Step your way into stardom with these 5 best model agencies on the Gold Coast
Ah, stardom – a dream many of us share for the wealth and fame it carries. But it’s also a goal many eventually abandon for all the challenges blocking the way to the top.
Not everyone needs to be like Margot Robbie or Hugh Jackman anymore to start their career in the fabulous media industry. Most times, you just now need the grit to make a name for yourself.
One common path is entering through modeling agencies and building their reputation from the ground.
On the Gold Coast, the city offers multiple modeling agencies that people can enter as stepping stones to the top.
If you plan on taking this route, our team has already set out to personally test the best modeling agencies the Gold Coast has to offer.
How much are service fees for model agencies on the Gold Coast?
The service fees for modeling agencies on the Gold Coast is around 10% or less. In some cases, model agencies forgo additional charges to the talents and get their revenue from transaction fees from partnered clients.
1. Glass Management
Location: 1/10 Strathaird Rd, Bundall
Contact: [email protected], 0411 648 164
Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
When it comes to local modeling agencies on the Gold Coast, Glass Management takes the cake in handling upcoming stars. Their efficiency in making their talents a success made a distinction for us.
Right from the start, they already offer quality advice on how to get big in the modeling industry.
They even handle most communication and other business-related discussions to give time to the models and talents in honing their crafts.
Plus, the agency gives the talents their full compensation—free from hidden charges and additional fees.
One thing that truly intrigued our team was Glass Management’s disciplined approach to handling child and teenage models. We were amazed at how they provide equal treatment and opportunities to their younger models as they do with adults.
Best of all, the agency keeps the children’s parents updated and involved in the modeling gigs as a form of assurance.
However, getting into Glass Management can be a struggle, due to the agency’s varying requirements to satisfy clients and the large number of applicants vying for the position.
Be that as it may, our team considers these challenges only as further proof of the company’s good reputation among Gold Coast’s local models.
Amazing talent management
“Glass Management are great agents. They’re so supportive and encouraging and give you all the information you need to get into the industry, as well as all the tools you need for your toolbox to help you be the best you can be.
With onsite training to improve your technique and find your style, onsite headshots, and lifestyle shots for your portfolio are always available if you have any questions or concerns about any job, casting, or training.”
– Anna Levene-Reidy, Google Review
Strongly recommended
“They all are very nice people and they are very professional. They look after everyone on their lists. From TV/film extras to commercial works, I have had a lot [of] wonderful time and I can’t wait for more to come.”
– Marian Hsu, Google Review
2. 8Elite Models
Location: Marina Mirage, Shop 124/74 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
Contact: [email protected]
Hours: Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Next on the list is the modeling agency just across Seaworld Australia, 8Elite Models.
Despite primarily focusing on brand marketing and fashion, 8Elite Models impressed us with the number of active talents on its roster.
What’s more, we were amazed by the staff support given to the talents. From finalizing discussions to attending filming events, the staff members are there to ease the models’ troubles.
This is in addition to the acting and modeling lessons the agency offers to its talents as they take on bigger and more ambitious projects.
As such, it’s no surprise that 8Elite has stricter application requirements—primarily regarding physical traits and modeling skills—than the other agencies we have covered.
While the agency offers limited opportunities for TV- and film-related projects, it has enough connections in these industries to help aspiring stars reach their dreams.
So, even if your goal is beyond the agency’s reach, 8Elite Models is still a good place to start building your portfolio.
Professional support
“Great people. [8Elite Models] made me feel positive about myself and what I can achieve. We are all unique and have much to offer [the] best experience being on a film set.”
– Andrew Wells, Google Review
Friendly and very professional
“8elite models offers a world-class experience along with incredible service, training, and support for those who wish to take their acting or modeling career to a whole new level.”
– Brad Semmens, Google Review
3. Howell Management
Location: Unit 1/88 Township Dr, Burleigh Heads
Contact: [email protected], +61 416 143 621
Hours: Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
If the job specifics are not a concern, Howell Management offers a great starting point for models looking to establish their name in the industry.
Howell Management specifically caught our attention due to its accessibility for beginners and non-professionals.
We loved how easy the application process was. On top of that, the agency has a clear outline of the opportunities people can achieve under them, so models know what they’re entering from the start.
While the agency allows its models more independence on the projects they take, the set-up might not suit everyone.
For one, the models, rather than staff members, usually have to look for new projects and deal with the initial negotiations.
For the same reason, talents have more opportunities to enter auditions since they have more autonomy to select their projects.
Made to feel everyone welcome
“They [Howell Management] offer plenty of work and it is up to you the individual to accept that work. Working as an extra is good fun and you’re directed well and made to feel welcome so don’t be scared!”
– Daris Laurins, Google Review
Going the extra mile
“Such a pleasure to have professionals who look after you. Kristy and her Staff go the extra mile when it comes to their talent. I consistently recommend this agency to fellow actors looking for professional representation.”
– Craig Ingham, Google Review
4. Synergy Management
Location: 10/3 Rina Court, Varsity Lakes
Contact: [email protected], 0400 733262
Hours: Everyday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
If there’s one thing we can credit Synergy Management with, it’s its commitment to nurturing talent from an early age. We loved the agency’s total support to provide a comfortable experience for its younger talents as they enter the industry.
For one, the agency provides hands-on acting and modeling lessons for children. It even involves the parents to ensure their child receives the best care and attention.
Synergy also amazed us with its transparency in payments and benefits, especially for an agency that has to contend with many child regulation laws regarding underage talents.
Despite its preferences for hiring younger models, older talents wouldn’t have much to complain about regarding the bigger opportunities and compensation the agency offers its older models.
These include first picks for works related to film, fashion, lifestyle, and “extra” roles.
We also really liked the agency’s efforts to avoid competition among talents. It helps develop each model into their suited niche, rather than having them work on the same type of projects.
That said, making it into Synergy’s roster can be a challenge. The agency handles multiple talents and often has limited slots for new members.
However, this is to ensure that the agency can provide equal treatment to all of its models within its resources and capabilities.
A fantastic place
“I was treated as family and still from this day I am still getting treated as family. Everyone is friendly and has positive things to say to each other and fantastic support from the agent, actors, models, and others in this field of work.”
– Ashley York, Google Review
Incredible experience
“Their service is top-notch, offering countless opportunities to work on big movie productions, TV shows, and video ads. Jo’s team is highly professional and their communication is superb. They made the entire process smooth and enjoyable.”
– Mac, Google Review
5. Reel Management
Location: PO Box 1054 Broadbeach
Contact: [email protected], (323) 841-4044
Hours: Monday to Friday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Like Synergy Management, Reel Management focuses on young talents and honing their skills to become reputable media artists.
The agency has fantastic workshop courses to build the children’s confidence and skills. This helps them prepare them for bigger and more complex roles.
That said, they also work with older talents.
What truly sets Reel Management apart is its total experience in the field and the wealth of connections it has in the media and marketing industries.
For example, the agency manages several talents appearing on Australian primetime TV shows. This includes Drag Race, The Bachelor/ette, 90 Day Fiancé, and The Real Housewives.
Younger models and talents even have the chance to appear on international stages, including the annual New York Fashion Week.
Best of all, the agency is open to models with disabilities and other minority groups deserving of recognition.
If there’s one negative thing we can point out about the agency, it would probably be the steep application process.
Due to its renowned reputation, getting in is more difficult, as the company only selects those they believe have the “star factor” to achieve greater heights.
However, this alone is small compared to the numerous opportunities Reel Management has to offer to anyone willing to take on the challenge.
Most loving and supportive agency
“It [Reel Management] has improved my confidence, taught me self-beauty, and supplied amazing opportunities for my modeling career. I am the happiest person every time I go there.”
– Ellie Henry, Google Review
Continuous support and recognition
“Reel Management boasts high-quality models, actors, and extras, with extremely high standard training from professionals. Reel never fails clients and their models, continually providing support and recognition.”
– Francesca Leeman, Google Review