To think my son could possibly model?

[Civilwarrior]

My son is not what I would call traditionally good looking in a film/tv way, but has quite an unusual look. Very tall (6 foot 3ish), very thin and pale with good bone structure and long hair. He's been looking for work for a while but struggling as there isn't much around, plus he's ND and prob wouldn't cope well with some e.g. customer facing roles. Turns out he's been approached a few times by people saying they were model agents and he should give it a go. He thought it might be a scam so didn't take their details - however I do think it might be something he could do. He certainly wouldn't want to pursue it long term but just while at college/uni. Any ideas of reputable agencies we could try?

How old is he?

He's nearly 18

Watch this https://www.channel4.com/programmes/new-model-agency

No help with agencies unfortunately, but do you think if he did go into it that it would be something he could handle?

Mainly with you saying that he wouldn’t cope well in customer facing roles etc, I wonder if this would also be difficult for him.

If you think he would be able to cope with it alongside college and uni, hopefully some people on here could give you some pointers in the right direction!

Will do - is it positive? Or showing the darker side? We are aware that it def has a darker side to it

Yes I think he could - he's quite good at playing a role, and fairly resilient. Just not good at small talk!

Are you sure he could handle the constant rejection?

And the criticism/dissecting of his looks/style/photographs?

It's certainly something to consider. It's just an option that I hadn't thought of before, and was surprised when he mentioned it. He also performs (drama/band) so is used to an audience but not necessarily the amount of criticism

Go for it! Google model agencies and just apply to loads. He’ll get loads of rejections I imagine, but it’s not personal, it’s just that they will be looking for a particular thing. Like you would dismiss a blue handbag with a thick strap because you want one with a thin strap., he will need to be pleasant to be around. But everyone on a shoot is very pleasant, it’s a super atmosphere. He doesn’t need to be good at small talk, just be able to smile and take direction. Good luck, let us know how he gets on,!

My daughter is an actor, she also does modelling. She isn't tall enough to be a fashion model. She does commercial stuff, ie adverts for letting agents etc. She does it for extra money as opposed to her first love of acting. She doesn't find the rejection hard as it's simply they require someone of a certain type for a particular shoot, not that she isn't pretty enough, more likely the wrong colour hair etc

Wishing you every luck with this, sounds amazing and fascinating

Ch 4 program very positive the agency takes " unusual" types and nd

Modelling can be tough emotionally- possibly especially if he’s ND. It’s hard to be judged just on what you look like and there are a lot of predators in the business, even for the boys.

BUT if he really wants to give it a go (and it sounds like he has the right look- 6 foot 2 ish and very thin is whats wanted right now for men, facially it’s not about traditional beauty but having “interesting”, photogenic features) then he needs to be commuting distance to London ideally as all the major agencies are there.

Send pictures direct to agencies like Supa, PRM, MiLK, Premier, Models 1, Storm, IMG, Next , Elite etc. They’ll have the contact details on their websites. They’ll contact him and want to see him in person at the agency if they think he’s got what it takes.

Agencies:
Manchester: Boss Models, Nemesis, Jadore
London: IMG, Premier, Elite

Do not pay for any shoots or consultations. Reputable agencies do not charge. If they do, they are scams.

Most agencies offer a walk-in casting where you literally turn up and they take some Polaroids of you and discuss with other agents wether they want to sign you or not.

Modelling is not easy, it’s not glamorous. There’s a lot of rejection, body dysmorphia. A lot of waiting around in the cold for castings and shoots. Not many make it big.

He sounds like a great candidate, but would he struggle with the constant demands on him during shoots and shows? If he gets tired or stressed he can’t just stop. It’s a pretty pressured environment and the models are really just clothes horses, not people at all to many of the folk involved. I would be worried about putting a NT youngster into that, let alone someone who is ND.

Have a look at Calum Harper on Tiktok. He posts his auditions and catwalks as a male model.

Forgot to add Chapter, The Squad, Viva, Wilhelmina, and Select to the London list for men. Again email pictures via their website is probably best.

Sorry no ideas about decent agencies outside London.

Friends self employed partner was finding work a bit thin, mid 40's, not especially attractive - got approached randomly in the street as a model a few months ago & is doing quite well out of it,

Background young-middle-aged type apparently.

That list of London agencies are the ones with all the current popular high fashion male models on their books (which sounds like his look rather than more commercial).

Thanks so much that's all really helpful. Def more fashion than commercial. I'll speak to him about it. He just wants to make some money to afford gig tickets and driving lessons - this wouldn't be his passion or career

Yes, and he's a perfect example of not a "classically good looking" young lad. Bit has a look about him.

Skinny little thing he is too...!

His every day look is quite different to his model photos..

Family member was approached in the street and signed by BOSS. Worked for them all through their time at university and for a while afterwards. It was never their intended career but the money and opportunities (shoots in Bali, Iceland etc) were great.
https://www.bossmodelmanagement.co.uk/apply

Will do, thanks!

Here...

Thsnks. Yeah I think he knows that. He literally just wants a job and it might work for him