Discovering Hollywood's fresh new faces is this star-making machine's major talent, as the 2007 IMTA convention proves once again.
Let's talk about some common household names that we hear and see almost everyday on television screens, on the big screens of our local movie theaters, on our rented or bought DVDs, on national and international magazine covers, in fashion spreads, in the tabloids, and on the glamorous fashion runways of the world. Recognize the names of Eva Longoria (Desperate Housewives), Katie Holmes (Dawson's Creek, Mrs. Tom Cruise), Elijah Wood (Lord of the Rings), Brandon Routh (Superman), Jessica Biel (Next, The Illusionist), Ashton Kutcher (That 70's Show, Punk'd), Jerry Ferrara (Entourage), Adrianne Palicki (Friday Night Lights), Moises Arias (Hannah Montana), Sean William Scott (American Pie, Dude . . . Where's My Car? ), Sofia Vassilieva (Medium), mega models Tyson Ballou, Jessica White, Zhanna, Sarah Dawson, and a plethora of others? While a majority of the names may be instantly recognizable, we're sure all the faces are.
Comparing Model Years
With an ever-growing resume of credits to their names, what do all of these household names have in common? Each and every one of them was discovered while attending an International Modeling and Talent Association convention. What? That's right, all were actually discovered at an IMTA convention. Every one of them, and more! These household names were discovered while chasing their dream at IMTA. "C'mon, you can't be serious? When?" you might ask. Eva in 1998, Katie in 1997, Elijah in 1991, Brandon in 1999, Jessica in 1994, Ashton and Sean in 1997, Tyson in 1996, Jerry in 2000, Moises in 2005, and Arias in 2000, just to set the record straight on a few dates. And the list grows with each convention.
Providing All the Tools
Just what is it about IMTA that perpetuates this type of success? Could it be the reputation of the event itself, the worldwide scouts and agents in attendance, the training schools who bring all the talent, the seminars, runway competitions, acting competitions, or the numerous other activities involved throughout the week of competition? The answer is "all of the above." The household names certainly speak for themselves.
To hear such luminaries tell it, they owe a debt of gratitude to IMTA. For instance, upon reflecting on the experience, we hear quotes such as, "It was intense. So much competition, it just feels great; you kinda thrive on it and everybody else. It just feels great," and "Let's just say, a girl from Toledo would never end up in a Hollywood movie if it weren't for the IMTA," or this: "It's incredible, it's the most immense rush I've ever had in my life. This is a dream come true. I've been dreaming about this since I was a kid." Heartfelt and true!
Polishing Your Craft
Sure, there are literally hundreds of attendees at the national IMTA convention-the most recent held this past summer in New York City-all vying for the attention of the talent scouts, agents, and everyone else looking for their next household name. Sure, it may take time to perfect your craft. Sure, most of these household names did not become overnight successes and had to pay their dues. But if you are prepared and come to IMTA with conviction and you believe in your abilities, you might actually find your dream.
To take advantage of all the week has to offer, attend all the training seminars you can; even if you don't think you may be interested, you may learn something. Watch the other competitions and view the wide range of talent. Never be afraid to ask a question, because you should never stop learning your craft. And, most of all, enjoy the moment. If you are having fun, it will show and your performance will be the better for it. And who knows? The next household name we speak may be yours.
Taken with permission from Pageantry Magazaine from the article IMTA's Human Hit Factory.
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