DOPAMIN MODELS - Interview HARBOR Magazine (english)

H RBOR
V
FASHION
How does a model get discovered and what are
the requirements to be able to work as a model?
Dino Busch: Talent shows try to give a fake impression of
what real life is supposed to look like. Tons of tests and
‘competitions’ for all kinds of different characters. Wallflower
meets arrogant urban-chic. The more drama, the
better. Does anybody in these formats really want to find
the next top model or is it all about making a profit? The
product has to be sold, and in this case the product is
the show, not the models. Most of the successful models
never planned on becoming a model or even dreamed
of becoming successful. As a young teenager, I was already
scouted twice on the streets. At the age of 17½, my
pictures caught my agent’s attention on facebook and
that’s how I started.
Carsten Drochner: First of all, it was Dino’s face that
caught my attention. He was photogenic in all private
snaps I saw of him. To be pretty is not enough though. You
have to have that little something. Also, Dino works as a
photographer, and I was impressed by the work he created
with his friends. He has an eye for aesthetics and the
ability to capture moments and emotions precisely.
Dino Busch: Many models were bullied throughout their
childhood because of their looks. Too tall, too skinny, too
boring. Sometimes it’s just the nose, the mouth or the
chin. Gisele Bundchen used to be bullied because of her
skinny body. But it is precisely these features that make
a person interesting. But looks alone are not enough. As
a photographer, I would say a model is only photogenic
when that person has vibrancy. Something special that
enables the model to fascinate people.
Carsten Drochner: For many agencies and clients, the
looks are all that matters when it comes to booking a
model. Many agencies change new for old models on a
daily basis. For us, character and personality are very important.
Something that makes a person stand out from
the crowd. Next to personality and singularity, versatility,
self confidence and motivation are important. And of
course, soft skills such as politeness, good behaviour, reliability
and the ability to cooperate with people. If all these
points are fulfilled and there is a family that supports you,
the requirements to start working as a good model are
also fulfilled.
Does the biggest responsibility lie in the hands of the mother
agencies or model managers?
Carsten Drochner: The most reliable and responsible agencies
not only invest in teaching the models and preparing
them for the job; they support the development of these
young people into strong personalities. Self-confidence,
self-esteem and knowledge help them to be a partner
for all clients and their productions. They don’t only care
about maximising their profit but about achieving what is
best for their protégés. Not only financially, but also guaranteeing
them a trustworthy contract throughout, good
and safe basic conditions in their own country and while
they are on their travels, and protection from exploitation
and disrespectful behaviour.
Dino Busch: Many agencies worldwide try to escape their
responsibility and leave their models alone. Only a minority
of models have parents with knowledge of the law
who can check the details of contracts. But it’s not only
about the contracts. A good agency supports its models
at all times and helps them wherever possible, even when
they are on the other side of the world at that moment.
What time do you get up in the mornings, what role does
having to be patient play in your everyday life, and what
does a model have to do during a typical day?
Dino Busch: Normally, the agency sends the appointments
for the next day in the evening via email: castings,
go-sees, and during fashion weeks in the big fashion capitals,
up to twelve castings per day all over town. This
means a lot of queuing and waiting in lines of up to 200
models, all hoping to book this one runway job. It is important
to remember that decisions during castings are 100%
subjective. During fashion weeks, the person him or herself
unfortunately isn’t important at all. Casting directors
and clients are looking for a mannequin who can present
their own fashion in the best way possible. Two hours’ waiting
for a quick “Hello” and “Thanks for coming”. Eleven
appointments left.
At castings for photo shoots, personal values are more
important. The team may be working together for up to
several days in a row. That’s why photographers find the
personality very important. Diva behaviour and bitching
around on set is a danger to the success of the project.
But also on a photo shoot, patience is a must-have. Waiting,
fitting, waiting again, then hair and make-up. Wai-
Din o 45