Modelling : Chapter 6 : Modelling Agencies

Modelling Agencies

After you are through with a portfolio, the second step is to find a suitable modelling agency. It is advisable to find an agency to represent and promote you as a model. Their job is to sell you, just as if you were a new product, and it is you that employ them. Just as in a standard job, you must pay your agency for the job they do ("commission"). However, there are a lot of scam agencies out there, so keep your eyes open.....

***WORDS OF WARNING! NEVER:
.....pay to join an agency
.....sign with agencies that sell useless classes (any good legit agency will teach you what you need to know for free)
.....get involved with agencies that sell in-house photography resulting in a portfolio all shot by one person - this is a major no-no that is so common.

What do agencies do?
1. They find new faces.
2. They advise and train their models.
3. They promote their models.
4. They schedule and book their models.
5. They bill clients and collect fees.

Finding an agency :
You can visit the modelling agencies listed for your city. They will be able to tell you if you have real modeling potential. Otherwise, do some research and find out which agencies in your area are the best, then visit them. Bring about 5 snapshots - full length in a dress, bathing suit and headshots. Each agency has their own 'look' so don't give up!

Modeling Schools: If the agency is affiliated with a school or tries to sell you courses then run! Reputable agencies will train you for free and are usually not affiliated with a school. Most models in Mumbai do either ramp work or press ads. Very few do well in both fields. Coordinators, therefore, prefer to work in either one of the fields. Some places you can go to get your career off the ground.

The Coordinators

Boman Irani
51/L. Paradise, Shyam Niwas
Bhulabhai Desai Road
Mumbai - 400026
Ph. 3634976

2nd Ashoka Apartment A,
Off Arthur Bunder Road,
Colaba, Mumbai 400005.
Tel: 2882139, 2882284.
Run by one-time model Rasna Behl.

Face 1:
797, Jesia Bldg.,
Jam-e-Jamshedji Rd.,
Parsi Colony, Dadar,
Mumbai 400014.
Tel: 4149968, 4126878.
This one is headed by former Femina Miss India Mehr Jesia.

YSG
Worldwide Model and Promotion Agency,
Orient House, 4th Floor,
Adi Marzban Path,
Mumbai 400038. T
el: 2616732, 2615029.
A relatively new agency, YSG shares its model banks with a number of agencies in Hong Kong, England, Germany and now Paris.

Vahbeez Mehta:
12, Khetwadi Lane,
1st Floor, Bharucha Bldg.,
228, N. Desai Rd.,
Mumbai 400004.
Tel: 3829657, 3821628.
A one-person agency. Vahbeez has been coordinating ramp shows for the last three years.

Ashraf Studios:
Opp. Mahim Rly. Station,
Mahim West, Mumbai 400016.
Tel: 4468256, 4468230.
A 15-year-old firm headed by Shakil Khan and K. Mahajan.

Model Advertising & Marketing Associates:
F-1, Sai Aradhana,
Phiroze Shah Road,
Santa Cruz (W), Mumbai 400054.
Tel: 6100671, 6122474.
Specialises in fashion photography.

Ozone Models Management:
B. Choksey Building,
Gamdevi, Nana Chowk,
Mumbai 400007.
Tel: 3892668, 3892542, 3876244.
Set up by Ashok Shetty, an ex-model.

Catwalk:
K-40, Hauz Khas Enclave,
New Delhi. T
his agency is run by Kamal Hazuria.

Platinum Models:
A-276, Shivalik,
New Delhi 110017.
Tel: 6220172.
Started by photographer Rony Kaula.

The Ramp:
A-22, Gulmohar Park,
New Delhi 110049.
Run by Rashmi Virmani.

Glitz:
F-100, Lajpat Nagar II,
New Delhi 110024.
Tel: 6830921.
Started by Pranab Awasthi.

The Tina Factor:
C-31, 1st floor, Defence Colony,
New Delhi 110024.
Tel: 4690213.
Started by Tina Shah in1983.

Kamini Khanna
M-62, Greater Kailash - 1
Second floor
New Delhi - 110024
Ph. 6830921

Aditi Modelling Service:
324, Upper Palace Orchard,
Bangalore 560080.
Tel: 3342518.
Run by Anila Anand.

Design and Print Group:
1 A, Mahatma Gandhi Road,
Bangalore 560001.
Tel: 5586288.
Run by Prasad Bidappa.