Michael Flutie of the New Show Scouted On Breaking Into The Modeling Business
A still from Scouted, courtesy of E!.1/10What makes someone stand out to you?
Physical attributes and charismatic persona—someone that's innocent yet confident. I look for flaws that may be perceived as imperfect but in essence really makes them actually look unique—think Linda Evangelista and even Christy Turlington.
A still from Scouted, courtesy of E!.2/10What are the qualities you look for when you're casting models?
When I scout models, I look for a confident personality and I focus on physical attributes that lend themselves to the fashion and beauty industry specifically exaggerated features with a combination of imperfection and classic beauty. By exaggerated features I mean, a pronounced nose, an almond shaped eye, large lips, a long neck—the combination of which forms a distinguished, unusual, modern interpretation of beauty.
I use the idea of Telegenicity when I scout. This term is used to define referencing iconic images from the past, such as prints of Marilyn Monroe to James Dean, Great Garbo, Elizabeth Taylor to Madonna—these are usually images that have international recognition. Referencing features from iconic images creates instant beauty recognition for consumers.
When you see someone with Elizabeth Taylor eyes, you instantly create an subconscious connection, which thereby implants an impression in your mind that approves of that specific beauty. I look for those features that resemble iconic people in pop culture. I also look for a certain kind of vulnerability with a tremendous amount of confidence - that's as important as a girl's physical attributes.
A still from Scouted, courtesy of E!.3/10How do you know if a girl has what it takes to be a model?
It depends on her passion, her desire, her attitude, her knowledge and interest in photography, fashion, travel, pop culture. She needs to have an awareness of who she is and her own potential.
A still from Scouted, courtesy of E!.4/10What's the process of casting for a runway show?
We meet with the designers or the creative directors of the label and we discuss what their vision and inspiration for the season is. We then discuss what type of models we want for the particular look or "feeling" that we are trying to project.
We then have a casting and see tons of models who are in town (NY, London, Paris, Milan) specifically for fashion week. We then edit down and select the top 20 to 30 girls that we think best represent the brand. It's a collaborative team process between the designer, casting director and stylist. It's all about editing and being selective and inspirational!
A still from Scouted, courtesy of E!.5/10What's the craziest place you've spotted someone that you eventually signed?
I was in a taxi in Amsterdam and I saw the most beautiful young girl riding a bicycle. I literally chased her in my car for five miles down the road and my heart was pounding when I finally caught her attention. Her name is Ilonka Bellazon and she became a great success.
A still from Scouted, courtesy of E!.6/10Where do you typically scout girls?
All over the world. Anywhere and everywhere—usually where obviously young boys and girls hang out such as concert hall, sports arenas, movie theaters, state fairs, fast food joints, high school sports games, malls, etc. Also, NY agencies and other international markets scout local agencies. These local agencies bring girls to the bigger markets.
A still from Scouted, courtesy of E!.7/10How does a model avoid being a "one-season wonder"?
She avoids being a "one-season wonder" by having the ability to be transformational. She shouldn't be over exposing herself in the business and has to be current. It's important for her to create a very strong identity from the very beginning and she must be able to move around to different markets. It also doesn't hurt to be one of the lucky ones to maybe have an exclusive relationship with a designer for a season, which creates a lot of hype.
A still from Scouted, courtesy of E!.8/10You've had a long career—how has the world of modeling changed?
It's become much more of a business—a corporate business. The modeling industry when I first started was a family owned, mom and pop business. I started Company Management with my mother Victoria. My brothers, Charles and Robert Flutie joined the firm as we grew. We didn't have investors or hedge fund money. We grew because we had great girls and worked as a close-knit team.
Another difference is that there are a lot more models than there used to be as the opportunity of finding an agent is easier with the Internet—you can submit yourself directly to the decision makers online. Also, the expansion into Western Europe has made the field much more competitive. At the same time, brands are being much more cautious with their money so celebrities have taken many more of the lucrative contracts that in the past would have gone to models. Celebrities are the lure to the consumers instead of models and grace the covers of magazines more frequently than in the past.
A still from Scouted, courtesy of E!.9/10What's your advice for a girl who wants to be a model?
Find a really good agent that really believes in you. Always be professional. Study the industry. Be very responsible to the profession in terms of the clients, photographers and stylists that you work with as they are your lifelines to elongating your career. Participate in the creative process, always take risks and don't marry any man that doesn't have a job and calls himself a producer.
A still from Scouted, courtesy of E!.10/10What can we expect from Scouted?
You're going to see the real life process of a girl who never dreamed that it was possible for her to be a high fashion model, or have an opportunity to be represented by the most powerful agents in the international world of modeling. And you're going to watch her true organic process of self-discovery.
