AFFINITY - Model & Talent

With offices in Los Angeles, and sister agencies in San Francisco, Chicago and New York, AFFINITY can work with models all over the USA. AFFINITY represents Tradeshow and Fashion models throughout the world.

Where does the Agency Represent?

With offices in Los Angeles, and outside agencies in San Francisco, Chicago and New York, AFFINITY assists models who can work all over the USA. AFFINITY represents Tradeshow and Fashion models who travel throughout the world.

Child Models:

If you or your child is under the age of 18, an Entertainment Permit must be acquired before any promotion or placement can be done by AFFINITY Model & Talent Agency. You may register for this permit at: Industrial Relations Department Labor Commissioner. The permits are located at: http://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/dlseform277.pdf

We encourage you to send email JPEG pictures ONLY of your infant, toddler or child. We do not take walk in appointments.

Please understand that due to the busy nature of a talent agency, you will not necessarily be given a great deal of time to discuss your child. The process is very quick and efficient. If you need more guidance, grooming, coaching, or management you may wish to contact any number of "personal managers" located in most major cities. Be warned however, that there are unscrupulous managers who charge up front fees but provide no real guidance. Schools should be the only entities that charge up front fees. Personal managers usually require 10% of all jobs you acquire. A less expensive method is to read up on the modeling field.

If you seek more information about kids and modeling you might want to contact the best model resource we know, Models Mart (212-944-0638) in New York. They have great books and tapes on the subject.

If we like what we see, after we locate actual work for your child, we will send you an email non-exclusive contract.

If your child is over 4 years old we strongly recommend that you thoroughly investigate all of the modeling schools, seminars and training in your area. Ask yourself these questions:

What is the modeling experience and training of the teacher offering classes?

Are they offering you an opportunity to attend one class for free to evaluate?

Are they giving you real techniques that teach you how to perform on camera and onstage?

Celebrity Models:

Celebrity models are used to create an image for a company and its product or service. AFFINITY represents Superstar models who’ve become celebrities and celebrities from other fields who also perform as spokespersons for various products and companies.

AFFINITY represents superstars from the fields of athletics, entertainment, business and the arts. AFFINITY also represents relatives of famous individuals such as royalty and political figures.

With over 216 affiliates around the country, AFFINITY can locate the celebrity you wish to utilize for your product or service. Simply contact the agency and request the Celebrity Services Division.

High Fashion Models:

High Fashion models can be seen in Elle, GQ, Vogue, W and many others as well as in runway shows for haute couture or designer collections. They also model in catalogs, print ads and television commercials for designer, cosmetic and other glamorous products.

Ultra high fashion models have looks that are either extreme, unique, sophisticated or exotic. European markets are prone to more extreme looks of the ultra high fashion models which appeal to the very trendy, avante garde, fashion conscious consumers.

Other high fashion models have a more accessible look that falls between ultra high fashion models and general fashion, but usually have at least one feature that gives them a memorable look. These models have the potential to become celebrity or super-models because of their widespread appeal.

High fashion models are tall. The women are usually between 5'8 and 5'11 and usually wear Misses sizes 8-10. Most female high fashion models are between 13 and 25. Very few female models maintain high fashion model status beyond these ages, however, there are some exceptional models who continue into their 40's.

Womens fashion measurements:

Bust:32 to 34, cup A,B, or C, 36 max if small cup size.

Waist: 25" in max

Hips: 35" in. max.

Height 5’8-5’11"

Weight: 115-130

Mens fashion measurements

Suit: 40 Regular

Shirt: 15-15 1/2 x 34-35

Waist 32-34

Inseam 32-34

Chest 38-40

Weight: 145-165 Height: 5'11 to 6’1

Physique: well built

Male high fashion models are often between 14 and 35 years.

If you meet the above criteria we will need additional email pictures.

Please keep in mind the following points when taking your pictures:

DO NOT wear make up or hairspray
DO NOT pose
Background should be a plain white wall
Use Regular 35mm color print film (any camera) or digital
Wear a one or two piece swimsuit

We will need the following kinds of snapshots:

FROM THE SHOULDERS UP:
Forward with no smile (hair up & hair down)2
Forward with smile 1
Both profiles (hair-up) 2
Total: 5 shots

FROM BUST UP:
Forward with no smile (hair up & hair down) 2
Forward with smile 1
Both profiles (hair-up) 2
Total: 5 shots

FULL LENGTH:
Forward no smile 2
Both profiles (hair up) 1
Back shot (hair up) 2
Total: 5 shots

Please note: we will not return these photos. Also: if we do not email you within 30 days of your email, this indicates we cannot represent your look at this time. Please do not call or email and ask if we received your pictures. Due to the busy nature of an agency, this is the only acceptable procedure.

Potential Runway Models must have experience or be willing to train in Runway Walks including: quarter turn/pivot, Stationary half-turn/pivot, Swing/reverse step, Walking half turn/pivot, three-quarter turn, full turn, one-and-a-half turn, two half pivots, Mannequin turn, Carousel turn, European turn, Sport turn, Mannequin modeling turn, Bridal turn. Also training in how to ascend and descend stairs, hand gestures, how to remove a garment on the runway. Runway models must have an attractive walk that shows: good carriage, light yet secure step, relaxation, control, style, a good sense of rhythm and fluidity. Runway models may also need to learn to dance along the runway. AFFINITY represents Runway Models both in the U.S. and abroad in London, Paris, Milan, Munich, Hamburg, Madrid, Tokyo, Mexico City and Sydney. If a model is qualified, AFFINITY will set up contracts for him/her in Europe, Asia or South America. Runway Models may also find work in Fit Modeling, Showroom Modeling and Informal Modeling.

FASHION VISA ISSUES

We cannot pay for your trip into the USA. We also cannot pay for housing or other accomodations for foreign models. Additionally, we cannot assist you in entering the U.S.A. by registering as your employer with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You can also travel to other countries under our mother agency agreement. However, you must pursue appropriate Visa, working papers, vaccines, etc. in order to work in South America, Europe or Asia.

You must obtain a work visa from the I.N.S.

You should seek the H Visa or the J Visa.

The INS can be found at the following location: http://uscis.gov/graphics/index.htm

For a list of office locations in the USA follow this link: http://uscis.gov/graphics/fieldoffices/alphaa.htm

For general info call USCIS customer service at: 1-800-375-5283.

INS Los Angeles District Office

Information Services

300 N. Los Angeles Street

Room 1001

Los Angeles, CA 90012

San Diego District Office Location:

Mailing Address:

USINS San Diego District Office

880 Front Street, Suite 1234

San Diego, CA 92101

Street Address:

USINS San Diego District Office

U.S. Federal Building

880 Front Street, Suite 1234

San Diego, CA 92101

San Francisco Office Location:

Street Address:

ALL APPOINTMENTS, Detention & Deportation, Fingerprinting, Human

Resources, SAVE and Support Services:

630 Sansome Street

San Francisco, CA 94111

Mailing Address:

INS San Francisco District Office

630 Sansome Street

San Francisco, CA 94111

415-705-4411

General Fashion Models

General Fashion models have universally appealing good looks but are not high fashion enough to qualify for high fashion editorials. You may see these models in middle-of-the-road magazines like Redbook and Good Housekeeping. General fashion models are often seen in catalogs and general clothing advertisements for companies like Mervyns, Sears and Target. Most general fashion models appear to be between 18 and 25. Also included are Contemporary Women (who appear between 28 and 44) and Classic Women (who appear over 45).

The majority of men in this category range from 18 to 28 years old and may be seen in underwear and bathing suit ads. Those men who appear between 25 and 35 model sportswear and formal wear. Men who appear between 32 and 45 often model business clothes.

Commercial Print Models:

Commercial Print models represent products other than beauty or fashion. They are used in print ads, packaging, sales displays, product catalogs and live promotional work. There are two types of commercial print models: Straight and Character.

Straight Commercial models can range from average (real people) to attractive types. They are chosen because they appeal to specific consumer markets based on age, marital status, income, etc.

Character Commercial models most often appear in print ads and television commercials. These models can be funny-looking or offbeat characters. They are often exaggerated examples of real people. Character models may also be impersonators or imaginary characters such as Uncle Sam or a leprachaun.

Real People models: There are no height, weight or visual requirements for casting and print. This is because the assignment may call for "real people" i.e. non-model types. We seek talent from all ethnic backgrounds.

Petite Models

Petite Models wear sizes 3-7 Petite and are usually 18 to 25 years old. Petite models appear in catalogs, print ads, tv commercials. Occasionally, they may receive high fashion print assignments.

Petite models are coming more into vogue now but it is still a struggle to get them into runway shows. Our recommendation for petites: start looking for other petite models and then as a group, approach petite clothing companies and create showcases. Naturally, you'll need to hook up with a choreographer but these can be found at other runway shows or by asking manufacturers or local clothing outlets like Macy’s who they use.

Parts Models

If a model has particularly appealing body parts, e.g. hands, feet, back etc. they must

take snapshots or Polaroids of these parts, date the photographs and place name on photographs. These shots are needed for buyers who seek Parts models. If the parts are superior in appearance, the model will need to locate professional photographers to photograph the body parts.

Hand models have attractively shaped, smallish hands with no blemishes or skin problems. Nails have a healthy color, are without curves, ridges, blemishes. Cuticles must be perfect. Nails must be natural, not sculpted. Most hand models wear a size 6 1/2 to 7 1/2 glove and 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 ring. Male hand models wear an 8 _ to 10 glove.

Leg models must have beautifully shaped, straight, slim, long legs with attractive feet and without veins, scars or other blemishes.

Female foot models must have graceful, flawless feet with attractive ankles and lower legs. They must wear size 6 narrow or medium without blemishes, protruding veins.

Teeth/smile models must have perfectly straight, white teeth with a beautiful smile and attractive lips. Gums must be healthy, pink and not extremely large.

Beauty models are used for face and hair products. They must have a well-proportioned, attractive face with symmetrical features, good bone structure. Skin must be flawless with fine, nearly invisible pores. No blemishes, no circles or darkness under the eyes. Eyes must be wide-set, expressive and beautiful. Lips are neither too thin nor too full. Neck should be long and slim. Hair should be healthy, thick, shiny, easy to manage. Hair should be virgin (not permed or colored). For men a strong jaw line and an even hairline are preferred.

Plus Size Models

Plus or large size models wear Misses sizes 12 and up. Plus models have well proportioned, full figures. Plus sizes wear between size 12 and size 18. Measurements are between 34-25-37 and 40-31-42. If your size exceeds these measurements you are not qualified for Plus size modeling.If your waist is not at least 9 inches smaller than your hips and chest, you are not qualified for Plus size modeling.

Swimsuit Models:

Swimsuit models need an attractive slender figure with a 34B bust or larger. Models with naturally darker skin or a light tan are preferred. The models figure should have smooth, attractive countours. Swimsuit models should not have bony or angular shoulders, visible rib cage or hipbones. Their figure should be well-toned and without cellulite or excessive muscles. Swimsuit models usually have figures that are slightly rounder or more athletic looking than typical fashion models.

Lingerie Models:

Lingerie models need an attractive figure with a full 34B bust or larger. Skin must be flawless, without much body hair, freckles, moles or scars. Models should not be overly tan. The model’s bones in the rib and chest should not protrude. The model must not be very muscular.

Body Models:

Nude or Figure models work in print work, videos and films. Affinity Models & Talent, Inc. does not represent Adult Film actors or models and is not involved in the adult video or magazine industry. AFFINITY only represents nude models for tasteful photography with a professional aesthetic. This includes art photography, fashion magazines, and mainstream mens magazines. Nude models range from 18 to 24 with few exceptions. Figure models must have an excellent figure with a well-developed bustline. Looks range from wholesome to sexy to mildly exotic.

Disabled Talent

AFFINITY is dedicated to equal representation for disabled talent. Disabled talent should inform AFFINITY staff by phone of any difficulty entering the AFFINITY office and accommodations will be made.

Submitting professional photographs

Affinity asks all models to submit pictures in one of two ways.

First, models/actors may email pictures at info@affinitytalent.com. Your pictures must be sent in ".jpeg" format only. Pictures should be minimum 4.5 inches wide by 4.5 inches high. Pictures should be saved in 72dpi (dots or pixels per inch). Do not send .gif, .tif, html, bitmap (.bmp) or Photodeluxe (.pdd) files. Please do not send "zip" files. If sending more than 5 different pictures, send them in multiple emails. Along with email pictures talent must include a resume in Microsoft Word format only. All pictures sent in these formats or any format other than .jpeg or .jpg will be rejected and deleted. If sending more than 5 different pictures, send them in multiple emails. Please include in your email: Hair and eye color, Height, weight and body measurements, shoe size. Please use feet and inches in measurements. Along with email pictures talent must include a resume in Microsoft Word or .txt format only. Do NOT send .jpg format images of your resume. For an example of proper resume format see the Resume page.

If talent wish to mail pictures or do not have access to a scanner, they may mail application in with pictures and MSWord or.txt formatted resume on floppy disk to AFFINITY 8721 Santa Monica Blvd #27, West Hollywood, Ca 90069.

Talent not need to send a portfolio yet. If AFFINITY agrees to represent talent the agency will work closely with them to build their portfolio. Of course, if talent already have one, they are welcome to send copies of their photos.

If AFFINITY coordinators believe the models look is marketable they will return a message via email or phone within 2 weeks indicating Agency interest. If you do not receive a response within 2 weeks, please consider this non-response a statement of non-interest at this time.

If AFFINITY coordinators indicate interest, via email or phone, they will request that talent print out the Model & Talent Agency application, fill it out and send it to the agency. This application must be accompanied by 10-20 copies total of several pictures or comp cards and a resume. Remember: Total resumes: 20, total Pictures: 20. Do NOT submit original pictures. AFFINITY will not return original pictures and they will not be used for castings. The resume must not have model/actor‚s home address or phone number, or any other agency name. Talent must type "AFFINITY Model & Talent Agency" on the top of the Resume.

Submitting Amateur Photos

The email pictures talent send do not need to be taken by a professional photographer. Of course, if talent have professional pictures, they are welcome to send them; however, the agency prefers to receive emails of simple snap shots or polaroids which give an accurate idea what talent look like. Have a family member of friend shoot a roll or two. Use half of the film to get a good head shot and half to get a good body shot. Color photography is preferable.

Affinity asks all models to submit pictures in the following manner:

First, models/actors may email pictures at info@affinitytalent.com. Your pictures must be sent in ".jpeg" format only. Do not send bitmap (.bmp), .gif, .art, .tif, or Photodeluxe (.pdd) files. Do not send MS Word picture files. Please do not send "zip" files. If sending more than 5 different pictures, send them in multiple emails. If you are on AOL or any other email service that 'zips' pictures before sending, send only ONE EMAIL PICTURE AT A TIME! Along with email pictures talent must include a resume in text format only. This means the resume SHOULD NOT be in an attachment but rather, is IN the actual TEXT of the email. This means no pdf, word, or other resume attachments will be accepted. You must copy your resume and PASTE it into the text of your email. Once again, no resume attachments please!

Please note: we will not return these photos. Also: if we do not respond to you within 30 days of your email, this indicates we cannot represent your look at this time. Please do not call or email and ask if we received your pictures. Due to the busy nature of an agency, this is the only acceptable procedure

Advice on Amateur Photographs

The following photographs are unacceptable:

Blurry

Dark

Overexposed

Excessive makeup

Too far away (too much space above and below models body).

Too close (distorted model face or body)

Bundled up in thick winter clothing

Baggy clothing

Standing with boyfriend/girlfriend/gathering of family/friends.

AFFINITY cannot appropriately evaluate a model’s potential with these types of photographs. Remember, these pictures are for the buyer, so that they can SEE you.

The following photographs are acceptable:

Clear facial features

Little to no makeup if amateur

Head to foot

Head to waist

Head and chest

Head and shoulders

Profile face

Profile body

Clothing includes: Sporty, casual, swimsuit, formal, clubwear etc.

Remember to always include your basic measurements with your photos. If you are female your measurements must include your age, height, bust, waist, hips, hair color and eye color. If you are male your measurements must include your height, chest, waist, inseam, hair color and eye color.

You should send at least one clear head shot and one clear body shot. Your head shot should clearly show your entire face, and your body shot should give us a good idea of your build and body type. We suggest that women wear a swimsuit and men a swimsuit or boxer shorts.

Without appropriate photographs AFFINITY will have difficulty helping models find any assignments beyond promotional modeling. If models have higher aspirations, they need professional pictures. Photographers can be found in the following magazines, Callboard, Dramalogue, Backstage West etc. and on the internet.

Where to Send Pictures:

Email the same at info@affinitytalent.com Your pictures must be sent in ".jpeg" format only. Do not send bitmap (.bmp), .gif, .art, .tif, or Photodeluxe (.pdd) files. Do not send MS Word picture files. Please do not send "zip" files. If sending more than 5 different pictures, send them in multiple emails. If you are on AOL or any other email service that 'zips' pictures before sending, send only ONE EMAIL PICTURE AT A TIME!

Agency Acceptance:

If AFFINITY coordinators like a model’s look, they’ll contact the model in under 30 days. If a model is not contacted in 30 days it means that the model’s look is not suitable for the AFFINITY agency at this time. This means AFFINITY may have several models represented by the agency that already have a similar look or that, based on experience, te agency does not see a need for a particular look.

Please note, AFFINITY will not respond to phone calls regarding whether a model’s pictures have arrived. Due to the high volume of work, agency staff do not have time to respond to these calls. If a model’s package has arrived it will be filed. If it hasn't it will be returned by the post office.

For prospective fashon models:

If, after you have sent your pictures and we are interested in sending you to other areas around the USA or outside the USA we will be requesting additional snapshots of you.

If an agent at AFFINITY is interested in you, they will most definitely contact you. Therefore, please remember to include your contact information including your email address, phone number or address. Make sure that your contact information is on each and every picture you send in the event that your pictures become separated. Please do not call or email to inquire about the status of your submission. If there is interest, we will contact you quickly. Please do not inquire as to WHY the agency is not interested in your look at this time. The agency makes its decisions based on marketplace demands. Lack of interest does not indicate that talent are lacking in attractiveness. Lack of interest merely means that AFFINITY does not see your look or resume as a profitable investment at this time.

If there is no interest, you will not hear back from AFFINITY. If AFFINITY is not interested in you, do not be discouraged. There are many good agencies, and every agency is looking for something different. It may be that your look was not right for us at the time of your submission.

If you have additional Affinity questions, you are welcome to email them to info@affinitytalent.com, and we will try to get back with you as soon as possible.

Open Call and Agency Auditions

AFFINITY LA only accepts email submissions at this time. If we like your pictures, we will invite you to the open call. NO GENERAL OPEN CALLS. Please send all pictures and correspondence regarding representation to: info@affinitytalent.com

Talent are contacted via email after submission of pictures and told to come in for our open call days. Talent will be given the times and location at that time. There are no general OPEN CALLS. Talent are invited based on email picture submission. We do not accept submissions by regular mail.

If we like your email pictures, we will invite you to the open call.

If chosen to come in (based on email pictures and resume) Actors must bring in a dramatic or comedic monologue that is under 2 minutes in length. The monologue must be memorized. Monologue guidelines: Do not choose a monologue that you or a friend have written. Do not choose a monologue that requires you to throw or pound on anything. Do not play an extremely violent or crazy character. Essentially, do not play any character during your monologue that will cause the agency building neighbors to be concerned. Do not bring props.

When performing a monologue before the agent, the actor should find a point of focus other than the agent. This allows the agent to evaluate the performance without having to visually respond during the performance.

Actors may be asked to do a "cold reading" of material they have not seen before. Be advised that actors with no formal training in a school or in theatrical productions, will be evaluated on skill and professionalism. It is strongly advised that all actors receive professional training or experience before submitting to audition for the agency.

Stylists/Make Up Artists Representation

Photographer Representation

Photographers, Stylists, Make Up Artists are welcome to show their work to AFFINITY Talent Coordinators via email or regular mail only. We are not accepting appointments at this time.

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