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PMM ARCHIVES: Plus Size Commercial and Real People Modeling…

Originally published PLUS Model Magazine 4/01/2008

This Month’s Question…

I just want to know what agencies there are for women weighing 250 and up?  I am 359 and 22, and I see pictures of women who are big like me on the internet as well as magazines and TV.  How do I apply??

Larissa Answers…

I actually have some friends who do what you are talking about. These friends of mine are actresses who do commercials and commercial print. Even when I go to casting calls for ads, like diet drugs, all the people who are called in are over 200 lbs. and all are professional plus size actors.

There is no agency that I know of who caters specifically to people over 250 lbs., but most agencies have divisions that utilize what are called, “Character Actors.” However, there are agencies that are dedicated to talent that has a “Real people” look or novelty characters. Most movie production companies contact these agencies for background work on movie sets. Also, advertisers deal with those types of agencies when they are looking for a commercial campaign.

As I have written before… please research agencies in your area. Look for plus size print, commercial, or talent agencies. Write a cover letter and attach a few snapshots. Find out if these companies ever have open calls to see talent. Take an acting class… you’d be surprised at what you’ll find out about the business! Also, some of the best plus size models I work with are actors or have studied acting. It only makes you better in front of the camera and helps you be comfortable at casting calls (instead of being a nervous wreck). The plus-size models I personally know (that are working all the time in NYC) go out to TV commercial auditions and commercial print casting calls…not just fashion go-sees.

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