Hi Everyone at Celebrity Dirty Laundry !
Another week has passed and what have we all learned from it? This week?s column is a continuation from last week?s posting about different International Markets for modeling work.
This week we will be talking about Dubai, Greece and Turkey. A great place for models starting out who want to build their portfolio is Athens in Greece. This is because of all the different variation of magazines, such as high Fashion, Glamour, Men magazine, Car magazine, Women magazine etc.
Greece has more then 70 different magazines and is always in a constant search for models for their editorials. There are a few very good agencies in Greece of many. Many models are searching in to Greece to build their book and to enjoy the beautiful country, food, weather and parties it offers everyday.
The Greek market can be very good for some models and for some not, like any other market. Frankly for me, it wasn?t that good. I really don?t know the reason. It is odd generally I clean up most jobs in every market I travel too. The Greek market has a large demand for Blond models and dark big guys with Muscles. Greece is not the best place to make money, and most models are aware of this fact. An editorial can pay a model a very low amount of money. It can pay as low as 50 USD for a photo-shoot. On top of that there is the agency commission, so you can see it is not great. But that?s really ok if you are a model who is looking to build your portfolio. There is still the opportunity to do commercial and print work to make money from.
Going to casting in Athens can be a hassle if the agency you?re working for does not provide a car. Unfortunately many agencies do not. I can remember a few years ago, it was only Elite Agency who provided a car for their models to travel in. Since it has been a few years since I was there, there may have been changes within the other agencies. The weather and the islands in Greece is amazing. Greek people like to stay out, relaxing in coffee shops or go clubbing in the night time. Athens is a very happening city almost every night. There are massive night clubs along them are Glefada Beach, where all the celebrities, models and hot people shake their asses. A very good place to Party is Venue Club and Akrotiri as well as Desteel Club during the weekends. A hot/popular spot for models to go is Buddha bar, where most of the city, models and celebrities go to chill out and spend time together. Most of the night clubs in Greece have models night set up, drinks, food etc.
Day time while attending castings can be a hassle, because Athens is a very big and wide spread city to live in. There is a lot of traffic and pollution. One day out and your face is Black. Many models are taking the subway and busses to casting. I prefer to spend a bit more but travel conveniently. This is an investment in you. Another idea is split a cab with other models from your agency. The castings are usually very far from each other and it can be a lot of walking. So make sure to have those sneakers on hand and ready to walk. The agency supplies their models with map, which they of course deduct at the end of contract like everything else. Nothing comes free for models except Alcohol, Food and drugs. Ha, ha, ha… I wonder why? Agencies usually charge their models 30 % commission. Not many agencies pay advances for their models to come. Models flying to Greece usually need to have their flight booked themselves, Hotel etc. Agencies arrange apartment or Hotels for their models at a lesser cost. A month stay could set you back around 600-700 USD. Greece can be a very expensive place for many models. This is most especially the case if they not working that much there. Stay focused, and think business and everything will be OK!
Turkey Where should I start talking about Turkey? I don?t have many good things to say about the Fashion work in Turkey. Except perhaps that they have many good photographers that work internationally and create some amazing editorials shoots. Most of the work in turkey is catalogue work, a bit of commercial work and some magazines. Turkey is a big exporter market for fabrics and textile. So there are always brands popping up everywhere and a high demand for models. The problem with Turkey is that there are far to many agencies under cutting each other and many models. Who are not very good! It is not like the Turkish clients think too much on their brand. That is of course, my opinion! Of course in Business you should always cut costs, depending on the investments of course. But I have seen some clients just taking crap models because they are a couple of hundreds dollars cheaper. In fact I myself are working with the top agency in Istanbul, and the rates for models in this agency are 3-4 times more then other agencies fees. But the quality of models as well is better. Photo-shoots in Turkey are often Ok. Not much stress and very relaxed. Stylists, photographers? assistants are very accommodating. At least they are trying to be. I had a lot of fun working there because of all the people and friends I met. Without meeting them, I would have hated Istanbul. Istanbul is a very beautiful city that is divided between Europe and Asia. There is bridge that separates these two borders from each other. The pros and the cons of Turkey are: The pros – are that the agency has a car for models to move around in for casting and jobs. The cons – are that you will be stuck in this car all day long with long traffic jams and squeezed between a few models. Which sometimes isn?t that bad, depending on who you sitting with of course ;)
Please always make sure to bring your own healthy food and drinks. Not Alcohol OK! Hee hee! The agencies in Turkey supply their models with weekly allowances as well as advance Accommodation air-ticket etc. Again, this will be deducted at the end of the contract. Editorial work pays between 100-200 USD. Catalogues if you work with my agency Fashion Ajans? its between 800 USD and up to 1500 USD a day depending on the job. TV-Commercial ranges between 2000 USD to 5000 USD and higher a day. Campaigns vary from different brands. Turkey certainly can be an expensive place to live in.
Also I must caution you – make sure to watch out for all the cheaters. Unfortunately, there are far too many of them Turkey. Istanbul is quite an unpleasant place for beautiful women as the Turkish men don?t have much respect for women. So walking alone during night isn?t the best thing to do. Always try to remember the way taxis takes you, they often love to take the longest route with their clients. On the other hand if you?re out to party and have fun, there are many good places to go depending on the season you travel to Turkey. A popular place is Ulus 29 and Reinar club. Very hip, this is where all the rich and beautiful people go late night. Make sure to bring a big wallet with you. The restaurant bills are quite large compared to other countries. If you not lucky to find yourself a rich man or woman to take you out, then you will have to pay. Other then that, Istanbul has very beautiful architecture. The small walking streets with busy coffee shops, Bars and restaurants are very pleasant to spend time with friends. Have some nice cheese and white wine its a must while visiting Istanbul. And the food is very delicious yum yum. Don?t have high hopes on the work in Turkey as you will be competing to models of low caliber and cheaper ones then you.
Dubai has established itself as a major worldwide tourist destination, It?s rapidly developing into a cosmopolitan city located on the coast offering miles of white sandy beaches and warm turquoise seas. As well as the beach life visitors come to Dubai for the superb shopping, Arabian cuisine and the desert. Dubai is one the seven Emirates that makes up the United Arab Emirates and is the second largest. Most of the year Dubai is warm and humid, averaging 40? degrees in the summer months. Please note temperatures in the summer can exceed 45+ so it is very important to keep hydrated. During winter, the temperatures drop to between 24?- 30? so a jumper in the evenings can be a necessity. Dubai is conveniently located only 6 hours from London and all major airlines including British Airways and Emirates have daily flights. Dubai is very cosmopolitan in lifestyle and welcomes most nationalities and religions. The main practiced religion is Islam. The local women are covered but there is no dress code for visitorsand/or foreign residents, although a respect of the country and its religion is advised.
The local currency is UAE Dirhams and Fils. The Dirham is tied to the US dollar. Do not exchange money at the airport there are many banks and exchange houses in town offering more competitive rates. Bring either cash or dollars, travelers checks are not so easy to exchange. All major credit cards are recognized. The official weekend for government sectors in Dubai is Thursday afternoon and Friday, although many private companies recognize Friday and Saturday as their weekend. The Bareface office is closed on Friday and Saturday although Saturday is still an active day for model bookings. Being a major tourist destination Dubai offers numerous activities and ways to spend your weekends and free time. The beach is a great place to unwind and relax; beaches are sandy, open and safe. There are plenty of beach clubs which you can join for 1 month, they contain first class gyms, and most gyms offer a good selection of classes. For the more adventurous, the desert offers camping trips, dune driving, sand boarding and camel rides. Dubai is a shoppers haven. The air-conditioned shopping malls house all well known brands such as: Gucci, Armani, Ralph Lauren, Zara, Mango, and Debenhams. Starbucks, Costa Coffee, Mac Donalds and Burger King are all available. For those tempted by the more ethnic Arabia explore the traditional souks ( gold, silver and spice souks ) After all Dubai is known as the city of Gold Alternatively if you are looking for fakes there are plenty in the form of handbags, designer clothes and watches in Karama. Dubai has a plentiful nightlife, beach parties, clubs, pubs and concerts. Please be sensible we are watching!
Dos and Don?ts in the UAE you need to be 21 and over to legally buy or consume alcohol, that includes club entry! Although alcohol is legal in Dubai there are stiff penalties for drunk driving, and under age drinking? You could end up with a hefty fine or even a jail sentence, likewise with Drugs? The penalty for Drugs in Dubai is life imprisonment. Clothing – swimsuits and bikinis are fine for the beach and pool you can wear short skirts and tight fitting clothes, but it is more respectful to be less revealing and stop the men ogling.
Female and male models should ideally be of a Mediterranean appearance. The greater demand is for dark hair, however eye color is not restricted and skin tones can be pale. Female models should ideally be at least 175cm and men 180cm plus, bodies should be thin and toned. A good smile is important as is a good catwalk presence. Most of our work is commercial. The type of work available: Print/Press; ads; Fashion shows TVC Corporate Video; Corporate brochure; Hotels; Airlines, properties; Editorial ( only a small amount of magazine work but it is growing! Dubai?s population is only Dhs 2 million. Many people have a false preconception of Dubai and expect huge earnings and mega buyouts. The City is oil rich but in terms of advertising and consumers it is a small market. We work on the same percentages as South Africa, use this as a guideline. Please bring with you In advance or on arrival we would require a 2nd book and approx. 100 composite cards. Depending on your passport you may or may not require a visit visa. In either case stay is restricted to 60 days. Once in Dubai models must remain exclusive to xxxxxxxx Agency, you will be required to sign a 1 year exclusivity contract. We require you to bring a good selection of clothes, shoes and accessories. You may be requested to take along your own wardrobe on a shoot. Clothes must be in good condition. We ask you to appear well groomed and well dressed when visiting clients- no grunge please, no exposed midriffs, our clients appreciate International models looking sophisticated and classy. Please wear make-up and have nails neat and manicured and hair in tip top condition.
Accommodation will be a flat/villa share either with other models or the owners. Our accommodation is of a high standard. We estimate rent of Dhs 500 – 700 per week. Food and eating out can be relatively cheap, so your expenses largely depend on your lifestyle. Wherever you stay you will be responsible for any telephone/internet charges and purchasing of your own good and drinks. Your Expenses, any expenses which may include (dependant on your guarantees- if any) visas, flights, accommodation, sim card, driver, laser copies, scans, copy books, couriers etc will be added to your account and be deducted from the final balance. You can check your account with our accountant. Travel Dubai does not have a train system and only a very limited bus service. When traveling we advise you to take government taxis ( the yellow colored metered cabs) they are safe and inexpensive. Alternatively we could arrange for you to hire a car, you would need to bring your driving license. Your first days in Dubai will be spent on go-sees, normally with another model. There are not many go-sees to be taken so you may on some days find yourself with free time on your hands.
Love,
UNIVERSAL PLAYER
Patrick Ribbsaeter
patrick@ribbsater.com
www.ribbsaeter.com
www.myspace.com/ribbsaeter
www.ribbsaeter.blogspot.com
www.ribbsaetermodels.blogspot.com
www.ribbtalk.blogspot.com
www.ribbfit.blogspot.com
www.ribbtrip.blogspot.com
www.featureduniversalplayers.blogspot.com
www.testimonialuniversalplayer.blogspot.com
