A pianist, thespian, and film connoisseur, Natalya Wood was a force to be reckoned with at IMTA New York this past summer. Though a native of West Virginia where the acting scene may seem scarce, Natalya found ways to work towards her goal of becoming a national film actor. “I like to read acting books and then practice what I read… although it’s hard to find a lot of acting things where I live, the beautiful scenery of WV makes up for it!”

Seventeen-year-old Mason Briggs enjoys a challenge! Whether it’s restoring old vehicles or working around a busy schedule, he loves tackling them head on. That’s why it was no surprise to those who know Mason that he wanted to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.

“The thing I love most about acting is the challenge. That is because it’s so different from the normal challenges like school... It truly forces us to use a different part of our minds in order to fit the shoes of the character we’re trying to play,” he said.

“Confidence is key. That may be overstated but it is true.” A statement taken from our PMTM/IMTA alum, Sarah Williams. What does she know about confidence? Well, hers is a big part of the reason she is modeling internationally as we speak! “If you don’t believe in yourself, then you will never achieve what you want to.”

Born in Arizona but Medina, Ohio raised, Sarah is a great example of what can be accomplished when you believe in yourself. Her confidence wasn’t always what it is now. As a matter of fact, she didn’t realize her full modeling potential until just recently when she was being shot by a photographer friend. Her friend urged her to submit the photos to an agency just for fun. She soon developed a love for modeling.

Zoey Hoskinson is a self-proclaimed “Air-Force Brat” who grew up all over the country, but Mansfield, Ohio is where she chooses to call home. “Growing up here was just like growing up in any small town. It feels like everyone knows everyone and your community is like a second family,” she said. So it was no surprise that when she saw Mansfield native Tailyn Mapp making moves, she decided to start making some of her own!

“After Tailyn moved to Los Angeles and started pursuing her dreams, I thought, if she can do it, why don't I give it a try? She was my biggest cheerleader through the whole IMTA process. I had always wanted to model but never knew how to get into it until I found PMTM,” she said. “They also encouraged me to try acting, which I now love.”


Eighteen-year-old Zoey was close friends with Tailyn when Tailyn decided to take the leap into the national markets. She, just like Zoey, competed at IMTA before going on to be signed by one of the largest modeling agencies in the world. IMG Models represents top names like Gisele Bündchen, Kate Moss, Ashley Graham, and now our alum Tailyn!

“I have 3 friends that had previously attended IMTA so I felt like I had a good idea of what the week was going to be like, but while I was super excited; I was also intimidated.” Intimidation was obviously not a factor for this star when it came time for her to showcase her abilities in front of the top managers, agents, and casting directors with the power to help her launch her national career. Zoey competed in both modeling and acting competitions. As a competitor, walking the runway for the Swimsuit competition, and delivering a stellar performance during the Monologue competition were major highlights of her time at IMTA.

In the end, Zoey accomplished exactly what she set out to do. She signed with an amazing management company that is ranked by IMDB in the top 1% of all television and film management. MMG is recognized nationally and internationally as a highly successful model and talent management company headquartered in New York City. They work closely with associated companies in LA, Toronto, Vancouver, Europe and Asia which provides a unique advantage to their talent by opening up opportunities worldwide. The sky's the limit for Zoey!

“PMTM was the best agency I could've asked for during the IMTA process. They took our preparation very seriously and I feel like I was way beyond prepared by the time we left. Their development and information sessions, helped tremendously. When I started the process, I had no idea what I was doing, but in what felt like a matter of weeks, PMTM made me feel like I was ready for any audition or casting,” said Zoey. “I can't say enough good things about my PMTM family.”

In her free time, Zoey loves hanging out with friends, working out, doing crafts, and shopping. She is in several clubs at her school including the National Honor Society. Though she loves her life now, she’s got some things in the works for her future!

“My next move is to go out to NYC, have my portfolio photoshoot, and meet with my manager! My long term goal is to move out to NYC or LA and begin pursuing my dreams!”

We asked Zoey what bit of advice she has for future IMTA hopefuls:

“My advice would be to take the preparation very seriously, because PMTM prepares you like no
other agency. When it comes time for the convention, take it all in, because while at some points it feels like the longest week ever, it really is over before you know it. It's a once in a lifetime chance to kickstart your career so if you give it your all and make bold choices, you can do great things. This experience was totally life changing. I would have never thought I could sign with MMG and be preparing to relocate to the city, and PMTM made it all possible.”

We love helping models and talent actualize their dreams, but of course Zoey’s passion and dedication to her craft was what was truly instrumental in her success! It has been such a pleasure working with you, Zoey, and helping you reach new heights in your modeling and acting career! We cannot wait to see what big things you do from here!

IMTA Los Angeles is right around the corner! We’ve already started counting down the weeks and we could not be more excited about this round of contestants! Each one has been putting work in to develop their skills and we have been so impressed by their focus. Now the time has come for every parent to make a tough choice… Will you be attending the convention with your child?

Above all, we want you to know that we will be bringing along a large staff to IMTA that will be able to support our contestants, 13 and older, however they may need in the case that you are unable to attend. We make great cheerleaders, coaches, time managers, and can handle just about any other support role you can imagine. We know what a huge opportunity this is for your child, and that this is a large undertaking for some families, so we want to make sure that no one misses out on their chance at launching a national career.

Veda and her mother, Leena, attended IMTA LA with us this past January. Veda’s success is due in no small part to the support of her mother. She is now nationally placed! “I would not be able to, in good conscience, allow my daughter to miss out,” said Leena. While she did attend, she also took a backseat to our staff who has extensive experience helping children through the process of IMTA. “You hope, as a parent, that your kid will make good choices, but you cannot be alone in that process. It takes a team to send the message to kids. My advice is to step back and let PMTM’s self-care, self-awareness, and confidence building do the job for you.”

Stephanie, a double PMTM/IMTA alum parent, attended her second IMTA convention earlier this year. “I was really excited, as I had been there before. I knew that Leilah would do great and LOVE it once she got there and saw what it was all about.” Stephanie cherished the time spent watching both of her children grow as they worked with us for
IMTA.

 Watching them showcase their abilities when competition time rolled around was a big proud mom moment for her. Meeting with the agents and managers that wanted to represent them both helped her feel confident in making the right choices for her daughters’ careers in the entertainment industry.

Even though Mia is a teenager, having her mom by her side gave her a special appreciation for her mom’s unconditional support from beginning to end. “My mom is always there for me and I am extremely thankful for all that she does for me,” she said. Even with her mother there, she knew we had her back though! “My PMTM family always keeps me inspired and on top of my game!”

There is a definite learning curve for launching a national career in the entertainment and fashion industries, especially for children. To keep pace in this fast-moving line of business, being present is a crucial tool for success. Like Stephanie, attending also allows you to directly speak with the agents and managers interested in representing your child. Getting an early feel for what a working relationship with these individuals may look like can fast track your child’s success as you can begin their journey with someone you have already acquainted yourself with.

Having the opportunity to support your child from preparation to competition and subsequent offers for representation can be a bonding experience that will help you both learn how to thrive in this industry. If you are able to attend, the benefits are truly endless! But rest assured that if that option is not available for your family, our highly experienced staff is ready to help your child reap the full benefits of attending IMTA. Their success is our success and we want them to feel as prepared, supported, and confident as possible!

Since the age of eleven when she was handed her first monologue, Megan Cavallaro knew she wanted to act. She loved being able to connect with characters, bringing them to life with her own unique spin. “I absolutely fell in love with acting and I knew that’s where I belong,” she said.