Today we’d like to introduce you to.
John, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Modern Models Inc has been in business for over 8 years in Atlanta. I was the financial analyst on the deal team for the IPO of Victoria’s Secret, a $680 million-dollar deal and the largest initial public offering in retail history at the time. I sat next to Ed Razek, who is the liaison to the models at Victoria’s Secret. He was always meeting with supermodels and I vowed one day to have my own business dealing with gorgeous models vs. doing spreadsheets.
During our time in business in this city, our main competitors have merged, been sold or lost their licensing agreements with top tier national agencies. We are still here and thriving.
Has it been a smooth road?
There are many struggles in running a modeling/talent agency. Here are a few of them:
1) Getting the models to believe you are legit. When you tell someone you are lawyer, they automatically believe you. When you tell them they are a modeling/talent agent with Hollywood connections, they are always skeptical that you have an ulterior motive. In 2008, Georgia passed a bill allowing a 30% tax break for movies and television shows that spend over $500,000 on their budgets. We are now the #3 market behind Los Angeles and New York City. So, the work is here and I am constantly looking for new talent.
2) Getting the clients to believe that you have to talent to fulfill their needs. Many models in this city do not have the quality of portfolio necessary to impress my Fortune 500/Hollywood clients.
3) Getting the models to pay attention and take the great opportunities I present them. In LA/NYC I would be bombarded with quality submissions. In Atlanta, I have to BEG people to work on billion dollar franchises like the Fast & The Furious making $500/day plus overtime for multiple days.
4) Getting paid. I have been stiffed by many models/actors after getting them high paying/ prestigious jobs.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Modern Models Inc. is a boutique modeling and talent agency based in the Buckhead section of Atlanta, Georgia. Modern Models Inc specializes in placing actresses & actors (film and television) and female & male models (fashion, runway, editorial, lifestyle, commercial & glamour). Modern Models Inc is looking to do business with directors, producers, designers, photographers, casting directors, advertising agencies, businesses, publications, production houses – anyone who needs top quality models and actors.
Our CEO has been in “the business” for 30 years, and Modern Models Inc has placed people in everything from feature films to runway shows.
Modern Models Inc also places our models and talent in theatre productions, music videos, print ads, websites, magazines & newspapers, catalogs, television shows, commercials & industrials, trunk & trade shows, conventions and promotions.
What sets us apart is that ALL of our models/talent are leading ladies/leading men type. Most talent agencies will work with anyone, regardless of what they look like.
We are most proud of having won talent agency/casting service of the year 5 years running and being able to offer our talent jobs paying up to $3,000/day.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Honestly, no.
The movie business came to Georgia because of the tax breaks. In LA/NYC, people move there FOR the movie/TV business. I meet promotional models and beautiful people at the mall/clubs etc. and have to BEG them to work in big budget Hollywood films. This market is just not that sophisticated. People are not willing to invest in quality pictures, a reel, classes, etc. here in the South. They think the agent should invest in them. They have to invest in THEMSELVES, my job is to get them in front of quality clients when they bring me quality materials.
People in Atlanta need to realize that to get a high paying, prestigious modeling/acting job you have to INVEST in yourself. The most important starting point is high quality pictures. TFP type of work usually will not cut the mustard.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.modernmodelsinc.com
- Phone: 4047833464
- Email: ceo@modernmodelsinc.com
