Word to your mother... agent, that is!

By: Christopher Massardo

Although Ottawa is sometimes overlooked as a fashion market, it has produced some amazing faces that took off into successful careers in fashion. Models such as Paméla Bernier, Casey Taylor, Ainsley McWha, Tori Leach and Brianna Barnes to name only a few.

Some of these models have graced the pages and covers of top magazines like Elle, Harper's Bazaar, Vogue Homme and Cosmopolitan. They've landed campaigns with the likes of Annabelle Cosmetics, Abercrombie & Fitch and Commes des Garçons. They have walked high profile runways all over the world for such clients as Gucci, Versace, Valentino and many more I assure you, I could keep going, but I will restrain myself.

To many I'm sure it would appear I'm building up to interview a supermodel or a group of models, but what I'm actually interested in are the people who found, trained, promoted and launched these fresh faced youngsters into fashion. We hear so much about how well these models are doing, the jobs they are booking, the great locations they are shooting in. I wanted to learn more about their agents, shine a spotlight on them for a moment. I wanted to know how they operate, where they differ and what made them think "I want to be an agent", "I want to discover superstars".

I decided to get in touch with three of Ottawa's top agents producing working fashion models. Angie Seymour of Angie's Models & Talent, Viresh Pujara of CoverModels Management and Sophie Beaudoin of Models International Management.

They were all gracious enough to take time out of their busy schedules to sit down with me and answer some questions I had.

Name of Agency:
A: Angie's Models and Talent
V: CoverModels Management
S: Models International Management

Year Opened:
A: 1991
V: 2002
S: 1970(became owner in 2003)

Notable discoveries:
A: Michael Lapore, Brianna Barnes, Jenna Valvano, Kaitlyn Holbein, Erin Ferari, Shane Patacairk
V: Casey Taylor, Michael Lemkuhl, Cassandra Tighe, Anjela Chamberlain, Andrew DeMarsh
S: Paméla Bernier, Victoria Denofrio, Rachelle Kirady

What made you want to be an agent?:
A: I modelled when I was younger, but, I didn't plan on becoming an agent. I was working for the federal government and choreographing runway shows on the side, if I saw somebody with potential I would tell them to visit an agency but not as a mother agent, so one day I thought I should do it.
V: I Love fashion, I always wanted to run my own agency. I am passionate about the model aspect. Ever since I was young I loved models and fashion.
S: At the age of 13 I joined the agency as a model and worked locally, I started teaching modelling classes. After high school I was offered the position of director of the agency and in 2003 the owner of the agency offered me ownership.

How many models are with your agency?:
A: 50 High fashion models as well as children, teens and talent.
V: There are about 35 models in total.
S: We have a roster of about 200 models (and actors) including kids, teens and adults.

Is it a requirement to take courses or workshops?:
A: No. It's optional, it depends on the person, their age, experience, things like that.
V: No. I encourage the models to save their money for expenses when I send them overseas. Their local test shoots are their training.
S: Yes, Top models are not just successful because of their looks. Models must be confident and know what they are doing at a booking to compete against experienced models. Our training division is designed to offer students the proper tools to achieve their full potential.

What do you think separates you from other local agencies/mother agents?:
A: I am very hands on. We are a family oriented agency, a "Ma and Pa" operation. We know everyone inside and out. I am like a second mother to my models.
V: I have REALLY HIGH standards. I'm at every one of the models local test shoots. I verify my models measurements very frequently. When overseas I call my models all the time, I truly manage them.
S: HONESTY is one factor that sets us apart as we do not believe in giving false hope. When you meet with us we will give you our honest opinion if you have a shot at modelling.

How do you scout new faces?(ie: open calls, street scouting):
A: Primarily our regular open calls, if I see somebody walking down the street who has potential, I will give them my card and invite them to an open call.
V: Wherever I go, wherever I see them! I go out and find them myself. In certain cases models have been dissatisfied with previous management and switch but that has only happened about four times.
S: We do not hold open calls or public auditions. Instead we prefer to meet potential talent in a more relaxed one-on-one atmosphere where both the individual and the agency can determine if a career in the fashion or talent industry is for you. We also have several scouts working outside the agency looking for new faces.

What do you enjoy most about this business?:
A: Fulfilling a persons dream and seeing a model succeed.
V: I Love all aspects, even the stresses. I love the make-up, the fashion, the photography, the faces of the models, everything! My relationship with my clients and being able to travel, not every business can say that.
S: Developing new faces and seeing the end results! Viewing our models in magazines and walking the runways always brings us a sense of accomplishment and excitement. It is very rewarding and refreshing to help someone achieve their goals.

What is the most frustrating aspect of the business?:
A: When models misbehave. Male models can also be very high-maintenance, more so than the girls.
V: Dealing with different personalities all the time and satisfying each one and when a client takes a long time to pay the model.
S: Waiting for print ads or editorials to come out! We're always so anxious, the waiting part is frustrating!

Where do you see yourself in five years?:
A: Here, getting more models international and expanding into sports management!
V: The agency will be far more grand. I've got a lot in the works and I won't say much as I don't want to jinx it, but, it's in the fashion/entertainment industry. So stay tuned is what I would say.
S: Every year the agency is continually growing and discovering amazing new talent. In five years I think you'll be seeing a lot more of Ottawa talent in magazines, ads, shows, TV and movies. We'll be managing big names! I definitely want to branch out and open a boutique agency in Montréal followed by Toronto.

So there you have it, three agents, and three different approaches. Hopefully this will also educate parents of aspiring models and the aspiring models them selves as to what agency may suit them the best. Of course you should visit all the agencies before making a decision! Never be scared to ask questions and never feel pressured! Like the title of the article, you want to find a good "mother agent" if an agent makes you uncomfortable than they likely aren't good mama material.


NOTE: Modelresource does not necessarily endorse any of the agencies listed. Listings are strictly for informational purposes. It is strongly suggested that you check out as many agencies as possible before making any decisions regarding representation or bookings.