About
Over forty years of modelling and acting experience in South Africa and abroad, along with sharing my experiences and expertise as a model and actor coach, it seemed fitting to start an agency. MMM began as a boutique model agency called Martez Model Management in August 2013.
Through overwhelming support from the industry, we grew leaps and bounds, with our models and talent booking television commercials, fashion shows and photographic campaigns.
2016 saw an interesting development when we took on board all Public Image talent. It was a monumental moment when Natalie Stevens entrusted us with her baby of almost forty years. Her focus had been commercial talent and actors. We had a small pool of actors who were also models at the time. Since the merging of talent, our actor pool grew, affording us the opportunity of breaking into the world of film, TV, radio and stage. Having experience as an actress, director, and producer, it’s been wonderful seeing this section grow. It’s added value by further complementing our offering of gorgeous and talented individuals.
Change fuels creativity and attracts more change. It wasn’t long before industry creatives asked if they could make MMM their home, and soon social media influencers followed suit.
In an ever-evolving industry, it’s paramount to stay on top of your game and it is therefore essential to treat your career as a business.
Being a model and actress for many years, has given me insight into the workings of the industry, both in front of and behind the camera, creating a perfect foundation to develop models and actors of all ages. Training is open to all models and actors throughout the industry.
At MMM, attention is given to ensure that our models, actors and talent present a complete package of professionalism, confidence, versatility and a positive attitude, whether casting or on set.
MMM Academy
Having had the privilege to work with some of the top casting directors, photographers, directors and prestigious clients globally, I have gained invaluable insight of what is required to book the job and deliver above expectation, thus ensuring repeat bookings.
Method acting, transitioning between emotions quickly and with ease, for television commercials, and doing a deep emotional character dive for a film role, is what I specialise in when it comes to performance.
With on-camera experience for decades, having played a multitude of characters and having had the good fortune to model for commercial and high end brands in South Africa, London, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Portugal, and Spain, with photographic campaigns, catalogues, television commercials, fashion shows, TV series and film work spanning countries, Worldwide, I have a vast knowledge of the workings of the industry, and hundreds of poses and expressions in my “Modelling/Acting Toolkit” to share.
Too many models are missing out on great opportunities, because of lack of industry know-how. By adding to their skill set and grooming them to hit the scene with a bang, rather than filtering onto the scene, could see the beginnings of a more professional and cost-effective industry trend.
The saying “Beauty comes from within” encapsulates my approach to coaching. Who you are, will project in your work.
The days of being a model without any form of acting training, are over. Actors and models are often pooled together at castings, and each discipline has its advantages.
Models who possess the ability to transform themselves by projecting real emotions and being able to react to another’s performance, have that additional edge over their competitors.
Actors can become stuck in the way they project and need “the switch to flip again” to deliver fresh performances.
Workshops offered, are one-on-one, in groups and online. Should you require a workshop outside of Cape Town, this can be arranged.
I have coached at Act Cape Town, am a guest coach at UCT’s Centre for Film and Media Studies, Model Agencies and Model Schools as well as coach Privately.
Seeing talent develop their acting skills and morph into actors that can deliver layered performances, is extremely rewarding. Seeing a shy model’s confidence, walk, and posing improve, brings me so much joy.
Workshops can be tailored to suit your needs, and can be booked through info@mmmagency.co.za
Pricing is dependent on individual or group coaching, required, and how comprehensive the coaching request is.
There is a Model/Act workshop run by Sam Pegg and I that includes intro to the industry, performance as well as modelling techniques, life coaching input, runway training, a portfolio shoot, feedback sessions, social media guidance, and more.
Feedback from Centre for Film and Media Studies, University of Cape Town:
Martez Saporta-Rothuysen and Sam Pegg have co-presented workshops on casting to third year film production students at the UCT Centre for Film and Media Studies almost every year since 2018. They illustrate the principles in practice during the workshop, inviting participation from students in the class. Their demonstration of how particular prompts can transform a performance of the same scene by the same person opens the students’ minds to the possibilities of ‘playing’ with prompts to elicit different tones in a performance. Students leave Sam and Martez’s workshop inspired by learning new skills and enthusiastic to apply them in their own filmmaking.
Dr Liani Maasdorp, Senior Lecturer
Feedback from Act Cape Town Founder and Director:
I have known Martez for many years, first as an artist, then as an ACT coach, and now as the owner of a highly successful Artist Agency, MMM. Martez is an accomplished artist and businesswoman. Having coached at ACT for some years, I know her to be a knowledgeable, inspiring, and supportive teacher. She approaches all her endeavours, both personal and professional, with heart and commitment. She is a loyal colleague and friend, for whom I have the utmost respect. No matter the transaction, you can be assured of excellence and integrity with Martez.
Candice Poole, Founder/Director
Feedback from workshop students:
I'm so grateful for all I've learned in the courses I've done with Martez over the last few years. I had only done a few Adverts as an extra, but wanted the real acting roles, so I started with her "Casting for Commercials" course at ACT Cape Town. It was amazing to see what I was doing wrong & get the best guidance to improve my skills so much to book many jobs. With the success I was having from what I learned, I joined more of her acting courses to refine my skills in dialogue & Scene Study. These courses helped me so much & totally transformed what I was doing to help me land 35 roles & counting in TV series, TV Commercials, Docudramas & Feature Films. Martez has a way of getting the performance out of you even when you think you could never do it. I'm truly grateful for all she has taught me.
Ant Latimer, Actor with ERM
Upon meeting Martez, I had the impression that she might be a difficult woman that expected the world of me, expecting me to know everything about how to act, even though we had never met and it being my very first "acting lesson". Needless to say, just how wrong I was in my assumption of her. She has the most amazing warm and kind heart that made me feel comfortable to try even when I felt stupid. I felt accepted and working in that environment made me thrive. I felt like she genuinely cared. Somewhat like a mother figure, she helped me to build confidence and gave me hope that I could be better. I was on my second lesson when I learned that I had booked my very first Worldwide Commercial for Aquafresh. She is a wonderful person and an even better coach, well worth the investment.
Lisa-Maria Jaftha, Model with Fusion Model Management
Model Act Workshop feedback:
This was the best two days ever! Working with Martez, Sam and Michelle was a privilege. They made me feel at ease and gave me lots of helpful tips in the modelling industry. One of the many things that I have learned was to always be yourself and have confidence. I loved Michelle’s yoga class. Martéz taught us how to get in touch with our inner emotions at castings. On the second day Sam made me feel comfortable in front of the camera and we had so much fun. Going to this workshop with a professional portfolio shoot was the best decision I have ever made. It isn`'t just a modelling course but a life changing course.
Nicola Nothnagel, Model and Actress
