By: Silvia Ferro
Since 2017, Preview Models has significantly influenced the talent acquisition process, bridging the gap between emerging models, actors, digital creators, and top industry decision-makers. Unlike traditional scouting methods that often rely on slower submission processes, Preview Models leverages direct access, reducing inefficiencies and helping accelerate representation opportunities. By reimagining industry access, Preview Models operates as a talent accelerator, not an agency, creating a more efficient pipeline for fresh talent to pursue high-value career opportunities.
Preview Models was founded in 2017 with a mission: “to help dismantle industry barriers and foster connections between emerging talent and top agencies.” For decades, getting signed by a top agency was often seen as an inaccessible, gatekept process. If you weren’t in New York, Paris, or Los Angeles, your chances of being discovered were often slim. The process could be slow, outdated, and largely passive: submit photos, wait, and hope. Preview Models sought to change that.
Photo Courtesy: JOPR for Preview Models
Rather than relying on traditional models of talent discovery, Preview Models was built as a direct accelerator—a space where emerging talent could meet industry professionals, showcase their abilities, and potentially turn exposure into career momentum. “We designed Preview Models to challenge the status quo—because relying solely on being ‘discovered’ is rarely a sustainable strategy,” says co-founder Payton Guenter, alongside fellow co-founder Josh Weinstein.
Preview Models isn’t just about increasing access; it’s about curation and strategic matchmaking. Instead of offering open access, the platform evaluates participants based on professionalism, marketability, and long-term potential. This selective approach helps ensure agencies and casting directors engage with high-potential talent, increasing the likelihood of meaningful industry placements. “Preview Models is not an agency. We don’t sign talent, take commissions, or act as a traditional middleman. We aim to be a career accelerator, an industry gateway, and a launchpad for dedicated talent,” explains Weinstein.
Traditional industry pipelines often require talent to submit portfolios, wait months for responses, and undergo multiple rounds of vetting before potentially being considered for opportunities. Preview Models aims to minimize this often-frustrating “waiting game” by facilitating direct introductions between talent and top industry decision-makers. Instead of navigating endless submission cycles, talent walks the runway in front of agencies and then meets one-on-one with decision-makers the following day to discuss possible representation and bookings. “The outcome? Less waiting. Less uncertainty. Fewer barriers to getting in the room. We condense what could take years into a focused, career-advancing experience,” says Guenter.
Preview Models has helped create career-defining opportunities for talent, with past participants securing agency representation, booking major campaigns, and landing high-profile editorial features, including British Vogue. “Some clients have appeared on the cover of British Vogue, a milestone that can elevate talent to the highest levels of editorial fashion. Others have become the faces of campaigns featured in Ulta Beauty and Sephora stores nationwide, significantly boosting their visibility in the beauty industry,” adds Weinstein.
Photo Courtesy: Jerod Harris of Getty Images / JOPR
In an era where digital presence plays a key role, Preview Models incorporates personal branding and social media strategy into its approach. Attendees don’t just leave with runway experience; they gain practical strategies for enhancing their digital footprint, improving their visibility to agencies, brands, and casting directors. “Modeling today isn’t just about runway presence—it’s also about visibility, branding, and digital-savvy careers,” says Payton. “Preview Models weaves social media and personal branding into its process. Talent leaves not only prepared to walk a runway but also equipped to build their brand, attract potential representation, and explore opportunities beyond traditional modeling.”
The upcoming March 29 event is not just a showcase—it’s a potential career acceleration opportunity where top agencies, casting directors, and entertainment executives will be scouting emerging talent. After walking the runway, talent meets one-on-one with decision-makers the following day, opening doors to direct representation and career opportunities that may develop in the days and weeks after the event.
Additionally, Preview Models cultivates strategic partnerships with major brands and entertainment executives, helping talent not only get discovered but also access career-defining collaborations. “The March 29 event will feature major celebrity designers, talent scouts, and industry innovators. Brands like Chanel West Coast’s Coasty Swim and Darcey & Stacey Silva’s House of 11 are showcasing at the event, highlighting Preview Models as a key platform for emerging fashion labels seeking dynamic talent,” says Weinstein.
Photo Courtesy: JOPR for Preview Models
Preview Models represents an innovative shift in talent acquisition, modernizing outdated scouting models with a direct, results-driven platform that connects high-potential talent with decision-makers more efficiently. Rather than relying on passive discovery methods, Preview Models actively fosters industry introductions, potential career opportunities, and trackable success outcomes. By prioritizing efficiency, market alignment, and strategic access, Preview Models is helping reshape the entertainment talent ecosystem for the modern age and establishing a new standard for talent acceleration.
Published by Jeremy S.
