The relationship between the acting and modelling industry is getting closer and closer each day and it appears that one cannot exist without the other. Many Hollywood actresses began their careers as models and in some cases practice both careers simultaneously. The recent Channel 4 documentary MTA: Model Turned Actor is testimony to the fact that a good number of ambitious models are using the catwalk to get exposure and experience, but their ultimate goal is to grace our silver screens.
The list is endless. The famous actors and actresses that we have grown accustomed to started off as models or practice modelling alongside their acting career. This phenomenon has been going on for quite sometime. The male MTA’s include figures like Mark Wahlberg (who plays leading men in films) to Jason Lewis and Michael Bergin a former Calvin Klein model . Various beauties have acted or modelled at some stage in their careers namely Lauren Hutton, Kim Basinger, Cindy Crawford, Andie McDowell, Halle Berry, Naomi Campbell, Isabella Rossellini, Iman and Saffron Burrows. The legendry actress Audrey Hepburn was closely associated with the Givenchy fashion house and wore their designs regularly. Recently, when the fashion genius Yves Saint Laurent staged a mesmerizing fashion extravaganza to highlight the end of his 40 years in fashion it was
striking that one of the most prominent celebrities at his side was the French
actress Catherine Deneuve. Indeed fashion and drama have a rather uncanny partnership.
During London Fashion Week in February, the model Kate Moss took part in a non-
speaking role for a 15-minute mini-drama, which displayed the Frost French designs
for autumn/winter 2002 range. The fashion show cum play was staged at the Duke
of York’s theatre and revealed in a creative manner the symbiotic relationship
between fashion and drama.
TIPS FOR MODELS INTERESTED IN ACTING
1. Try and break into commercial modelling. Being photographed is not the same as acting in films. Therefore, you need to practice being in front of a camera and the best way to do this is to break into doing television advertisements. Just recently, the famous Danish model Helena Christensen appeared in a hilarious Walkers Crisp advertisement. This type of work is quite lucrative and you are paid royalties each time the advert is shown.
2. Another useful tip is to participate in music videos. This is a fun way of getting some experience and to meet people who are connected to the film industry. Some famous models have been in music videos such as Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell and Christy Turlington.
3. Take acting lessons. The Channel 4 programme MTA focussed on an acting course and is a good example of the steps some models are taking to make a name for themselves.
4. Read books about acting. If you cannot afford acting lessons then read books.
5. Start to network. Try and get to know casting directors who might be interested
in your type of look, being shy will get you nowhere. As you might already know
the acting/modelling industry is not for retiring personalities. Be aggressive
but not obnoxious.
6. Obtain an equity card, this is necessary.
7. Be honest with yourself. Do you think you have a face with personality and is it expressive?
Good luck with your attempts and you will never find out unless
you try. . 