Weekly Reporter: Simone Riva

Simone Riva is an Italian scouting agent for Way 2Morrow Model Management in Milan, Italy.

What challenges do agents face in the modeling or entertainment industry?

Sometimes, it's hard for us to market certain people. It doesn't matter if you have the “look,” certain markets and brands just need a particular face, so it's not always about being the most attractive person. It doesn't mean there is something wrong with the model, it's just a vision the designer or brand has, that we must fulfill. It's our job to accommodate those needs.

What do you looking for when you're scouting for your agency?

We're always looking for very high-fashion. Young boys and girls with new, bright faces. It's mostly boys right now.

What do you think of developmental services?

Like anything else in the industry that can improve you or provide you with a better shot at succeeding, it's expensive. But it's an investment, and it's a good way to introduce models and talent to the business, and to what the expectations will be of them.

What do you think of events like the IMTA?

The IMTA has always set high expectations for models and talent because so many have come out to do such great things, and the development centers and modeling schools have to live up to that. That week can be hard on a new model, but it's important. The IMTA allows us to meet the talent and get an idea of their personalities and their work ethic, which is very important.

How have Nijah / New Faces Development's models and talents lived up to the expectations?

They do a good job preparing their models, and I like what I have seen from Nijah / New Faces Development.