Modeling Advice
Frequently Asked Questions and Articles
By Joe Edelman - The Business of Modeling

What is a Cold Reading?

It is NOT something you do in the snow and even though you are trying to become a model - not an actor - you will at some point be asked to do a cold reading.

The cold read is considered by most actors to be the hardest part of any audition. Even for a model, being able to master a cold reading is extremely important, and in today's marketplace this skill can make the difference between an agency passing on you as just another pretty face or signing you as their next potential star.

Modeling agencies frequently book talent for television commercials, infomercials and industrial videos. Because of this, at your first meeting, many agencies will often test your acting ability by handing you a script for a 30 to 60 second commercial and asking you to read it on the spot. Hence the name "cold read".

Generally when you are hired to do a commercial or anything involving acting you will have time to memorize the lines in advance. However, as with any business it is possible that a situation will occur where you receive the lines at the last possible minute before shooting. Either way - you must be prepared.

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Tips to insure that you nail your next cold reading:

1. Remember - once you are handed the script - you are in control. Take a few moments to read it over. Try to get a feel for the character and the scene. Determine the emotions that your character should display.


2. Do your best to remember as much of the script as possible. They will not hand you a novel - these scripts are usually very short. Most importantly - do not bury your face in the paper the entire time you are doing the cold read. Try to make eye contact as much as possible with the person or persons for whom you are reading. If you keep your eyes down the entire time, you do not give the modeling agent(s) a chance to see your face or expressions.


3. Before you start your read, take a few deep breaths to compose yourself. Stand to deliver your lines (unless the character should be sitting). Standing is important as a timid or nervous person will overlook this and by default send the wrong message to the modeling agent(s). Modeling agencies do not want inhibited models.


4. Personality! Do not read in a monotone voice. Use natural speaking inflection to make sure that your read does not sound like you are simply reading it off of a piece of paper.


5. Speak slowly and enunciate your words clearly. Do NOT use local slang. Research has shown that when reading off a page, people will tend to read at least 20% faster than they would naturally speak the lines. Be sure to pause for effect as this will also allow you to make eye contact.
   
   Remember - the modeling agent(s) do not expect perfection. They are looking for personality and presence.


6. If the modeling agent(s) asks you to re-read the script or a part of it and asks you to do it differently or gives you a suggestion, don't be offended. This is usually a good sign. It means that they have seen something in you that they liked. Be sure to honor their request and give them what they asked for. It shows that you are coachable and take direction well.

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I can't begin to tell you how often I hear new models tell me that they don't want to act, and then they ask if it is ok to tell an agency that they are not interested in acting because they just want to model. If you feel this way-Do NOT waste your time and attempt to become a model. Modeling IS acting. Inhibited people do not succeed as models.

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