MAX Agency Spotlight

 Frank V.

           Featured in this week’s spotlight is MAX Agency talent Frank Vaz.  I asked Frank to tell us about himself and discovered some very interesting things about this Military Man turned Model/Actor.   

 “I was in the Canadian Military for twenty-two years.  I’ve also done a lot of community and technical work, technical meaning engineering work that has helped the community and I won the Governor General’s Award for that.  So that’s on the career side.  Personally, I’ve done a lot of traveling.  I studied Engineering in Alberta and through the Military in addition to in-house training and courses that deal specifically with military tactics.  We go through a bunch of different technical courses including Physicals and Marksmen tests to ensure we are maintaining an excellent physical standard.  My twenty-two years with the military included twelve years in the United Nations and the remainder was done with Special Forces and Elite Airborne Engineers.  Between 1990 and 1995 I was a part of the Prime Minister’s security detail, specifically Jean Chretien, Brian Mulroney and Kim Campbell’s staff team and I accompanied Jean Chretien to Chile, Argentina, Brazil and Mexico.”   

           It is safe to say becoming an actor and a model is something completely new for Frank.  I asked Frank how he decided to join MAX Agency.     

 “I was scouted at an event.  We were chit chatting with the scout and she asked me if I’ve ever tried modeling?  She said, ‘I work for MAX Agency and we’re looking for middle aged men from different ethnic categories.  Would that be something you’d like to try?’  A couple of weeks later I got a call, arranged to get my portfolio done and became a part of MAX.  It’s been great and I certainly don’t regret it.  I know my success will be due to my agent.”

           Frank is very optimistic about his career in the entertainment industry and it is something he plans to do for the rest of his life.  Frank went on to tell us about his last project,

 “Project drugstore was a print and commercial campaign for Shoppers Drug Mart.  The print component was exciting.  They had to take several shots and we did many wardrobe changes to get different looks.  It was in the Harbourfront area of Toronto.  The staff, stylists, production and photography team were great.  It was relaxed and I didn’t feel like I was in a print shoot.  I got to wear different glasses and ties and I got to smile a lot.  There was good chemistry on the set and the overall project turned out really nice.

             The commercial component required a lot of takes and it was in the early hours of the morning.  It was a typical shoot with a lot of lights and a lot of changes with different takes and props and no props.  We had thirty-six or some odd outtakes like what you might see on you tube.  They fed us and made sure we were hydrated.  Everyone was smiling.  The commercial director was around us and very concerned making sure we were alright.  Everything turned out pretty good.”

             Frank is very happy with his experience in the industry so far and looks forward to continued success in the business,

 “I’m very happy with MAX.  I feel it’s a part of my family and the Agency that will propel me into the industry.  I want more auditions and parts, modeling, videos, different genres and more exposure because I enjoy it so much.  More modeling would be nice and if given the right opportunity I think I’m sure I can do them proud.  I see myself doing some major roles that will have an impact.” 

 MAX Agency’s Bookers are currently looking for new Talent!  If you are interested we highly recommend visiting www.maxagency.com and filling out an application.  Wishing MAX continued success in the industry we’re looking forward to the Fall and future press releases featuring individual talent and projects and finding out more about MAX!

Helen Rudnicki

          Max Agency has recently welcomed new talent including future high fashion and runway model Helen Rudnicki.  I asked Helen why she decided to pursue modeling and become a part of MAX Agency.

 “I thought it would be something fun to do.  I was always told I should be a model, I guess that’s what all tall girls are told, so when I was approached I thought it would be something fun to try.  It’s a great opportunity.  It’s not something everyone can do or is able to do so I thought I should see what it’s all about.  It’s a really interesting industry with a lot of aspects to it.  I thought it would be interesting and cool to give it a try.”

           Helen is currently studying archeology and anthropology in University and I asked her where her education stands in relation to the industry, what she has done so far and what she is doing right now to better herself as an artist, “I’ve been looking into doing some more acting classes but I haven’t found a place to study, I’m doing lots of yoga and I’m thinking of doing some kickboxing classes with my sister to spend some time with her and stay active.”

             I had the pleasure of conducting this interview with Helen in person as opposed to over the phone so I asked what brought her into MAX Agency on this particular day, “I came in to get some measurements done and some body shots so all of my information would be up to date.” 

             Helen had her mini-fitness photo shoot done at MAX Agency and her measurements taken and recorded for future reference to be used as a template to keep the girls in shape.  I asked Helen what her other photo shoots have been like, “I’ve only done my portfolio shoot and a few shoots with my friends.  I did a nude shoot with one of my friends for fun to see how comfortable I was and what my level of fitness would allow me to do and I’ve had two auditions, one to play Audrey Hepburn and the other was a runway parody using real runway models.”

           In addition to going to University Helen also works as a bartender and server, “I love to cook.  I’m gluten, rice, egg and dairy free.  I love cooking and I love to do yoga.”  After graduation Helen sees herself getting into the raw food industry, “I have a lot of food restrictions and allergies and it made me realize how unhealthy people are in general.  I also plan to do more modeling and acting.”         

             The purpose of Helen’s visit to MAX Agency was particularly for consideration for International submissions to experience the industry from another part of the world so I asked Helen where she would like to go, 

 “In the world I’ve always loved to travel.  I would love to go to South America.  Anywhere in the world except for places that aren’t safe right now.  I’ve always wanted to go to Greece.  I would love to do runway, editorial, underwear and Victoria secret kinds of things.  I enjoyed The Talent Shop Academy.  I’ve always loved to perform and it’s something I would seriously love to stay involved in.”    

             It sounds like things have been pretty good for Helen with MAX Agency so far, “Things have been good.  I’ve been submitted for lots of roles, keeping contact is really good.  I’m excited to keep going and see where it goes.”

             MAX Agency’s Bookers are currently looking for new Talent!  If you are interested we highly recommend visiting www.maxagency.com and filling out an application.  Wishing MAX continued success in the industry we’re looking forward to future press releases featuring individual talent and projects and finding out more about MAX!

MAX Agency Spotlight

Myles D.

          MAX Agency has met and recruited talent from all walks of life.  We spoke with Myles D. for this spotlight.  Myles moved to Toronto a couple of years ago after graduating from University to pursue his music career when he was scouted on the street, “I’d always get comments about pursuing modeling and background acting and two years ago one of the MAX scouts ran into me and gave me a card.  So I took the chance and signed up with you guys.” 

          I asked Myles about his education aside from his degree in biology from Acadia University and asked if he has studied acting and he had this to say,

          “I’m considering taking acting classes.  I am a musician.  I’m a drummer primarily but I dabble in different areas of music.  I started playing piano when I was a little kid and the guitar and I teach little kids music as well.  I’m in a band right now.  It’s a heavy metal band called Cauldron and we just started working on a new album.  It will be a self release.”  

          Myles was a newcomer to the acting and modeling world when he came to MAX Agency a few years ago and we asked how things have been with MAX Agency so far,

 “So far I’ve had a few auditions and I got a job doing a commercial for Jose Quervo titled ‘Have a Story’ and it starred Kiefer Sutherland.  It was very professional on the set and there was always someone there to tell me where I needed to be.  It was very organized.  They looked after the actors petty well and they kept who the star was a secret and then Keifer Sutherland walked into the room and the energy changed.”

          As a result of being cast in the Jose Quervo commercial Myles Deck was able to buy his first ACTRA permit and become an ACTRA Apprentice, “I thought about joining the union for sometime.  I got some literature and read up on it and thought maybe it would open some more doors.” 

          Beyond Myles commercial which has become a wild success and has resulted in some pretty handsome residuals Myles is optimistic about making acting and modeling a part of his career alongside music and Arts and Entertainment as a whole, “Things have been good with MAX and very professional overall.  I would love to take the acting course with The Talent Shop Academy and I’m looking forward to more auditions.” 

          MAX Agency’s Bookers are currently looking for new Talent!  If you are interested we highly recommend visiting www.maxagency.com and filling out an application.  Wishing MAX continued success in the industry we’re looking forward to future Spotlights featuring individual talent and projects and finding out more about MAX!