Modeling Vol. 1 (The Basics)

Poor production judgments mar this otherwise informative video on modeling, hosted by former model and current modeling agency owner Shaun Casey. Although the bridging sections between the various segments are very flashy, in terms of camera movement and music, the actual narration/interview sections are often marred by bad sound and uneven lighting. Casey, who introduces the program, and periodically offers commentary at the beginning of a new section, is apparently at her agency, where muffled voices, ringing telephones, and slamming file cabinet drawers provide a totally unnecessary background symphony to her words. In another sequence, a photographer, tiresomely posed on a stool in an all-white room with his photographs strewn all over the floor, begins talking and sounds like he's underwater. On the plus side, the program really does offer specifics for girls interested in modeling including personal stats (age 14-21, and at least 5 ft. 7 inches), recommendations for contacting agencies, getting photos, reading the fine print in a contract, and the wages for catalog and editorial work (I was amazed to find out that catalog modeling actually pays more than general modeling in fashion magazines such as Vogue, etc.). The informational content takes a serious dive towards the end of the program when we're offered shots of models doing fashion shows in Milan, Paris, London, and New York, and then are given the treat of a tour of the apartment of three young models, hosted by one of the models. Let's just say that anyone who wanted to make a serious argument for the stereotype that models are airheads would have Exhibit A with this footage. Finally, I realize this is a little sniffy, but the program really should have pointed out upfront that it only dealt with female modeling. The words "model" and "girl" are used synonymously throughout the program. (Not in this day and age- let's enlighten up, here, O.K.?). The good and bad points are pretty much neck and neck, so I'll call it an optional purchase. (Available from most distributors.)