Actor's Edition

Selected Artists & Icons

All Photography by Lawrence James Thomas

Artists & Icons

We are so excited to have two incredible actors signed with us at Select; Danny Griffin and Sonny Walker.

Danny Griffin can currently be seen as the lead role (Sky) on Netflix’s hit series FATE: THE WINX SAGA. The first season was watched by 22 million subscribers in its first month alone, and was the #1 show on the streamer in 76 countries. The show’s second season was released in October 2022. He was previously seen in Netflix’s British series GET EVEN for directors’ Andrew Gunn and Sarah Walker. In 2020 he played a supporting role in Guy Ritchie’s The Gentlemen opposite Matthew McConaughey, Charlie Hunnam, Colin Farrell and Jeremy Strong. Danny can also boast a vast folowing on Instagram with over 1.3m followers.

Sonny Walker is an exceptional talent hailing from Liverpool, United Kingdom, with a unique heritage of Italian, African and Irish roots. Represented by Select Model Management London, Sonny’s striking looks and commanding presence have made him a highly sought-after face in the fashion industry.

Sonny is starring as Adam Kabia, support lead role in Channel 4’s highly anticipated major new six part drama series “The Gathering”. Sonny plays Adam Kabia, an Urban Free runner from a disparate background, whose reckless lifestyle and exuberant free-spirit is in conflict with the discipline of his best friend Kelly. The Gathering is set to be released early 2024 on Channel 4, produced by World Productions which is a part of ITV Studios handling international distribution.

In addition to Sonny’s modelling career, he is also a talented actor. Sonny has been performing for most of his life and has been training in boxing and acting since the age of 12, eventually becoming a welterweight boxer with a near-perfect record. All the while honing his craft as an actor.

Sonny’s modelling journey began during this time, he was starting to make a name for himself as a welterweight contender while also making his first appearances as an actor. His dedication and discipline to his passions are unmistakable.

Walker remains committed to mastering his skills and proudly represents his Merseyside roots as he makes his mark around the world. With his talent, dedication, and charisma, the near future promises great heights for this rising star on the road to super stardom.

Photography by Lawrence James Thomas Art Direction & Styling by Tandy Anderson Graphic Design by Damian Campbell

All actors featured can be booked via Select Model Management .

Tel: +44 (0)20 7299 1300

E-mail: men@selectmodel.com

Marquis

Tandy’s Thoughts

For over four decades, Sunset Marquis in Los Angeles has been Tandy Anderson’s go-to spot, a place she discovered through her rock ‘n’ roll friends. The famous whiskey bar, owned by Rande Gerber (Cindy Crawford’s ex-husband), became one of Tandy’s favorite hangouts—not just for the fantastic drinks, but for the vibrant and hippie atmosphere that drew in Hollywood’s biggest stars.

Sunset Marquis wasn’t just a hotel; it was a tight-knit community, a gathering place for the cool locals of LA and was the rock ‘n’ roll favourite of every star. Even Led Zepplin’s own guitarist, Jimmy Page was a regular! It became the epicenter of all the fun had by the Select team during their time in LA, solidifying its reputation as a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic taste of tall the excitement LA has to offer.

This iconic spot has become more than just a hotel for Tandy; it’s a backdrop to countless stories and a witness to the city’s cultural evolution. As the beat of LA continues, so does Tandy’s enduring love for this timeless gem, Sunset Marquis.

Breaking the Silence : The Importance of Mental Awareness within the Modelling Industry

We are living in a rapidly changing world and whilst there is no doubt that the fashion industry continues to be an exciting, innovative and creative space, it is a fast-moving environment which can often be fickle and, for those involved, highly competitive. It is demanding both physically and financially, but also emotionally.

As we navigate the landscape after Covid and the impact that it has had for so many, the modelling industry is having to adapt to the challenges ahead, and more so than ever the impact it will have on models and for some their mental health.

Having been a male model agent for over 10 years before becoming a counsellor and psychotherapist, I understand all too well the need to create a supportive environment where we can start to address and recognise some of the emotional pressure that many male models face working within the industry, as they navigate the tightrope between external expectation and internal wellbeing.

Things are, however, beginning to change. More and more high-profile models are openly discussing their own experiences with mental health and using their platform to campaign to change the narrative around men’s mental wellbeing: David Gandy through his work with Humen, Paul Sculfor setting up The Stride Foundation which provides high impact support for those facing addiction, and Sam Webb acting as an ambassador for The Be Well Collective who are doing an important job of giving access to resources to promote mental health and wellness within the industry. The BFMA is also putting together a cohesive best practice code of conduct for models.

With models often masking the intense pressure they can feel daily, work still needs to be done to change the narrative around mental health and the stigma faced by many men who may not feel able to talk openly about their worries for fear of burdening people, often internalising their feelings, and developing unhealthy coping mechanisms.

The statistics are not an easy read. 77% of men polled have said they have experienced some level of anxiety, stress or depression. 40% of men say they have never spoken about their mental health struggles, and most worryingly, 74% of all UK suicides are men.

When talking with the Founder of Select Men, Tandy Anderson, we discussed the role that agencies can play in promoting mental health and wellbeing by acknowledging the challenges and working towards creating a healthier and more inclusive atmosphere.

She explained the importance of fostering an environment where the models can come into the agency at any time either to see each other, to talk with her or any of the bookers,

or just spend time hanging out, As Tandy says, “You have to remember we have models from all different walks of life and family backgrounds. Sometimes they can feel isolated and sometimes they have things going on in their private life which they find difficult to deal with. They have to be looked after, and it is important that we listen”. Creating a culture where models can openly discuss how they are feeling and where help is readily available and affordable is absolutely key to tackling this issue.

I wanted to create a space at The Snug where, as a therapist who brings an innate understanding of the fashion industry, I can help. Sometimes we all need a little support to make sense of what is going on in our lives and to find ways of coping when things start to feel difficult or overwhelming. Encouraging conversations and giving people permission to look at themselves and acknowledge that there are times when “it is ok to not be ok”.

My job is to create a safe, non-judgemental space for people to explore what is going on in their life, while at the same time giving them the tools to deal with the feelings and emotions that they are experiencing.

At The Snug, I offer one-to-one counselling, either face to face or via Zoom, as well as Walk and Talk therapy. My aim, as an integrative therapist, is to adapt my style to a client’s unique needs and to give them the ability to discover their own way forward, in a safe, non-judgemental environment, where I ask models to pay what they can afford.

We are moving in the right direction, but it is important that the creative industry as a whole continues to create an environment where we can start prioritising our mental health just as much as we do our physical health.

For more information please feel free to have a look at my website www.thesnugcounselling.co.uk or email me at kimvond@hotmail.co.uk

By Kim Todd (founder of The Snug)

All actors featured can be booked via Select Model Management