Though she is somewhat reluctant to reveal the number of years that she’s been representing actors and models, Julie Martin-Coppola is proud of what she has accomplished in Atlanta over the past 20 years. Having worked for such reputable agencies as Arlene Wilson Management and Ford Models, Martin-Coppola has guided the careers of commercial and print models, as well as voiceover, film, and TV actors. For the past five years, she has been the agency director for Click Models.
For those with the right look, someone like Martin-Coppola can make it relatively easy to become a successful model. But becoming a successful model agent is a different story.
“First of all, there’s no school to learn how to do this,” she says. “I had a friend who ran a modeling school. She was in a bind and asked me to fill in for one of her classes, teaching etiquette. I got rave reviews from the students and started sitting in on all the classes and taught myself. One thing led to another and I took over the school and actually ran the agency and the school. The last school I worked for, I was in charge of bringing in all the special guests for graduations. One of the special guests was an agency and they said, ‘Hey, we want you to come work for us and start our children’s division.’”
Though she works strictly with print and runway models these days, Martin-Coppola still helps models get acting jobs and vice versa. The fact that Click and J Pervis Talent Agency, which represents aspiring actors, merged five years ago makes that process a little easier. Having worked on both sides of that fence, Martin-Coppola says she prefers the intimacy of being a modeling agent over being an acting agent.
“It’s more hands-on development,” she says. “Actors can go take acting classes. With models, I work with them one-on-one more. I like that close relationship and I’ve got a lot of models that I consider my children because I’ve been with them for so long and worked with them and nurtured them. It’s fulfilling.”
Of all the careers she’s built as an agent, Martin-Coppola is particularly proud to have helped construct Ty Pennington’s TV career by getting him the job on TLC’s “Trading Spaces” before he went on to host “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.”
“As an agent you have to think outside the box,” she says. “The casting director came to us and wanted someone who did construction and could build houses. All [Pennington] had was an old, outdated comp card he had used for years. We sent it and they didn’t want to use him because he didn’t have a resume. I sent them his tape anyway and look what happened.”
Given Martin’s experience in the industry, she has just the right advice for those who meet the height requirements (at least 5’8” for women and 5’11” for men) and otherwise have what it takes (good skin, hair, bone structure, and, most importantly, being photogenic).
“Test shoot with as many photographers as possible and strive to build a strong portfolio,” she says. “Maintain a good skincare regimen, healthy eating habits, and a weekly workout routine. I highly recommend stretch and dance classes such as ballet to help with movement, poise, and posture. For models interested in pursuing acting, I recommend taking acting classes and workshops, and audition for independent films so you can build your resume.”
One last suggestion for those looking to further their modeling and acting careers?
“Listen to any and all advice your agent gives you versus advice from fellow models and actors,” she says. “We know what is best for you and when you make money, the agency makes money.”
Inspired by this post? Check out our Atlanta audition listings!