Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric Stern.
Hi Eric, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started my career about 1984 as a Fashion stylist and was represented by Ford Models and stayed with them for 20 years and then moved to Wilhelmina as the first Artist they had represented. While on set, I was talking to a model and they were telling me how horrible their Mother Agents was and I was shocked to hear what they go through. So, as obsessive as I am, I started to do research on what a mother agent does. I studied contracts, placement, rules and every other aspect of what a Mother Agent does and with my connection at Wilhelmina, I started to scout and place models there. My first Model was Andre Costa @andrecostaac and the rest is history. I now have 403 models placed worldwide and I am a very busy man. I have retired as a fashion stylist and run a mother agency.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
as you might already know, this business is completely insane. I am basically a fixer, all day long issues come up from contract negotiations to models in jail. I put out fires all day long and every time I say to myself “that was a good one” then move on to the next one.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I am an independent mother Agency based in Los Angeles with over 400 models placed worldwide. My business is run by me and I treat all of my talents equally from my supermodels to a commercial model. I also have both music and film that I can also direct them to handle every aspect of their career.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
I want my talent to earn as much money in each market that I place them in. Thats the bottom line. The talent does this for a living and should earn an amazing living. I take the word “mother” very seriously and keep an eye on everything that they do. Every job, every post, every Instagram story and every Agency that represents my talent. I am very sweet until I am not. The whole industry knows not to play with my kids. I can be ruthless. “don’t cross mother” lol.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @ericsternstyle
