Harry Potter The Moives

It's a total myth that anyone looking to find work as a model or actor has to jet off to New York or sunny Southern California. Why, you can follow the palms to Southern Florida and find a chance to get yourself in print ads and commercials, on runways, and even in television, film, and music videos. The trick is to find the right people to help you on your way.

You will find there may be agencies out there preying on your anxiousness to become a star and using that to only rip you off. If they're licensed, they have to follow the rules set forth by their state and so it is highly likely they will abide by them.

Any agency you work with should be fully licensed. If the agency has been around for at least 15 or 20 years, that's a good sign they are legitimate. If an agency asks for a signing or registration fee up front, go the other way. Check out the clients the agency has worked with -- if you see names you recognize, you're in good shape. "Target" and "Reebok" are fine names to recognize. "Frank's After-Hours Bagel and Auto Parts" should probably throw up a red flag.

A good model and talent agency will help you figure out what's best for you, whether it's in print ads or on that new TV show. And the film industry is everywhere. In Southern Florida, shows like the USA Network hit "Burn Notice" and Fox's new drama "The Glades" are always looking for talent. Reputable agencies will have the in with those casting directors. Heck, you might even find yourself dodging pyrotechnics in a music video.

And listen: don't get intimidated by the thought that all models are exotic and foreign. Good agencies like to work with everyday people of all ages and experience levels. Which makes sense. Those are the kinds of people we see everyday, so that's who we expect to see in our ads and favorite programs. We the people want to relate to the people who are selling us sweaters ... or getting involved in action-packed crime dramas.

Lastly, look for a talent agency that'll help you get started. It's a truism as old as talent itself that anybody looking to get into the business needs headshots. Model composites. A sense of what kind of work to be seeking. Because no agency, hear me now, can guarantee work. But some can give you a better boost than others.

Further, understand that your chosen agency takes its time to effectively evaluate, educate and promote its talent. When you're looking to develop your talents in order to eventually be ready for your big break, then it's vitally important to work with an agency like Avenue Productions so that you receive all the correct guidance.