For Models:

We actually listen. We listen to everyone around us and respect each other’s opinions.

We show:

Respect

Kindness

Gratitude

Honesty

We offer:

Openness

Trustworthiness

Support

Advise

Information

• Do I need professional photographs to be a model?
• From Blossoms to Big Smiles – Spring Photography Tips for Child Models
• How do I find modelling work?
• Our Guide to Modelling with Models Direct
• The Ultimate Models Direct Guide to Getting Your Child Into Modelling

How we do it the Models Direct way

We encourage diverse and dynamic portfolio images and our team regularly posts time-sensitive blogs about how to capture pictures according to the fashion trends and seasons.

MD wants your contact details, body measurements and skills updated as and when required. We send out gentle reminders just in case you forget because we’re helpful like that! We encourage you to regularly scan our jobs board for vacancies you might like to be put forward for.

When you get booked, we’ll let you know straight away. We’ll discuss areas such as logistics and payment.

For Clients:

Get ready for a call from one of our modelling specialists. At MD’s HQ in Norwich, we’ll pick the models and clients can choose.

If you’re a potential model or client, fuel your next big leap and stick around with Models Direct.

Commercial modelling

As the name suggests, commercial modelling is all about commercially focused material involving models. If you haven’t noticed, you’re seeing more ads than ever before (sometimes this isn’t a good thing, particularly for young children and people) but we’re looking at the positive ones. Think of all the stuff that pops up on your phone while you’re using your devices. Say, your email, weather or shopping app, or whilst you listening to the radio, during an ad break on TV or the trailers before a movie at the cinema. Sometimes it feels like the ads run longer than the program or film itself! However, one thing these ads present is models. This modelling niche encompasses all industries covering a multitude of products and services, and who better showcase this than professional models?

Promotional modelling

When it comes to presenting brands, products and services, sometimes in real-time, you’ll be tapping into promotional marketing. Models are used to promote lots of things – live in public, recorded videos, podcasts, and live TV (which brings us to our next type of modelling work).

Film/TV modelling

When the movie camera rolls, it’s time to capture another side of modelling. Models can land small gigs (like a cameo in a movie or music video) or large-scale work (such as a memorable 15, 30 or 60-second ad), depending on what clients are seeking. This realm of the modelling world exists and it’s real. Could you be the next film or TV model?

Catalogue modelling

You’ve probably had a catalogue in your hands and flicked through the pages at one point or another. Whether it’s in print or gone to the digital side, catalogues present models so that they can showcase their products and services to help businesses reach their target audience. This type of modelling doesn’t have strict criteria that models must fulfil. It’s an easy-going modelling division where no barriers are experienced, unlike runway models.

Fitting model

When clothing companies and fashion houses need to design and create their fashion range, a fitting model will step in to help. Statement pieces will be created using the model’s body shape and designed so that it fits them which can make their vision a reality. Fitting models come in all shapes and sizes so that brands can generate clothing that will fit

Want to be part of the modelling revolution? We say this because Models Direct has been switching it up in the modelling industry for… thirty years! Yes, that’s right! We’ve been looking for you! And now that you’re here, we want you to register with us so you get the modelling experience like no other UK agency out there. We’re serious! If you’re not sure, we get it, but we’ve got the clients (which you can check out here to see which big names we’ve worked with) and our models’ feedback.

If you have a zest for life and you’re a go-getter, then what are you waiting for?! Flexibility, professionalism, drive and willingness to learn are other key attributes that are part of the job spec. And if you’ve got an animal raring to go, then maybe they’re ready for some more extra attention accompanied by lights, cameras and action (and a handsome salary in the end too!)

Click the register button and maybe modelling will be more than just a bucket list idea! See you on the other side of our online application process – we can’t wait to meet you!

We have little ones on our books who are really still just newly born or babes-in-arms and youngsters from toddlers right up to teens.

We are often asked by parents about which activities might help their children with their modelling and so here we try to answer some of their questions:

Q: Which activities might help my child with modelling?

A: Almost anything! Any activity a child does will help them with their developmental skills and this is sure to have an impact on their ability to model. Child models need to be confident, friendly and comfortable around adults. Older ones also have to be able to listen carefully, follow instructions and be able to step out in front of a camera. Our team at Models Direct – and the clients and production teams we work with – are all highly experienced at working with junior models. They understand how to talk to children, behave around them and when they might need food, drink or a rest. Any activity your child does is certain to only enhance the strong relationships our teams build up with young models.

Q: Should my child model join an acting class or drama group?

A: Yes, this can be a great idea. But only if your little one is keen! It is important never to force your child to take on an extra curricular activity if they don’t enjoy it – but acting classes and drama groups can be fantastic. They really help to build the confidence of the child when they are on stage or in front of a camera. They help them learn how to take on different roles, respond to instructions and interact with other actors or models.

Q: Are music or dancing classes good for a child model?

A: Yes, they are fantastic! Not only do they help develop self-esteem but they also cultivate creativity. A child who learns an instrument, plays in a music group orchestra, sings or dances will develop all kinds of skills that are transferable to modelling. They will learn how to be confident when performing individually and will also be able to work within a group. They will learn how to commit to something and just how important reliability and punctuality can be. And they will have tremendous fun at the same time!

Q: Can sporting and physical activities be beneficial to a child model?

A: Yes! They can be a great help to any child who is already a model or considering becoming one. Like other activities, sports and gym clubs will help a child to blossom both as an individual and within a team. They should become more confident and learn how to listen carefully and follow instructions. They will also be staying fit and healthy while having great fun! But, again, remember, only gently encourage your little one. If they are really not keen then don’t force them. Not all activities, especially certain sports and activities, are for everyone!

If you would like to find out more about what child modelling involves then fill in our form, send us a photo of your little one and we will give you a call.

You can also read more about what other parents of child models think about working with us here.

This what little Zuri’s mum told us after a booking:

“The entire experience couldn’t have been more professional. We felt fully briefed by Models Direct and knew exactly where to be and when and what to expect.

“Even at short notice for the job, Charlie from the agency was a consummate professional.

“Both the client and her team and the photographer couldn’t have been nicer to Zuri who absolutely loved getting dressed up and laughed throughout the whole shoot.

“Zuri even got a little keepsake off the client to take home which she absolutely loves and will be a lovely reminder of her shoot with Say It With Diamonds.

“We can’t wait for our next job with Models Direct.”

Most of the models supplied by Models Direct go through a process where we select a group of people who match our client’s requirement – and then our client makes the final choice.

For certain jobs, however, especially those where more acting is required, our models or actors may be asked to attend a casting call or to audition for a part.

Here are a few DOs and DON’Ts for those lucky enough to be asked to attend:

DO

*Make sure you know exactly where to be and at what time

*Arrive early and make sure you know who to ask for

*Find out whether you should be dressed in any particular way

*Bring along a bottle of water and a snack to give you energy

*Find out whether you need to prepare anything before arriving – a song, a dance or some lines, perhaps

*Make sure you know your lines (or your song or dance) inside out and upside down

*Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse – and rehearse again –  ahead of time

*Treat the casting call or audition as a learning process – watch how it works, talk to others who are also attending, and pick up hints and suggestions that might help you next time

*Try to enjoy yourself – attending a casting call or audition is a nerve-wracking experience but it can be great fun too!

DON’T

*Be late!

*Turn up without knowing what you are supposed to be doing

*Forget your script or other material you have been asked to work from

*Let the nerves overwhelm you – try a few mindfulness or relaxation techniques to help you stay calm

*Be disappointed if you aren’t successful this time round. There may be lots of reasons why someone is not selected and remember that no-one can be chosen every time!

When it comes to marketing a campaign, the question that will arise will be whether it is worth sourcing models independently or hiring them through an agency. Essentially it is: do you do it all yourself or enlist the services of professionals in the industry?

Word of mouth referral is great, or even scouting models independently through other mediums such as reaching out over social media platforms to influencers or connecting with models via LinkedIn. These methods are possible whereby you will be contacting and liaising with models on your own terms. It might take some time, research, perseverance and chasing up to find what you are looking for. Your vision for your brand’s or company’s message can be met… but at a price other than just money.

Your timeframe might be comprised of searching for the right model. It will take time to find ‘the one.’

Your budget might be more than you predicted even if you have found the right model. If their rates are too high, your expenses may become more of an inconvenience.

Your team may become overworked searching for the right person to fit the bill. It takes dedication but can also mean burning out before you have even started especially if your team have other roles to fulfil.

Your resources might be limited. Where do you start searching for your model? Are they reliable, dedicated and motivated to help you? Do they have references to vouch for them on a professional level?

Your perseverance will be tested when you are working to a timescale. What will happen if you cannot find someone in time?

You might need replacements at short notice. Will you be able to fill your model’s shoes should they back out from the job?

Why choose Models Direct to source your models

Bearing all these pain points in mind, when it comes to embarking on a marketing campaign that you are looking to take to the next level, it might be better to have the experience and expertise of a reputable modelling agency behind you, like ours. We take on all of the hard work so you don’t have to. That means you will have time to work to your deadlines, your budget will be reasonable since our model’s rates vary from £200 to £1000’s depending on the size of the project. Your team will not be overworked because they will be concentrating on what matters the most – making your business run like clockwork. You will not need to worry about your resources and how you will search for your model. Your perseverance will not be tested and you will not need to worry about finding replacements at the last minute.

When it comes to the cost of our models and talent, it is not excessive. Our rates follow the scale of the work outlined, the location, the hours put in, how experienced our model is, and their online presence. Our team are always on standby to support not just our models but our clients too. Both relationships are important to us because, without our wonderful clients, we would not be able to put our models forward for work.

If you are an ambitious company looking to receive unparalleled advice and support about the modelling industry, you are at the right place. Models Direct can help you drive forward with your marketing by finding the right model for you. All you will need to do is state your requirements for a model; we then search our extensive modelling hub, pick the models that match your vision, present them to you, and then you get to choose who you would like to see further in order to promote your project.

It is a straightforward process where we take the stress out of the search and reference. We hope this has helped give you some idea of what we can do for you. Get in touch with our team for further information, and we will be more than happy to have a chat.

If you’re an existing model, you’ll know that you’re in a quirky profession that offers hands-on skills, excels your interpersonal skills, broadens your horizons and shines on your CV. You’ll also know that you’re in good hands with Models Direct as we make every effort to give all of our models the chance to be put forward for work that will suit them.

Earn an income and enrich your CV

Modelling is also an excellent way of gaining extra money through part-time assignments especially when times are hard. Moreover, you can harmoniously work around projects to suit your current commitments so you’re not tied into anything restrictive which is a bonus. The beauty of this is that you have the opportunity to pick which assignments you want to do…or not. You won’t be called upon it or questioned about your choice so don’t worry about being put on the spot.

Depending on your experience, the client’s budget, and the length and nature of your assignment, you could be earning anywhere from £150 for the day up to £1000’s. What’s more, no two jobs will be alike, so you’ll be going into each project learning something new whilst adding to your thriving set of modelling skills, and your CV. 

Let’s talk about the commercial perspective

Commercial modelling is a lucrative business and is always yearning for fresh faces of any age and all walks of life. We don’t want to give the impression that current models aren’t valued the same though – they are, and always will be!

The unrealistic look of modelling

As a top modelling agency with a solid 30 years behind us, we aim to welcome more and more people to our platform. Why? Well, we know how it is to become a runway model. To have the whole package – “perfect” (unrealistic, if you ask us) characteristics such as height, build and striking features – isn’t possible. The way catwalk models look isn’t what the general population can relate to either; the idea of perfection can be more damaging than anything. It isn’t inspirational or motivating to see flawless models with moody looks and to-die-for figures in clothes you could never pull off (or fit into, mind!). Thus, Models Direct’s ethos for all these years is to encourage diversity and inclusivity of everyone, giving everyone the chance to be in the spotlight.

If you want to find out where the Models Direct action is happening, read our positive appraisals shared by our talented models about how their assignments went. Our glowing reviews say it all so please have a read when you get the chance. Head on over to our Facebook and Instagram pages to see stills and videos, or stay in the loop with our latest blogs that are released every week.

Well, the short answer is that there is no set figure.

This is because each assignment is different and varies in scale, and every model takes on differing levels of work.

Fees for commercial models tend to start at around £150 a day but can certainly reach thousands of pounds for those who are experienced, in demand and working for clients with big budgets.

What is vital, however, is to work for a genuine agent, one that is registered and accredited as an authentic employment agency.

If you don’t, you leave yourself open to potential problems.

These might include not being paid anything at all, only being paid after a very long time and a lot of chasing or being paid significantly less than you were led to believe.

Models Direct has been operating for more than 30 years now and over the decades has worked with an array of big names brands and major clients.

We have an in-depth understanding of how the modelling industry works and have built up strong relationships with our clients – we trust them and they trust us.

This is not only when it comes to ensuring the safety and comfort of our models but also when it comes to payments.

As an experienced agent, not only do we find work for our models, but we negotiate the very best fees for them.

We then ensure they are paid what they were promised – and on time!

Here is how it works:

1. We are in daily contact with clients who seek particular types and descriptions of models for their photoshoots and other jobs.

2. We select and present models from our books based on the client’s requirements.

3. The client tells us who they are interested in.

4. We negotiate the very best fee possible for the job.

5. We offer the assignment to the chosen model or models and tell them exactly how much they will be paid.

6. They decide whether to accept the assignment on that basis.

7. The client pays us the fee in advance. This way we can ensure there is no change in fee or delay.

8. The model attends the assignment and then receives payment from us within the following few days.

This is the process we have always followed and we know it works for everyone – the client, the agent and, above all, the models themselves.

For more information about the industry, our accreditation and how Models Direct works visit www.modelsdirect.com.

As they’re on the frontline, our booking team knows which assignments are the most suitable for our models. This comes with experience, so our clients are confident they’re getting the best candidates to meet their requirements. 

The process which results in a model securing an assignment starts with the model’s application – which is surprisingly straightforward. Applications can be notoriously complex, with several uploads, images and prior career history deemed to be crucial by other agencies. The Models Direct booking team only wants to know the essentials so they have the basics to work with, allowing them to make contact with the applicant and not wasting time poring through endless pages of material (our models also love our application process, and often report back to us how easy it is!)  

Our booking team is one of the main reasons why Models Direct has been at the top of our game since 1990. At the time of writing, that’s nearly 32 years of placing the best models in some of the most inspiring commercial modelling jobs in the industry. Perhaps the best thing for models to know is that our booking team is proactive – that is, they enthusiastically seek out the most suitable jobs for our models, depending on our client’s requirements. Though we’re not the only modelling agency to put a lot of pride and effort into our searches, there are some out there who demand money from their models for the privilege of keeping their photos on file and doing very little else. Yep – it’s sad, but true! 

Our booking team have their own individual desk telephone numbers and personal email address, which means both models and clients can get through to the right person quickly and efficiently. Personal touches go a long way to securing strong, credible relationships, and our team believes this is the right way to conduct business.  

We’ll happily talk to our models to discuss their thoughts on each assignment. After all, it’s the model’s choice to accept a job. We can pay travel expenses and offer the same work opportunities for each age group, although sometimes an assignment isn’t as convenient for some models. That’s okay, though, as there’s no pressure to commit to an assignment, and turning down a job won’t hinder future opportunities. This is another example of fairness here at Models Direct, and we know that by remaining impartial and considerate we continue to develop our rapport with everyone involved.

Our booking team also verifies new clients to protect our model’s safety, and asks for client’s money in advance – so there’s no delay in paying our talented models!  

Securing assignments takes professionalism, industry knowledge and a special connection between booking team and talented models. We’re always available for a chat and welcome enquiries from anyone wishing to know more about the commercial modelling world. Who’s to say that your first contact with our booking team won’t be your first step on the modelling ladder? 

https://www.modelsdirect.com/search/request/

When our current clients come to us asking for models to appear in their campaigns, they know they’re in good hands. Our booking team has been with us for many years, striving to place the most suitable models to help our clients gain the most exposure. It’s a tried-and-tested formula that achieves results. The countless positive feedback is a testament to our overall success, and we look forward to more success for years to come.

Clients choose Models Direct as their no.1 agency for several reasons. However, there are many brands out there who perhaps don’t know what to expect when approaching us to help them with their requirements.

Some brands persist in contacting individual models, asking for portfolios, photos, CVs, experience, availability, transport requirements, and all manner of other information. Though there is nothing wrong with this, our clients know the benefit of coming to us as their only point of contact. We allocate a personal booking team member to organise each booking, which saves time on behalf of both the client and model. Clients rely on us to fulfil their needs, and this is often achieved with just one or two emails / phone calls. It’s this convenience that makes it much easier for our clients – taking the weight of responsibility off their shoulders. Why would clients want to pore through model searches to find the best fit for their campaigns when that is precisely our speciality?

We understand that clients have differing timescales and deadlines – often at the last minute. This works for us, because we can select any number of models from our comprehensive catalogue. We know which models are the most suitable, where they can work, and when they are available. Our job is to make our client’s modelling campaigns as efficient as possible.

Once a client contacts us with the relevant details of their modelling needs, we start the process off by searching for the most appropriate models. When we know what age, gender and the general purpose of the client’s campaign, we contact our chosen models and provide them with the information they need for the assignment. When our models know the location and the duration of the job, we give them a thorough briefing and make sure they have everything they need for a successful shoot. This takes all the pressure off our clients, who have trusted us for decades to coordinate their bookings from start to finish.

We don’t just have a selection of models from our local area, either. As the UK’s no.1 modelling agency, clients can bank on us to arrange models all across the UK, and even abroad. We’ve placed models for international assignments, which reflects the broad range of models on our books.  

We recognise modelling potential, and give our models an equal opportunity to succeed in the assignments we feel are right for them. So when clients come to us, they can expect well-briefed models for their campaigns, at competitive rates. We enjoy following up with clients after the jobs and value their feedback – some of which can be seen by clicking on the link: https://www.modelsdirect.com/reviews/clients/

And on the rare occasions that something goes awry along the booking process, clients appreciate the speed by which glitches hiccups are resolved by our team.

We welcome new clients to help them with any modelling campaigns to increase their brand awareness. If you’re a client looking for the best models in commercial campaigns, please get in touch and we’ll take it from there. For the most suitable models at the best rates, our clients can expect the best models selected by a friendly, professional booking team to take the pressure off finding the talent they need. We’ve been doing it for more than 30 years, and we look forward to increasing our wonderful client list.

https://www.modelsdirect.com/search/request/

Booking briefs are usually short descriptions of types of models required for a job, requested to an agency by a client. A common (but nonetheless important) booking brief might be similar to the following:

“Female models aged 40-49 years required for a photo shoot.”

Clients know we have some of the best selection of models in the UK, so a generic booking brief as per the above works just as well as a more specific one. This is because our booking team is experienced in selecting the right models for the job, as per the brief.

Our team takes into account all the necessary details – that goes without saying. If a client looks for models of a certain age and gender, then we’ll start our “shortlist process” with those two criteria. If it’s a client we’ve worked with before, we might put forward a model who’s previously been on an assignment with them.

We have modelling jobs throughout the entire UK, so we may look for models close to the job location for convenience. That said, we welcome models who like to travel – and actively encourage it! – so a booking brief often doesn’t need to ask for models within a certain catchment area. Indeed, one of the aspects of our business that clients like is that we have a thorough national coverage of models – we’re not tied to a certain city or county.

So, a booking brief gives the modelling booking agents – that’s us – instructions for which models should be used for their assignments. Some briefs are generic, others are more specific. Consider the following booking brief that came in recently:

“Female model required for clothing brand promotional video.”

We took a look at the client, gauged what their target audience should be, and went one step further to specify an age range, which was 25-35 years old. This was to fit in with the brand’s target audience, meaning the video will be more effective than if a much younger or older model was put forward.

Generic booking briefs are not always restricted to humans – after all, we book hundreds of pet models each year. An example of a general pet booking brief is:

“Cat required for TV advert.”  

The breed, age, size and colour are not specified, so it’d be our job to assess the qualities of each cat we might shortlist to determine whether the individual felines would be suitable.

Clients will often want specific qualities for their modelling campaigns. How about this booking brief:

“Female model shoe size 4 required for a shoot.”

This reflects a particular requirement, as set out by the client’s needs. Though the age range was 18-35 years, a model without a shoe size of 4 would not be considered.

Often assignments connected to clothing brands will be much more specific with model measurements, this means we can only put forward models who have those specific measurements on their portfolio.

Two more examples of a precise booking include:

“Russian models required for a TV show.”

“Grandma and granddaughter required for a TV promo.” (18-80 years of age)

One of the advantages for our models is that we have an eclectic range of clients, and we have a broad range of models to cater for them. It’s win-win all round!

https://www.modelsdirect.com/search/request/