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Models crave slice of Big Apple

Olivia Donaldson in Broome. Picture: Iain Gillespie

The cream of WA modelling and acting talent is flocking to New York in droves.

Following in the footsteps of Merredin-born bombshell Nicole Trunfio, who moved to the Big Apple as a teen when she won Search for a Supermodel in 2002, Olivia Donaldson is the latest model to set sail for the city that never sleeps.

After taking out reality series The Face Australia last year, the 21-year-old was snapped up recently by US agency Wilhelmina Models and is organising a visa for her move.

“I went over to New York at the end of last year and got a bit of a taste for it — I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it,” Donaldson, who appears inWest Weekend ’s shoot at the Mangrove Hotel in Broome, said.

Donaldson is not the only WA model taking on New York.

David Genat, who won the male title on Search for a Supermodel the same year as Trunfio, has lived there for almost 10 years and has done high-profile campaigns for Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren and Mont Blanc.

Chadwicks beauty Bridget Malcolm has booked a long list of jobs while based in the Big Apple. Tahnee Atkinson, of Priscillas, and Vivien’s models Chloe Wheatcroft, Letecia Price and Jess PW have recently relocated to the city.

New York is also the place to be for many WA actors.

Tanya Jade will soon head over after she scored a place in the Atlantic Acting School’s intensive summer course and fellow performer Nick Atkinson has been finding acclaim in boundary-pushing play Sleep No More for more than a year.

Actress Danielle Brewer has been based there since 2011, while filmmaker Conrad Le Bron is charting his experiences living in the metropolis in an upcoming web series.

Talent agent Nat Simpson from Artist Management Australia said she was not surprised that local talent was making a beeline for New York.

“Australian actors are in high demand because they are well trained, great looking and fresh to the US audience,” she said.

“There are plenty of opportunities in New York and LA. Some ... actors prefer New York for the training and of course the theatre. (It) also has a big TV market.”