Difference between OST and an Agency
Before we get into the differences, we should tell you that no matter which route you decide to take or which route is decided for you, you are going to require marketing material no matter what. People don't get discovered in cafe's like Adriana Lima in a shopping mall or Cindy Crawford while working a summer job or even Elle MacPherson while skiing in Aspen. The agencies still have scouts but the industry has changed so much with the internet.
Explain an agency
• represents models and actors
• invests the upfront cost for marketing material
• gets you jobs and takes a percentage 10 to 30%
• payback
• we recommend everyone try to get signed by an agent
The issue with trying to get signed
• you might not be in a big enough market
• only boutique agencies
• limited roster and budgets
• major market competition is much more fierce and global
• as simple as not know where to go or who to talk to
With OST
• we can handle much more volume than an agency
• we don't take a percentage
• we do ask you to absorb the cost of your marketing material
• you can use pictures you took yourself or had taken by a photographer of your choice or you can use our contracted photographer and take advantage of the discounted rate we lock the photographer and the makeup artist in to. That way there are no surprises. You pay per look.
• we have office all over the country so you aren't locked down to one part of the country
• we are a great starting point
• We will help you decide which major market fits your specific statistics
Conclusion
So in reality the difference is irrelevant. It's a matter of what is available to you. On one hand you want to be signed by an agency and on the other, they might not want to sign you. Not because you aren't model material, it's just that they don't have a need for your specific look at that particular time. In the past you either waited for your chance or you just flat out gave up. Now you have a 3rd choice. You take control of your own modeling or acting career. Invest in your own marketing material, submit your comp card to casting found in the OST talent back office. You are now your own agent. You call all the shots. You decide when where and how often you submit to casting and how often you audition. You own your schedule. You're investing in the your marketing material so you don't have anyone to pay back. You can even invest in professional photography when you are ready to improve your look and book. The more professional your comp card looks the more opportunities you should land. Casting Directors and Agents like to know that you are committed to your craft.