Agency List

Hong Kong is filled with some very good agencies but it's about finding the agency that fits your look best. Some have been around for years and have a strong reputation while others are relatively new. There are also some agencies in Hong Kong that have offices in mainland China. For models who work well in China or don't mind going, working with one of these agencies could be very beneficial. Catalogues in mainland China do pay well but outfit changes can be over 100 and days can last 10-12 hours.

Some of the agencies who have offices in mainland China will send their models to Guangzhou to work between there and Hong Kong. Working between Guangzhou and Hong Kong is okay for some models because they're able to book some good paying catalogue jobs while also getting to work and visit Hong Kong.

However, there are also some agencies who also have been are known for sending their models to Guangzhou the mainland for work even after just a couple weeks after they have arrived to Hong Kong. Even though the contract states the model is to work in Hong Kong, they can send him/her without much notice and keep them there for the remaining duration of the contract. This can be very frustrating for some models because mainland China is a very different market than Hong Kong. If such an event occurs for a model, it's encouraged that they speak to their mother agency as soon as possible to discuss these arrangements.

If a model isn't interested in working in mainland China, it's strongly encouraged they sign with an agency that only has an office in Hong Kong. Agencies with mainland offices are noted below for convenience:

Calcarries – Celebrity, Commercial, and Editorial. Offices in mainland China

Dreammodels - Commercial and Editorial

Mission Models - Commercial, Editorial, and Fashion. A new division of Model Genesis.

Model Genesis – Commercial & Editorial. Office in mainland China.

Model Management – Commercial and Editorial. Office in mainland China

Model One - Celebrity, Commercial, and Editorial

Models International – Commercial and Editorial. Office in mainland China

Primo - (Formerly known as Elite) Commercial and Editorial.

Quest - New agency

Role Models - New agency

Starz People - Celebrity, Commercial, and Editorial.

Style - Celebrity, Commercial, Editorial, and Fashion

Synergy - Office in mainland China

Note: The Business Model does not necessarily endorse any of the above agencies. The following list is to serve as a directory so that models may be aware of the current active agencies in the market. Before signing with any agency, TBM encourages all models to read contracts carefully.

Transportation

Note: Be sure to write down the number of your card in case of loss or theft. This way, you will be able to get a new card with the old value on it restored.

Words of Advice

Be nice - Although the advice may seem redundant, it cannot be emphasized enough. It's imperative that models be kind and professional to people they work with. Even if a model may not be social or extroverted, it's important to be pleasant and do your best. Agencies and clients in Hong Kong appreciate a model who smiles and doesn't act like a diva.

Wearing make up – Clients in Hong Kong like it when a model wears a little bit of make up. It shows you look more put together and put an effort into your appearance for them. Sometimes however, models take it too far and end up wearing eyeliner and eye shadow as though they're going out on the town. Even if your agency tells you to wear makeup, they want it to look simple and natural. Try to enhance your best features as opposed to hiding under a mask.

Climate – When you arrive to Hong Kong, especially during the summer months (May-August), you'll find the weather to be incredibly hot and humid. You will find yourself walking around a lot all day so be sure to wear comfortable clothes as well as to stay hydrated. Many shops as well as the MTR (metro) will also have their air conditioning set on high so you may want to pay a scarf or cardigan in your bag or purse to have on hand.

Acne – Combined with the humid climate, air quality for, and jet lag, some models may find that they go through an initial breakout. This usually lasts only for a couple weeks and then your pimples should begin to go away. Although it can be frustrating, try not to over cleanse, wash off all your make up, use an oil-free moisturizer, stay hydrated, and get plenty of sleep. If the problem persists after a couple weeks, consult with your agency about seeing a dermatologist.

Nightlife – The nightlife in Hong Kong is renown for being sensational and for a model, it's even better. Models in Hong Kong get treated incredibly well with exclusive privileges and there are plenty of model dinners and clubs to choose from. Although this sounds exciting, models should be on their best behaviour and not get too involved in the scene. Even though it's good to be social in Hong Kong, it's important you maintain a positive reputation. It's not good to have a reputation as a “party girl” or “party guy.” partier. Word spreads like wildfire in HK and if people start talking, you could lose out on potential bookings and leave a bad impression on your agency.

Top Photographers & Stylists

Hong Kong has some very distinguished photographers and stylists but there are a few who have very strong reputations in the industry.

Olivia Tsang is the most prominent photographer in all of Hong Kong. She is connected to Lane Crawford (the largest luxury department store in HK) I.T. (a fashion conglomerate with many different brands) Harper's Bazaar, and many other clients. Any shoot with Olivia Tsang is guaranteed to look beautiful in a model's portfolio..

Known as, 'Zero Man', Man Tsang in another prominent photographer in HK recently shooting for Marie Claire. Although he's not as popular as Olivia Tsang, he has a good reputation in the industry and his photos are beautiful; work is garnering more and more attention in the HK scene.

Another popular photographer is Kevin Poon who works for many editorial clients e.g. Ketchup Magazine) and has developed a strong reputation in the Hong Kong fashion scene.

Kenneth Wong is one of Hong Kong's most prominent stylists working for the likes of Harper's Bazaar, Esquire, Lane Crawford, and various commercial clients.

Whenever you work with a photographer, stylist, or make-up artist (MUA) who has a strong reputation, it's important that you do your absolute best at the shoot. You want to leave as good of an impression as possible. This way, the photographer, stylist or MUA will remember you and have you in the back of their mind when selecting a model for potential future bookings.