changes" where they will execute a quick costume change, in the wings out of site of the audience but visible to the other cast and crew. This occurs when there is a short time between scenes.  Many smaller theaters are only equipped with a single dressing room for the entire cast. With respect to modeling, acting or dancing, both the teen and the parent must carefully consider these things and decide if their daughter is mature enough to handle these situations.  More importantly, they must decide whether, based upon their lifestyle, raising and beliefs, this is appropriate for the teen.  If either the model or the parent has any reservations, it is best to re-evaluate whether the model is ready to begin her career.

Q: I have heard that American teens model nude in Europe, is that true?
A: The answer is "yes" but there is no requirement that your daughter has to go to Europe to model.  The truth is that the laws and standards in Europe are far different than here in this country.  Nudity, for example, is common on network television there where it is inappropriate here.  If a young model demonstrates potential and the prospect for success, an American agency might attempt to "co-op" the model's contract with an overseas agency.  Often, an agency will try to place the talent in Paris, Milan, Tokyo or Taiwan because American models have a history of doing well there.  Young American models often "cut their teeth" in those locations.  Going over provides a litmus test of a model's potential and offers the opportunity for quick tear sheets.  That having been said, it is not uncommon for sixteen and seventeen year old models to participate in some forms of nudity overseas.  Indeed, many of the "Page Three" girls in the London Sun Times are only sixteen or seventeen years old.  It is important though to remember that traveling abroad, while sometimes a great boost for a career, is not mandatory.  Therefore, a parent who is otherwise comfortable with their teen modeling, shouldn't be dissuaded by  the fear of them going overseas.  The solution is simply to decline the opportunity  if the model is not emotionally prepared or the parent objects.  The most important thing is to understand the modeling industry, understand what is and what is not appropriate and decide if modeling is right for yourself or your daughter.  If you feel it is inappropriate, click here, to learn about alternatives.

Q: How are you different from all of the other Internet agencies?
A: We are not an Internet agency. We are professional talent managers. If you don't know what a manager is, click here. There are lots of sites out there that will list your pictures and contact information. While we do have a talent site, that is just a small part of what we do to promote our talent.

Q: I am not from California, will you still manage me?
A: Unfortunately we only manage teen models located in Southern California.

Q: I already have a manager, can I work with you too?
A: By definition, a model can have only one manager. To have more than one defeats the purpose of quality management. To be effective, we need to coordinate all of your promotional activities so that you will be successful.

Q: I already have several agents, is that OK?
A: By all means. We encourage our talent to sign with agents whenever appropriate. We will work to improve your representation as a part of our service. We even encourage you to list with quality websites to increase your work opportunities. However, just because a particular agency is willing to sign you, that doesn't mean doing so is a good career decision. As an example, we discourage models from signing with agents that are unlicensed (in areas where licenses are required). Likewise, we want you to stay clear of companies who call themselves managers but are really operating as unlicensed agents. We want you to steer clear of agents who charge up-front fees for photos, training or other unneeded services. Finally, with licensed agents, we try to help you get signed by the ones that will best advance your particular career.

Q: Do you charge fees up front?
A: We make our money as do all other reputable managers. We take a percentage of your income as the fee for our services. Instead of charging for many services, we do them or arrange them for free. As an example, we provide comp cards and mini-zeds without charge. We list you on our website without charge. We arrange for you to have a portfolio produced by well known, published professional photographers, without a charge from us or from them.

Q: If you sign me, will I get to be in your teen modeling events?
A:  The answer is that all of our teen models are invited to participate in our teen modeling events.  The whole purpose of them is to showcase our new talent and get them into the marketplace.  New models will be scheduled to appear as quickly as reasonably possible based upon scheduling and availability.  Click here to see info on our teen events.

Q: If you do all of this for free, then how do you make money?
A: We help you to succeed!

   

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