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Written by Sameerah
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Tuesday, 01 November 2005 01:47 |
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Its mid afternoon on one of my all to rare days off, Iâ??m enjoying a lazy day on my sofa watching something on the Discovery Channel well on my way to a much needed cat nap when my phone rings. Before I can even say hello a womanâ??s shrill voice screams into my ear. She doesnâ??t need any further introduction; I know that scream belongs to my friend Betty, an aspiring model. And from the sound of her voice itâ??s been another disappointing day of making her rounds to the cities many talent agencies. Fighting back tears she tells me about how much money they wanted her to give them for head shots, the extremely high percentages that they wanted to take if they were able to get her any work and the big question, was she comfortable with doing adult work. This isnâ??t the first time that Iâ??ve been surprised that she is having a hard time getting modeling work, in recent years alt/ Goth looks have become a bit more widely accepting in the mainstream media. You watch TV and see any number of models and extras with ink and multi colored hair, hell two major cable networks have recently launched reality shows set in tattoo shops! So why is it so difficult for a girl with Susie Sioux good looks and full sleeved tats to find work. Trying to be a good friend as always I set about the task of trying to find her an agency or management company that will be able to find her some work without whoring her out or taking more all of her money in commissions and other fees. My search led me to Wicked Talent; a non-profit LA based management company that specializes in working with models and artists who have less than conventional good looks. I was absolutely ecstatic to find them and rushed to the phone to give Betty the good news. However the good news came a bit too late to help Betty with her career, after God only knows bad meetings, Betty decided to abandon her dreams of fashion stardom to concentrate on her family. As crushed as I was to hear about her decision, I know sheâ??s only doing what she feels is right for her and her family, still I wanted to spread the word about Wicked Talent, and hopefully provide some help to others trying to break into the world of modeling. So today weâ??re going to sit down with Donna Ricci, the founder of Wicked Talent to see what kind of advice she can give aspiring entertainers.
Its mid afternoon on one of my all to rare days off, Iâ??m enjoying a lazy day on my sofa watching something on the Discovery Channel well on my way to a much needed cat nap when my phone rings. Before I can even say hello a womanâ??s shrill voice screams into my ear. She doesnâ??t need any further introduction; I know that scream belongs to my friend Betty, an aspiring model. And from the sound of her voice itâ??s been another disappointing day of making her rounds to the cities many talent agencies. Fighting back tears she tells me about how much money they wanted her to give them for head shots, the extremely high percentages that they wanted to take if they were able to get her any work and the big question, was she comfortable with doing adult work. This isnâ??t the first time that Iâ??ve been surprised that she is having a hard time getting modeling work, in recent years alt/ Goth looks have become a bit more widely accepting in the mainstream media. You watch TV and see any number of models and extras with ink and multi colored hair, hell two major cable networks have recently launched reality shows set in tattoo shops! So why is it so difficult for a girl with Susie Sioux good looks and full sleeved tats to find work. Trying to be a good friend as always I set about the task of trying to find her an agency or management company that will be able to find her some work without whoring her out or taking more all of her money in commissions and other fees. My search led me to Wicked Talent; a non-profit LA based management company that specializes in working with models and artists who have less than conventional good looks. I was absolutely ecstatic to find them and rushed to the phone to give Betty the good news. However the good news came a bit too late to help Betty with her career, after God only knows bad meetings, Betty decided to abandon her dreams of fashion stardom to concentrate on her family. As crushed as I was to hear about her decision, I know sheâ??s only doing what she feels is right for her and her family, still I wanted to spread the word about Wicked Talent, and hopefully provide some help to others trying to break into the world of modeling. So today weâ??re going to sit down with Donna Ricci, the founder of Wicked Talent to see what kind of advice she can give aspiring entertainers.
How did you get involved in artist management?
Modeling was the only real job I'd ever know, and realizing one day I wouldn't be able to model anymore, I knew I had to find a job that went beyond my modeling years. So, I put two and two together. I knew models, I had contacts, knew the business. Might as well start a not for profit to help those who have been so supportive of me and help the next generation get work in a more honest and inclusive way.
What made you decide to start an agency that deals almost exclusively with alternative models, entertainers and talent?
I was on a set of a fashion shoot where they took a blonde model, put faux blue hair in her ponytail and tried to "make" her alternative. I knew models just as gorgeous that were the real thing! I decided then that they were the ones who really needed a voice. Recently we also decided to add photographers, make up artists and illustrators to the list of people who we would like to include in aiding.
Wicked Talent speacializes in artist management. Whatâ??s the difference between what you do and a talent agent? Why not just be an agent?
That's something no one has ever asked me before. We're not an agency; we
have to say "management". The difference is that an agent has to hold a
$10,000 bond. Not everyone has that just lying around so many have to take
a loan to secure that bond. In order to make enough money to pay back that
bond and run your business, you have to get models quite a bit of work to get
enough of their 20% commission for yourself and your business. Imagine what
kind of work for these models exists that pays that well! Usually it's adult
work, something that I simply can't stomach. I never wanted to be the person
that I had as an agent, forcing me to do work I didn't feel comfortable with
because she had to pay her bills. I decided that I'd rather sleep well at
night than sleep in a bigger house.
Aside from helping people find gigs what other services does Wicked Talent offer?
We help models build their portfolios, put on networking parties to help them build industry relationships, we have our own makeup line now, and we have secured discounts for Wicked Talent models at clothing companies like Azrael's Accomplice and Exquisite Restraint corsets, not to mention that we give online seminars and newsletters about skin care, safety, etiquette and locations to shoot.
How would someone get started with Wicked Talent?
They need to have good, clean shots of themselves. Both in full body and a close up. Be height and weight proportionate, have a great attitude, and live in a metropolitan area that supports this work. Email images to us at
This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
along with your vital stats! That's it!
If you can name one attribute that makes a successful entertainer, what would it be?
I would say the ability to shut the hell up. I hear so many with ill words of each other behind their backs. It leaves a bad impression. Keep your mouth shut, smile, even if you don't like him/ her and above all, love who you are, for what you are. Please be safe!
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 01 November 2005 01:48 )
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