Our Post Lockdown Modelling Q&A with Top Australian Modelling Agencies
Meet the starring models of the 2022 Model Search campaign! We welcomed back past clients of ours to model for us, we collaborated with an Australian Modelling Agency @FRM. Each individual model has a story of their own. We want to introduce you to the models and share a little bit about themselves and their aspirations!
Georgia
Q. How do you think the Modelling industry has changed since Covid began?
Clients have had to pivot the way they look at castings and production. There are way more factors that photographers and producers need to think of when organising a shoot, from gathering digis and casting tapes instead of in-person castings to creating COVID safety plans while on set, to researching vaccine requirements of the client and shoot location. Because of this, models need to be more responsive to requests from their agent and be flexible in dedicating more time to make themselves available to shoot castings themselves at home or organising COVID tests before arriving to set.
– Anna Mace, WINK
For us, we have never been busier. In the first lockdown, we spent a lot of our time reaching out to casting teams and brands, and presenting to them about the benefits of inclusive casting, and it seems to have made a massive difference. In addition, I think that Covid has made everyone feel somewhat vulnerable, and think more about vulnerable people (including disabled people), and this has fed through to casting decisions.
– Victoria Johnson, Zebedee Talent
Self-tests are now part of the norm, being that models are often not needed to go into casting agents to apply for tv commercials. This is not so much the case with print work and fashion, where fittings and seeing the model in person is now back in mode.
– Stephen Bucknall, F.R.M Models
Q. Do you think the industry has become more diverse? Why do you believe that?
If our bookings are anything to go by, the industry has become more diverse in terms of disability. Other diverse characteristics are also represented more often – such as race, gender identity, size and age. Unfortunately, disabled people still only make up 0.06% of people featured in advertising, which lowers to 0.02% in fashion and beauty. This is hugely representative of the realities of society, where disabled people make up 20% of the community.
Furthermore, there is still much to do to ensure that the creative teams in fashion and advertising, and decision-makers in brands, are more diverse. Companies must ensure that inclusion is running through their policies and company values.
– Victoria Johnson, Zebedee Talent
The industry gets more and more diverse as time passes. We have seen brands shift their marketing to more inclusive imagery and stories. Many clients know that consumers have a keen eye and want to see themselves represented more and more in the ads they see each day. So that could mean diversity across age, gender, size, physical ability or ethnicity. Bonds has been one of Australia’s leaders in inclusive casting over a number of years. WINK Models have featured in their Christmas campaign, and the diversity of talent is what shone through.
– Anna Mace, WINK
Q. What do you think is the most positive change to have hit the industry in the last 12 months?
The industry as a whole has become more resilient. In addition to COVID, many WINK clients and models have been affected by natural disasters as well. This has caused shoots to postpone or shift locations at a moment’s notice. However, despite the added stress and uncertainty, I’ve seen creatives seeing this as an opportunity to come together, be kind to each other and get the job done in the face of diversity. I’m really proud when I get to watch everyone come together for a common goal, and it’s representative of how this same attitude can spread to all aspects of life.
– Anna Mace, WINK
The Industry has become a lot more understanding and flexible. The pandemic really allowed the industry to be accessible to all. Talent was able to virtually cast for roles in the comfort of their own home with no inaccessible venues or transportation or even last minute days off from their full-time employment. We have seen in-person castings slowly making a comeback, but we can now educate and use the last couple of years as evidence that virtual castings are a positive tool for those who need different requirements.
– Victoria Johnson, Zebedee Talent
Q. What is the most prominent type of modelling this year?
E-Commerce is now very relevant as far as still shoots. Whilst campaigns are still prominent, and E-Commerce is being shot much more regularly.
– Stephen Bucknall, F.R.M Models
E-commerce. With so many brands closing brick and mortar stores or making a move to online sales only, the churn of e-commerce content is in full force. Models need to be able to endure many outfits and styling changes throughout an 8 hour day of non-stop posing. They also have to keep their energy up to keep the poses and content fresh and showcase the items for sale in the best light.
– Anna Mace, WINK
Q. How would you describe the most sought-after model of 2022?
The most sought after model is the one that stands out not only for their style and looks but also for their professionalism and personality. When a model shows up prepared and on time with a great attitude (so simple!), it makes everyone on set want to work with them again. So I find that models who do a really good job of staying organised ahead of shoot or casting are always the ones who get booked time and time again.
– Anna Mace, WINK
Indian models are also on par. We currently represent Vaibhavi, who is one of the faces of fashion week. She is now in London with Elite.
– Stephen Bucknall, F.R.M Models
Q. What modelling looks are hot right now?
We’re seeing a shift to people who clients describe as “relatable” or “real”. Usually, this means someone who has a great smile and comes across as genuine or authentic. Think of the recent Bras N Things Campaign “I Am Many Things”. Most of the time, these are the same models who get booked as “aspirational” or “high-end” but who have a diverse portfolio that shows they have a range of expressions, poses and clients.
– Anna Mace, WINK
Edgy, and a diverse range of ethnicities – it is what the clients are looking for. We are so excited to have a female model Kimmy. We are looking to build her book with great photographers looking to show this more so. Kimmy will fly in from Darwin for the first national show at Australian Fashion Week.
– Stephen Bucknall, F.R.M Models
Q. Has it become more difficult to source talent in the last year or so?
Yes, the lockdowns made it difficult to scout. The Photo Studio is always great assistance in finding good talent, as is Instagram and other social media.
– Stephen Bucknall, F.R.M Models
It’s been difficult to do in-person castings and scouting as we have all been working from home a lot more- however, we have strong social media and use our platforms to scout on Instagram and TikTok. We do get a lot of direct applications, but we can’t wait to get back to in-person castings, which will be happening soon.
– Victoria Johnson, Zebedee Talent
Q. What types of models are you really focusing on signing more in 2022?
We’d love to sign more plus-size male models, which is a rapidly growing market in a division that has been primarily dominated by female models. We are seeing so many brands embrace body positivity in the male space, so we are trying to empower men to get into the modelling industry. We’re always looking for diverse faces across curves/plus size, ethnicity, age and disabilities. We’re also focusing on models with content creation skills, as many brands want models to come to set and create social media content for the brand to use across TikTok and Instagram reels.
– Anna Mace, WINK
For reel faces those with personality and that something special. For FRM, those that have the specs required for high fashion and that can be placed globally, which is what we are known for.
– Stephen Bucknall, F.R.M Models
Q. What tips do you have for models trying to get signed in post-covid times?
It’s mostly the same as before! My advice is always to do your research on any agency before you call, email or send an application. Check out their website and socials to see the type of work they do and if you can see yourself fitting into the types of talent, their clients are hiring. Then research how they like to receive your submission – do they have a form to fill out? Do they like an email? Do they want you to call? Are you allowed to drop into their office? Most agencies are very busy, so calling to ask questions that can easily be found on their website or arriving at the office unannounced set a bad first impression. Then make sure you understand what they want to see in your application. Do you need to have experience, or do they take development models? Do they want you to send headshots for polaroids/digis? Do they want an intro video?
– Anna Mace, WINK
Stay in touch with your agent. Always look to keep your book current with amazing pics (do not use substandard shots in your booklet, let your agent guide you). Be always proactive and professional.
– Stephen Bucknall, F.R.M Models
A massive thank you to Anna, Stephen and Victoria for answering our questions, and we hope that gives you insight and inspiration to take the next step in your modelling journey.
To apply to the agencies, please see all details of their application requirements here:
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Read: Personal Shoot: A Journey of Empowerment
