Paul Fisher's Exclusive Interview with Agent/Owner of "NOUS Models" Kenya Knight

[Paul Fisher]

"Kenya Knight, the owner of Nous Model Management, is one of those gifted managers who matches an impeccable eye for talent with a laser focused business sense. The result? One of the most consistent and stable boutique agencies in the history of the LA modeling scene." - Wayne Sterling, Models.com



What do u look for in a new face? Age? Look? Height? Personality?
Kenya: When looking for a new face there are certain absolute requirements and other more abstract requirements. Absolute requirements are having a photogenic face, nice features and being of a certain height. I'm sorry but if you're 5'2" there is nothing anyone can do about that, it's just not in that person's genetic make-up to be a high fashion model. Abstract requirements are things like the models' personality, professionalism, energy, these things are harder to gauge and very hard to teach if the potential model just doesn't have "it" so to speak. Of course, for new faces that are minors, family support is extremely important.

Why do models come to the LA market?

Kenya:
LA is bit more of a relaxed market. It is nowhere near as stressful as a market like New York or Paris, where one casting can make or break a career. Most models who start in la are natives of the area. Many models that relocate to la do so because they have been told they have a more "commercial" look, they want to pursue acting or they simply prefer the sunshine and lifestyle.

Give us a summary of the LA market...Top magazines? Fashion shows? Money? Editorial? When is the best time to come?

Kenya:
First and foremost, LA is the land of film and television. That fact dominates how this city is run and celebrity is a driving force. Therefore, the TV commercial industry is huge bread and butter for any model living in Los Angeles. LA is also blessed with many gorgeous locations, from downtown la you can drive 2-3 hours and find yourself in Mexico, the desert, the mountains with snow, or beautiful sandy beaches.
For that reason, many clients chose to come to la to shoot commercials, print campaigns, catalogs and editorials. A model based in LA can find themselves lucky enough to be booked with some of the finest clients and photographers in the world. LA also is home to the largest garment industry in America providing models with ample jobs opportunities. LA is a year-round market, not at all seasonal, so ultimately the only times it's not very busy is the middle of summer and close to major holidays.

What is the hardest part of the modeling industry on young girls?

Kenya:
The hardest part of the modeling industry in my opinion is that many of the adults working in the industry forget that they are working with young people. Young girls are impressionable and still finding their voice. It never ceases to amaze me the way clients will tell a girl they are going to use them for a job then don't book them, adult photographers, stylists, make up artists who offer young girls cigarettes alcohol or drugs, and suggest to a model that she is inadequate or overweight. People tend to not see the young model as a minor and treat them like an adult. I find this to be very dangerous and difficult for many young girls to process. Good parenting and a caring agency can be very effective in allowing these influences to steer a young model in the wrong direction.

Which stars has the agency has represented?

Kenya:
Paris Hilton, Kimberly Stewart, Tyson Beckford, Mischa Barton and Amber Stevens