Vanessa McMahon

 Photo by Ali Mickenzy

On June 17th, 1994, (Lord) Michael Wilson Agnew (the artist known as "MYC Agnew") took a one-way ticket to Paris, France to become a Top-Male Model (a title not yet invented). Within three months he had shot the Versace campaign with Bruce Webber and was on his way to shoot the first major worldwide Gap campaign as the first of many celebrities to follow. Working with Calvin Klein to Tommy Hilfiger (and all the greats) on campaigns, magazine editorials, branding and as well as the most high-profile runway shows that existed, his exposure was everywhere one would advertise in the fashion, television, and film world! On July 5, 1997, he cut off his well-known long blond hair (Immortalized in the movie "Zoolander" by Owen Wilson's character "Hansel" for whom MYC also happened to inspire) and went humbly to begin his next step. Greg H. Sims, who put George Clooney in his first film, did the same for MYC Agnew within a short time of his arrival to Los Angeles.

This eventually led to MYC Agnew's first independent feature film from his own company, Liquid LYT Productions. After many challenges and successes, MYC Agnew realized he would need his own creativity. Thus, this indie filmmaker struck a worldwide deal with Elite Model Management and himself. This finally gave him the ability to achieve his security by modeling once again at the age of forty (after fifteen years away) and acquire Icon Status in the modeling world by having a running campaign at this ripe YOUNG age. He now has his own financial security to continue his slate of Films; BlackBox - "Saturation of the Implication", Silent Assassin - "The L is Silent" and Above the High Road to name a few. You can still find MYC Agnew on billboards at the Cannes Film Festival for Bonucci (the designer of Prince's iconic time-tested Purple Rain outfit), in which he acquired his official "ICON-Model" status for their still running "50 Years of Excellence" campaign which started in 2015.

 

You're a writer, director, and producer. Did you always know filmmaking is what you want to do?

MYC: I, like many others, have felt a calling to make films since I was quite a young individual. My niche however, as it unknowingly turned out, is to make film making accessible to all; and my IP, RealityFeaturesTM, has done just that. By making feature films designed for festivals only, the necessary first step in becoming a financeable director was born.

You've also worked as a DOP, actor, and editor. Is there a role you like most? Do you find it essential to wear many hats in this business to get the work done?

MYC: My main hat is the director's hat, as my passions go, but the many hats you must learn to be an effective director is, in fact, the logic behind wearing all those other incredibly important hats. Confusing right? LOL. But yes; a full grasp of all positions on set and off would be a very good idea for any up-and-coming film director.

The entertainment industry is a tough one, it's no secret. What has been one of the most essential elements in your life that grounds you as a filmmaker?

MYC: I promised the little creator in me that I would fulfill his vision, hence the name MYC. It all goes back to the inner child. We must nurture that child to be centered as adults. So, if that child needs to make films; I will make films. Not to mention, this will keep you young at heart for all your days. 

Being from Texas, can you tell us how your background has influenced your art and your outlook?

MYC: I left Texas at age twenty-one after starring in the indie film “Blue Days Lost” (1997). I moved to Paris, France with many opportunities to model after that; but Texas, and my family, gave me "BIG DREAMS!" I will always love Texas, and my family, for exactly that. 

You were the inspiration for one of the models in “Zoolander”. Can you tell us about that?

MYC: That story is about as secret as the real meaning of my unusual name; but if you meet me in person, and are brave enough to ask, I just might tell you both. It is rumored however that I may be the inspiration for the character Hanzel after meeting Ben Stiller and Adam Sandler for brunch at The Sunset Marquis in Los Angeles. 

You have your own production company called Liquid LYT Productions. Can you tell us about that?

MYC: I have four levels of doing business and the top tier is LLP. It serves as an umbrella Corp and IP well for most of my personal creations. The others descending are DYR Management, MYConsulting INC & METROPOLITANsociety (a film, fashion, and music mixer - est.1998)

You've worked on several films in your career. Is there one you're most proud of?

MYC: “Blue Days Lost” was made at the same time as “Dazed and Confused”, with a fraction of the budget from NYU grads. I value it beyond anything else because it gave me my break. Also, I learned so much from them all, a whole film education in the span of two months really. It may not have been as big as my modelling friend Milla's film, but it was truly indie, and it will always be my original favorite, and Milla too.

You have several projects in development right now. Which one are you most excited about?

MYC: My next is always the most exciting, and it turns out that this one will be the proof of a model for our most important IP to date, The NewHollywood DealTM. I am here to help future film creators to not be raped or robbed by Hollywood's mayhem, and this new financial model will be the next step in the evolution of true indie filmmaking to do just that.

You attended Cannes this year. Why is it so important for producers and industry professionals to attend markets like Cannes every year?

MYC: My company is committed to visiting two markets a year- Cannes and AFM. We get to meet the top dogs at one and the diamonds in the rough at the other. It is the sleekest way to maintain a budget and stay in the know, on a budget. They are six months apart and fulfill one of the most crucial aspects of our industry, IN PERSON MEETINGS!

People say with digital platforms, film festivals and markets will be phased out. Do you think this is true or will festivals like Cannes always need to exist?

MYC: I can't image a world without in person meetings, yet it's a virtual reality for those who are becoming opposed to the public realm. It's like playing poker in a real saloon vs. an on-line game, it's up to you but they are different experiences. Let's just thank God for our freedoms.

 Photo by Ali Mickenzy

Interview by Vanessa McMahon