Castings
Ideally, the client will contact the
modelling agency with their requirements, the agency will select the best model
for the job, and that’s that. Unfortunately, it’s rarely as simple as that.
There can be many stages involved in selecting a model for a job, and a model
has to be responsive and prepared at each stage to avoid missing out.
Ideally, the client will contact the
modelling agency with their requirements, the agency will select the best model
for the job, and that’s that. Unfortunately, it’s rarely as simple as that.
There can be many stages involved in selecting a model for a job, and a model
has to be responsive and prepared at each stage to avoid missing out.
The Go See or Casting
This is the first stage of potentially
getting a modelling job. It’s critical to respond to the casting call as
quickly as possible, because jobs are sometimes cast within hours, and the
client may simply select the first model to respond.
This is the first stage of potentially
getting a modelling job. It’s critical to respond to the casting call as
quickly as possible, because jobs are sometimes cast within hours, and the
client may simply select the first model to respond.
Before you respond, you probably want to
find out if you even want the job – this may seem like a no brainer, but its
worth double checking when and where the shoot is, how much it pays and what
the requirements are. You may discover it clashes with another job, or that the
pay is simply too low to make it worthwhile.
However, if you decide you do want to
attend the casting and try to win the job you’ll need to find out how you
should be dressed, who you need to talk to, and how best to approach it. Keep
in mind that your agent may to have time to have a long discussion with you
about it, but they should be keen to give you the best information to give you
a good chance of getting the job.
You should check and adjust your
portfolio to match the job, making sure there are examples of the kind of thing
they want – i.e. sporty of businesslike or
Being shortlisted
Remember that far more models go to
castings than are needed for actual shoots, so don’t be disheartened if they
say ‘don’t call us, we’ll call you’ and you never hear from them again. That’s
the nature of the business.
Remember that far more models go to
castings than are needed for actual shoots, so don’t be disheartened if they
say ‘don’t call us, we’ll call you’ and you never hear from them again. That’s
the nature of the business.
However, hopefully sometimes you will be
shortlisted, or put on ‘hold’ or ‘option’. This is good news, as it means the
client liked you, but it doesn’t mean that the job is secured.
At this point there are three things that
may happen. They may still decide against you, they may ask you for a callback,
or they may book you.
If you are on hold, it means that you
should keep that time of the shoot available for the client, until they decide
either way if they’d like to use you or not. If they haven’t decided and you
get a call from a different client offering a job or casting, then your agent
should contact the first client to ask them to make a decision and either
release the ‘hold’ or confirm the booking.
If the client decides they want to book
you, it’s time to celebrate! Once you accept, you are both obligated to the job
and cancellation fees will apply if it doesn’t go ahead.
Register today with First
Step Modelling!
Which are the best cities to be a model? First Step Modelling does
a virtual tour of the fashion capitals of the world…
As with many things, location is a key
factor in the success or failure of a model. Proximity to jobs means you can
get there faster and cheaper, and in the fast moving fashion industry, quick
turnaround is often a deal breaker. As a general rule, big cities offer many
more opportunities than smaller places, as the clients and agencies are
concentrated there.
As with many things, location is a key
factor in the success or failure of a model. Proximity to jobs means you can
get there faster and cheaper, and in the fast moving fashion industry, quick
turnaround is often a deal breaker. As a general rule, big cities offer many
more opportunities than smaller places, as the clients and agencies are
concentrated there.
There are four major fashion capitals in
the world: London, New York, Milan, Paris. First
Step Modelling explains what each of them is about.
A major centre for fashion and modelling – London
London has a long history as a trendsetter
and leader in world fashions, and in recent years has been named as the number
1 fashion capital of the world thanks to the ascendency of Kate Middleton and
the London Olympics. The vast majority of the international modelling
agencies have their main UK offices in London and it is the
base for hundreds of fashion photography studios and the supporting teams,
including the best photographers for glossy magazines.
London has a long history as a trendsetter
and leader in world fashions, and in recent years has been named as the number
1 fashion capital of the world thanks to the ascendency of Kate Middleton and
the London Olympics. The vast majority of the international modelling
agencies have their main UK offices in London and it is the
base for hundreds of fashion photography studios and the supporting teams,
including the best photographers for glossy magazines.
The major modelling agencies are mostly
based in Central London, around South Kensington and Leicester Square.
Register with First Step Modelling today!
Modelling in New York
The only recognised fashion capital
outside of Europe, New York is a metropolitan city that never sleeps and
The only recognised fashion capital
outside of Europe, New York is a metropolitan city that never sleeps and
is home to the cutting edge of innovation
is style and culture. New York Fashion Week, branded Mercedes-Benz FashionWeek
in 2009 is held in February and September every year – and was originally the
first ever fashion ‘week’.
Opportunities for modelling in Milan
In 2009 Milan was declared the top
economic and media capital of fashion. There are a great many world famous
Italian fashion brands which have their main headquarters located in the city,
including: Valentino, Gucci, Versace, Prada, Armani and Dolce & Gabbana.
Milan Fashion Week is held twice a year and is one of the Holy Grails for
catwalk models.
In 2009 Milan was declared the top
economic and media capital of fashion. There are a great many world famous
Italian fashion brands which have their main headquarters located in the city,
including: Valentino, Gucci, Versace, Prada, Armani and Dolce & Gabbana.
Milan Fashion Week is held twice a year and is one of the Holy Grails for
catwalk models.
Becoming a Model in Paris
Paris has a long standing history as a
centre of art and fashion and is home to several prestigious fashion houses. It
is known for the classic timeless elegance of the designs that are born there.
It has an up market high fashion shopping district where all the most
exclusive labels can be found.
Paris has a long standing history as a
centre of art and fashion and is home to several prestigious fashion houses. It
is known for the classic timeless elegance of the designs that are born there.
It has an up market high fashion shopping district where all the most
exclusive labels can be found.
Modelling Agency Policies
Bookings
Booking times must be specified by the
client in advance, and if the shoot runs over, the model’s time will be charged
for in 15 minute increments. Common sense is usually applied here, and when
the model is filling out a form, if the booking only
went over by a minute or two, it would be considered impolite to charge for
another fifteen minute block.
Booking times must be specified by the
client in advance, and if the shoot runs over, the model’s time will be charged
for in 15 minute increments. Common sense is usually applied here, and when
the model is filling out a form, if the booking only
went over by a minute or two, it would be considered impolite to charge for
another fifteen minute block.
Overtime Rates
Models usually get paid overtime (time
and a half) on Saturdays or if bookings are for longer than eight consecutive
hours. Overtime rates can also apply to Sundays and holidays, but are usually
negotiated on a case by case basis. There are also special rates for underwear
or nude work, but this is usually negotiated on a case by case basis.
Models usually get paid overtime (time
and a half) on Saturdays or if bookings are for longer than eight consecutive
hours. Overtime rates can also apply to Sundays and holidays, but are usually
negotiated on a case by case basis. There are also special rates for underwear
or nude work, but this is usually negotiated on a case by case basis.
Cancellations
If the booking is cancelled with more
than 24 hours’ notice, then usually a cancelling fee will not apply. However,
if it’s less than this the Modelling Agency may charge in full, unless the
booking is rescheduled, in which case they may be more lenient. Sometimes
a ‘weather permit’ will be stated at the time of booking, and if the described
type of weather is not occurring when the shoot is taking place, is can affect
the cancellation rates.
If the booking is cancelled with more
than 24 hours’ notice, then usually a cancelling fee will not apply. However,
if it’s less than this the Modelling Agency may charge in full, unless the
booking is rescheduled, in which case they may be more lenient. Sometimes
a ‘weather permit’ will be stated at the time of booking, and if the described
type of weather is not occurring when the shoot is taking place, is can affect
the cancellation rates.
Travel time and expenses
Will be negotiated for each job, but
typically, for jobs within a certain radius, the client will not be
responsibility for covering expenses or model’s travel time. However, if the
shoot is outside that radius, they may need to pay the costs and in part or
full for the model’s time.
Will be negotiated for each job, but
typically, for jobs within a certain radius, the client will not be
responsibility for covering expenses or model’s travel time. However, if the
shoot is outside that radius, they may need to pay the costs and in part or
full for the model’s time.
Wardrobe
As standard, a model may bring up to
three outfits from their own clothing for commercial work, but the client will
be expected to provide any specific clothing that is required. Naturally
for fashion modelling,
the client will provide the clothing!
As standard, a model may bring up to
three outfits from their own clothing for commercial work, but the client will
be expected to provide any specific clothing that is required. Naturally
for fashion modelling,
the client will provide the clothing!
Employment
Models are not the employees of the
modelling agency, and work on a self-employed basis. As such they are
responsible for their own tax arrangements.
Models are not the employees of the
modelling agency, and work on a self-employed basis. As such they are
responsible for their own tax arrangements.
Usage
Rights of usage of the photographs are
limited to the specifics detailed in the model release document, and all other
rights are reserved. If a modelling agency discovers a breach of these
restrictions they may demand appropriate remuneration. Print rights are usually
for one year, unless stated otherwise. The modelling agency also withholds
usage rights until they have been paid in full by the client.
Rights of usage of the photographs are
limited to the specifics detailed in the model release document, and all other
rights are reserved. If a modelling agency discovers a breach of these
restrictions they may demand appropriate remuneration. Print rights are usually
for one year, unless stated otherwise. The modelling agency also withholds
usage rights until they have been paid in full by the client.
Click here to get modelling
work!
First Step Modelling Top Modelling Tips
We are often asked what our top modelling
tips for aspiring models are – so here are the First Step Modelling top #5 tips
for new models:
We are often asked what our top modelling
tips for aspiring models are – so here are the First Step Modelling top #5 tips
for new models:
Learn about the industry
Some people think that modelling will be
an easy ride – you just stand around wearing fancy clothes all the time, right?
Well, there’s no denying that modelling is more glamorous than packing shelves,
and there can be good money to be made, and fun perks – but at the end of the
day, it’s a job and a job can be hard work. You should be interested in fashion
and the industry in general if it’s going to hold your interest.
Some people think that modelling will be
an easy ride – you just stand around wearing fancy clothes all the time, right?
Well, there’s no denying that modelling is more glamorous than packing shelves,
and there can be good money to be made, and fun perks – but at the end of the
day, it’s a job and a job can be hard work. You should be interested in fashion
and the industry in general if it’s going to hold your interest.
Look after your body
Even the most beautiful person can ruin
their chances if they constantly smoke and drink and basically ruin their skin
and hair. Blotchy, grey skin and lank hair are not going to get you called to
castings, so you need to eat a very healthy, balanced diet, drink plenty of
water and don’t miss out on your beauty sleep.
Even the most beautiful person can ruin
their chances if they constantly smoke and drink and basically ruin their skin
and hair. Blotchy, grey skin and lank hair are not going to get you called to
castings, so you need to eat a very healthy, balanced diet, drink plenty of
water and don’t miss out on your beauty sleep.
Think about freelance or modelling agency work
Most people assume that signing with a modelling
agency is the be all and end all of modelling, but actually don’t realise that
signing with an agency doesn’t mean the agency employs you, or that you are
guaranteed any kind of income. It simply means that the agency will help you
try to find work, and then take a cut of any work you do get. However, if you
want to do the networking and schmoozing yourself, you could be a freelance
model, and keep all your earnings to yourself.
Most people assume that signing with a modelling
agency is the be all and end all of modelling, but actually don’t realise that
signing with an agency doesn’t mean the agency employs you, or that you are
guaranteed any kind of income. It simply means that the agency will help you
try to find work, and then take a cut of any work you do get. However, if you
want to do the networking and schmoozing yourself, you could be a freelance
model, and keep all your earnings to yourself.
Look into the different types of modelling
There is more to modelling than catwalk
modelling at Paris fashion week (though there’s no denying the appeal of
that!). Far more models than you might think make their living by doing less
high profile modelling, for catalogues or even TV adverts. Also worth
considering are body part modelling, plus size modelling, alternative
modelling, teen modelling… the list goes on…
There is more to modelling than catwalk
modelling at Paris fashion week (though there’s no denying the appeal of
that!). Far more models than you might think make their living by doing less
high profile modelling, for catalogues or even TV adverts. Also worth
considering are body part modelling, plus size modelling, alternative
modelling, teen modelling… the list goes on…
Don’t expect overnight success
Famously – the Beatles were turned down
by the first record agency they approached, and JK Rowling didn’t get a deal on
the first try. So don’t give up if you don’t succeed at the first go. Approach
several different agencies, in case you’re simply not the look they’re looking
for at the time.
Famously – the Beatles were turned down
by the first record agency they approached, and JK Rowling didn’t get a deal on
the first try. So don’t give up if you don’t succeed at the first go. Approach
several different agencies, in case you’re simply not the look they’re looking
for at the time.
First Step Modelling can help launch your modelling career
First Step Modelling is a company that
works with aspiring models, offering great opportunities to learn about the
modelling industry, start building a portfolio and offering tons of great
quality advice about the different types of modelling and how to approach
modelling agencies.
First Step Modelling is a company that
works with aspiring models, offering great opportunities to learn about the
modelling industry, start building a portfolio and offering tons of great
quality advice about the different types of modelling and how to approach
modelling agencies.
If you ask any model who has been
associated with First Step Modelling, they will tell you about how the service
has helped launch their career, and prepared them for this tough industry.
First Step Modelling will never ask you
for money up front in order to ‘put you on the books’ or find you modelling
work. This is against the law, and a technique only practised by dodgy
modelling agencies who never intend to get you any work.
First Step Modelling provides modelling
support services, helping aspiring models get started.
The services First Step Modelling offers
include expert advice, including what sort of modelling you might be suited to,
experience of modelling shoots with a professional fashion team, the beginnings
of your professional model portfolio and much more.
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