|
|
|
 |
So You Want to be a Model??GETTING AN AGENT: It is advisable to find an agency to represent and promote you as a model. Their job is to sell you, just as if you were a new product, and it is you that employ them. Just as in a standard job, you must pay your agency for the job they do ("commission"). However, there are a lot of scam agencies out there, so keep your eyes open..... ***WORDS OF WARNING!***
Getting Prepared:
Mailing Agencies Send your photos with a stamped addressed envelope and a short letter to the "New Faces Division" at the agency, stating: Height (see 'Height' below), Bust (and cup), Waist and Hip measurements (in inches). Age, Hair and Eye color, Dress and Shoe size Visiting Agencies Call some agencies you are interested in and find out their times of opening for new faces. Find out their exact location and plan out which ones you will visit and at what times. Go in and show your photos - they will tell you then and there if they have any interest or not. If you are refused (which, unfortunately, is usually the case) LISTEN to their reasons why - if they tell you that you are too short for modeling, ask them if they know of any petite agencies in the area. If they say you are too commercial / too fashiony / too glamour looking, again ask them if they know of any agents that would be interested in you and then arrange to visit them. If you are refused by six or more agencies, it is probably not worth pursuing modeling…. but, as always, there are exceptions - if you still think you have real potential, try again in 6 months time as looks and fashions change, and what was 'out' six months ago may well be 'in' now! HEIGHT REQUIREMENTS: Height requirements vary for different types of agencies and I suggest you contact the agency you are interested in for their exact requirements. The general requirements, are as follows: 1. Fashion/Editorial Typical Work: Runway shows and high fashion magazines (editorial) WOMEN: HEIGHT: 5'9" minimum and 5'10" minimum for catwalk! (it is not uncommon for major agencies to not see any female models under 5'9". A few agencies will see shorter, but the model must be truly exceptional. BUST: 34 B: (some "C" cups accepted but anything larger than that will not get you into a major agency for this type of modeling - no exceptions). WAIST: 23"-24" HIPS: 34"-35 1/2" Measured across the fullest part of the rear-end (almost thigh level - not how most of us are taught to measure our "hips"!) - don't fib as you WILL be measured! WEIGHT: 120-122 lbs. [for a 5'9" model] you must slip *easily* into a standard size 8/10 - with no bulging buttons or seams! EXERCISE: Toned bodies are a must - this is a tough industry and the competition is brutal! MEN: HEIGHT: 5'11"-6'0"/6'2") Some photographers will not work with male fashion models over this height as they tend to "tower" over any females in the shoot, thereby throwing off the balance of the photo JACKET: 40 Regular WAIST: 31"-32" WEIGHT: around 165lbs [for a 6' tall male (editorial) model] You must be slim and very fit! 2. Commercial Agency Typical Work: Catalogue and magazine/television advertising HEIGHT: 5'8" Not so strict as fashion agencies - some take on girls 5'6" + 3. Glamour Agency Typical Work: Topless and/or nude work HEIGHT: 5'0"? (not too sure about this, but they generally take on much shorter girls than the fashion or commercial agencies) 4. Petite Agency Typical Work: Petite fashion and commercial work (see above) HEIGHT: 5'6"-5'8" Major agencies will not use petite models under 5'6". Most markets use petites 5'6" up to 5'8" - not what the general public thinks of in petites, but fashion/catalog wise this is industry standard! NOTE: the competition for petite agencies is VERY high as there are few agencies and few jobs but many applicants! 5. Plus Size Agency Typical Work: Plus Size Fashion/Commercial work (see above) HEIGHT: 5'8"+ DRESS: 12-18 (the majority of plus models that get the really good jobs are size 12/14) AGE: usually 25-35 years old Welcome to the World of Modeling! So you've got yourself an agency? Great...but where does it go from here?...Modeling is a very demanding but rewarding profession if treated correctly. In this section you will find detailed guidelines on how to get the best out of your agency and the business. TESTING: Testing is an essential part of a model's career, whether a new model or an established model. For new models, it is the practical training ground to develop camera technique. Professional models test to update their portfolios for clients. You will need to cover the following: Head-shot (both with hair up, i.e. a beauty shot, and with hair down)
A variety of expressions are essential on all of these, especially smiles. Test photographers charge for their services and you must always use a make-up artist. This can become expensive if you have to test many times to ensure you cover each look. Therefore once you have a small selection, your agency will try and arrange as many free tests as possible with assistant photographers who you will meet on your go-sees. MODEL KIT: Once your agency feels you have a good cross section of shots, they can then begin to promote you. There are different ways this can be done: 1. Comp Cards As soon as you have enough good shots you will be advised with regard to having an comp card printed. Usually your agency arrange for 1,000 to be printed on the first run, which they then send to all clients on their client list. Following this, you will be given some of your own cards which you keep in your portfolio and hand to each client on every casting or go-see. Your first comp card is expected to last approximately 8 months, however your agency may feel that you need to change your look within this time and you will therefore have to obtain new cards. (Some fashion agencies don't have comp cards - they prefer to send laser copies of shots from your portfolio). 2. Model Book The Model Book is the initial model selling tool which contains photos of the models represented by your agency. This book is reprinted approximately every 18 months and each model is asked to take space (quarter, double or single page) to advertise themselves and their different looks. As a self-employed model all these forms of advertising are usually paid for by the model and can be claimed against tax at the end of each year. 3. Portfolio A model's portfolio is their main selling tool. Presentation, quality and variety of shots are all very important factors to be considered. Your portfolio is your responsibility. When not in use, it should always be at the agency as they may have clients that come into the agency that they would like to show. This may be a reason to have a secondary portfolio, or better yet, an on-line portfolio that anyone with Internet access can view. This is where The Modeling Store can help, especially if you are interested in getting freelance work as you will have your own web address to give out to potential clients! Take pride in how you present your shots and keep testing with new ideas to keep your portfolio up to date. Take great care not to lose any shots - put your agency's sticker on each in case of theft or loss. 4. Wardrobe On most advertising jobs you will be expected to take with you a wide selection of clothes relating to the job. This does not mean one or two items, it means as many suitcases as possible of clothes belonging to yourself and, if necessary, borrowed from friends and relatives! Clothes must be clean and pressed, and should be displayed neatly in the changing room upon arrival at the studio. Unless bright clothes are requested, take plain or lightly patterned clothes in neutral shades ~ logos and loud patterns may clash with the product you are promoting! Think More classic than fashion as fashion tends to change so rapidly that the clothes date the picture. Keep your modeling shoes separate to the ones for everyday use to avoid scuffing. Never turn up at a job without the correct clothes ~ if you have any problems, make sure you tell your booker immediately when booked and they will speak to the client to sort out the problem. 5. Model Bag You should always carry a Model Bag with you when attending a job or test. Some models will tell you that this is not necessary, but it is always better to look prepared and impress the client than to be asked for something that you don't have - a young Claudia Schiffer was well known for being prepared! A female model's bag should contain the following:
CASTINGS: Once your agency has launched your promotion to the clients, you will then be asked to attend castings. A casting is basically a situation where you meet a client either at the agency or at a studio. You will always need to take your portfolio and a couple of index cards. There are different types of casting, as follows: 1. Agency The amount of models attending an agency casting varies depending on the client and his requirement, there may be only a few models but there can be as many as 30 models. There may be a long wait before your turn to meet the client, but this is normal and the casting could take up to 2 hours - although your actual time spent with the client is only 5 minutes max! 2. Studio If invited to a studio casting, be prepared for a photographer to take a Polaroid or even put you on video. It is important that you appear confident and willing to help at all times. Always dress according to the look required and if it is a figure job, it is best to take a bikini or nice underwear (they may even supply this if they are interested in you and you will have to wear it in front of the client!). A Casting is always treated as a booking and MUST NEVER be missed. If you have a problem getting to a casting, always speak to your booker immediately. BOOKINGS: When a client wishes to book you for a job, he will check your availability with the agency. You should therefore inform your agency of where you are at all times so that they can update their dairy. If there are any times whatsoever you will not be available to work you will need to book out with your booker. If they make a booking for you on a date which you have not booked out, you will have to make yourself available - if you don't you will earn yourself a bad reputation and they will be less likely to put you forward so eagerly. Remember: your agency works for you, not the other way around, so don't forget to pay them a little respect! Your booker should give you all the necessary details of the casting as follows, however, if they forget, don't be afraid to ask:
PROFESSIONALISM: Having just a pretty face is not the only qualification when embarking on a modeling career. Attitude, self-discipline and confidence also play a major role. Your agency will expect you to be pleasant at all times, and it is preferred for you to arrive 15 minutes before the job. If you have any problems whatsoever concerning a booking, phone the agency immediately. MONEY MATTERS: All models are self-employed, which means the model is responsible for their own tax and insurance. It is important therefore that you keep all receipts from everything that is purchased or any service that has been used in relation to your modeling career. For example:
Once working on a regular basis, you will need to employ an independent accountant to process your accounts for tax and insurance purposes. If you need advice on this, your agency should be able to offer assistance and recommend a reputable accountant. 1. Invoicing Your agency will invoice all clients on your behalf. Under no circumstances should you do the invoicing yourself. It is imperative therefore that you telephone the agency with your hours immediately after the job as they cannot invoice until they have this information. NOTE: The time you finish is the time you leave the set, not the time you leave the studio. You should call into your agency every evening to check if there are any castings/jobs for the next day and to book out times when you are not available. 2. Pay Your agency will take a commission from you on all bookings - look at it as their pay for getting you the work…like I said, they are working for you not the other way around. A standard commission is around 20%. On receipt of the monies from the client your agency prepare remittance advice for you which will contain details of each job paid, together with a cheque for the total amount. Be aware that it can take up to 3 months for clients to pay! Any outstanding accounts should be written down and handed to your booker for collections. FINAL WORD: I would like to wish you every success in your modeling career and hope that this guide helps! If you have any questions not covered in this guide, feel free to email me, read the Questions & Answers or even better, ask your agency ~ they're there to help! |
|
| Home | Search | Testimonials | Forum | Models Sign Up | Contact Us |
| Copyright© 2000-2007, Models Modeling Inc. |
