As founder of DT Model Management, David Todd Decides Which Male Models are Hot… and Not
By Max Sandoval
The old days of mailing 500 model comp cards to clients for them to comb through are over. Today’s clients know exactly what they are looking for when they call an agency. It’s the agent’s job to provide a real-life, breathing and well muscled body of perfection that springs the client’s vision to life.
That’s why when Paco Rabbane was searching for the face of their new men’s fragrance, Invictus, agent David Todd submitted Rugby superstar Nick Youngquest. “I immediately thought of Nick because he fit the exact description of the model they were looking for. I knew right away he was a shoe in for the campaign.”
David Todd is the founder of Los Angeles-based DT Model Management. At 37, he is considered one of the youngest and most experienced modeling agents in the business. “I started working as an agent when I was 18, fresh out of high school. I know this business inside and out,” he says.
Proof is in the pudding. It’s not every agent that can call up photographers Bruce Weber and Steven Klein and personally pitch a new guy to them. Todd can; because with a roster that includes Youngquest and Chad White, DT Model Management has one of the strongest men’s boards in Los Angeles today.
It’s been a year now since you stormed out of your previous position and launched your own agency.
I didn’t exactly storm out. I made a grand exit, sure. I was definitely well prepared with a completed business plan for my new company before I walked out the door.
Why did you feel the need to go?
I had been with the company for nearly ten years. It was time to broaden my horizons. I also needed to be surrounded by good energy. I wanted to be able to showcase my creativity without drama.
Were you confident you could do things better?
Not many agents have twenty years of experience under their belt. I am lucky to have close relationships with major clients and top photographers that not many agents in Los Angeles have. I knew that if I went off on my own I could cultivate an agency that stands out from the cookie cutter agencies.
How is DT Model Management different?
We offer more personalized one-on-one management. We focus on development, setting goals for models in their individual careers. We’re also available as mentors.
What is the best thing about owning your agency?
I’m the boss! I get to make all the decisions, whether they are agreed with or not. They are all mine! I do not have to answer to someone else’s vision.
Would you consider yourself rebellious?
I have my own opinion and sometimes that comes off as combative.
Are you a control freak?
I’m definitely not a control freak, but I am a Leo. I am assertive and confident. I think in working with any one, you need to know how to speak to people with respect, even if you disagree with them.
What kind of guys are clients looking for today?
Five years ago, models were a lot more editorial looking. We are slowly shifting back to where the industry was in the nineties, with healthy, handsome, and statuesque models. I think models like David Gandy have slowly paved the way for the classic, ruggedly handsome look that is popular today.
Is it easier or tougher for ethnic models right now?
There is definitely a larger market for ethnically ambiguous models. Many of the top models today are of various ethnicities. But right now, it’s tough for all models. Guys have to come with the same game.
What can guys do to make themselves more sellable?
It doesn’t matter how incredibly good looking you are, if a guy doesn’t know how to go to a casting and sell himself, he shouldn’t be wasting his time. Learning how to hone his skill as a model is key to a model’s success.
What kind of an investment is it on DT Model Management to take on a new model?
Financially, we pay for their tests and often, a plane ticket to bring them to LA. The real investment is time because we pour our energies and focus into the development of each new model we bring in.
At what point is it time to cut ties with a model?
I think after a year. If we’re not getting positive feedback from casting directors and clients and have exhausted all efforts, it’s time to release the model from their contract. We encourage them to seek new representation with another agency that may do things a little differently for them.
Looking back at all the changes you’ve gone through in the last year, are you happy?
I am. At the end of the day, creative differences led me to having this amazing opportunity: my own company. It has made me stronger as an agent and it’s opened my eyes to the fact that hard work begets happiness.
To take a look at DT Model Management’s amazing board visit – www.dtmodelmanagement.com