Paul Fisher's Exclusive Interview with SuperAgent/Owner of "LA Models" Heinz Holba

[Paul Fisher]

Secrets of the Biz: LA Models' owner Heinz Holba speaks
Since the early 1980’s, Heinz Holba has worked tirelessly to bring a significant international modeling presence to Los Angeles. Holba’s efforts have paid off: L.A. Models is the largest modeling agency on the West Coast and one of the most respected in the world. Heinz will now take our questions...

What do you look for in a potential new face model?
Heinz: With so many beautiful girls that want to be models appearing every day, personality and ambition becomes more and more important in addition to the physical qualities.

How much does personality play into a model's career?
Heinz: At this point 50%.

What are the hardest things about being a model? What are the pitfalls? How does it effect a young persons feelings about their physical features? Do you suggest a modeling career for young girls? If yes why? If not, why?
Heinz: Underestimating how difficult it is, not enough drive and ambition as there are so many models competing, every young persons sensitivity is different but it is a huge factor and we are trying to be mindful about it, a Modeling Career is only suggested to the exceptionally talented and beautiful ones as a middle and low average Career is often not worth it in today's Market, the financial return and effort on that level is not worth it in my opinion as it is a short career at tge best of times, spending time on another vocation or academic career is a better investment of time and money.

What is the most exciting thing about being a model?
Heinz: The success of the first time being in a Magazine or Ad Campaign after all the effort is exciting both for the agency and the model.

How do you suggest a young person get started?
Heinz: Send Snapshots to all the major Agencies and wait for a positive response, visit them when possible, do not pay for joining an Agency or developing a portfolio unless signed with a major active Agency.

What are your suggested height and age requirements to get started as a female model?
Heinz: 15 to 18 Years (5’9 to 6’ for Females) to think about it, doing it as a job after high School or during the Summer


Tell me a about the Los Angeles market… What kind of work is in the Los Angeles market? What are the rates? Who are the most important clients in Los Angeles? Is there lots of swim wear? More commercials than print? If so, why?
Heinz: With the Business being global Los Angeles demands top Models like other Major Markets as thy are available. Clients Book all over the world with the advent of the internet, rates are anywhere from $1,500 to $10,000. Clients are national and International and come to LA for location shooting, There is swim wear but only the high end is recommended and what we handle. There are a lot of commercials, but print is global and so hard to compare.

Thanks Heinz. Next week...some of the "Do's and Don'ts of Model Management"