Extra skills are not always necessary

We often supply extras for TV commercials, film, promotional work, outdoor events, trade shows and even the theatre (to name but a few) where our models get the taste for practical work that will involve using more than iconic modelling poses. Cue in acting, singing, dancing, instrumental or any other skills that will make heads turn. 

However, even if a model doesn’t possess any of these extra skills to make it as a modelling extra, this doesn’t diminish their chances of landing a role in perhaps a walk-on part such as a public scene like a street gathering, a bustling shopping environment or a celebratory occasion. This is what makes it accessible and appealing for those who may be thinking about what life would be like as a modelling extra. One thing for sure is, it’s a whole lot of fun!     

Adding flair to your modelling experience 

We like to keep it interesting for our talent otherwise life would be a bore if they were doing the same, monotonous job day in and day out. Modelling is anything but a bore. It’s lively, thriving and delivers an out-of-the-box experience in comparison to some other professions. Working as an extra adds even more variety and zest to a model’s interpersonal skills and CV which is why, if you’re reading this, you should consider going for it too! There are no modelling limitations such as height and body size to worry about – anyone can come forward as a modelling extra and get the chance to star in something quite wonderful and memorable. 

What qualities do clients look for in an extra

It’s down to a client’s specification as to who they’re looking for to feature as an extra. Once a model is selected according to a client’s needs, they will want someone who is:

• Confident
• Professional 
• Available 
• Flexible 
• Punctual
• Keen to gain experience
• Open to feedback 

Our work

We have worked with amazing clients who were hunting for extras to complete their marketing vision. Aviva wanted our models onboard for an online commercial focusing on the company’s retirement scheme, whilst Pampers featured our talented models Renaat and Alisha for a cute commercial. Just You, a UK singles holiday company, and Oliver’s Travels, private villa holiday experts also requested our models for commercial purposes where they all whipped up a treat! Have a look through our blogs and Facebook videos to explore more about these ads.

Next steps…

Working as a modelling extra with Models Direct means doors opening for more opportunities. It’s a fabulous way to expand experience in this industry. You can see how it all comes together for marketing projects and earn money for your time and skills. 

We’re committed to cultivating an environment that promotes equality, diversity and inclusion. We believe everyone’s unique qualities must be celebrated as they’re critical to our innovation in the modelling world. Our models bring their authentic selves to work every day, no matter what their age, gender identity, ethnicity, religion, citizenship, sexual orientation or disability status is. This helps us get closer to our company’s ethos – opening modelling opportunities for anyone interested in creating another career path at any point in their life. Inclusion isn’t just an initiative at Models Direct. We strive to embed it not just into our core values but throughout our entire workplace setup. 

Join us by connecting with our modelling and talent agency on our social media platforms and getting in touch with our expert team today.

Celebrating our hands

For a more practical outlook, our hands tend to bash at our keyboards, answer calls, post messages on social media or carry out more mundane tasks like washing the dishes, taking the bags out and doing the ironing! Well, we think you catch our drift now.

Our hands are responsible for millions of jobs and this blog, unfortunately, won’t be able to cover all the miraculous things they do for us. Whether we realise it or not, the wondrous gifts we have to help us do so many tasks should be celebrated! Well… they definitely are in the modelling world. Here’s how!

Hand-fuelled marketing

Now, you see, when you see a pair of hands in a TV ad, in print or on a digital platform (particularly being showcased in the beauty industry) pause for a moment and contemplate. Those beautiful hands that you see applying eyeliner, creating loose curls or applying cream, didn’t happen to be there by chance. Nuh-uh! They didn’t appear out of nowhere and without purpose. There’s a reason why you’ve seen them and why that particular pair were featured.

Models Direct will explain: their owner is a hand model. Their hands picture well, in images and film – it’s that simple! We usually tend to see them being showcased in the beauty industry, as hinted earlier, but we’re also seeing them unboxing goodies and wowing us with the latest product reveals on social too. The scale of their demand is high and potential exposure is huge so you can imagine how much attention this modelling division is getting.

A handy thought

If you’re a proud owner of gorgeous, slender, blemish-free, well cared for hands, take a few snaps because you might be destined for hand modelling stardom. (If you’re in doubt, please do contact our dream team. We’ll discuss any queries you may have before applying).

In the meantime, set up a manageable routine to take care of your hands by following some simple steps:

· Wear gloves when washing up, or using any chemicals that may come into contact with your hands.

· Cover them up when gardening or cooking with skin dying ingredients such as turmeric or food colouring.

· Moisturise them regularly, paying attention after hand washing and before going to bed, with nourishing hand cream.

· Wear sunscreen (even in these colder months) when going outside. Skin is thin so susceptible to ageing, skin spots and pigmentation due to the sun’s rays so layer up with a high SPF of 50+.

· For nail biters, try and quit the habit to maintain healthy nails and skin. Nail-biting solutions are available to help.

Next up, begin building a portfolio of your hands from different angles, holding different objects, in front (or behind) different backgrounds and settings. If you’re lost for ideas, our Models Direct team can help inspire you with recommendations.

After you’ve done this, simply jump on your phone or laptop, and get your hands working by filling in our modelling application form. Upload a few images so that our team can see your hands and we’ll take it from there. Remember: it’s all in your hands! We’re looking forward to greeting your hands and welcoming them to this busy modelling category.

1. Clothing reboot

Since we were indoors for nearly two years – can you believe it? – loungewear and sportswear were our go-to clothing preferences for our dramatically changing world. We were stuck inside so there wasn’t a need to dress up or even wear casual clothes since we were only navigating through our gardens, kitchens, home offices and eventually outdoor recreational activities.

Now, according to The Business of Fashion, 37% of fashion executives expect us to be drawn to occasion wear which is predicted to be within the top-three of our preferred clothing categories.

Occasion dresses and workwear are rebounding swiftly as we’re adjusting to a new lifestyle where restrictions are lifting. Models can expect to be wearing these types of clothing in 2022 on the runway or for commercial modelling projects.

2. Investing in recycling

Sustainability is a hot topic we’ve all got our eyes on and with the recent COP26 which was held a few weeks back, we’re actively looking at ways to reduce our environmental footprint and the long term impact it will have on our earth.

One route the fashion world is taking is to leverage closed-loop recycling. According to The Business of Fashion, 60% of fashion executives have already taken steps to invest in this methodology or are planning to. This is where textile product waste is recycled into new textile products making this a valuable strategy that is set to take 2022 by storm in alliance with the sustainable outlook.

3. Changing user experience through social shopping

Innovative ways of presenting fashion will bring value to users’ experience through convenience and access to technology. 2022 is forecasted to explore more ways of engaging virtual fashion, from live streaming to augmented reality try-on boosting the social shopping realm. This will change how people will view and engage with fashion, even during troubling times.

We were sitting indoors scrolling through our feeds for the most part and now 70% would be inclined to shop on social media for clothing. We’re learnt that technology has been a great asset to the world during the pandemic that it’s set to continue connecting people, establishing and building new relationships.

4. Increase in modelling divisions

Our agency, Models Direct, are predicting that new modelling divisions will launch next year. What could they be? Only time will tell but over the years we’ve seen a shift in change – plus-size and models with special abilities have been recently added to our categories. So, we think we’re in for some interesting changes where more models will be called and we can’t wait to see what’s in store.

The takeaway

Many predictions have been forecasted for 2022 but Models Direct have explored what’s set to happen in the world of fashion and modelling. It looks positive and busy, and we’re sure our models will have a great time being part of the modelling revolution that is in store next year.

If you’re not part of our agency, please join us – we’d love to hear from you and be part of our predicted trends for 2022!

So, what is an extra, and what is expected of them?

It seems an insignificant word, doesn’t it? An “extra” – it evokes someone or something that only appears as a later thought, as if they were drafted in at the last minute. But extras are anything but, and most production companies would not exist without them.

An extra is someone (an actor or model) who appears in the background of TV or film scenes, or even on stage in theatrical performances or in photos. Extras are typically non-speaking (no learning of lines!)

Extras are much more than generic actors helping to “pad out” scenes. Watch a film or TV programme and imagine the atmosphere without extras. It’d be pretty dull, right? Extras are important because they add a dose of credibility to the production, and to increase the general ambience. Let’s “go big” and give a blockbusting example: The Lord of the Rings films. In The Fellowship of the Ring, an estimated 20,000 film extras were used. Can you imagine how reduced the tension and general atmosphere would’ve been if there were minimal extras? Not so much “epic” as “dud”!

Okay, so you might not be accepted as an extra for a blockbuster, but you could still add valuable talent to any number of TV shows, commercials, photos or theatre productions. Take any scene from our popular soaps that involves a pub, for instance. They’ll be a handful of extras having a drink in the background, maybe playing darts or simply sitting at a table reading a newspaper. Why? Because they promote a realistic scene that adds character to the scene, and the producers know this all too well.

Extras can usually expect a day rate, and this depends on the production / client. Fees of £100 / day are not uncommon. Being an extra is not a guarantee “shoo-in” for more prominent acting roles, but it can lead to gaining a few contacts. If nothing else, it can be exhilarating mixing with other actors onboard a professional set.

Extras may be required to start early in the day, so if you’re a late riser then working as an extra is probably not your thing. Extras can expect to be inactive for long periods of the day, and to spring into action when needed.

On the plus side, extras rarely have to audition for their roles: rather, they are put forward by agencies because of their looks, enthusiasm and availability. Previous acting experience will work in an extra’s favour, but it’s certainly not compulsory. Working as an extra is largely accessible to everyone, which is perhaps the main advantage for anyone looking to become part of a film or TV crew.

As an extra, you can learn some tricks of the trade, and observe how professionals operate. Food is usually provided, too!

It might not make your dreams of becoming a TV or film star come true, but if you’re realistic you’ll probably know this already. But life as an extra can be flexible, and it’s certainly a superb option for anyone with a little spare time and the drive to succeed.

Oh, and the best way to become an extra? Have a great agent, of course! But, again, you probably knew that already…   

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/

So, why not show us what you can do?

Choose six different styles for your e-portfolio and present them to us to really highlight your versatility.

Remember, the looks need to be appropriate to your age and what you think we and our clients might be looking for.

They also need to be right for you – so, while we are suggesting six different styles here, you may well wish to adapt, refine or completely change these to suit you and your unique attributes.

1. Casual

This is the “Saturday morning” look. We would love to see you wearing something casual and fun but not too outlandish – the kind of outfit you might wear to meet up with friends for a day out or lunch, perhaps. Jeans or a casual shirt could be perfect. Try dressing them up with a pair of attractive shoes, a colourful shirt or t-shirt and perhaps a jacket. Avoid the temptation to over accessorize.

2. Formal

This is your chance to be a bit dressy, but keep it smart, stylish and elegant. Guys, this is your opportunity to wear a suit, but let’s not go for a full-on job interview or wedding style. Try a suit with a nice cut and perhaps a t-shirt underneath. Girls, again, we don’t want to see you looking prim and stuffy, a trouser suit or well-fitting dress or skirt, with a jacket, could look great but think celebratory meal out in a nice restaurant rather than daily commute – and let’s have a relaxed pose, with a nice smile, to offset the formality a little.

3. Sports

Are you a sporty type? Then show us what you look like in your sportswear. Let’s have you in something neat and stylish, however, rather than your baggy old jogging bottoms and favourite weight-lifting vest. Surf the net for inspiration, decide what suits you and then team it up with a pair of trainers. Think about a suitable sporty pose for your pictures – but don’t overdo it.

4. Summer

Seasonal photographs are essential, so why not think balmy spring or holiday abroad for one of your images? Wear something light and summery that suggests happy times on a warm day. You do have some licence here to take your outfit a little shorter and to reveal some flesh, but keep it tasteful, seasonal and appropriate.

5. Winter

Balance your summer shot out with something more wintery and autumnal. Think long trousers, jeans or a skirt or dress with tights. Top off your look with a warm or earthy top, a piece of elegant knitwear and even a winter coat or jacket. Just make sure we can see you and your body shape. We don’t want you so wrapped up against the cold that we can’t get a sense of who you are underneath all the layers!

6. Party

This is your chance to have a little fun! But try not to go overboard – and keep it smart and stylish. Choose something elegant yet playful. Ladies, you can bring in a little shimmer and shine, but don’t overdo it. A nice little black dress, with a pair of party shoes and perhaps a sparkly cardy or jacket could look fab. Some nice jewellery and a party hairstyle could really complement the look. But remember less is more. Blokes, smart jeans, with a t-shirt and jacket could be just the ticket for you here.

The median age in 2020 was 40.5, rather than 35.8 in previous years, according to Statista. Do advertising and marketing reflect the ageing population? Yes!

The ONS states that in 2019, the non-UK-born population was 9.5 million and the non-British population was 6.2 million, making our country more diverse than ever. But are companies marketing these different cultures? Yes!

Why are we talking about this? 

As a UK number 1 modelling agency, Models Direct understands that with the changing population, diversity needs to be at the forefront of advertising and marketing to represent everyone collectively. Are we getting there? Definitely – with our diverse models being booked with top clients such as BBC, Sky Sports and Aviva, diverse modelling is continuing to climb the ladder fast! We want to help this movement by playing our part as a talent seeking agency. We want to continue representing all of the intricacies of society be it someone who has a disability, a 65-year-old lady or a size 20 talent. 

Major brands such as L’Oréal, River Island and Nike have implemented diverse models to connect to their target audience, and it’s worked! Their sales have rocketed and continue to reach a wider audience, capturing more interest. Their campaigns have been successful due to their choice of models where they have captivated consumers. 

We can take further interest in this division by heading over to social media platforms such as Instagram where social influencers such as Tess Holliday and Olakemi are really hotting up the place by being vocal about body positivity. Age-positive models Nicola Griffin, Jacky O’Shaughnessy and Marie-Sophie Wilson are making waves on the modelling scene as famous mature models. There’s an unbelievable amount of potential in this division and every day new faces and new talent are being added and booked with top clients. The diverse world is expanding and we’re on board to help facilitate it!

The takeaway

We’re guessing that our population is continuing to diversify and expand with more age groups, genders, sizes, cultures and disabilities. We’ll only find out the initial census findings in March next year and the final release of outputs in the following March of 2023. We’re sure it will encompass diversity and reveal how rich our population is. 

Are you a budding model or know someone who wants to be one or would make a great model? Get in touch with our professional agency to find out what the next steps are in our registration process or if you’re ready, hit the apply button and fill in our simple application form to get the ball rolling. 2021 could be your year of doing something out-of-the-box, quirky and interesting, and of course, adding ‘model’ as your profession.   

Whether you’ve been ultra busy or wiling away the days until normality returns, this is a question most of us have recently asked. Lockdown was once a new concept, but regrettably it’s been “par for the course” for more months than we’d all care for. And the question will have been asked by marketing departments across the globe.

Marketing is still crucial during lockdowns, of course, with online shopping hitting a new high – not to mention the scores of social media campaigns. Still, the lack of smiling customers perusing the high street shops has hit businesses harder than they’d ever imagine. When lockdown ends (no.3, no.4…who’s keeping track?), brands must pull out all the stops once again to increase footfalls and profits. Maybe there’ll be an overwhelming rise in sales simply because people will be itching to shop till they drop. Maybe some shoppers will tread cautiously because of recent furloughs imposed upon them. Whatever happens, one thing is certain: brands will use coming out of lockdown as a marketing tool in its own right. And this should mean more opportunities for models. Models just like you!

We’ve previously mentioned that modelling is permitted during lockdowns – one of the many perks about the industry. Perhaps lockdowns have given models more time to prepare and improve their skills. Lockdowns may have been beneficial for some models to sharpen their organisational skills, or to improve their overall physique (although, as you all should know by now, immaculate bodies don’t have to be the most desirable qualities for models). Coming out of lockdown should give models fresh hope of a more certain future. Yes, we know models are generally an optimistic bunch, but COVID has taken a toll on most of us, so the end of lockdown will give models that extra surge of hope.

Brands have always known the importance of models, but there possibly won’t be a more crucial time for their marketing campaigns than immediately post lockdown. Never have they been in this position – they’re pretty much in the same boat as everyone else! Competition will be fierce, and at the forefront of their campaigns will be models to distinguish them from rivals. Expect modelling shoots to be at their premium over the next few weeks! Models in advertising campaigns have worked wonders for brands for decades, so it’ll be no surprise that companies will rely on them post lockdown to make their products appeal to their customers. Brands want normality to return just as much as consumers. And with this normality comes promotions, endorsements and commercials – meat and drink to gifted models!

Speaking of which, now is a great time to get yourself “model ready”. Modernise headshots, spruce up your wardrobe…simply be more hungry for modelling work. It’s great if you’ve used lockdowns to model; if you’ve been biding your time, the end of lockdown will be the perfect moment to announce yourself to the modelling world. Just ask the brands – they’ll be screaming out for you!  

The Valentine’s Day countdown is officially underway and we’re nearing the finish line. It’s just around the corner for those of you who might need a little nudge to get something for your Valentine.

Models Direct have been putting our professional models forward for relationship-themed assignments and they’ve absolutely loved it. Don’t believe us? Read through our comprehensive blogs to get more insight, but now that we’re on the topic of love and hearts, we thought we’d talk about diverse relationships and how they are in demand in the commercial modelling industry.

Types of relationships

Relationships come in many forms but the five basic types are self, friendship, family, romantic and professional. All types are important to us as humans and when we maintain strong bonds and connections with other people and have a good relationship with ourselves, we can improve the quality of our life. We can share precious moments and times with the people we love and care for as we are social creatures built to thrive in the presence of others.

The relationship that we have with ourselves is probably the most vital out of the other types mentioned above. Why? Because if we are content and satisfied with ourselves; if we love and appreciate ourselves; if we are comfortable in our own skin and essentially embrace who we are, this then reflects in all our other relationships. If we feel positive within our minds and bodies, this will impact on all our surrounding relationships. Self-love isn’t vanity, it’s a necessity.

“If you’re searching for that one person that will change your life, take a look in the mirror.”

What relationships can mean to us

Relationships and love can give us meaning and purpose to life. They can give us with strength, security and positivity, lifting us out of darkness and bringing us happiness, light and hope for today and the future. And especially now, given the turbulent times we are facing across the world, relationships are more important now than ever.

As for our romantic relationships, we’re breaking barriers and loving people regardless of their gender, race, ethnicity or religion. Diversity is thriving and should continue to because we’re all equal and we all matter regardless of what we look like. Love has no boundaries.

Maya Angelou once said, “We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what their colour.”

About us

Our modelling agency covers all spheres of modelling categories including couple and family modelling. Our clients are always on the lookout for models and with Valentine’s on the horizon, our stars have depicted scenes of diverse relationships and love. Climb on board if you’re ready to become a Models Direct model, and if you’re an existing one, get in touch with our team to see how we can leverage your career.

In this blog, we’ll look at some examples of “real” people and how they have become lifestyle models, the types of assignments they have been offered and their success.

Included is a brief checklist so you can gauge your suitability against certain modelling jobs. As the first sentence confidently states, YOU could find yourself nodding in agreement to the list, thus swaying your decision to try out lifestyle modelling. It might be the definitive reason why you apply to be one of our new lifestyle models…

Example 1

Sally is 38 years old. She has bottle green eyes and a flawless, welcoming smile. She enjoys travelling and meeting new people, and likes to keep herself busy. In fact, she hates being bored, and would take up a new hobby just to keep her mind and body active. Sally, as you’ve suspected, loves life, and is game for anything. 

A modelling job caught her eye. “Model required for print advertisements. No experience necessary. Must be willing to travel”. Sally hadn’t considered modelling before, but she was curious. And excited. This could be perfect for her. After an initial query, the job turned out to be posing for a national catalogue specialising in household products. Sally could do that…and she did. The photo set was an hour away from her house, and she’d be reimbursed for her travelling expenses. 

A week later, Sally’s busy lifestyle meant she had to turn down a second modelling job, but she accepted the third. Now, she’s actively involved with lifestyle modelling, and wondered why she hadn’t thought of it sooner.    

Example 2

Paul has dabbled with modelling before, but hasn’t taken it further than a couple of half-day jobs. Still, being a lifestyle model ignited his passion for appearing in front of professional cameras: it’s been said more than once that he’s handsome (which he won’t deny!), and he liked the thrill of being paid to advertise mid-range clothes in a glossy fashion catalogue. 

So, six months after his last job, he updated his mugshots and applied again for an assignment involving posing for an advert for his local council. The council were looking for a down-to-earth person with symmetrical facial features, good looking and representing the public. Paul fit the bill, and continues to earn money as a lifestyle model. Yes, he’s handsome, but he’d admit he’s more of the “classic” look than out-and-out “gorgeous”. And the “classic” look was just what the campaign called for. Anyway, he wouldn’t feel comfortable on a catwalk!

Example 3

When Jessica was researching the industry, “lifestyle modelling” caught her attention. And she’s glad it did. These days, when she’s not working as a full-time receptionist, you’ll find her earning extra money as an “extra” on a well-known TV show, as well as appearing in occasional TV adverts. The beauty of this is the TV producers were looking for actors who blend in well with the set’s background – in short, “normal” people. As for the TV adverts? The same applied, although Jessica’s perfect skin, pearly whites and luscious hair were an obvious plus!    

See – you can be like Sally, Paul and Jessica. They all have different backgrounds, but have one thing in common: they’re just like you!

Lifestyle modelling checklist

Are you:

• Enthusiastic?
• Flexible?
• Ambitious?
• Keen to make more money?

Do you:

• Represent the public?
• Want to work with industry professionals?
• Like meeting new people and making friends?

Lifestyle modelling is the ideal avenue to explore if you want to start out as a model. It covers an especially broad spectrum, so there should something out there to suit most people. People like the trio of Sally, Paul and Jessica. Why not join them?