ART DIRECTOR -
artist who creates layout for ads, illustrates model’s poses.
BACKDROP -
background used in a photographer’s studio.
BLOCKING -
the actual physical movements by actors in any scene.
BLOW-UP -
enlargement photo from a negative or slide.
BOOK -
see PORTFOLIO; BOOK (verb) - to secure a job.
BOOKER -
person at agency who sets appointments for models.
BOOKING -
specific job assignment.
BOOK OUT -
when you tell your agency that you are unavailable to work for certain day(s), for example, a vacation or another job.
BREAKDOWN SERVICE -
a professional listing available only to agencies that lists movies, film, TV, and stage projects with what types of actors are being cast.
BUYER -
retail store employee who purchases clothing from the manufacturer; models show the line of clothing to store buyers.
BUYOUT -
advance payment for future use of a print ad or a commercial for a specific period of time
CALL -
appointment.
CALL-BACK -
second interview after go-see/audition which means they are narrowing down the selection and they are considering you.
CALL TIME -
actual time you are due on set.
CASTING -
choosing models/actors for a specific job.
CASTING DIRECTOR -
selects suitable models to represent the comp or storyboard.
CANCELLATION -
24 hour notice before booking is to begin or money is due agency and talent.
CATALOG MODELING -
posing for mail order items for major retailers.
CATTLE CALL -
several agencies send many models of the same general type to a casting session.
CLIENT -
company who hires the ad agency, pays the model’s fee.
COLD READING -
a script that you are reading for the first time in front of the client, without time to memorize the lines.
COLLECTION -
group of coordinated clothes being shown by a designer.
COMMENTARY -
script used to describe clothes for a fashion show.
COMMERCIAL -
promotional advertisement on TV, radio or other media.
COMMISSION - a percentage of model’s fee required as payment to agency.
COMPOSITE CARD, COMP CARD, CARD -
card with 3-5 photos of model and their height, eye and hair color and size information to promote and distribute to prospective clients.
CONTACT SHEET -
proofs of black and white film used to determine best shots.
COPY -
written words to be spoken on a commercial.
CREATIVE DIRECTOR -
ad agency employee who determines the model type.
DEMONSTRATOR -
model who shows use of product at a trade show or store.
DESIGNER -
creator of the fashion collections.
DRESSER -
helps models dress backstage for fashion shows.
EXTRA -
acting job where the actor has no speaking lines, but stands in the background and adds to the atmosphere of a scene.
FASHION COORDINATOR -
puts fashion show outfits together in retail stores.
FASHION TRENDS -
gradual changes in fashion styles.
FIT MODELING -
modeling the original sample garment to test for sizing ? Clients chose a model whose measurements match the sample size exactly.
FITTING -
trying on clothes to determine fit and style, usually before a fashion show.
FLIPPER -
false teeth used for young children to temporarily fill in for lost teeth.
FORMAL FASHION SHOW, RUNWAY SHOW -
invited audience, stage, music; models walk down runway to show designer clothing.
FREELANCE -
modeling for clients without agency representation.
FULL-LENGTH SHOT -
head to toe photograph.
GO&SEE -
job interview, model meets a client and shows portfolio.
HAIR STYLIST -
works on hair changes.
HEADSHOT -
photo of head and shoulders.
HEADSHEET -
agency sheet, poster, or book of models they represent that goes to prospective clients.
HIGH FASHION -
extreme, chic, sophisticated model type.
HOLD -
when the agency puts you “on hold” for a job, it means the client is seriously considering you and wants you to keep the time available for them first.
ILLUSTRATION MODEL -
poses for artists.
INDUSTRIAL -
non-broadcast production, often educational or sales films & tapes.
INFORMAL FASHION SHOW -
in stores or restaurants, walk around, no runway.
JUNIOR MODEL -
youthful type.
LINES -
script, words.
LINE-UP -
position of model and garment in a fashion show.
LOCATION -
assignment site outside the studio.
LOUPE -
small magnifying glass to see slides and contact sheet images eight times larger.
MAKEUP ARTIST -
applies and changes makeup for photo sessions.
MARKET, JOB MARKET -
any location where there is a lot of work.
MARKET WEEK -
4-6 times per year when seasonal collections are shown to buyers.
MODEL BAG -
a large tote in which you carry all your makeup and working essentials. MODEL RELEASE -
contract in which the model gives permission to use the photo as the client specifies.
MODEL AGENCY -
represents model for employment and receives a percentage of the bookings.
MONOLOGUE -
a scene performed by one person for a client, that reflects a particular mood and demonstrates your acting talent.
MOOD -
the feeling a model projects to suit the specific assignment.
OPEN CALL -
casting when the client sees all models suitable for the type requested.
PORTFOLIO -
main promotional tool for models - select photos in a vinyl or leather casebook which show the model at his/her photogenic best and samples of their work (tearsheets).
PRINCIPAL -
main performer in the foreground.
PRINT -
a photograph printed in newspaper or magazine form.
PRINTWORK -
photography taken for catalog and mail order, books, brochures, ads for magazines or newspapers, magazine covers, commercial photography for household products, business products and services, glamour products.
PRODUCER -
person responsible for the day-to-day decision-making on a production
PROMOTION -
publicity to advance a product, service or person.
PROOF -
intermediate stage of photo development from which you can chose best pictures.
PUBLIC RELATIONS -
creating an image of a product or service in the eyes of the public, mainly through newspaper articles.
RATES -
fees charged by the model.
RESIDUALS -
additional money paid when a piece runs in repeat, rates dictated by the unions.
ROUNDS -
calling on prospective clients for photography and television.
RUNWAY -
a narrow raised platform on which the model shows the clothing.
SAMPLE -
piece of clothing from a line, one-of-a-kind.
SCALE WAGE -
minimum wage set by the unions.
SCOUT -
person looking for prospective models.
SET -
arrangement of props and furniture in a TV or photo studio.
SHOOT -
photo session.
SHOWROOM WORK -
manufacturer’s showcase of a clothing line to buyers using live models ? when the seasonal clothing designs are being shown.
SIGN-IN SHEET -
on cattle calls, lists the order in which each model arrived to audition.
SLATE -
to state your name on camera before your commercial audition.
SPEC SHOT -
photographer’s idea of a comp which he/she hopes to sell to the client.
SPOKESPERSON -
person/model chosen to explain the features of a product/service.
STAGE PARENT -
an adult who pushes and watches too closely over a child performer, gets in the way of the shoot.
STATS -
statistical information of a model, including measurements, size, height, etc.
STORYBOARD -
artwork that shows each scene of a commercial.
STROBE -
light unit used by a photographer.
STYLIST -
coordinates the fashions and accessories, checks fit of clothing, visual scene.
TEARSHEET -
copy of a print ad that the model keeps in the portfolio as proof of work.
TELEPROMPTER -
TV-like screen that displays the cue card words.
TESTIMONIAL -
celebrity declaration to the value of a product/service; improvisational endorsement of a product or service that the actor has officially tested, used and approved.
TEST SHOTS, TEST PHOTOGRAPHY -
photos used to build a beginning portfolio
3/4 SHOTS -
photo from head to mid thigh.
TRADES, TRADE PAPERS -
trade publications such as Variety, Backstage, NY Casting, Actor’s Resource Network, Ross Reports, Drama-Logue, Billboard, Hollywood Reporter.
TRADE SHOWS -
industry promotional display of products/services usually in a hotel or convention center TRANSPARENCIES ? the slide forms of a photograph.
TRUNK SHOW -
informal modeling of one specific designer line, usually in a store or small boutique.
USAGE -
additional fees for higher exposure, like a billboard or national use.
VOICEOVER -
background voices for radio or video recorded separately in a recording studio and dubbed onto visual.
VOUCHER -
three-piece form with a model release on which client acknowledges hours worked by the model, agency copy used to bill and get paid.
WEATHER PERMIT -
a location job that is dependent on fair weather, may be canceled the day before or that morning.
To break into the business, you — the talent — need professional photos. There are two types of standard photographs — a “head shot” and a “composite card.”
Agencies and schools offer separate and distinct services. Make sure you know the difference.
Source: FTC
Source: Aaron Marcus is the author of the book ‘How to Become a Successful Commercial Model’ available through Amazon.com
What do you think is the biggest mistake people make when trying to get commercial print work? - Laura, NY
Dear Laura:
Without a doubt, the biggest mistake people make when trying to get commercial print work is lack of information about photos. Most people will set up a photo session and ask the photographer what kind of shots he or she thinks would be good. That is asking a lot of the photographer. People should learn everything they can about commercial print and understand the formulas and ingredients that go into putting together a strong commercial photo, and then contact a photographer. People should set up an appointment with a photographer prior to the session. The photographer should be shown samples of the types of shots desired. After both parties agree on the photos, then the commercial model can walk into a photo session knowing exactly what shots are going to done, what props are needed and have a complete understanding of the message in the photo.
Agents want to see fresh and interesting photographs, photos that grab their attention, not the same generic shots that they are bombarded with 50 times a day.
How much can a model earn in a day? - Alice, Miami
Dear Alice:
That is a tough question because it can vary so much. In New York City we earn $250 an hour which means we could earn $2,000 in a full day booking which is an 8 hour day. In Washington, DC/Baltimore commercial models earn between $125 to $150 hour. Most of the time models are hired on the average of 2 hours per session. I have never heard of an agent allowing a model to get paid for less than one hours work.
The tricky part is that sometimes models are paid bonuses for high exposure format jobs. For instance if a model’s ad is placed on a billboard, poster, side of a bus, point of purchase (those cutout items in stores) he/she is paid a bonus because he/she could lose other bookings. If someone had a billboard ad for Pepsi, well there is almost no chance in the world that any other soft drink company will hire that model because they worked for Pepsi. Models can also lose work from a high exposure format ad. Although they might have the perfect look for an ad, but the photographer of art director might say that they have seen that model around town too much and might want a fresh face. Those are the two reasons why models are generally paid additional money for high exposure format.
I recently spoke with an agent from L.A. Models, who told me that he just negotiated a $300,000. print booking for one of his models for Gillette. This gives Gillette full use of the models image for Gillette products world wide. This lucky model also got the TV spots which fall under a completely different pay scale.
What do you do if all of your photos were lost? - Jennifer, Toronto
Dear Jennifer:
The first step you should take is to contact the photographers and see if you can get more copies printed up from the original negatives. Each color photo might cost you around $25, but that would be much more economical then to re-shoot your photos.
For the future, you might consider getting laser copies of all of your work (or ask the photographer for a CD with the digital images every time you do a shoot), and place them in your portfolio. That way, if your book is lost, you still have all the originals in a safe place.
If you are thinking of doing any re-shooting and can’t afford to hire another professional photographer here are a few ideas. Go to the photography class at a local college or university and ask the teacher if he or she knows of any students who are interested in getting some experience shooting some commercial photography. They can’t afford your $250 an hour fee, so you can suggest a trade. You will offer your services free (so they can build up their portfolio or use the sessions as a class project) and in return, they will give you copies of the shots.
You can also call a few professional photographers and ask to see if they are working with some assistant photographers who would want to shoot with you. Another option is to look into stock photography. As I talk about in my book, there are some real dangers with doing stock photography, but there are a lot of models who have greatly benefited from doing stock work.
Unless necessary, never send or leave your original portfolio anywhere. That is what color lazer copies are for. You agency should have one or two copies of your portfolio with lazers in them that they send out to interested clients.
I just started working with a local agent. I was surprised that the agent did not ask me to sign an exclusive contract. Is this unusual?- Delores, CA
Dear Delores:
No, it is not unusual for an agency to work with actors and models without a contract. This is especially true for commercial models. I currently work with 62 agents and do not have an exclusive contract with any one of them.
I am not saying there is any problem with having an exclusive contract with an agent. My life would be much less complicated if I had one agent who could get me enough work so that I would not have to work with so many agents. I spend a fortune making sure that each agent has enough head shots, comp cards and voice and video tapes.
If you live in an area where there are few agents, chances are good that each agent will ask for exclusive representation.
Hi, recently I put my portfolio on newfaces.com and now have four agencies that want to represent me. How do I pick one? - Deb, MA
Dear Deb:
One of things I would want to find out from a new agent is what types of bookings do they generally get for their talent. Do they primarily book TV commercials, corporate or feature films, radio spots, live promotional jobs, fashion or commercial modeling.
After narrowing down your possibilities from that, then I would want to know how many other models or actors they represent in your category. How many other people would be sent out for the same auditions as you?
Talk with all of the agents. See which ones offer you the best advice. See which ones really want to help you. You can also find out about their fees. They should all take between 15-20% commission for all modeling jobs.
Most of all, use your intuition. Which one do you feel the most comfortable with? Finding a good agent is like finding a wife or husband. Sometimes you have to search pretty hard until you find the right one. The nice part of your dilemma is that unlike most people, you have a number of choices.
If an agency wants to work with you, should you be suspicious if they tell you that you have to pay for your own comp cards? - Holly, Chicago
Dear Holly:
No, not at all. Actually, the opposite is true. It would be highly unlikely that an agency would be willing to pay for a models comp card. In the fashion industry, sometimes, the agency will front the money for photos and comp cards, but they will be reimbursed from the jobs the model gets. In the commercial industry, it would be highly unusual for an agency to offer to pay for the cards. It is the models responsibility to create and pay for composite sheets.
Getting magazine model opportunities takes a lot of effort and planning, and following these tips for modeling pictures will assure your success. What you really need is a good model look and the burning desire to be a real fashion model no matter what. Some of the most ordinary people you see on television commercials have done exactly the same thing. If they can do it, then so can you. The number one reason you will not succeed like other models is because you don’t have the drive and determination or you lack the confidence to convince a client they should hire you for their next fashion modeling assignment. Finding a really great list of clients to work with is likely your next problem if you are working with a freelance model contract. No one is going to just hand you a list of really great clients, especially for free. Sure you can easily find a list of the top 10 modeling agencies or Americas Next Top Model is easy enough, but getting a quality list of paying clients is valuable and will be guarded very closely by the owner. Would you hand someone you didn’t know $1000 just because they asked for it? It’s kind of the same thing-no one is going to give you a great list of clients which is worth many thousands of dollars for free. Sure, there are plenty of client lists you might be able to find, but typically they are simply not any good. An excellent list is very difficult if not impossible to get hold of. We will discuss how to get a great client list in the next chapter, but first let’s work on that model photograph.
On a daily basis fashion models send model agencies a nice inquiry letter on a sheet of paper asking for a chance to model. Scribbled on the paper are things like the model’s height, weight, hair color, the fact that they are very pretty and have a terrific personality. Boy, you can sure tell a lot about a model from a white sheet of paper with writing on it. Don’t you think a powerful model photograph would show what a person’s fashion model potential is? Hopeful models who do this could save a lot of time and postage by just taking the envelope to the waste can instead of the post office. Without a fashion model type photo, you are going nowhere in the model business very fast!
You have to have a really great picture of yourself to get started in fashion modeling. You noticed I said great pictures. Good won’t cut it here. Snapshots, wedding pictures, senior pictures and Wal-Mart photos won’t do the job. When you get model color headshots done, you need to be thinking real fashion and glamour. That’s what clients want to see, and just like school, you always get the best grades when you give the teacher what they want!
Ninety percent of all models fall flat on their face because they don’t take the time to get that really great fashion model photograph taken by a real fashion model photographer. Becoming a model without a great model photograph is like trying to drive a new Corvette without an engine. Sure the body looks great and the car has real class, but it’s not going anywhere! The same will go for you without a great fashion model photograph. You may have that great classic look and personality, but if it never goes anywhere, you will just be another ordinary person with a dream. Most people, even some clients, don’t have good imaginations. You have to show them what you are really made of and keep reminding them you have true fashion modeling ability. Even that isn’t enough sometimes.
Snapshots are fine for simple model evaluations, but don’t plan to get too many jobs from your Christmas pictures with you and a pet under the tree. Clients have to be impressed. If you don’t succeed in doing this, you won’t succeed in getting any modeling jobs either. Most people it seems don’t want to spend a dime on getting great model pictures so they can get work as a model. It really does take money to make money. If you don’t have great pictures in a business that demands great model photographs, you hardly have a chance to be a real success. It seems most people want you to believe everything is going to be handed to you as a model. How many times have you heard, “if they want you to spend money they must be a scam!”
Consider this. In Hollywood to even get an Oscar nomination, you have to put up $30,000 with the Academy Awards to even be considered. This doesn’t mean you actually get a nomination, let alone actually win an Academy Award! OK that’s the acting business. Still actors and actresses must have their glossies to send out to get parts plus their audition tapes and they aren’t free. Carpenters need hammers and saws and who do you think buys them? Doctors need their stethoscopes and all kinds of instruments to work on patients. Who buys theirs? Dentists need their drills, auto mechanics need wrenches and photographers must have their cameras. Who buys all their stuff they need to work and get work? As a model you need the tools to be a model and this includes a great model photograph, a professional fashion portfolio, and a fashion model composite card!
How often you send photos to the client list will also determine how much you will work. Some people send their pictures out only once and if they get none or only one model contact out of 100 mailings, they give up. Don’t give up. It means your fashion model photograph isn’t working for you and you need to get a better one. A better, more marketable photo is the key to being a successful model. Don’t stop until you have it!
When you show your model look to a client with a fashion photograph, you have to plan to do that many times before you can really become a successful model. Did you know that on the average, you have to show a client your look as a model with a fashion photograph 6 times before you get you first job? Sure some models are lucky enough to break through the very first time they show their pictures to a client. If you are an average model, you have to plan on sending out your terrific model photograph several times before you start seeing the print modeling opportunities start rolling in.
It’s a simple model marketing plan. Get great pictures, send them out to clients often and start getting your model tools like a fashion model portfolio
together so you can prove you are a serious professional model.
Unless you are a fashion model for a clothing designer, you will have to supply your own model wardrobe. This will happen in 98% of the modeling assignments you do. Obviously if you are modeling on the runway for a designer, you won’t have to wear your own clothing. Clients and modeling agencies will often give you a list of clothing items you need to bring to your magazine photo shoot plus tips for modeling pictures. This doesn’t happen all the time. This page from Model Look Magazine will help you understand just what a client is looking for when they request specific wardrobe items. It’s imperative that you bring the right items to your paid modeling jobs, so please study these pages so you fully understand what the client wants and needs.
You having trouble figuring out what various clothing you need to bring to your first photo shoot? Are you stumped about what you need for upcoming modeling jobs and modeling assignments? The following photo-illustrated examples should help you by showing you the styles clients want and need. In addition, study the model poses in the examples shown. They are all standard beginner type poses you can learn to do easily as a working model! Practice them until you are able to pose easily and naturally. You may want to use these same poses in your modeling comp cards. The very first thing you need to do is to start working on a dynamic model wardrobe that will knock the clients off their feet. Sure you could show up with your old pair of Lee jeans and a t-shirt, but that’s probably going to be the last time that client calls you for a modeling assignment. (Unless they have requested the Lee jeans and t-shirt look.) The clothing you bring can be just important as yourself in the photo shoot. The number one thing you want going through your mind is that you need to look sensational. Fall short of this and your photo shoot will be less than sensational. So just what is great wardrobe for a photo shoot? Bring what the client asks. That’s the most important aspect in having the right model wardrobe on the set of your photo shoot. Pay attention to details. If the client wants you to wear jeans with holes in them, don’t bring new ones and expect them to work. If the client is looking for a crisp clean white t-shirt with no logos on them, then be sure to bring the one they ask for. No logos means, “NO LOGOS!” Logos are an endorsement of a particular brand name. Most clients will not endorse any one brand name out of fear it will offend the other clients they have and work with. You can still pack the other ones with logos just in case they decide they like them, just be sure to bring the right ones they ask for. It can mean the difference between a shoot that is successful and one that is not. Another important note is to bring too much rather than not enough. If the client wants a certain look after you get to the shoot, you certainly don’t want to be in a situation where you say, “Rats! I have that at home in my closet. I should have brought that!” Most importantly, be dynamic! Make a powerful statement that commands attention! If you fail to do this, especially on your first modeling assignments, you may very well be killing your modeling career before it even gets started! These fashion modeling tips also apply to black fashion models working on paid modeling jobs. Next is not exactly a model wardrobe suggestion but one that is just as important to your finished model look. Be sure to have your hair recently colored if you have roots that have grown out. There is nothing worse than having a model with all the right clothes and accessories show up on the set of a photo shoot with dark roots that are grown out with blond hair. It can simply kill a photograph. This is particularly true if the shoot is for a hair design show or a hair design publication. Brows can also be a problem if they are not well groomed with a high arch. After all you are a model, you should be taking care of your model look every day and that includes a beautifully arched brow line. Have them professionally done! Eyebrows are a lot more important than most people think. They can change your entire facial look when they are done correctly by someone who knows what they’re doing. These wardrobe tips for modeling pictures should be very helpful to your next magazine modeling assignment.
