MODELS.com Top 10 2005 New York Men Agencies
Part 2 - countdown: Top 5 to 1
 |
PRO: A hungry new team has assumed the reigns at Next and slowly but surely, they are rebuilding its men's division. With the current momentum of Next’s top guys (and the addition of established faces like Ivan de Penada and Werner Schreyer), it was always only a matter of time before this classic imprint returns to its rightful spot at the upper echelons of the business. And true to expectations the bookings on Vincent LaCrocq and Jeremy DuFour are the indicators that Next's scouting network and deep client relations are not to be underestimated.
CON: The irony is Next really doesn't have an obvious and glaring fault. The problem of the past of having to restructure and re-stock the board has been nicely solved. If anything, Next has become a vortex drawing in disgruntled models from other agencies. And that is a testament to some shrewd management.
SCOUTING CALL: It's truly a hot spot, this shop called Next. As a new model it would be very smart to ride the rising wave coming from this company.
|
| |
PRO: By focusing on an always coveted look: the ideal of the very classic American good looks (like top model Ryan Snyder), Major has exploded on the market. This shrewd throwback to the aesthetic of 50's movie stars and matinee idols has proven to be very lucrative indeed. Clients expressed a degree of comfort with the very sellable beauty that men's division head Jason Kanner markets with perfect skill. Mr. Kanner also registered very high marks for his efficiency and professionalism in managing his client relationships. Most enticing of all, the majority of the Major models are NY based, a boon situation for clients in that city. If scouted by Major, rest assured this company is poised for a major future.
CON: Major can be edgy at the drop of the hat but it's not their reason for being. If cool is your motive Major will clearly be able to accommodate that, but if the big bucks is what you dream of, that you'll find a lucrative home here.
SCOUTING CALL: By banking on his thirteen years of experience in the business, Agency Director Jason Kanner has brought a powerhouse sensibility to a boutique agency currently boasting a highly select board of 40 men. If you are invited to join the winner's circle, don't hesitate.
|
| |
|
PRO: In the tradition forged by their visionary Women's Division, NY Models excels at steering ground breaking new faces (like Mathias, Noah and Will) to the clients most able to platform that aesthetic. From Dutch to Burberry, Testino through to Thomas Schenk, that direct line to fashion's most adventurous lensmen is what puts NY Models heads in the distinguished category they have carved for themselves. Credited by clients as having a very unique eye, the scouting and management team at NY Models is known for promoting their models with 100% passion.
CON: One of the disadvantages of a boutique scale operation is clients might head for the bigger shops first when casting for a certain model before angling towards NY Models. Too established to be one of the "of the moment" agencies, NY Models, ironically enough, is probably what a lot of the instant mavericks would want to be. Stable.
SCOUTING CALL: The spotlights are on NY Models right this second and the energy level of the staff is as high as the expectations. If scouted by this shop, strike while the iron's hot. |
| |
PRO: DNA is currently burning with a major roster of must-have editorial finds, a fact that the blue chip photographers find irresistible. With a very concentrated board that serves as a virtual microcosm of "model types" working today, DNA has managed to make themselves hip central on the marketplace. Whether you are haute editorial like Prada icon Alex Beck, DNA is that boutique able to maneuver you to the coolest magazines, choicest campaigns and vital runways. Very well positioned and showing no sign of wear.
CON: Hot today, discarded next season, that is the sad destiny of many editorial kings. The challenge is to make some fixtures of those faces that stand in jeopardy of being fads. DNA's done it before (see Johnny Zander). There is more than ample proof that DNA can guide from the cool editorials into the lucrative catalogue bookings at your premium rate.
SCOUTING CALL: If you feel more comfortable at a focused and image conscious boutique, then DNA's your perfect ticket. |
| |
|
PRO: Across the board, one agency got rave reviews in our survey of clients as the epitome of professionalism. Ford's Men's agent, Sam Doerfler, came up time and time again as someone clients were deeply impressed with and more importantly, eager to conduct bookings with. The Ford bookings in 2005 certainly testifies to the fact that this is an agency that is on the brink of manifesting its full potential. Whether in dialogue with the lucrative commercial clients or the edgy editorial crew, Ford has mastered the full spectrum of the men's game. With top models like Brad Kroenig and Ryan Burns shooting everything from Chanel to Arena Homme Plus to Giorgio Armani, to put it directly, should this momentum continue unbroken into 2006, then Ford will unequivocally be the top Men's agency in the business.
CON: As is typical of any agency this scale, the board tends to be large so be prepared to work hard to stand out. That said, the entire industry is keeping a keen eye on Ford right this minute, which means you'll be well placed.
SCOUTING CALL: If offered a chance to be a part of this board, run don't walk. This is a spectacular moment at Ford. |
| |
|
PRO: Wilhelmina is a giant: strong, stable and incredibly good at negotiating major rates for their superstar models. Their focus on the Hunk/Matinee Idol ideal has been very profitable for this agency since this is the home of the Mark Vanderloos and the Gabriel Aubrys; where the careers run long and client loyalty is paramount. The tightly edited board of 60 models may feel boutique scale but the mentality here is all about maximum dividend on the investment. Interestingly enough, 2005 saw Wilhelmina doing a boom business in new faces with the multiple season Calvin Klein Collection ads for Karl Lindman and the high visibility bookings of Gucci and Valentino for Romulo. With this surge, Wilhelmina proves it has mastered the full spectrum of the modeling industry.
CON: Once you sign with Wilhelmina, do not presume than you can agency hop to your heart's content. This company is very, very protective of its assets and is very strict about its commitments.
SCOUTING CALL: If you ache for major male model stardom, this is the place to join your peers. They might not bring in a lot of new faces per season, but when they do bring a player on that highly selective board, it's full steam ahead.
|
| |
PRO: IMG stands at No.1 in the male modeling business right this minute, because they have displayed a very focused ability to take a new face from nothing to maximum visibility, very quickly. Since the nature of the editorial male modeling market is constant turnover, IMG shrewdly avoided the dangers of a stagnant board by being able to bolster their commercial blockbusters (Tyson Ballou, David Smith, RJ) with a constant supply of strong newcomers (Roc Montandon, Ian Jones). Interestingly enough, for an agency that you would presume to be mega-corporate, IMG seems to lean towards developing and maneuvering very edgy editorial types through the A-list of campaigns, editorials and runway bookings. By playing the full service game perfectly and by exploiting their global muscle, IMG has become the desirable destination for today's ambitious new faces.
CON: Be warned however, it's a pretty big board. The more personality you bring to the table the better your chances of breaking out of the mob as a new star. Because, should you fail to shine, this team will not hesitate to move on.
SCOUTING CALL: Their management model is based on servicing the constant need for new editorial stars. IMG is as inclined to search for you, as you are to reach out to them and that makes them the top choice. |
| |
Back to MODELS.com
Also read the: Top 10 NYC WOMEN Model Agencies Countdown
|
