Living a model’s life not a healthy choice
by Ashley Clark, entertainment editor

     I recently signed with a very reputable talent agency in Dallas. What should have been an exciting time for me, however, also distressed me in some ways.
     When we were discussing my marketability and tips on how to improve as an actor, I noticed that the majority of our conversation had to do with my appearance.
     As a performer of several years, I was appreciative of his honest criticism and thought of it as good advice.
     However, it made me think of the continual argument that Hollywood is responsible for the many eating disorders and low self esteem young people—especially females—experience by casting mostly physically flawless actors and actresses in movies and television shows.
     People tend to feel as though producers and directors are setting a physical standard by doing so.
     However, what those who feel threatened do not take into consideration is that film making is an art. And like all pieces of art, human creativity is a major factor.
     People need to realize that many screenplays are derived from novels, and many of those novels are derived from fantasy and imagination.
     When reading a novel, the reader has a vision in her head of what the characters look like.
     Directors visualize their characters as well when reading a screenplay. Their job is to create imagination on the screen and to find the people who fit that image.
     In turn, the actor’s job is to become part of that vision and be physically perfect for that particular artistic creation.
     I was told that I needed to be about 10 pounds underweight in order to appear on camera the way I do in “real life”—not only because the camera visually adds 10 pounds, but also because baby fat or imperfections bring about unattractive shadows.
     A regular exercise program was also recommended, but not necessarily for weight loss nor because he thought I needed to lose much weight.
     Instead, according to the agent, regular exercise creates a natural glow to the skin that looks good on film, and as an additional benefit, sweat cleans out pores and keeps the complexion clean.
     Courtney Thorne-Smith, of Ally McBeal, said in a recent interview that modeling agencies require “bodies that do not distract from the clothing.” Therefore, when she was modeling at the beginning of her career, she would take drastic measures to meet this requirement. For instance, she said she would eat nothing but grapes for one week and run eight miles a day during that time.
     The road to cinematic perfection is not always a healthy one and not a goal that fans of TV and film should try to emulate. The physical appearance of models and actors is part of the job requirement. They are not setting a standard.
     To assume that they are is understandable. But for the most part, TV shows and movies are made for entertainment purposes.
     Unless you plan to make a living as an actor or model, do not try to live your life as though you are. Healthy people always look good, even if they wouldn’t always look good on camera.