FAQ

Q: What does it take to be a successful model?
A: Personality! Professionalism!! Perseverance!!! "Success happens when perseverance meets opportunity." In the competitive industries of modeling and acting success does not happen overnight. you have to go after it, work at it and put yourself in a place where an opportunity will be presented to you. You need to have energy, be positive and motivated. It is rewarding for an Agent to work with a model or actor who is motivated. The most important person a model or actor needs is a great Agent who believes in them and their potential. You also need to project self-confidence, develop the necessary skills and be a pleasure to work with in order to be competitive. If you want to make modeling or acting a career, you need to know what you are doing! This is what clients expect and what they are paying for.

Q: Everywhere I go people tell me I should be a model. How can I be sure if I have what it takes to model?
A: Ask a professional modeling agency that has been in business for a long time, like M.I.M. If you are interested in runway and fashion print in Montreal, Toronto and the International Market, the height requirement is minimum 5'8 for female and between 5'11" and 6'2" for male models.

The Ottawa market is much different. There is a big demand for models in their late 20's and up and the minimum height requirement is 5'6” for female and 5'10” for male models.

M.I.M. will be able to assess your potential at no charge. To find out if you have what it takes Contact us

Q: Do you provide international exposure?
A: M.I.M. is known worldwide for developing and managing models' careers. If a model meets the requirements to travel, M.I.M. will introduce them to agents from everywhere across the world. Several agents travel to visit M.I.M's office to scout for new faces. Models also have the opportunity to attend the Canadian Model and Talent Convention held in May where hundreds of agents from around the globe reunite to discover our new talent! We have models that are always traveling!

Q: Do you book modeling jobs in the area?
A: The answer is a definite yes. There is significant modeling work in Ottawa, anywhere from print work, (for example we book many of the major mall campaigns) to local fashion shows, and promotional bookings.

M.I.M is the outstanding leader in contracting local bookings for the agency’s models!

We represent children from 5 years of age to mature models in their 60's.

Because of Ottawa's somewhat conservative nature, our clients often request models in their late 20's and older. Therefore, M.I.M is always on the look out for mature models to do "lifestyle" work. The height requirement in Ottawa is minimum 5'6” for women and 5'10” For men.

M.I.M. realizes that not everybody has the potential or the desire to travel internationally because of school, family, work, etc. M.I.M. concentrates not only in providing national and international work but we have an abundance of local clients in the National Capital Region always looking for faces.

If you live in Ottawa and you are interested in modeling, it is important to have an agency that can find work for you in your hometown. We like to support our local photographers, as well as retail stores, businesses, advertising and production companies, marketing firms, corporate clients etc. This is a key essential to further pursue your modeling dreams as the jobs in Ottawa will give you the experience and knowledge needed for us to move you on to bigger national and international markets.

Being the first modeling agency to open in Ottawa in 1970, we are #1 in local work, with a strong local client base.

Q: How do I choose the best reputable agency for me?
A: Do your research! Find out how long the agency has been in business. What is the background of the agent/owner - do they have authentic and verifiable industry experience? Does the agency have success stories to back them up? It is important to note that a reputable agency will not guarantee or promise you success. Be weary of agencies that guarantee you stardom! Just like there are no guarantees that an athlete will make it to the Olympics, there is no guarantee that a model will reach supermodel status. An honest agent or scout will do their job, which is to provide direction, guidance, and marketing and to promote you. At M.I.M. we only affiliate ourselves and work with the best in the business, that is why we have the reputation and the success stories to back us up. We do promise to expose our models and talent to the best fashion photographer teams and only the most reputable agencies worldwide that only work with the top clients. Listen to your instincts! When you walk into an agency you will often know right away if it feels right or wrong. Choose an agency where you feel comfortable with the atmosphere, the people and the environment. You will need a strong line of communication with your agent and booking agent therefore you need to feel like you can tell them anything that's on your mind. And make sure that they promptly return your calls!

Q: Do I need to pay for training even if I have a lot of potential?
A: Top models are not just successful because of their looks. Models must me confident and know what he/she is doing at a booking to compete against experienced models. Just like the popular TV shows, Canada's Top Model and America's Next Top Model you need guidance and pros to bring out the model or actor in you! You will learn skills to prepare you for the three main markets in the modeling industry; photography, runway and acting. In modeling and acting, your body is your business. As a model or actor, you are the product being marketed therefore it is also very important to present the best possible you. It is extremely important for us to send a model with experience in order to demand a model rate.

Q: How is M.I.M. different from other agencies in the area?
A: HONESTY is one factor that sets us apart as we do not believe in giving false hope. When you meet one of our representatives we will give you our honest opinion if you have a shot at modeling or acting. Models International Management was established in 1970 and has an exceptional reputation locally, nationally as well as internationally. We are affiliated and work closely with top international agencies. We have solid relationships with clients and agencies and are always eager to establish new contacts with new clients. M.I.M. is known for its professionalism, continuous innovative ideas, dynamic and bilingual team, and sharp eye. We represent an amazing roster of models and actors whom we respect and appreciate to work with; in exchange they do the same for us and represent the Agency in such a great manner. We guide our models and talent towards meeting their goals, and we take the time to discuss and help their progress on how they can better their modeling and/or acting career.

Q: Is there a specific look agents look for in a model?
A: A model's physical appearance is his or her canvas. Having a healthy look is important (i.e. good skin, healthy hair, and nice teeth). There are different markets when it comes to the modeling business, which can depend on one's look. The Ottawa market for example is conservative. We seek models that have a lifestyle look; a familiar face that the public can relate to. It is important to meet with a qualified Agent, like the Director from M.I.M., to receive a proper assessment of your potential. For women ages 17 years and up, we look for a minimum height of 5'6” and men a minimum height of 5'10”. However this should not stop you from inquiring about modeling; we represent mature models that are shorter than the required height but have a great look. To travel, the minimum height requirement is 5'8” for women and 5'11” for men.

Q: Do you represent babies?
A: No we do not represent babies. There just is not enough of a demand in Ottawa for babies.

Q: How do I get my child started?
A: We represent kids ages 5 and up (or mature for 4 years) that can take direction well. If you think your child has what it takes to be a model or actor please do not hesitate to Contact us

Q: What are my first steps to getting started in the modeling or acting industry?
A: Expressing your interest in this business with M.I.M. is a good start. If you wish, you can send us a snapshot of yourself including your age, height and where you are currently living. Or if you prefer, simply give us a call to book an audition, free of charge, with our Director. At your audition we will be pleased to explain more about the business and fully assess your potential as a model or actor. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.