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CANADA ON THE RISE!: A Look at the top Agencies and its Rising Stars
By Jed Medina & Karen Essex
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Credit the rush of excitement and interest for Canadian male models to the instinctive and adventurous spirits of its talent managers, agents and bookers. Knowing the kind of looks demanded by fashion, the frenzy and the thrill for discovering the next celebrated model, is like an adrenalin rush.
With a relatively untapped population, it is now Canada's turn to rise again and claim its position as a nation of models.
Why so much interest for Canada? For US-based agencies, having seen a few Canadian talents who are now making it big, is enough reason to look for more. Economics also has something to do with the attention. Because of the nearness of Canada to the US, the cost of hiring a model is not as expensive as flying his counterpart from Europe.
For Europe, it was a Canadian who provided the best answer: "I think the Europeans like Canadians a lot. They think we're more refined than Americans." says Giovanni Model Management's Jean Francois Leroux.
Where in Canada are the best agencies located? Its a big country, which give rise to the many agencies operating in its cities. There are, however, 3 cities that seems to be the place to discover the next star- Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal.
A number of these agencies and their models seems to be on the 'priority list' in both Milan and Paris. As they have already proven the quality of their talents, there need not be too much convincing on these agencies' parts.
If you know of an agency, in any of these cities, that has to be listed here, please email us with the details.
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 PREMIER MODELING AGENCIES IN CANADA:
One common notion seems to be on the lips of every agent in Canada- "Canadians possess amongst the greatest variety of differing looks in the world." says Ben Barry who heads an agency named after himself.
Listed are the agencies that provide us with a glimpse of such diversity:
 FORD MODELS TORONTO: The Toronto office of Ford Models remains one of Canada's most prestigious modeling agencies. Knowing the diversity of its culture and an instinctive knack for understanding the Canadian psyche, its agents employ what is known as 'unconventional way' of scouting new talents. Every location, no matter how obscure or unrelated to fashion it maybe, remain potential venue for scouting models. And it works!
Case in Point: Ford agent Kathy LeDrew admits that 23-year-old Oren Buchler (Giorgio Armani model) and 24-year-old Mykee Selkin (in current campaigns for Gap and Dockers) were both found by an intrepid pair of Ford agents on the same day -- while shopping at Ikea.
When a Ford agent approached Selkin, who was working in Ikea's bedroom department, he wondered if he was simply being hit on.
 "I was like, uh, thanks," he laughs. "You know, your friends make fun of you because they think you're too pretty, but I went in on Monday, had contact sheets by Wednesday and was working by Friday, and it's been a blast ever since. I saw the money I was making, and I was like 'Wow, I can make this in an hour?' I can't complain."
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 Norwayne Anderson Management: Highly personalized approach combined with the skills and the wisdom he learned from his personal experiences as a model and the belief in the models he represent. That is how we look at NAM's approach as a progressive and reputable modeling agency.
 Based in Toronto, Canada, NAM is fast acquiring a reputation for having a hands-on approach in model management and representation. As the agency stated in their website: "NAM provides the highest level of professionalism and we offer our clients a wide range of unique looks for the current market place and the new faces of the future."
As evidenced by one of the agency's most accomplished male model, Milan, who is now considered one of the most sought-after models in the world, NAM has the eye for spotting the look and the talent demanded by the Fashion Industry today. ModelWatch is proud to feature NAM as our next agency spotlight! Online February 2004. |
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 LIZ BELL MODELS Agency: During her successful career as a top international model, Liz Bell forged a powerful network of influential connections within the industry. These relationships and network give the agency a competitive edge when promoting their new stars.
Since Lizbell Agency opened in 1992, it quickly attracted relationships with top international agencies including Next Management, IMG, Company, Elite, New York Models, Karin Models and many more. LizBell operates in Vancouver, British Columbia.
 BEN BARRY: In 1995, the Ben Barry pioneered new ground in the world of fashion and entertainment when it opened its doors and launched its progressive management approach.
The agency provides a diverse selection of models for fashion shows, advertising, commercials, corporate videos, feature films, voice-overs, grand openings and special events, conventions, promotions, hostessing, and customer service.
SPECS MODELS: Opened in 1994, Specs Fashion Model Management is under the leadership of former make-up artist/stylist and fashion enterpreneur Marie-Josee Trempe. She has been in the fashion and modeling business for more than 15 years.
Specs details what makes the agency different from other agencies in Canada: "Specs takes pride in providing a service that truly sets it apart in the beauty and fashion industry. Equipped with both runway and photography divisions, Specs is a leading, full service agency capable of answering every need." Specs is located in Montreal. |
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One of the most well-known modeling agencies in Canada is GiovanniModels. Relied upon by smaller, boutique agencies to represent their models on the international level.
Owned by Giovanni Bernardi, one of Canada's fashion luminaries, with an influence and connection that reaches Milan, Paris and New York. The agency has withstand the test of time, fashion trends and 'models with issues' with its ability to remain uncompromising in terms of its practices and dealings both locally and in abroad.
UP AND COMING AGENCY: DC Models of Toronto is a new agency in Canada but already making its presence felt with a superb line-up of models in their portfolio:
 On January 1st, 2002, DC Models opened. The newest and upcoming agency in Toronto, Canada.
DC Models represents unique and fresh models with a drive to be both successful and professional. At DC Models, our models and agents have a close working and personal relationship as we believe this is the foundation of success and happiness in the industry. This close working relationship also builds trust between the model and agent and strengthens their understanding of the industry.
Recommended Readings "Modelling agent Liz Bell is tired of disappointing wannabe models who have spent thousands of dollars on modelling classes when it's apparent they have no future in the industry.
"They come to me after spending two, three, four thousand dollars on classes, pictures and attending conventions and expect me to take them on, but I can tell right away that there's no potential," she said. "I try to let them down gently and always say, 'I'm not the right person for you,' instead of saying, 'You're not right for me.' And this happens all the time."
More from the Vancouver Courier - On Line |
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