People of all ages and identities dream of becoming models or actors, but many succumb to the presumption that being successful in show business is only a pipe dream. However, the truth is that these perceptions of success in the talent industry are based on the highly-competitive Hollywood feature film industry.
Entering the talent industry in a less saturated market, such as Florida, can yield better results if one is willing to commit time and effort to find the jobs that are the right fit for them.
Turner Talent’s talent development program
Turner Talent is led by mother-daughter duo Kelli and Erica Turner. The Turners each have years of experience working in the talent industry — both in front of and behind the camera — and they use this experience to help their clients navigate the talent industry and answer all their questions that they may not know.
Turner Talent has made a name for itself in the industry thanks to their Casting-Coaching-Connections program, designed to prime aspiring actors and models for success in the complex talent industry. Through a series of convenient online video guides and personalized one-on-one sessions with the Turner Talent team, clients can get the guidance and information they need to succeed as an actor or model.
At Turner Talent, the team refers to their clients as “VIPs,” highlighting their commitment to putting clients first by providing them with superior service and helping them achieve their dreams of making it in show business. The Turners especially enjoy working with talent from underrepresented backgrounds and smaller markets, helping them find their unique place in the industry.
The inclusivity of smaller markets
One of the reasons why Turner Talent likes working with talent in Florida markets is because the local industry tends to be much more inclusive than in other markets. “Many people don’t realize how huge the Florida market is,” Kelli explains. “But on top of that, casting directors in Florida are very progressive about who they hire, offering plenty of opportunities for people from unique and diverse backgrounds to get their foot in the door in the industry.”
Compared to somewhere like Hollywood — whose talent industry is heavily centered around feature film work — Florida is a great place for aspiring talent to get their start because it is significantly more welcoming of diversity. “The amount of lifestyle, commercial, and extra work in Florida tends to be more inclusive of people of all shapes, sizes, skin types, backgrounds, and more,” Erica suggests. “Even if an aspiring actor or model hopes to eventually move to a bigger city, it’s a good idea to build up a resume with jobs in a market such as Florida.”
Indeed, in Florida, the “real people” talent market is booming, meaning there are opportunities for anyone looking to catch their first big break. Since many roles that models and actors will find are for advertisements — particularly in the tourism industry — casting directors are looking for people with all sorts of looks because they want to appeal to potential customers of all types.
Additionally, since Atlanta has become such a major hub for the talent industry in the South, many actors and models have chosen to move there to pursue higher-profile work. However, this leaves plenty of opportunities for non-union jobs that — while not offering regulated pay — can still pay well, depending on the scope and industry of the work. As such, Florida markets tend to present a less competitive barrier for entry, particularly for talent who fall more into niche categories.
The Turners say that aspiring actors and models must remember that there is a place for everyone in the talent industry — it just might take time for them to find where they fit best in this market Finding this can often be easier in smaller markets than in larger cities with a surplus of talent competing for the same roles.