Curb the BIG small talk...

Curb the BIG small talk....
We all know that person- the "one upper", the bragger, the person that no one wants to talk to or listen to because they always have something to brag about. Basically, the person that is the center of the universe? Well, when that person is on someone else's set, what are really doing is sabotaging themselves.
The worst thing that you can do on the set of any type of commercial shoot is constantly brag about yourself (and lets face it folks, in a market this small you need to keep your perspective- it IS Upstate NY.)
Everyone on the set is on the same job and at that point are equal. Whatever got you there is dandy- but let it go. Don't bore your com padres and especially the CLIENT with your life story, your previous work, your last 73 indie films, your high school blue ribbons etc etc. In addition to making yourself seem like a big boastful talking head you could also be accomplishing the following:
A. Freaking out a newer talent who is buying into your braggadocios blustering. (and that just isn't nice)
B. Making yourself look ridiculous (and perhaps even mildly amusing) to seriously experienced talent who are quietly doing their job and counting backwards from 1000 in their head in an attempt to drown you out.
C. Making the client regret hiring you because you are disruptive, lack humility and have only a slight foothold in reality.
Yes, I am being humorous and somewhat hyperbolic but there is a serious lesson here. These comments come from over 30 years of experience in this industry as talent and an agent, as well as conversations with clients (including a really funny one just last night!)
It is truly meant to educate talent on how to behave on set and at auditions. Remember-if you are good- people will know.
"Posers scream, Talent whispers." - Ann Marie Stonecypher

Copyright Ann Marie Stonecypher. no portion of this may be copied or reproduced without expressed permission from the author.

Just say NO to naked....

Ok- I just had my stomach turn this morning so this must be said. If a photographer wants to shoot you naked or nearly naked because CLAIMS he is going to get you in a magazine or make you famous with those shots- RUN. I know this probably sounds totally logical to most but sadly it is not to many young people. If a photographer thinks you have the right "stuff" then he can keep your "stuff" covered up and shoot you! If you are beautiful and have potential then you will get work. Period. Clothes on. If you have ANY questions on this matter email me or call me at my office. info@amsmodels.com 315 451 8553 ‪#‎appalled‬

Social Media MAYHEM...

I have to post about this topic as I have spent 34 years in this business and social media has REALLY been the blessing and the BAIN of this business. I have a news flash for everyone: Just because you want to be a model doesn't mean you can or should be one. I know that sounds really awful but it is the truth. There are many things that I am not right this minute because I am not good at them. So I found something that I could do and did it. Just because people who don't know the business TOLD you that you should do something and you WANT to do it doesn't mean you can. Just because now you can set up accounts where you can actually collect money to help fund your dream doesn't mean you can still make it come true. 

The reason that so many people don't make it in this business is this business is BRUTAL. Not necessarily here in Upstate NY but in NYC and LA it can be especially tough. Every city has their type- do your homework (and know where the good info comes from). NOTE- if you are 5'6 you will not be a runway model in NYC. (I don't make the news- I just report it) If you want to share a story about ONE girl you heard about upon a time- great....we have all heard that story. It is not the real deal. 

Syracuse and upstate has a look- and it is MUCH easier to model here. Keep it simple- Pretty, healthy, no height requirement. age 5-85. 

If my poor eyes have to behold anymore HORRENDOUS "model" photos on social media I just don't know what I will do. First- if you are already a professional model with an agent stop posting all over social media. Just S.T.O.P. Your agent is putting your photos out there where they need to be seen- they will get you work.That is their job. Ok- if you get a really great new head shot and you want to share- that's fun. :)  If you are NOT a professional model- try to get an agent. That is how you get work. I heard a {not professional}"model" once say she put her photos everywhere so that someone from VOGUE would see them and hire her. I have no words. (and these photos were awful beyond human comprehension)

If you wish to get an agent you get one with GOOD photos- NOT photos of yourself looking ghoulish (to show your "versatility"- um, no) or 90% naked draped over a produce cart (to show your "sexiness, versatility and love of vegetables"- um no, no.) or photos of yourself consistently looking angry. (no one has ever called this agency and asked me for an ANGRY model. No and no.) If a photographer asks you do some of this silliness say NO. Ask them why they want it and what it will do to get you WORK and what kind of work that will be? If he or she looks at you with a blank look you have your answer....

This is real information from someone who knows. Like it or not this is information that you can make money on. The people that work for me DO. 

Thank you for your indulgence. :)