Desperate Move?

Feeling slightly down that my e-mails have not been replied after sending in the photos, I surfed the internet for casting calls. I happened to come across an advertisement looking for Japanese females, or Chinese females who look like Japanese, or Pan-Asian females. I thought, what the heck…and sent my details as well as pictures to her. After all, even a kid asked if I’m a Japanese although I am pure Chinese. The only problem is I don’t have a video to be sent to them (ok, I admit, I didn’t see that requirement earlier on). Anyway, my camera died on me, so I can’t take a video of myself. Normally I would not have sent my details to a person just like that, especially when I don’t know which company that person is from.

Another company was looking for models between the age of 17 to 23 (I’m 23!!!) for the year 2007 calendar and postcards. Hmm…I wonder what kind of pictures do they want to take? Although I have visited their website and such, I’m still a little wary of this company. Anyway, I sent my details as well to this company. I guess I’m getting desperate. I’ll have to be more careful from now onwards.

Regarding the model in my dance school, my dance instructor told me that he doesn’t reply messages from strangers. And I am a stranger to him. So much for sending the message to him regarding his modelling school. I was advised to ask him when I see him this Saturday, at the said dance instructor’s BBQ party. Somehow, I don’t feel like asking anymore. I think my huge big ego has been punctured.

It’s been four hours since I’ve sent the first two e-mails and there’s no reply yet. Am I being impatient? From what I have read, I think I am being really, really impatient. Not getting any replies from them can be pretty depressing, and you’ll start wondering whether your looks are good enough, or whether you are skinny enough…etc. So, I have started running up and down the stairs at my office since I’ve been putting on weight lately. Writing this blog is also necessary for me as it has a therapeutical effect on me.

Many surprising things happened though. Firstly, my little cousin is going for an audition herself! It seems to be an audition for a reality show where four urban kids have to go through life in the village/countryside. Interesting. I hope she gets the part. I also found out, that my dance instructor, whom I mentioned before, did a TVC shoot himself today (as an extra)! Another dance mate was an extra for another TVC too… So why am I the only one who can’t even get a chance to go for auditions? *wails*

On a quest...

There’s a saying, no news is good news. In my case, I’d rather have news than no news at all. Especially when you KNOW that the recipient has read the mail but is not replying. It’s really a blow to the ego. Unfortunately (or fortunately??) I’m too stubborn to give up. Surprisingly, it was one of my closer friends who has contacts of people from the modelling agencies. Gave me a handphone number and the name of the person to contact (this was on Friday). I called the handphone number, thinking that the person is a HE and probably the person in charge of recruitment of models.

Instead, a lady picked up the phone and I started stammering, sounding like a fool on the phone. I stupidly asked if it was the modeling agency and she said yes. After stuttering for a few minutes, I finally put down the phone. I wanted to murder my friend. SHE was the owner of the handphone and she’s the managing director of the agency. ARGH! Ok, my next quest: gather the pictures she needs. One full body pic, one headshot, one side shot (I really detest my side shot) and one half body shot.

Digital camera, I have. Photographer – nein. Normally, I’m the photographer. This time, my mom has to be the photographer. Since my critically ill camera will only take nice pictures in a bright sunny environment, I had to take my pictures during the day, preferably in the morning when it’s not TOO bright. Besides, it has been raining every evening lately. Unfortunately, mom is busy most of the mornings, so I had to wait until Sunday to take my picture. Even then, I only took it in the evening (wasn’t too dark).

Maybe I’m not made to be in this field. Even fate is against me. My camera died on me AFTER taking the last shot needed. I couldn’t take anymore shots to compare after that. So much for choosing the best picture. At least I have the necessary retarded pictures to send to the modelling agency.

I e-mailed my pictures as well as those taken at the cosmetic booths to her after I got back from Ikano Power Centre (went there to have a hair cut). Until now, I still haven’t gotten any reply from her. Probably shocked by my horrendous pictures.

On the plus side, I did get a reply from another agency, which I didn’t expect after not hearing from them for a few days, requesting for, as usual, pictures. I have sent the pictures this morning, hoping that he wouldn’t faint after seeing my pictures (even my camera refused to take pictures of me!).

Whether I will get a reply or not from him, I will have to zip my mouth up for the next few days to lose the pounds I’ve piled lately.

Modelling schools

Yesterday...

It's been a few days since I've registered at the talent agency. No calls so far. I started feeling a little down, wondering if I really don't have the criteria necessary for the entertainment world. I complained to my ex-boss about not receiving any calls from them and she said, "Of course lah! You have to wait...It has only been a few days...". Hmm. Waiting isn't something I'm good at sometimes, but I guess I'll have to learn how to "wait" from now onwards.

Splashed across the covers of several newspapers were the pictures of a Mongolian model who was murdered brutally, having her body blown to bits after being killed. So happen her statistics were printed on the front cover as well. Hmm...165cm. That's my height. Of course, she's a lot prettier than me. Trained in France...maybe I should try enrolling into a modelling school. Feeling hopeful, I searched for the modelling schools numbers and summoned up my courage to call them. For the first number I dialed, I got a "the service for this number has ended". Nevermind. I called another school. Apparently, they have just shifted and had no space for classrooms, therefore, there will be no modelling classes indefinitely. Feeling slightly down, I called the third one. Modelling classes were also stopped indefinitely. My hopes were dashed.

Then, I received a reply from another modelling agency, asking me for my details and pictures. I felt slightly better, but I seriously have no idea where this agency is located at. Still, I sent them my photos. Unfortunately, I don't have a full body picture of me to send to the agencies, and most of the time they require a few shots of the entire body. I've been searching around for photographers but I didn't want to go to a bridal studio because it's too expensive and I don't want bridal like poses. I thought of searching for freelance photographers, but they don't do the make up and have no proper studio. Plus, they charge by the hour which is even worse.

Until now, I have not received any reply from the agency yet. Maybe I need to wait longer...(trying to be optimistic here). Then, things started to look brighter. Apparently, the model in my dance school is from a modelling school and they conduct classes as well. I have sent a message to him and shall WAIT (again) patiently (I'm lying) for his reply. I hope it'll be a positive one.

And so, the story begins...

In a society where looks play an important part, it is not surprising that even a child would be extremely pleased when he/she received positive comments on his/her looks. I was one of them. I liked dressing up and listening to people say, "Wow, you look like a model!". After hearing that, I wanted to be one. I didn't feel so hopeful after meeting Sasha of the now disbanded Elite group face to face. She was gorgeous. She was ethereal. It was as if she belonged to another world.

And then...I started loving food. Put on a lot of weight as the result of eating a lot. It was clear that I had no model figure (nor the height) to be one. I didn't have the Pan-Asian look either. So I didn't give it a thought anymore. Until one day, my mom commented on my ever increasing weight. I had to do something about it.

My solution? I went to a slimming center. Of course, I was told many times that it wouldn't work, it's just a waste of money and time. Well, I proved them wrong. I have to admit that I spent quite a fortune on it, slightly more than RM4k. However, I was pleased with the results. I have to thank the nice ladies at SlimWorld too ^-^. I also did my part in it. Slimming programmes wouldn't work if you don't stick to the diet plan given to you. I had to sacrifice lots of good, tasty but fattening meals. Slimming sessions can be slightly painful as well, but as the saying goes, "no pain, no gain". Even after the slimming sessions have ended, regular exercises are necessary to maintain the weight.

Being able to wear nice clothes again made me feel really happy. Before losing weight, I didn't bother trying on clothes as I wouldn't look good in them. Some can't even fit. And finally, I can go for those cosmetic makeovers which I've wanted go for since secondary school. The results were amazing. I thought of my old dream again. Maybe I can try achieving it now... After checking a few modeling websites, I didn't feel so positive. My height is slightly below the minimum requirement. My weight was still too heavy. My measurements were one inch more than the average for models.

Instead, my ex-boss told me to try doing ads and tv commercials. Told me that modeling is tough, try going for ads and commercials instead. I told her, "Isn't doing ads and tv commmercials more difficult as you have to act?". I sent out my makeover pictures to various agencies in KL and even to one in Singapore. The weirdest part was, I got the fastest (and only) reply from the agency in Singapore. I wasn't even expecting one from them.

The time was right. I was going to Singapore at that time so I could meet up with them. After discussing with them, I realized I had to face reality (no, I wasn't rejected, agencies normally don't reject, I think). It was impossible for me to travel down to Singapore twice a week for auditions. I was also concerned about work permit issues. Feeling disappointed, I decided to tell them that I won't be able to join their agency. The experience, however, was a good one. It boosted my confidence to approach the agency which my ex-boss recommended.

I came back to Malaysia and called the agency. However, they were off for a whole week for the Raya break. Finally, I managed to get hold of them, and was told to go to their office to register the next day. I could have gone after work if I had wanted to, but I didn't want to go there looking like a zombie after a tiring day at work. Instead, I went today to register. The guys there were nice and friendly people. They give you this feeling that they are sure of what they are doing and what they want. I guess in this line, you'd have to be like that. I must learn from them. I'd even voiced my concerns about having no prior experience but the guy whom I spoke to told me that it's ok, it's something that will get better after a while.

Registration included filling in a form with my details, taking several pictures of me as well as taking a video of me introducing myself. I have to admit, I was nervous. I found it difficult to smile (bad start!) when the cameraman took photos. During the video taking, I tried not to be stiff, but soon, I forgot all about being nervous when the cameraman asked a silly question to make me laugh. And that was that.

Now all I'm waiting for is a call from them to go for auditions. I wonder if I would get any. After all, it is all up to the clients to choose whom they want in their commercials and ads. But at least, I have started the ball rolling...