Model
Management Agency - MMA
has been helping people to pursue their dreams for 23 years. Serving
models in the Philadelphia area since 1989, the agency has grown to
become one of the most respected talent agencies in the Tri-State
area. Ellen
Wasser-Hrin
is its Founder and Director.
Confidence,
humility, intelligence are just some of the words that can be used to
described Samantha Paisley. This talented individual already has tear
sheets that some might regard as a career's worth of success. At 16,
this Model Management Agency client's future has yet to fully unfold.
Character
enables talent to thrive
True
achievers live well-balanced lives. They don't limit themselves, or
see limitations within others. It is that specific trait within
someone's character that provides a path for others to learn from and
emulate.
Samantha's
overall success was partially revealed, in-part, through a response
that she provided during our conversation. She believed that she had
achieved success from the outset of her career because of the age
bracket (8-12) that she was in when her career first began with MMA
in 2005 when she was nine-years-old.
“Her
mom (Tess Paisley) worked for Mike Lemon Casting and from there she
(Samantha) was brought into our office. We have been happy to help
guide her in every way that we can.
“Samantha
is a complete joy to work with. We could not be happier to have her
in our MMA family!”
Lindsey
Catherine,
who is MMA's Children's
Director and Placement Assistant, said.
“Sam
really wanted to do this. I didn't choose the path for her, she
choose it for herself,” Tess said.
Tess
advised that her daughter was selected for seven out of ten bookings
during her early years. Generally, one out of ten is the industry
norm.
“There
was something about the camera that always intrigued me. Maybe it's
because I've been on home videos since I was three-years-old. I just
light up when I'm in front of it and know that's where I'm supposed
to be.
“My
mom is a real firecracker. Her spark has given me more oomph. My dad
(Ian) provides stability and is always thinking things through. I'm
so lucky to have my parents.” Samantha said.
Tess
credited Ian with helping to provide her with access to a broader
view of the world. Due to his British heritage, he has taken his wife
and daughter to Europe on a number of occasions. That experience has
allowed Samantha to be exposed to a variety of cultures since her
youngest days.
The
right priorities
Ian
and Tess Paisley have supported their only child while she has been
building her future career and have also ensured that education is
her main focus during this part of her life.
The
native of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania will be a Junior at Perkiomen
Valley High School this school year. The Vice President of
her class currently ranks second academically among 400-plus fellow
students.
“Schoolwork
always comes first. I'm also part of Perkiomen Valley High School's
television production team (PVTV), which has
helped me to gain teleprompter and on-camera experience.
“The
people who are involved in that are awesome. I'm gaining career
experience, but I'm also expanding my social group,” Samantha said.
With
a variety of college options available, she's interested in
studying public communications at an Ivy League school.
“I'm
considering Princeton, but my dream would be to go to Stanford. I
would like to be able to continue acting and modeling on the side
while studying at college. I've been to California before and I loved
the atmosphere. There are so many auditions in Los Angeles and a lot
of actors and models move there,” Samantha said.
“She
could be a Natalie Portman, or a James Franco. Attend the Ivy League
school and do movies in the summer,” Tess said.
“School
is something that is very important to her, so she has chosen to
stick with the Philadelphia market for now. But, we think that she
would do really well in New York City too,” Catherine said.
The
auditioning process
“Sam
is an extremely talented young lady that does so well in both acting
and modeling. We submit her to all of our clients as much as we can,”
Catherine said.
The
auditioning process can enable a career to flourish, or fade,
depending upon the individual's outlook.
“It's
very hard to judge what each casting director is looking for. You
have to convey a certain amount of confidence, need to have tough
skin and be able to bounce back. Auditioning allows
you to get to know the casting directors better.
“Even
if I don't get the job, I love interacting with the different models
and actors as well,” Samantha
said.
Learning
about the business
Because
Samantha's relationship with MMA has been so positive, she asked if
she could intern with the company this summer as part of her school's
graduation requirements.
“She
is currently working on her senior project (a year early) and has
chosen to follow us (intern) at MMA. Sam is such a natural in the
office.
“She
definitely wants to continue acting and modeling, however she is also
considering a career as an agent,” Catherine said.
“Through
my internship at MMA, I've learned a lot. I went through an open call
and it was interesting to see the selections that were made. It was
priceless for me to understand how the business works,” Samantha
said.
Role
models
“I
respect Tyra
Banks'
story. She was always bullied in school because she was tall. She
pursued modeling despite that and by the time she was 17, she was
working runways in Paris.
“Once
she made it big, she's given back through America's
Next Top Model.
She also has camps for girls with low self-esteem. I think that she's
really an awesome woman.
“Even
though Kate
Moss
is only 5 ft. 7 in., she basically rewrote the definition of
modeling. I'm only 5 ft. 3 in. So, to see someone who isn't that
required height is inspirational to me and I also think that her look
is gorgeous,” Samantha said.
“The
standard height for a fashion model is 5' 9”, however commercial
models and actors can be any height. Sam is not a fashion model. She
is in our commercial division and books commercial print and
on-camera work, so height is not an issue for her,” Wasser-Hrin
said.
Respect
for the industry
“Ellen
(Wasser-Hrin) is the best. I love that MMA is a boutique and mother
agency and that they really take care of all of their talent.
“One
of the times that I was there they got a call asking for someone with
good nails. They knew right away which of their clients would be best
for that job. The fact that they knew their client so well impressed
me.
“It
really is like a family there. They have never steered me wrong and
are always looking out for all of us,” Samantha said.
Samantha
also mentioned that Catherine is one of the best people who she has
ever worked with.
“Lindsey
really cares about Sam. MMA tries their hardest for their clients.
Anytime that anything comes up Lindsey is right there for Sam and is
always sending her out on assignments. Without the right agent, your
career can't develop,” Tess said.
Working
in the field
Samantha
was only 9-years-old when landed her first booking. MMA booked her to
play the role of a young girl in a series of four commercials for the
Philadelphia
76ers.
“I
was nervous during my first shoot, but I remember that I feel in love
with my on-screen family. It was a two-day shoot and they became like
my second family by the end of the day. There were 42 takes, but I
was ready for more,” Samantha said.
Since
then MMA has lead her to many other projects including: A Brainetics
DVD where she was featured as a contestant on a children's
math-focused game show. She was the cover model for two two editions
of Naomi
Zucker's
book series, “Write On, Callie Jones” and “Callie's Rules”.
She and her mom were featured in a shoot for the Taylor
Gifts
catalog. She also recently shot a national advertisement for the
Sylvan
Learning Center.
Likeability
factor
“Interacting
with so many different types of people has made me more social. I'm a
lot more outgoing and ready to try new things. I've gained that
outlook from this industry,” Samantha said.
During
our interview Samantha never complimented herself. Instead, she
consistently acknowledged the supportive role that her family,
friends, and her association with Model Management Agency – MMA has
played in her life's success.
I've
been fortunate to have interviewed many different types of
individuals over the years. Some have been Hall of Fame athletes,
others have achieved notoriety in business, or in the creative arts.
One of the many similarities that I believe Samantha shares with
those high-achievers is that she isn't simply pursuing work. She is
studying her craft so that her talent can fully develop. This process
will not end, but is likely to evolve during a limitless future.
“Don't
take anything personally and don't give up. You never know what's
going to be right around the corner, Samantha fittingly concluded.
Sean
O'Brien is based in the Philadelphia region and has written
professionally for over two decades. You can follow him on Twitter @SeanyOB.
