On Modelling & Acting
As an international model and actress, I worked full time in contracts doing mostly editorial, print, and television work.
At all times, the importance of light and composition in defining the success of an image have been key concepts for me.
MODELLING GALLERY
WORK
modelling
(EDITORIAL,PRINT, TV COMMERCIAL)
I spent years putting together and refining my own portfolio to show clients not only my range of expression, but the versatility in mood and style I could create with how my movements interacted with the light. I had to familiarise myself with lighting and tension within a frame as I found new ways to pose and express my individuality; making the most of my work and challenging myself with differing photographers and team members on a daily basis.
Many times I did not see the final product of a commercial or print campaign, as agencies had difficulty obtaining completed work from their clients on behalf of the models and actors. I would later happen to see my billboard in my travels, yet have only a few polaroids from the actual shoot as evidence I was there. (Things also have a way of disappearing over the years…. like my compilation of commercials that just suddenly was gone, and that I’d love to get back...)
Although I did many commercials and advertisements and learned a lot about the industry, it was the storytelling at the centre that I loved more than my own image. I loved the camera as a means of conveying as the cliché goes, what even a thousand words sometimes can’t tell: Images, mood, sound, meaning... I love what pictures and moving pictures in particular convey and inspire. That is art.
Life and work can be creative, intelligent; they can be important such as designing aircraft or constructing buildings; meaningful such as arranging worthy fundraisers and inspirational events; profound such as writing philosophy or poetry; necessary such as practicing medicine or law. But when visual art has its place, there is magic…
Combining sight, sound and meaning, the visual arts speak to our deepest humanity. We recognize ourselves, and we find out connectedness with others. I love contributing to the magic of the Quintessential Visual Art: FILM.
The above is a sample of my earlier portfolio of print work. A lot of my work is from Tokyo, Japan, but I also worked in Vienna, Austria; Milan, Italy; Toronto and Calgary, Canada; and Auckland, New Zealand.
Model Tips by Benita von Sass →
Having worked as a professional full time print and commercial model for a number of years
and part time later, I learned a lot about taking risks while not selling myself out.
Here are some tips I wish I had received when I started:
WORK
acting
Benita played JOSEPHINE - the successful but disillusioned American business woman in London who finds unexpected love and is forever changed.
CONVERSATIONS AROUND A DINNER TABLE
Benita played ROSE - the daughter of Italian Chef…
By Director request, during production-related discussions, information about the theme, characters and story arc of this film will be released only at a later date. To be announced…
Benita played the NURSE - a caring but competent psyche ward nurse who tends to the needs of a deeply wounded rape victim suffering from nightmares and psychological turmoil.
Benita played the TOUR GUIDE - a knowledgeable, and fast-acting guide to guests of a time-travelling corporation. Having entered into the past as observers of stone age life, the unsuspecting guests suddenly discover their lives are literally in their TOUR GUIDE’S hands.
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