Seasoned modeling experts are hosting The Model Challenge: Casting Call that aims to make dreams of becoming a professional model a reality for scores of young women and men.
Highly regarded agents, scouting for new faces, will be on hand for one-on-one interviews. Wilhelmina, an international powerhouse in the industry, along with the boutique New York City agency APM Models are the guest agencies. Participants will also hear from industry veterans that will share insights into what it takes to become a successful model. The event is scheduled for November 18 between 12-5 p.m. at The Garden City Hotel.
“This is the perfect opportunity for aspiring models to get truthful invaluable information from industry pros working in the industry on what it takes to make it as a model,” said Corinne Nicolas, President and Founder of Manhattan-based modeling agency, The Model CoOp, which represents some of the most famous models in the industry and who is one of the event organizers. Nicolas began her career at Elite with John Casablancas as her mentor working with the top supermodels of the time.
Nicolas teamed up with Christina Cotronis, President and Founder of One Girl Productions, a casting/production company also based in Manhattan, to create The Models Academy. Through The Models Academy, they will produce a series of events where their goal is to pass on knowledge of the fashion industry and help aspiring talent walk away with the proper tools and resources to start their careers. Their first event on November 18 is geared for aspiring models. Future events will encompass photographers, hair and makeup artists, stylists and other facets of the fashion industry.
Trudi Tapscott, former American Vogue Model Editor and founder of The Model Coaches will be a guest speaker leading a discussion on what industry gatekeepers look for in potential talent and what it takes to have a successful career. Having worked not only for the prestigious magazine, Tapscott also worked for top NY agencies Elite, Wilhelmina and DNA and has been responsible for scouting some of the most famous models in the industry. With her company, she now scouts, develops and guides potential models into the business.
Cotronis, who works with such renown brands as Garnier, L’Oreal and Maybelline, brings the perspective of the client side. As a casting agent, she is the deciding authority as to which models are presented to the client. She is the driving force in realizing career making opportunities that can catapult a model’s career through ad campaigns, TV commercials, social media campaigns, and more. 
Cotronis began her career as a TV agent at Elite and then crossed over into casting and production. Through One Girl Productions, Cotronis works with major global brands, as well as having relationships with model and talent agencies around the world. She will speak about the casting process and the nuances of selecting a model for the face of a brand. She will offer the dos and don’ts of casting and offer knowledge on what models can do to enhance their chances of being selected for a project.
Participants must be at least 5-foot, 6-inches tall and no younger than 14 years old. Those younger than 18 should be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
The Model Challenge: Casting Call will be held on November 18, 12-5 p.m. at The Garden City Hotel, 45 Seventh St., Garden City. Registration is $175 before Oct. 30 and $200 after Oct. 30. For more information, visit themodelsacademy.com/evento
