model agents | allanaslookbook

Florida model-scout Kira Alexander of Benz Models has been in the industry for many years, first as an international model and later becoming a scout and mother agent with a trained eye and uncanny ability to spot the next big “new face”. As mother agent to many young girls and guys, Kira places models with agencies around the world, developing their careers and teaching them how to succeed in a very competitive world-wide industry. It takes more than just agency representation to help a model achieve success, especially with young and un-seasoned talent. Equal parts mentor, agent, business advisor and parent-figure, Kira commits to developing strategies for the long-term success of her models.

Tell us about your background and how you came to be one of the most successful scouts in the southern US:

I began in the business at age 17 as a model. I was discovered by an agent in Atlanta, Georgia, and a few months later, after graduating high school, I went to Milan, Italy where I began my international modeling career. I had a few different agents in NYC and Miami but found my home at Ford NYC.

How did you come to develop your “eye” in scouting new faces?

I think the many years I have spent in the business as a model around the world helped me to understand what is needed in a model to be successful in the industry.

What sort of models do you look for?

I typically look for more of the 90’s supermodel types. Guys and girls that have a classic beauty and can do high fashion and editorial but that can also do more commercial work. People that are not too odd-looking or intimidating in their looks. Women and men the general population can relate to.

Describe the markets that are available to models:

There are so many markets available to models depending on their look, either editorial or commercial. In the US, smaller cities like Tampa, Chicago, Dallas and Atlanta are have commercial work for models, while larger markets like NYC and LA offer both high fashion editorial and advertising, and commercial work. Paris, Milan, London, and Tokyo are some of the major international markets that have both high fashion work and commercial work.

What qualities beside physical qualities do models need to be successful?

Modeling is now more about your personality than in the past. The business has changed so much since the 80’s and 90’s and is much more mainstream now. With shows and contests everywhere, everyone wants to be discovered. The models who actually make a living are the ones that have a great, outgoing personality, are intelligent, positive and disciplined. They understand that they are in business and they should be professional at all times. The top working models have a positive internal light that draw others to them.

What are your favorite places to scout for new faces?

My kid’s school activities and amusement parks.

How can a potential model reach out to you or an agent or scout in their own area?

They can go on the agency’s website to see if they do open-call days where they can meet in person, or to see their protocol for submission.

What sort of scams or traps should model-hopefuls look out for?

Do not ever pay anyone for representation. There are costs associated with having an agency but typically none of those costs are up front. The agency only makes money when the model makes money. If an agency advances a fee for a test shoot for a model to get pictures for their portfolio, the agency will take that advance back but only after the model has worked. Often times an agency needs the model to get pictures and will tell them which photographer to use, and if the model is going to pay for the shoot then they will pay the photographer directly, not the agency.

Where can we see your models: advertising, magazines, tv commercials?

We have models local to the Florida market appearing in ads for Disney, Kohl’s Walmart, Publix, Belk’s and Brighthouse. Our models who work around the world appear in magazines like Elle, Seventeen, Glamour, etc., and in advertisements galore!

Find out more about Kira and her models on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Kira.Alexander

Photo courtesy of Kira Alexander.

Sharon Finlinson of Soleil Kids is a child model manager. Sharon lets us in on this exclusive world, coming at it both as a manager of models, and as the parent of four child models. A unique perspective, indeed:

Tell us the difference between a manager and an agent:

The difference between working with a manager over an agent comes down to a few things;

1) Managers work with fewer kids to give each talent the personal attention they may need.

2) We can give more opportunities to each child because of having multiple agents gives us multiple time slots for casings.

3) 24 hour access: my talent know my phone is right by my side 24/7 and even the smallest question can be asked and I will respond right away.

What sort of kids do you look for?

When I am looking for talent to represent I look for things that will stand out. Maybe it is their cuteness, being photogenic, all ethnicities, bright eyes, freckles, personality, and talent (of course). I love when a child and the parent is invested, getting good pictures done, taking acting classes, updating their sizes often with me, parents that are easily reached and available for last minute things.

What sort of bookings do your models and talent do?

My talent have booked everything from national print ads like Ralph Lauren, Target, J Crew, Toys R’Us, Walmart, Macy’s, being flown to Mexico for national print jobs for H&M, European brands like IKKS, Next Directory, Vertbaudet, etc. Some talent have starred in movies and independent films: The Poker Game is one that a talent worked on that is actually receiving awards. Music contracts: one of my talent was picked to represent a music group that will soon be touring. Other talent have booked principal roles on tv shows like Burn Notice, America’s Most Wanted, and extra work on The Glades, and Magic City, etc. Also, some national commercials for Nike, Cool Aid, Volkswagon… Every day is a new surprise. One of my teenagers just booked a print job on a 7-day cruise around major cities in Europe! The list goes on, and it is exciting to see what new jobs will happen next!

What sort of work ethic and relationship do you expect between yourself and parents of the kids?

The work ethic I expect from my parents and talent is one of utmost professionalism. These gifted, beautiful, talented kids are working with top companies from around the world that are spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on their campaigns. They put trust in the talent because of the talent that have worked in Miami before them, and they need to live up to that expectation. Parents must be checking phone and emails constantly for the next casting or booking, and respond to these calls and emails quickly and in a timely fashion. Parents must get their kids to castings and bookings on time,(even 15-30 minutes early). There is no exception with that.In this industry, time is money. Also, keeping your talent up to date, and by updating their photos as often as possible. I would hope they would feel like they could come to me with any question or problem.

Advice for parents looking to get started in the business:

Please provide the cleanest and clearest pictures wen submitting. It is so difficult to judge how the child looks when there is food on their face, or they are wearing a hat that is covering half of their face. Once accepted with a manager or agent, quickly get the paperwork done, profiles made on any network the company uses, and schedule an appointment with a professional photographer. And then, as I said earlier, be ready for calls and emails to come in!

Advice for parents about what to actually expect on a booking and how they can prepare themselves and their kids before going?

When a child is booked for a job the first thing I say over and over, is ALWAYS be early. Give yourself plenty of time to get to the location. The local traffic is volatile and you can never really be sure when you might hit traffic. Have ready in your car a “shoe bag” filled with shoes for all seasons that fit the child and maybe some extra outfits, just in case. Avoid logos. Bring food and supplies as even though you get there early and you are ready, you never know how long your child will have to wait. Make sure before the booking that their fingernails are cleaned and trimmed, hair is washed and natural, and you show up presentable. Only bring the model booked with you, no relatives, friends, kids, hitchhikers 😉 fans, etc…. The sets are not able to accommodate your child’s entourage. Listen… The model once shooting, should always be attentive and follow direction. Many clients come from other countries and their accents can be a bit of an adjustment, so listen and obey. On sets, don’t gossip (!) and always be ready for what your child needs, at all times. When your job is finished have the client sign the voucher you received from your manager or agent, thank the client and don’t hang out or get numbers from clients – politely leave.

How can model-hopefuls get in touch with you?

The best way is to get in touch with me through email: soleilkids@gmail.com, for the Florida market. The first step is sending a picture, so send the best you have that really represent your child. We always contact those talent that we feel we can represent, within three weeks, but usually it is right away. I know immediately which talent I think I can represent. If you don’t get a responses, try again in six months. It might not have been the right fit at the right time. As a manager, I am exclusive and I do not represent anyone that is already with an agency.

I really love what I do. I love the families I work with. I think about them all the time and want the very best for them. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for each one.

I have worked first-hand with Sharon and her talent for a few years now and I have nothing but positive things to say about all our experiences together. She is truly a manager that cares about her models and her clients. Find her online at Soleil Kids