What is Faces West International?
Faces West International produces a four-day convention in Vancouver which consists of modeling and acting showcases, educational workshops and seminars, an awards ceremony, as well as callback/interview opportunities with top modeling and talent agents, managers, and casting directors, who are on the lookout for new models and talent to work in the fashion and entertainment industries.
How long has Faces West International been serving new faces?
Developed in 1993, Faces West International was formed as a growing response from North American training centers as a means to promote aspiring models and new talent beyond a local level.
Who can participate in Faces West International?
Faces West holds auditions for aspiring models and actors who are ready to kickstart their career as a model or performer. Regardless of experience, anyone may attend an audition.
What ages are permitted?
Contestants are able to enter based on age: Child 4-8, Junior 9-12, Preteens 13-15, Teens 16-19, Adult 20-29, Mature 30+
What are the categories at Faces West International?
Faces West International offers a broad variety of competition opportunities for each talent to demonstrate their abilities and potential within the industry. Showcases include: runway, Monologues, cold-reading, TV commercials, photography, call backs, and go-sees.
Can Models/Actors do all categories?
Yes. SHowcasing in more than one category is a great way for contestants to increase exposure to more agents and scouts. This can potentially result in more callbacks and a wider range of opportunities.
Who are the scouts/agents who attend?
Reputable agents, managers, casting directors and other industry experts around the world are invited to attend Faces West International. Industry representatives come from a range of major markets such as LA, NYC, London, Milan, Paris, Tokyo, China, Singapore, Germany, and many more!
As a “closed” convention, only a selected list of Scouts/Agents are invited to attend Faces West International. This ensures that contestants are being seen by reputable agents within the entertainment industry.
What are call backs and go-sees? Do all Models/Talent receive them?
During the competition, seminars, and workshops, the agents keep track of the delegates they believe have potential by noting the contestants’ numbers on the “callback page”. It is then on Callback Day, the last day of the convention, when contestants meet with the agents who have requested them for an interview. Callbacks are a great opportunity for both the agent and the aspiring model or talent to get to know each other and discuss possible representation; a major and crucial step in beginning a career in the modeling or entertainment industries.
Unfortunately, not everyone who attends Faces West International will receive a callback. Perhaps a contestant did not perform well due to nervousness, lack of preparation, or because there were no agents searching for a contestant’s look or skills at the time. However, not receiving a callback does not mean that a Model/Talent should give up on their dreams. It could signify that they need to focus more on training and preparation. Many delegates have attended Faces West International multiple times before starting their careers.
How does Faces West offer success tools to Models/Actors who attend? Do all attendants receive contracts and agents/managers?
No. Faces West serves as a function to provide aspiring models and talent with a professional environment to showcase their abilities and potential in front of the best agents and scouts for the modeling and entertainment industries. It is completely up to the agents to decide on who gets a callback or signed for representation. In the competitive modeling and entertainment industries, there are no guarantees. Attending Faces West does not guarantee success; however, it does provide an amazing opportunity to be successful and to improve your resume, network and exposure.
How much does Faces West International cost?
Faces West International put together packages for contestants and parents wishing to attend in Vancouver. Packages will vary depending on what is included. Upon registering, a full breakdown of Faces West’s costs will be presented.
What training is offered at Faces West International?
Faces West offers a variety of seminars and workshops for its’ attendees in modelling and film/TV during the event. In addition, prior to, our Regional Directors across Canada provides in-house training to Models/Talent to ensure success at the convention.
How do I verify that Faces West is legitimate?
We encourage you to take a look at our success stories of the models and talent who began their careers at Faces West. We also recommend that models and talent who are curious about Faces West to inquire and attend an info session provided to all applicants.
Why should I allow my child to attend Faces West International?
Faces West International strives to ensure that every attendee receives the opportunity to fulfill their dreams of becoming a professional model or performer. Our convention provides a place for young talent to showcase their abilities within the modeling and entertainment industries.
Faces West is an investment that comes with other great benefits such as increased confidence, higher self-esteem, supplemental hands-on coaching, and insider industry knowledge. Attending Faces West does not guarantee your child success; however, it does provide an amazing opportunity to be successful. It is also a great experience to add to talent resumes.
How do I verify the legitimacy of the scout/agent attending the event?
As a “closed” convention, only a selected list of companies is invited to attend Faces West International. This ensures that contestants are being seen by reputable agents within the entertainment industry for finding and promoting new faces in various markets. Most agents attending Faces West are referred to us by other agents who know Faces West’s reputation and credentials of those judging and scouting our contestants.
Most importantly, Faces West International ensures that attendees are scouted in a safe and professional environment. Any questionable activities or practices by any agents or industry representatives will be asked to leave immediately and are not invited to return.
Is Faces West safe?
As noted before, Faces West is a “closed” convention. All Agents/Scouts/Managers who attend need an invitation in order to scout at Faces West. In addition to that, only registered participants are allowed in Faces West competitions and events. Our convention hotels also include security that are constantly present and monitoring our events.
Are parents permitted to participate and watch our children perform?
Absolutely!
Can parents be present during callbacks and go-sees?
Although only agents, contestants and directors are allowed in the callback rooms, one parent may accompany a child 19 years old or younger into the room.
Similar to an interview, callbacks are a way for agents to get to know the contestant as well as get an idea as to how well a contestant can handle an audition or meeting. They want to be sure that an aspiring model or performer is comfortable with openly discussing goals, interacting with others and can function independently.