The Beginning

My journey began October 2012, when I attended a “cowboys of color” rodeo in Mesquite, Texas.  There were cowboys signing autographs and taking pictures.  After taking a picture, I mentioned that I wanted to learn how to ride horses, being from Chicago, Illinois, I did not get a chance to ride many horses. 

One of the Cowboys handed me a business card stating information pertaining to riding lessons.  During a riding session, we made conversation getting to know one another.  He mentioned that he desired to get into modeling and acting but did not know how to get on the correct path. 

I mentioned that I would conduct a research and get back with him.  I searched the web and there were abundance amount of information for the aspiring actors and models. 

The mission was to get Denard work as a model and an actor.  First, I located model agencies in his area, Oklahoma City, OK and a few in Dallas, Texas.  He and I went on a few interviews and they were all interested in him.

The basic steps that I took to prepare him for the auditions or interviews:

1. Denard took professional pictures, to give him experience in front of the camera and to see how he photographed.
2. I located a good picture for a headshot.  From the research, I learned that actors need headshots and models need all shots for a portfolio.
3. I selected photos and created his portfolio.
4. I created a website: Denard Hunt to display his pictures.

1. Denard signed with a local modeling agency, which would help him develop his skills as a model.
2. I had head shots printed with his resume attached to the back and business cards made with two-sides, one that displayed actor information and the other model information.
3. Although, Denard is a natural in front of the camera, I encouraged him to continue to take acting classes.

View BackStage information on auditioning:  The Actor's Marketing Checklist: 9 Tools You Need

By this time, I was convinced that Denard had serious potential.  The next level was getting him in front of casting directors.  I created profiles on casting sites.

Denard was asked on several auditions:  

• He was chosen to be the leading man in a music video in California
• Three national commercial auditions two in New Orleans and one in Houston, TX 
• One model realty TV show in California             
• He auditioned for season 25 of the America's Next Top Model
• Auditioned for the male spokes model position of Men’s Fashion Week LA MFWLA
• Denard continues to get offers to audition

I accompanied Denard on a few auditions, so that I could hear first hand of what the agents and casting directors were looking for.

Here lies a major problem, HAVING THE FUNDS TO TRAVEL.  This is why it has always been said, either move to LA or NY in order to make it in show business.  Not everyone has the funds to travel for face-to-face auditions.  There are some casting directors who will hire from a headshot but the majority wants to see the talent in person.

Fast forward, 10 months later, I decided to seriously pursue talent management.  I enrolled in Full Sail, to give me a solid foundation in the entertainment industry.  I have a few talent wanting and trusting my guidance, acquired through word of mouth.  I have aligned myself with local people who can lend expert advice, a fashion coordinator who train models and put on fashion shows, an outstanding photographer, an actress who has been acting her whole life and an advisor who once owned his own talent agency.

In addition to my formal education, I follow blogs and twitter feeds that give great tips on acting, as well as up coming auditions, such as backstage and project casting.  I have enrolled in a digital photography class, joined Dallas Producers Association (DPA), and will attend a film industry expo in New Orleans this September.  Because I do not have the technical knowledge of the business, I have to tap in to many facets to get some basic knowledge, so that when experts speak I will be able to decipher the information.

Robert Greene states Law 28 in his book 48 Laws of Power, "enter with boldness":

If you are unsure of a course of action, do not attempt it. Your doubts and hesitations will infect your execution. Timidity is dangerous: Better to enter with boldness. Any mistakes you commit through audacity are easily corrected with more audacity. Everyone admires the bold; no one honors the timid. 

Stay tune…