Modelling in Bangkok

[Darafarangset]

Hi everyone,

I'm thinking about leaving Paris (I'm french) for 2-3 months to start modelling in Bangkok, I'm asian and have been in thailand several times, people used to tell me to try this out so... I want to give it a chance.

But I don't know where to start, what kind of visa should I have? I saw different people on forums saying that most of models are working with a tourist visa but I guess it's illegal and I don't want any trouble.

Soooo... If you have some tips or advices to give me it would be great

Thank you!

[zeichen]

"I'm thinking about leaving Paris (I'm french) for 2-3 months to start modelling in Bangkok, I'm asian"

I assume you are under 20 otherwise don't bother/.

I would think that you would probably have a better a career in Europe where you will be unique. In Asia typically the lighter skin multi ethnic models have a better chance.

I am not saying you won't get jobs just you will be competing in the same category with locals. Having an edge or something unique will help. There are agencies in BKK just bring your portfolio and see what you can get.

As for the work permit, yes to do any job you need to have a work permit. Also having the proper visa is important but all of that is done after you find a job. Come on a tourist visa with a definite exit strategy if you have no luck with modeling.

[Crazy chef 1]

I think you should post first some pics for Us experts to get greater insight....

Btw. Sorry to here you are French ...

Edited June 22, 2015 by Crazy chef 1

[sdanielmcev]

Try the visa section. Having known quite a few models, I wouldn't recommend it as a career.

[Crazy chef 1]

I think you should post first some pics for Us experts to get greater insight....

Btw. Sorry to here you are French ...

I mean hear. NOT HERE...dam'n English sounds the same but different spelling... Edited June 22, 2015 by Crazy chef 1

[kannot]

Airfix or Dinky? maybe I misunderstood and cannot bring anything useful to this so will <deleted>

[CharlieH]

MOVED to Bangkok forum

[Darafarangset]

@Zeichen : I tied Paris for a moment when I was 16, it was really hard to even get an interview with agencies because I'm asian, as we're in Europe, they're all looking for European models (blonde hair, blue eyes) which I'm totally not, the only thing that almost worked for me was an ad for Kenzo (as they most of time take asian models).

As I'm brunette, really white skin I wanna see what I can get in thailand and somehow you're right out there I'll be competiting harder but I have no real chance in Europe.

If it doesn't work it will be only holidays I guess :-)

[wow64]

Do a bit of soft-core and hardcore modelling... nothing too serious.

Don't want too many people to recognize me with my pants down.

[Stan42]

I once got 7'000thb for modeling for Imperial Cookies when I was 3 years old. As far as the current modeling scene goes, here's what I know:

It's a freelance business. You assemble a portfolio of around 8 of your best pictures and send them to modelling agencies (google is your best friend). If you have a facebook page, type in "Bangkok modelling/model/acting/extras". You can join a wide list of groups that will post a job offer every 2-3 days. Send your portfolio to the person or company that posted the offer and cross your fingers.

Currently the highest demand is for young Asian men and women who have a Korean look (whatever look the Hiso's are currently trying to imitate). But I've seen demands for just about any person. Black, White, Asian, from toddler to great grandpa, and even "mermaids" (professional divers that can hold their breath underwater for several minutes).

Personally, I think It's not really a steady job (unless you're very famous of course). Some people who think they're hot stuff celebrity friends of mine only land a job once or twice every three months. The majority of their income comes from being extras. That is, you get paid 1-2'000thb for sitting in the background during filming which takes up an entire day.

[dddave]

Though I am (very) much older than you, I have appeared in many TV commercials produced in Thailand, not just for the Thai market but for clients worldwide but especially Asia, India and The Gulf States.

Movies, TV shoots and commercials are a fairly big business in Thailand but the pay scales for talent are generally very low with few work rules. The competition for even low paying extra roles is fierce and it is necessary to invest a lot of time attending non-compensated castings in far corners of the city. There are huge numbers of Eastern European and Middle Eastern models here who will work for almost nothing. Five years ago, the minimum day rate for extras was B2000 but these days B1000 is not unusual...that's for a day that usually starts with meeting a van at 3 or 4 AM and not finishing until past 8PM.

As an Asian, you will be facing even stiffer competition for less money...it's a very tough business and connections are very important.

As STAN42 said, do your research. There are several very active FB groups centering on acting/modeling in Thailand with frequent job listings and casting calls. Don't get sucked into any agencies that want you to pay for a portfolio shoot or acting lessons or seminars on acting. There are a large number of legitimate modeling agencies who will take headshots for you but it is never a bad idea do get a decent portfolio done by a competent photographer. It needn't be expensive, just well exposed with good lighting..head shot, half body, half body turned 1/4 left & right and profile left and right. Full length also. Wear neutral colors and make sure hair looks good.

Do not expect to support yourself doing modeling here...very difficult unless you are totally stand-out and get very, very lucky.

I have never heard the word "VISA" at a casting or shoot.

Edited June 23, 2015 by dddave

[swampdonkey]

I once got 7'000thb for modeling for Imperial Cookies when I was 3 years old. As far as the current modeling scene goes, here's what I know:

It's a freelance business. You assemble a portfolio of around 8 of your best pictures and send them to modelling agencies (google is your best friend). If you have a facebook page, type in "Bangkok modelling/model/acting/extras". You can join a wide list of groups that will post a job offer every 2-3 days. Send your portfolio to the person or company that posted the offer and cross your fingers.

Currently the highest demand is for young Asian men and women who have a Korean look (whatever look the Hiso's are currently trying to imitate). But I've seen demands for just about any person. Black, White, Asian, from toddler to great grandpa, and even "mermaids" (professional divers that can hold their breath underwater for several minutes).

Personally, I think It's not really a steady job (unless you're very famous of course). Some people who think they're hot stuff celebrity friends of mine only land a job once or twice every three months. The majority of their income comes from being extras. That is, you get paid 1-2'000thb for sitting in the background during filming which takes up an entire day.

Are you the Cookie Monster ?

[NickJ]

Best advice from dddDave. Very true....even if you get your face plasterd all over a skytrain car or on a billboard you wont see a royalty. not uncommom for a national shoot to pay less than 500$.......The competition is vast.

[i claudius]

Yes my sister in law was on many Thai soaps usually as the friend of the star or her maid,who listened to all the stars problems ,she always said the pay was terrible,in the end just not worth it ,even the main character was not that highly paid

[Darafarangset]

Thank you Stan42 and Dddave for sharing your experiences with me.

I'm only leaving in December/January so I'll take time to make a portfolio in Paris,

I know it won't be easy,and reading what you guys are saying I shouldn't be expecting a lot of money but as we're leaving in a world filled with social network, maybe instagram could help me to get more jobs?and even if it doesn't work I keep thinking that it could bring me lot of fun and experiences.

I could also try HK, or Japan, maybe I'm dreaming bigger than I should...

[Darafarangset]

I meant living* in a world filled... Sorry for my English!

[Darafarangset]

@i Claudius Really? What's her name?maybe I know her (I mean I know her face).

I'm not going there to be an actress, I speak Thai fluently but I don't think I would be a good one...

I guess being a lakorn actress and a model are two different world? But I'm glad you told me that, it's always good to know.

[rocketboybkk]

Post a pic of yourself on here

We'll tell you straight if you're a model or a minger

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[AZBill]

You'd do better moving to the U.S. My wife gets asked to model for stuff all the time and she's not a model. It seems every ad or commercial requires at least one Asian, black, Hispanic and metrosexual Caucasian in our overly PC society.

[rocketboybkk]

You'd do better moving to the U.S. My wife gets asked to model for stuff all the time and she's not a model. It seems every ad or commercial requires at least one Asian, black, Hispanic and metrosexual Caucasian in our overly PC society.

Post a pic of your wife & we'll decide if she has a future making millions of $$$$ modelling!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[JesseLeeOver]

Edited July 3, 2015 by JesseLeeOver

[Stan42]