Recently, we caught up with the lovely Matthew Bell (Elite) during his time in Milan and he even shows off some of his awesome photo skills. Find out about his Italian adventure and why he's been spending so much time in Mcdonalds... and it's not for the cheese burgers!
We hear you have been amazing in Milan. What is awesome about Milan?
I have tried! Haha! Milan is a pretty cool city and has some beautiful buildings and stuff to do. It has been a completely different experience to being in London but equally enjoyable. Public transport is instantly different and the fact some naughty people don't pay for it! Trams, cars, bikes and busses all travel on the same road, thats insane. Oh and sundays feel like sundays. Everywhere is shut. Nobody is out.
Tell us a little bit about what you've been up to over there.
Being my first time in Milan I was initially meeting clients and castings, visiting the city, trying new food (not sure we have Mctoast in england!) and now work has picked up. I was lucky enough to get a campaign over here for Swiss Chriss! Walking to the agency there was an old lady who wanted me to carry her bags, but I was already five minutes late, but me being a good guy I carried the bags! Lucky enough the agency was busy as they were casting men and women! I was pretty much an option right away cause I had to hang around to get a few more photos with the photographer.
Has your stay in one of the big fashion cities made you a wise man? What have you learned?
Erm, being in Milan has certainly been a great experience! You meet a lot of people who live in Italy and travel to London which is kinda the opposite of me. Because I only started a few months ago you pick up things from them. I've learnt how cut-throat some casting directors can be (not through experience yet) but some guys were saying they have been in a queue for an hour or so for a casting and been told go away pretty much.
Did you climb any trees?
No not yet, I didn't find the perfect tree, but I want to!!
Or develop any obsessions?
Obsessions... Yeah actually. Living in Mcdonalds. Not because I wanted to eat but for the Internet! I'm currently having a cappuccino. From the mcCafe. Sad eh? I also rekindled my true love for listening to music constantly.
Tell us about one of your favourite shoots you did in Milan?
My favourite shoot in Milano was this editorial I did recently. It was pretty cool and I wore the skinniest jeans I have ever put on. We shot at night and got in about 2.30, the whole story (woah an Italian midget just walked in...) was kinda like guys hanging out drinking and smoking. I did this with Jed Texas who I flew to Milan with. It was nice to see a familiar face.
What have you been up to when you weren't running around at castings?
Chillin pretty much and walking so so much! I walked about half the city because I had a free afternoon. It's nice to see places when you are walking because your legs will take you anywhere.
What can the Italians teach us?
How to cook I think. Or bake. Or anything to do with food. Most stuff is pretty good. Although at times you get some food that's just wrong. In a supermarket I saw this mangled seafood thing. Vile.
What do you miss the most when you're away?
Speaking properly to the general public!
We know you have awesome taste in music, so to make us all happy could you share your Milan Playlist with us?
These New Puritans - Three Thousand
Foals - Alabaster
Bombay Bicycle Club - Lights Out, Words Gone
Broken Bells - The Mall and Misery
Jamiroquai - Blow Your Mind
James Blake - Limit To Your Love
The Kooks - Is It Me
Modest Mouse - Dashboard
Arcade Fire - Modern Man
Gang of Four - Damaged Goods
Listen to Matthew's playlist here. Thanks Matthew!
