Hmmm...I think there is no need for you guys to get too personal over this la. We are all trying to make a living or pursue our hobby/passion.
Since Professionalism was brought up. I would like to share my experiences while handling models for local/ foreign:
Foreign models are more than willing to go for castings as compared to local ones. They are very enthusiastic and understand that every opportunity is precious, especially for those high media value ones. Some of the local models are very particular about money. They will usually ask how much they are gonna be paid before they go for castings. Some of them became a little famous and actually say things like they are "overexposed" in magazines and advertisments and demanded no-castings required high paying jobs! I have even come across local models who wanted partial advancement of photoshoot pay and never turn up for the job!
Most of our local models are not well groomed. Some dont even know how to catwalk, pose or makeup/ good dress sense and yet they called themselves models. In a recent casting I attended, I was told that the price for the foreign models was the same as for the local one. Its very hard for the local one to compete for that particular job as she was a newcomer with a less impressive portfolio. However, we always like to support good local models if they are nice and appreciative people and we should definitely push them for more exposure.
Since I am a fellow photographer, in a position to give photo jobs without castings, close to several video production houses and runs a agency at the same time, this is how I would see the whole affair:
Photographers' angle:
We are tasked with choosing the "Best available" model to suit the theme of the photoshoot. We have to reassure the agency and model that we have got a budget to consider and hence price is a consideration in the selection of the model. Better rapport should be build and a longer term relationship should be established. If you help me this time, you become my friend and I will definitely support you back. This is very true for me throughout these few years. Now, I can get some mediacorp artists and overseas actresses/ actors for a fun shoot because we have build a good friendship over time. Its all about networking and having good friends. You will never know whether the 17-18 year old gal you just shot will become the next Zhang ZiYi or not, so treat everyone as friends unless proven otherwise.
Agency's angle:
We are tasked in protecting the rights of models/talents under us. We should broker deals that best suit our models and expose them for better deals next time. Just last month, I was told by a model broker that I cannot book a local model because the local model do not know me/ have not worked with me before. For security reason, the model is not available for a shoot out in the yatch and can only be shot at the pier. I went to the agency to introduce myself to the broker and told her that I had prepared the cash to pay her on the spot but I am not going to give the model the job as all alternatives such as paying more for a chaperon was not entertained. I felt insulted as the model broker implied that I am booking the model for sleasy stuff and my client from a big MNC corporation, which happened to be next to me, was laughing her guts out trying to mock me! She said its very ridiculous for a photographer to know all the models prior to a photoshoot! As a agent/broker, PR is the most important thing and we must always treat all clients with respect. We must be careful of the things we say even though this current job might not be given to our models. We should think long term and establish a good relationship with our clients by understanding their needs and concerns foremost and then delivering the best service to him/her.
Models' angle:
Know your strength and weakness. Upgrade yourself if there is a need. Find someone to groom you up properly.Start with basic makeup, catwalk, pose and dress sense. Being a model is not just about having a set of com cards nor a portfolio of photos. Be humble always, learn to be appreciative of opportunities that come your way and be less calculative. A simple Cost-Benefit Analysis can usually settle major issues easily. I wont even mind shooting for free if the project involves a famous photographer, stylist, makeup/hairstylist, creative director and its going to appear in a international magazine with a circulation of 500K, but that is my thinking and not many model will agree. Recently, I asked a model turned artiste whether she would like to appear in a MTV clip that is going around the world with a exhibition to be shown on big screens and her answer was, why would the clip requires a artiste? I would not even consider her a artiste, maybe a newcomer. The best joke was the job was a high paying one for the lead role! of course, I would not waste time giving her any future opportunities after her reply. Hence, the moral of the story is be nice to people and evaluate all opportunities that comes along. You never know how far you can go alone but I am sure you can have a shot at your dreams if there are many people supporting you.
Hope this will appease all sides. The views and experieces are all my own la. By the way, I always support uniquely "made in singapore" products hor
