If models don’t help themselves, the chances of being chosen by our clients are dramatically reduced. If a model hasn’t been offered a modelling assignment for some time, it could be that their portfolio looks tired, stale and outdated. Also, it could also be the case that we’ve tried to contact a model, only to find that they’ve changed email address and mobile numbers – both scenarios defeat the object of being available for work. Help yourselves by helping us, which in turn helps our clients when they come to making decisions about which models they’d prefer to appear in their modelling campaigns.   

As a government-regulated modelling employment agency in the UK, our team of professionals are experts at presenting the right models to our clients. We’ve been doing this for three decades, so the brands that rely on us have total faith in our judgement. After we’ve read the modelling briefs, we shortlisted a group of registered models and contact the client. They can then peruse a model’s portfolio and decide which models they’d like to work with them. We’ll then get in touch with the successful models and offer them the assignment.

Models will know if they’ve been booked for a job when we contact them with the good news that they’ve been chosen by our client. This is usually done by email or a phone call. We tend to tell a model about their offered job as soon as a client tells us which model (s) they have chosen.

It’s then a model’s decision to accept the job. Most do, naturally, but others may decline because of unavailability or travel restrictions. That’s fine, and we always understand when a model turns down a booking. When a model accepts the job, we’ll pass them more details (client name, point of contact, job location, special requirements / specific clothing etc), and discuss their fee with them.

We’ll always been in touch with models prior to their job, as well as during and post-job. Our team are available at any time during office hours to assist in any way they can. Models are not alone on jobs – we know that support before, during and after a modelling shoot is vital for a model’s success.

It’s important to note that some bookings are done at the last minute, not through the lack of preparation, but more so because complications and cancellations can – and do – happen.

Don’t be disheartened if our clients haven’t selected your skills for a little while after registering with us. With the amount of clients and jobs on offer, it’ll only be a matter of time before you get recognised. In the meantime, keep the faith, and show us your current looks by way of new photos on your portfolio.

Firstly, we always respond to our models and would-be models, telling them that they WILL get paid.

This is in a marked difference to many of the so-called agencies who either expect you to work for nothing, claiming “this will give you valuable experience” or never actually getting around to paying you.

Yes, we hear about this happening time and time again…

Models Direct is a fully government-registered employment agency.

We operate within the law at all times – and we are experienced, professional and reliable.

This is why we are always happy to be inspected by the government; why our clients return to us time and time again and why our models stay with us.

If you join us as a model, we will be your agent.

We will negotiate your fee on your behalf, discuss it with you before you accept any job and then ensure you are paid swiftly after completing any assignment with us.

How does that sound?

Well, now to the exact amount you are likely to be paid…

Well, this depends on a variety of different factors from how experienced a model is to the amount of time they will be required in front of the camera.

You may be taking part in a day’s shoot where you are needed for one hour or a five-day shoot where you are required for every shot.

Your role may be a simple walk-on part or much more acting may be required and there may be lines to say.

You may have to travel to the shoot (all expenses paid) or it may be right on your doorstep in your home town.

All these factors will be taken into account when we negotiate the fee with the client – and then you can decide whether you are prepared to carry out the assignment for that sum.

Read reviews from our models to see if they feel happy with both the work we offer and the fee negotiated on their behalf.

Here are just a few of them…

Terry said:

“I have just finished a fun photo shoot for the Salisbury group. The views across London were amazing and the crew were even better.

“I always know when I get an assignment from Models Direct that it will run smoothly and we will get paid on time!

“I am a massive fan. Bring on the next job!”

And Beau said:

“My two children loved their first paid photoshoot yesterday.

“All staff were professional, friendly, approachable and thoughtful.

“The communication we received from Models Direct prior to the shoot was faultless.

“The studio and staff exceeded my expectations – toys, snacks and drinks were provided for the children, and the atmosphere was so relaxed.

“They really enjoyed themselves and earned money in the process!

“We are really hopeful for more bookings to follow.

“Thank you Models Direct.”

Tapuwa also felt the work was fairly rewarded:

“I had my first shoot with Models Direct yesterday and I had so much fun.

“It was an all-day shoot for a pretty exclusive client and I’m glad I was part of it.

“I even made a new friend and it’s well paid too!”

To find out more about modelling with us, including the kinds of assignments you might be offered and how we will pay you, fill in our form and we will call you for a chat.

It’s a fair enough request. We’ve never shied away from informing our clients and models how we conduct our work. A level of transparency is beneficial to a sound working process, so we’re happy to tell others how we book models for all assignments.

We initially receive a brief from our clients, asking for the models we think will serve the client’s needs the best. These briefs usually come by email. We receive several of them daily, as our loyal client list is the most extensive in the UK. A client’s brief can be as simple as “Male model wanted for commercial shoot”, or as detailed as “Mature model aged 65 years – 75 years required for short video as part of a government advert in the EC2N area of London.” A lot of briefs give the specific dates the shoot will take place on. We gave London as an example, but it’s important to know that we operate anywhere in the UK, Ireland and in other countries farther afield – see the fabulous photo of our model Darin, who packed his passport and was whisked off to Spain for a sunny photo shoot.  

After reading briefs, it’s over to our team. We consist of experienced booking professionals who know exactly what our clients need for successful marketing assignments and commercial adverts.

Our team study registered models, gathering their looks, geographical locations and ages, all of which match the brief. We’ll then recommend them to the client in question, which includes giving them access to a model’s all-important portfolio.

The client will then spend time perusing our recommendations before telling us which model (s) they’d like us to contact with the good news. We’ll get in touch with models to offer them the assignment. At this stage, any model can accept or refuse the assignment. We understand that circumstances change, so the timing of the assignment might not be convenient for some models.

When models accept the job (and in most cases they do), we’ll tell our client and arrange all the necessary booking details at our office. This includes informing the model:

• The client’s name and chief contact on the day.
• The location of the assignment.
• Timings of the assignment.
• Any necessary details, e.g. specific clothing to take.
• Their fee (which is paid to all models within 5 working days upon completion of the job)
• Our booking agent’s details.
• That we keep in touch with models prior, during and after their booking.

Key points for all models to know are:

• If you haven’t been offered work sooner than you’d expect, don’t give up. Modelling is competitive, so keep your portfolios updated with current photos.
• We have a sixth sense in knowing what types of models our clients are looking for, but it’s always our client’s decision which models are picked.
• If you refuse an assignment once chosen, we won’t treat you any differently when looking for future bookings.
• We’re always available to speak to for advice, tips and help.

Both clients and models respect our booking process for being straightforward and effective.

It’s proven to be successful for decades. We look forward to booking you as one of our next models, whether it’s part of a film shoot in Devon or a photo session in Scotland. We cover all corners of the UK, giving models better opportunities to shine on assignment.  

I’m new to all of this and a bit nervous to ask but how exactly do I get selected for work I’m not entirely sure, might be your thoughts!

Our modelling agency is kind and considerate to everyone we work and communicate with. Whether you come to us but don’t think that our agency is right for you or you like our fair-representation-of-the-population ethos so you join our tribe, then either way, our agency wants you to talk to us!

In this case, we thought that it’d still be a great idea to write this content so that anyone and everyone can refer back to it whenever needed.

So, let’s get started!

Generally speaking, models are usually selected for work through a combination of the following: agency representation, casting calls or auditions, or even direct bookings. When it comes to MD’s representation, we play a crucial role by showcasing our models to clients and building a strong relationship between them.

Our clients’ dream…

When clients come to hire models with us, they have a vision as to who will fit their marketing specifications. This could be anyone of any gender, any age, any size, any ethnicity, and any cultural background.

Our clients share this information with us so that we can source our models from our extensive books of talent.

Clients are spoilt for choice with Models Direct as our agency pushes the typical modelling standard boundaries and aims for modelling to be an attainable career for all, not just exclusive for those who fit in the strict modelling standard box.

…which we help bring to life

We then present our shortlisted models to our clients who can then choose who they’d like to select for their campaign, giving them control over the model-selection decision. A modelling agency should be putting everyone forward who closely matches the client’s requirements allowing everyone access to a fair chance of landing a role in the industry. This is an important area we are proud of fulfilling and continue to maintain.

Our models are repeatedly selected for all types of work with us; this isn’t a one-off opportunity, delving into a variety of modelling jobs such as lifestyle modelling, commercial modelling, catalogue modelling, and TV and film work.

However, being a model requires patience and positivity because it’s not guaranteed that models will be successively booked, one assignment after another, as the ultimate decision rests with the client.

Other areas which can help you get selected for work are:

Regularly updating your portfolio. We get new models complaining that they haven’t received any work and that our company is a scam. We don’t agree with this as our representatives ensure that we walk through how we work hard to put you into the selection process if your look is called for, but we cannot guarantee you’ll be selected.

Updating your measurements. Clients looking at your profile will want to see an up-to-the-minute snapshot of your measurements such as height, weight, shoe size and unique features. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to update them about your physical characteristics.

Inform us about any extra skills. Sometimes it pays off to be extra. If you have any interesting skills such as speaking another language, dancing, acting, or singing, let us know! Clients will want to know more about your abilities to help them filter through the selection process and pick the model that has what they’re looking for.

Models Direct hopes this reading helps you understand how work is selected for our models. If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our specialist team who will be happy to help!

In fact, it’s often so exciting that you forget to ask the very questions you really wanted to know the answers to!

Our team members at Models Direct are all highly experienced and they discuss bookings with models every single day.

They know all the essential information that has to be passed over – where you need to go, what time you have to be there and what you should wear etc – and they will also always be available to answer questions as the shoot approaches.

But, there is nothing like being organised and making sure you are as well-informed as possible and that you are well prepared for the big day!

Your point of contact at Models Direct will, of course, confirm all the details with you by email, but, if you want to grab a pen and piece of paper when you chat to them, here are just some of the questions you might wish to ask.

Do you know whether the shoot will be inside or outside?

This is obviously important because you need to have some idea of how much you might need to wrap up – or to be able to remove layers if you get hot! You should be told what the client wishes you to wear for the shoot itself or whether you will be fitted with an outfit by the wardrobe team when you arrive. But discussing the possible need for sturdy footwear, coats, jumpers, hats etc is always sensible.

Are there any specific directions I need to follow when I arrive?

If you are attending a shoot in a large location, you may need to know exactly where to head to when you arrive. You may have to park in a particular place, enter via a specific door or ask for a certain person by name when you get there. If there is any doubt about any of these things, please do make sure you arrive in plenty of time.

What should I bring to the shoot?

You may be asked to bring items to the shoot – a beach towel or wellies, for example – or it might be that all props and accessories will be supplied. But sometimes it is a good idea to have items with you such as a book or snack etc – especially if it is going to be a very long day.

Will there be other models at the shoot?

It is always fun when other models are taking part too and it can be good to know in advance whether it will be just you – or you and your family – at the booking or whether other models will be involved. Models Direct often supplies all the models for a particular shoot and so we will be able to tell you whether others are going along too and possibly what roles everyone will be taking on.

This is what some of our models have said about how well prepared they felt they were before an assignment.

Imaan said:

“Working with Models Direct was very smooth and straightforward.

“Charlie was great throughout, reassuring me of what to roughly expect, and with a brief rundown of the shoot. 

“I had fun on the shoot working with another model and can’t wait to do more.”

Yasmina said:

“I had a shoot today which I really enjoyed! Everyone was so welcoming and a pleasure to work with.

“Charlie was so lovely and kept me in the loop of things, making sure I had all the information needed prior to the shoot.”

As a result, we have an impressive portfolio of clients not only in this country but also in Europe and further afield.

Many of our clients are global brands and as such we are called upon to supply models for photo shoots and film sessions that take place abroad, as well as at home in the UK.

We promote our models, locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.

We have connections with companies in the area you live in – and are also very happy to act as your agent and step in to oversee any work you source yourself close to where you live.

This means we can not only reassure you as to the nature and safety of the assignment, but we can also ensure you are paid properly and promptly.

Working locally can be ideal for models with families, full-time jobs or other commitments that make it difficult for them to travel.

Others, however, might be eager to accept bookings in other areas of the UK, relishing the opportunity to see parts of the country they might never have visited before.

And, of course, when it comes to working abroad, we have many models on our books who simply leap at the chance of an assignment abroad.

So, what should you remember if you do accept a booking in another country?

1. We will explain what you will need to take and tell you about your travel arrangements – make sure you understand everything and ask us if you are unsure.

2. Make sure your passport is always up to date. If we offer you a job abroad at short notice and your travel documents are not valid, then you won’t be able to go. Remember that now Britain has left the EU, some passports may not be valid for travel despite the date stamps. Go to gov.uk to check yours. It is recommended that on the day you travel you have at least six months left on your passport.

3. If any other visa or travel documentation is required, we will inform you. You may need to fill out an application for the relevant country and there may be special requirements.

4. Be aware that with Covid-19 each country has its own entry requirements. You will need to look on the website to make sure you understand what they require.

5. Pack carefully for the country you are visiting. Check the weather and bring appropriate clothing and footwear. Don’t forget to bring sun protection if it is hot.

6. Think carefully about what to put in your hand luggage – bring your headphones, phone charger, the appropriate travel-plug adaptor and a book.

7.  Bring water and snacks but remember that if you are flying liquids will be removed when you go through security.

8.  Although you will be able to use your British bank and credit cards abroad, exchange rates can be excessive and so many people now have cards that can be used in cash points abroad with a minimal charge. It is also always a good idea to have some local currency in your pocket too.

9.  Finally, make sure you have enabled mobile data and roaming on your phone so you can use it while abroad – but check with your provider what the costs for this will be. You will need to be able to keep in touch with us, and vice versa. Plans might change and we need to ensure you will be in the right place, at the right time, ready and looking forward to modelling abroad!