Today we’d like to introduce you to Bridget Halanski.
Bridget is a licensed talent agent, representing over 100 Runway women and men in Chicago, Atlanta, Miami and LA. She books these models regularly for fashion shows, showroom and other live events around the world. Bridget started her career as a Model Booker at Irene Marie Model Management in Miami Beach. In 2008, she relocated to the Windy City where she spearheads the Runway and Promotional Division at Elite (now Factor) guiding and managing the careers of high fashion models.
She graduated from the University of Miami, Florida with a double major in Broadcasting Communication (B.S.) and Theatre Arts (B.A.). Her experience on stage and in front of the camera was priceless, and she uses those skills to help others get ahead in the entertainment business today.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My busiest times are the Spring and the Fall when all of the new runway looks are debuted in stores. I don’t think people understand just how stressful my job can be. It’s a TON of volume. I have one show booked this season with 70 models working in one night. Each and every one of them needs to have all of their details and it’s my job to make sure the show is a success.
People are pulling at you from every direction all of the time. It’s a tough business, with lots of personalities and egos to navigate, but honestly, I love my job. I don’t think many people can say that. I wake up every morning and look forward to going to the office- that’s truly one of the best gifts in life.
Factor Model Management – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Factor Model Management is a full-service agency providing models of all shapes, types, ages, and sizes.
We also have hair + makeup artists, stylists and production assistants. We are a one-stop shop for your project’s needs! We have a print department that books all photo shoots for e-commerce, editorial and advertising, a runway division for the shows and events and promotional modeling, and a department for scouting new faces. Factor is a boutique agency known to be extremely selective with the models we represent. We gravitate towards unique beauty and are known to be the most high fashion agency in Chicago. We call ourselves the “Factor Family”, priding ourselves on the personal management of the models we take on board.
As agents, we promote our talent to a multitude of clients and negotiate on their behalf. It’s our job to discuss rates, usage terms, and all model details. We are the middleman between the client and the model, the girls and guys never discuss anything directly, or sign any contract.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
It’s difficult to highlight just one! Scouting and developing a model from the ground up and seeing them succeed–I have been at the company over a decade, and it’s wonderful to see the talent’s personal and professional growth.
For example, I recently attended a wedding of a girl we started at 14 years old. We have seen her go through major stages of life! Also, we have started models such as Amanda Murphy, Adam Osborne, and Breck Gambill. Personally, realizing you have a name in this business as a top runway agent globally is a huge accomplishment! My network just keeps getting broader.
Contact Info:
- Address: 400 N. Michigan Ave. Suite 700
Chicago, IL 60611 - Website: www.factorchosen.com
- Phone: 312.943.3226
- Email: bridget.h@factorchosen.com
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