What does it take to be a Premier model? Over five foot five tall, less than a C cup-over and you’re considered big boned, giving up a regular life and under the strict control of management, who ‘nurture’ girls from the age of 14.
Welcome to Premier modelling agency who are the subject of a new reality documentary on CH4- The Model Agency.
The first episode last night saw the agency’s bookers at their most stressed during the start of fashion week last September. The team, who have model looks and build including the office dogs, are all owner Carole’s friends, and the MD her brother and trainee her daughter, talk about a family business.
Under the spotlight was Head of Faces- Annie, who desperately struggled to convince 16-year-old model India to stay in NYC where she was booked for shows. Annie was even sent to the Big Apple to persuade India from pulling out, despite the teen feeling home sick, jet lagged and having been told she was fat. Not really a life for a confused teen who confessed she wasn’t sure what she wanted to do in life having joined with the agency at 12, so she quit, all the while tearful Annie telling her to not take her decision lightly as she may regret it. And just to find what Premier call a ‘top model’, a ‘rarity’ confesses owner Carole.
Then we were introduced to model scout Charlie, who throughout the one hour show is seen bringing in new potentials and meeting with young girls and their parents, who enter into the industry with their eyes wide shut.
‘It’s a game of poke where girls are the product’, says Carole of the business.
