“This is nowhere near Nowheresville, and it’s certainly not outer space, it’s Los Angeles.” Those lines were spoken during an actor’s monologue here at IMTA, where hundreds of scenes and monologues like that one would be performed by actors while their modeling counterparts walked the fashion runways. Contestants in both acting and modeling categories give it their all in front of agents and casting directors, during what is the largest modeling and acting convention of its kind, held for a week each January in Los Angeles and every July in New York City.
The week typically begins on a Sunday, as groups of models and actors hoping to break into “the business” file in to the host hotel to begin a journey that will include competitions, seminars, and meetings. Parents are also encouraged to attend and sit in on topics such as “What Parents Need to Know,” “The Business of Show Business,” and “The Runway to Success.” It’s all designed to give the contestants every possible edge, build up their confidence, and make them stronger competitors.
IMTA stands for International Modeling and Talent Association, and its appeal is international, indeed. One international supporter is Barbizon Modeling Centers, and its members have long enjoyed attending IMTA conventions, simply because it is the easiest way to accomplish so much in one place and in such a short period of time. “How else can you put yourself in front of agents and casting directors from New York, Los Angeles, Europe, and Asia without ever leaving the building?” says Debra Hall, President of Barbizon International. “It really is like one-stop shopping. Everything you need to succeed in the modeling or acting business is right here. The people, the information, the opportunities — they’re all at your fingertips.”...
Great runway models aren’t born, they’re made with a combinations of strong natural gifts, instinctive moves, and plenty of tough love from a coach like Michael Maddox.
Occasional strolls down a runway may spark an interest in expanding into full-time modeling, acting or pageant competition. Whatever the case, here are some expert tips to help you take the next steps toward achieving your goals. By Eve Matheson
It Happens Every Spring — it can happen to you: Modeling and talent agents convene each year at the Waldorf=Astoria on the lookout for the stars of tomorrow. With any luck, you too can be discovered.
Made in Japan: One of America’s hottest exports in the Far East may be its fashion models. Here’s why girls who cross the Pacific are practically guaranteed to profit from the trip. By Eve Matheson
star pupil, star maker: The lifeblood of the entertainment industry is people like Charlie Pasarel and his PMTS International, where so many benefit from his IMTA success as a performer, producer and mentor.
face-to-face with stardom: The 2006 iPOP! convention brings bright and promising John Robert Powers students up close to Hollywood's legendary siren's call.
Beautiful dreamers: Ms. and Mr. Barbizon winners discover the training and cool confidence required to reap Pageantry’s rewards at their modeling convention.
Our expert’s radio call-in show appearances have elicited a number of common questions from prospective young models. Here’s the version of her advice that you can conveniently tear out and keep.
Members of a small Tennessee-based talent firm compete in front of some of the biggest hitters in the modeling and acting agency-management professions.
With its proximity to a plethora of dream makers, IMTA/Barbizon in New York City offers an alluring combination — a chance to be seen, heard, and discovered by those in the modeling and entertainment industry's inner circles.
“This is nowhere near Nowheresville, and it’s certainly not outer space, it’s Los Angeles.” Those lines were spoken during an actor’s monologue here at IMTA, where hundreds of scenes and monologues like that one would be performed by actors while their modeling counterparts walked the fashion runways. Contestants in both acting and modeling categories give it their all in front of agents and casting directors, during what is the largest modeling and acting convention of its kind, held for a week each January in Los Angeles and every July in New York City.
