Insider Tips with Bali's Leading Model Agency • Bali Model Agency
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Insider Tips with Bali's Leading Model Agency

Meet Tash and Sim, Bali’s leading model bookers. The brains, arms, legs, and heart behind Bali Model Agency.

Keep reading to see an insider’s view into what the modeling industry in Bali is really like.

WHAT DOES AN AVERAGE DAY OF A MODEL BOOKER CONSIST OF?

Sim: Lots of coffee! Checking all enquiries that come through overnight. After that's done, it's typically, confirming models shoot details, options etc. sending profile packages arranging castings… And by then it's only 11am.

Tash: Totally agree with Sim, coffee first always.

A usual day for me is dealing with photo and video shoot enquiries (finding the right models for the brand), negotiating rates for our models. Managing model applications by deciding who is a good fit for us and being realistic if we can get them booked on modeling jobs. Organising the shoots by getting a full team together. Making sure everyone is on time. I also dabble in producing, on a smaller scale, especially in the current climate, due to all the travel and flight restrictions. All of this is sprinkled with a bit of drama 24/7 (kidding 😉).

WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN NEW MODELS?

Tash: If they can speak English. Do they have a presence when they walk into the room? Do they have a good working attitude or are they demanding? Are they professional? And of course, do they have a decent portfolio.

Sim: A uniqueness, potential and drive.

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SUCCESS AND WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

Tash: Not sure how to answer this question? Haha, can I ask the audience?

Sim: I’ll get this one… When the models and talent get opportunities to do a really great project and the client is super happy with the outcome. Additionally, it's always a proud moment when you can really see beginner models start to grow in their skills and career.

ARE THERE IDEAL BODY MEASUREMENTS THAT MAKE FOR A SUCCESSFUL MODEL?

Sim: Tall, fairly skinny. However, as a modeling agency in Bali, it's different. Modeling in Bali breaks some of the stereotypical boundaries. Our clients are constantly looking for curvier girls. It's great!

Tash: Agreed. Height is a big importance in the industry, in centimeters Bust, 90 Waist, 60 Hips, 90, are the supposing measurements. Modeling in Bali it all goes out the window. They like shorter girls, voluptuous girls, skinny tall girls, curve girls, the ‘girl next door look’… pretty much all sorts of shapes and sizes.

We also have a lot of swimwear brands who need a specific build. It all depends on the client brief.

DO YOU THINK THERE IS A POSSIBLE MODELING CAREER FOR EVERYONE OUT THERE AND IS THERE AN AGE CAP?

Tash: Modeling is not for everyone, no.

Modeling in Bali works for all ages – we are commercial so they like the more mature models but then, also younger models – so it's a real balance, again depending on the brief. If I was to give a number, the majority age bracket is early 20’s to mid - late 30’s

Sim: Agreed with Tash, modeling is not for everyone. And there is no age cap – I think that the type of modeling jobs will change as you get older. And possibly a little less.

DO YOU GET IRRITATED OR INSPIRED BY THE MODELS THAT ARE CONSTANTLY HOUNDING YOU FOR CASTINGS AND WORK?

Sim: A bit of a mix of both. I wish some of the models would be more hungry. It's one thing to hound about work and castings but not putting in the “work” themselves to improve their modeling portfolio or profile.

Tash: Being hounded unnecessarily, yes that does irritate me. Especially when the models are working freelance, as they can get their own jobs in Bali. But if they are genuine and willing to test and put in the work, of course I want to get them work and help the best I can.

WHAT SECRETS DO YOUR MOST BUSY MODELS HAVE THAT GET THEM CONSTANTLY BOOKED?

Tash: Their personality and professionalism. It’s always the happy goofy fun models that get repeat bookings. They never complain and do the work.

Sim: It’s not really a kept secret in the modeling industry – you need to be good at what they do, professional and have a great attitude and vibe to work with.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD A MODEL GET TEST SHOOTS DONE?

Sim: As often as possible.

Tash: As much as they can to keep their model books current. If they work a lot then there is no need as they still have up to date modeling material coming in, but if they are not working, they need to get model test shoots.

WHAT LENGTHS HAVE YOU SEEN GIRLS AND GUYS GO TO BOOK A JOB OR GET TAKEN ON BY AN AGENCY?

Sim: Travel far for a casting / get very creative with their pitches for a casting / take naked pics of their butts for me so I could send to the client – (the client brief was a body double.)

Tash: Coming into Bali Model Agency offices, and being persistent is a good way to get noticed. Also showing genuine enthusiasm and taking the modeling job seriously.

HOW DO BOOKERS CHOOSE WHICH MODELS THEY PUT FORWARD FOR EACH JOB?

Tash: Each brand has their own style and target market so the first thing we do is research into the brand and the type of model they use.

Sim: Based on the brief from the client on what they are looking for – or if it’s a regular client we will know what kind of profile would appeal to them.

ARE YOU FINDING THAT WITH THE INCREASE OF “INSTAFAMOUS MODELS” THE STEREOTYPICAL MODELING BODY AND IMAGE IDEALS ARE CHANGING?

Sim: No, they aren’t making the change.

Tash: Agreed, we still see strong demand for ‘real’ models. It’s their height, presence and professional portfolio with proper modeling experience that make them stand out from the norm and clients are willing to pay for that. They know how to pose like a proper model, as they have strong experience and not only doing Instagram poses.

HOW IS THE INDUSTRY CHANGING? DO YOU THINK THERE’S A REAL SHIFT IN TERMS OF DIVERSITY?

Tash: Yes, the industry changed a lot with regards to the social media aspect. It is much easier to contact models directly and there are a lot of sponsorships, endorsements and barters. But from a model bookers perspective, the processes haven't really changed.

Sim: In terms of shift in diversity, definitely. It's becoming more inclusive of different and real body shapes and profiles. Lots of brands are looking for more relatable people to feature

Comment down below if there are any other questions you would like to ask Sim or Tash.

Follow @balimodelagency for more behind-the-scenes pictures of what a model booker gets up to!

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