Aug. 24 – Two Morehead children won awards at the International Modeling and Talent Association convention in July.
They are:
—Sutton Day, 6, son of Courtney and Rob Day of Morehead. It received second place for Runway and TV Beauty Commercial, and Honorable Mention for Fashion Print, Screen Test, Theatrical Shots and TV Stage. He signed a contract with Discover Management in Los Angeles.
His mother said he enjoyed an acting workshop he attended last year. So he auditioned for the New York competition and was selected.
“Honestly, he was extremely shy, but after he started acting/modeling lessons, he developed so much confidence,” Ms Day said. “He has such a charismatic and humorous personality.”
Her favorite part of the trip, she said, was making new friends and participating in acting competitions.
—Mia Blankenship, 8, daughter of Amanda Estrella and Nate Blankenship of Morehead. She received honorable mentions for Children’s Spot, Runway, Screen Test, Beauty TV Commercial, Real People TV Commercial, and Commercial Impression. She signed a contract with Tribe Talent Agency in Nashville.
Estrella said her daughter hopes to be an actress and model.
“This trip for IMTA (International Modeling and Talent Association) is a unique chance for a person to be seen in front of hundreds of talent scouts, agencies, directors and agents around the world, who are looking for new talents in the industry,” Estrella said. “The opportunity gives them a chance to be seen and heard.”
She said her daughter has already received callbacks, including one from casting director Caroline Liem.
She said the girl’s favorite part of the convention was the theater.
“She’s told a lot of agents, ‘I love acting because you can be anybody or anything, and it’s fun to take that role and make it your own.'” she declared.
Mia Blankenship is not new to the scene. She competed in pageants for years and received training and coaching from Images Model and Talent Agency.
Since the trip to New York, Estrella said that Mia had received numerous contract offers and auditions for commercials and that she had signed with 2 talent and modeling agencies.
“Mia isn’t going to stop there,” her mother said. “This kid has big dreams and she definitely accomplishes everything she sets her mind to.”
(606) 326-2661 — lward@dailyindependent.com
