Showcasing a genuine laugh can ooze authenticity and make the atmosphere feel natural and authentic. If though, like most people, you find it a bit of a challenge to do so, here are some tips to help you:

Recall something funny

An obvious suggestion, we know, but an important one nevertheless! You can place yourself in a moment that makes you crack up. It could be a funny memory, a joke, something someone did or just something that always seems to make you laugh no matter how hard you try not to.

Relax!

When you might be asked to laugh on cue, you might find your facial muscles and body tensing up. Sounds familiar? Don’t worry, you’re not the only one! Genuinely laughing on cue is a skill and it’s easier said than done particularly if you’re feeling anxious…but try to relax.

Take care of yourself

Be sure to stay hydrated and to have had something to eat, albeit a small snack, so you don’t feel dizzy in front of the camera. This can happen quite often especially when our models are feeling nervous and would prefer to take on the day on an empty stomach. Take some deep breaths and go for it.

If you’re finding it difficult to relax, you can always speak to your MD coordinator [honestly, you won’t be the first to express butterflies in your stomach]. We’re trained to help you navigate through your modelling assignment as successfully as possible, helping to make it a positively memorable experience for you.

We’ve assembled a mini collection of model reviews where our talent has also expressed their pre-assignment nervousness, but where it’s all ended perfectly!

Jackie expressed her experience with our agency on a Nat West Bank campaign right here:

“Today was a big day for me. My first ever modelling assignment – and for Nat West Bank! I left home feeling excited but nervous about what to expect. It turned out to be a perfect fun day. Stephen Rawlinson and his team greeted me on arrival. They were all very friendly and immediately settled my nerves. I met the four other models I would be working with and found them to be really nice people. We did a mix of photos and filming throughout the day and it all went well. Thank you Nat West for a great first assignment.

Thanks, Molly for all your help. Looking forward to the next one!”

Anne left us this lovely and inspiring testimonial:

“I’ve just completed my first modelling job for Models Direct. Who’d have believed I’d be a model at 57 years old? I was quite nervous when I arrived in the car park but with such a friendly relaxed atmosphere, I had lost my nerves before we started shooting. The lovely team helped me every step of the way and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I look forward hopefully to many more jobs.”

Finally, our male model, Joshua, shared his experience with us:

“My First Shoot With Models Direct…

Yesterday was my first assignment with Models Direct, being a promotional shoot for Greene King Brewery. With it being my first shoot I was a little nervous, but everyone there was so lovely and we were certainly very well looked after, diffusing any nerves that I had. Overall, it was a lot of fun, it was a great atmosphere and I met so many lovely people. Additionally, Gemma had been amazing throughout the whole process, answering any questions I had and keeping me well-informed. Thank you for the experience.”

There’s more for you to read if you head over to our reviews section to see how our models have got on with their gigs.

Bottom line

Try not to overthink the process but do practise laughing on cue in your own time. The more you practise the better you’ll be at laughing naturally. However, if nerves get the better of you, do not worry as our MD team understands that being in front of the camera can be a nerve-wracking experience even for the most experienced of models.

Just reach out to us and we’ll be on hand to help you through, but most of all, try and have fun and enjoy the modelling experience!

A showreel can be an excellent way of showing prospective employees just what you are capable of – and from Models Direct’s point of view helps us to promote you to our clients.

Once you have made your showreel it can be uploaded to your e-portfolio, giving us and those we find models and actors for, another window to your skills and capabilities.

Not only could a showreel take you one step closer to your dream of appearing in advertisements, but it could also eventually lead to television programmes and even movies.

Models Direct has a broad spectrum of clients on its books who make requests for male, female, child and other types of model.

Having a showreel can set you apart from everyone else and almost act as an audition for a role – without you having to do anything else once it has been created and uploaded.

So where do you start?

As with anything creative, it is always a good idea to seek inspiration from what other people have done.

We are not suggesting you copy the showreels of other models and actors, but by watching their videos you can see what works and what doesn’t.

Jot down a few notes as you go when something strikes you as working especially well.

Then look at what footage you already have that could be included…

Have you appeared in video material before, whether on an assignment you have completed for Models Direct or others?

Take your time going through this film and choosing only the sections that you feel show you at your very best.

Resist the temptation to include everything – your showreel has to be short and punchy to hold the attention.

If you don’t have any existing video then make some.

Let’s see you introducing yourself, modelling different outfits and interacting with others in an interesting and engaging manner.

Again, keep it tight, bright and interesting.

Ensure your very best material comes at the beginning and end of the showreel so you grab the attention of the viewer from the start and leave them with a good impression at the end.

You may well have editing software on your laptop, tablet or phone already.

If not, you should be able to download some from a reputable and trustworthy website. This is usually fairly straightforward to use.

Once you have made your showreel, show it to friends and family members and ask them for their honest opinion.

Take their criticisms on board – all of us get too close to whatever it is we are creating and need to hear the truth from others about it.

Then, make the changes, check it again and when you are ready upload it to your e-portfolio.

Now you are ready to go!

Many of us have cats, dogs, rabbits – even hamsters, guinea pigs and perhaps ponies (!) that we think could be star pets, but getting the right photographs is essential.

Here are our top tips to ensure that the images you send us are the ones that are likely to help bring in the work for your pet model.

1 Wait for your pet to be in a good mood before conducting the shoot. Make sure he or she is well rested, well fed and ready to have some fun. If your pet is tired, hungry and grumpy, then the star pet qualities might not shine through!

2 Check your pet is looking his or her best. If they have fur, given them a good brush to remove any loose hair and tidy them up a bit. Clean their eyes, check their paws, claws or feet and make sure their teeth are looking good if they are likely to show.

3 Find a nice, quiet place to conduct your shoot in. Your pet may well be agitated if there are too many people around or if there is too much noise. You want them to be calm, well behaved and ready to respond in the way you need them to for your shoot.

4 Keep backgrounds uncluttered so we can clearly see your pet within the setting. Studio-style shots against a plan background are always great, but we would also like to see your beautiful bunny on leafy green grass and your pup playing happily in the woods, for example.

5 Let’s have some nice still model poses and some action shots as well! We’d love to see your cute kitten chasing a piece of wool or your puppy playing with a ball. Again, just make sure we can see his or her face clearly.

6 You can take your pictures on your phone but make sure they are high resolution and that you do not compress them or make them smaller when you save, upload or send them. If you do, they could end up blurred or pixelated. We need your pet pictures to be sharp and clear.

7 Please send us colour photographs but please don’t put them through any filters or edit them in any way. We need to see you star pet as he or she really looks.

8 Finally, have fun with your photo shoot. Putting your pet forward for modelling needs to be fun for both you and your lovely bundle of fur. While we need you to ensure your photographs show all the creature features we need to see, we also want you and your perfect pup or cute kitten to have a good time.

(ends)

Congratulate yourself on treating the industry as both respectable and professional, because the chances are you’ve put in the hard graft and research to be in the position of accepting the job. Maybe you’ve treated yourself to a well-deserved drink; a steak dinner, perhaps? Fair enough, but you still need to know what to except, what is expected of you, and the inside information to continue as a successful promotional model.

When we speak of promotional modelling, we think of models at trade shows, product launches and sports events. They all add to the glamour, but looks are just a small part of being a good promotional model. They have to be prompt, attentive and knowledgeable.

Here is a checklist that promotional models need to read. You’ll thank us for it!

Time is of the essence. Always confirm your availability at the earliest convenience. This benefits all three – you, the agency, and the client. You don’t want to be the one who let an opportunity slip through your hands just because you hesitated without good reason. Check the details, and reply in the affirmative as soon as possible!

Do your homework. Promotional companies often (sometimes always) expect models to know a little bit about their history, or at the very least the details about the event the models are attending. There’s a good chance you’ll be asked questions about the event or the company by customers or even journalists, so a little information “stored upstairs” will pay dividends. Don’t worry – your assignment on the day isn’t an interview and no one will assume you know everything, but some light reading before embarking on your job is highly useful. An example is a model hired to drive consumer demand at a large trade show. People attend these events to see what’s on offer, and whether buying products at the show will enhance their business. Knowing a little bit about the products shows you’re not just there “on display” – you actually have something to say if asked.   

Regarding homework, obtain as much information about getting to your destination as possible. No one likes lateness, and you’ll be more anxious if you’re fighting against the clock. Study maps, roads, and the layout of the venue a couple of days before setting off.

Keep your clothes smart, but practical. You might be asked to wear a uniform on the day, but take a spare pair with you. Avoid brash designs and bright colours. Shoes should be functional and not overly stylish.

Arrive early. Promotional modelling is all about interacting with potential customers and raising awareness of the product, so “meeting and greeting” is a huge part of the job. Be welcoming, chatty, but not overbearing.

Promotional modelling is perfect for those who like to get “out in the field”. A happy disposition is a must, as is a knowledge of the event / the promotion itself. The work is highly enjoyable and would suit a model who likes to travel, is confident around large groups of people, and is happy on their feet for long periods of time. If this sounds like you, what are you waiting for? You could be one of the new faces for a national company who needs models just like you to promote their wares. Go for it! 

This unique period is certainly testing, but it can be made that more tolerable by following a few recommendations. So what is the best advice to follow to cope with self-isolation. Read on, and you never know – you might even grow to like them…

First and foremost, the most crucial aspect when dealing with self-isolation is to keep busy. There’s nothing worse than being restricted in your own home without things to occupy the mind and body. We read a short story recently, credited to a released prisoner. The changed character related how, in almost solitary confines, he committed to reading every day, followed by exercise – without fail. The ex-convict read 10 pages, then did 20 press-ups. He repeated this routine every day for about a fortnight, then ramped it up to reading 20 pages followed by 30 press-ups. We’re not saying this should be followed to the letter, but it shows how you can occupy yourself with two basic activities. And the benefits (exercise and increasing your brain power) won’t be lost on your friends when you’re allowed out. It’s a win-win situation.

Don’t look at screens all day. Sure, watch TV, go on your laptop or iPhone, but limit your screen time. It’s all too easy to plonk yourself in front of a screen and waste the days just sitting and watching. You’ll also find yourself getting more tired each day, too.  

Stay connected. Even though you might be self-isolating with somebody else, think of those who do it alone. Phone your friends and family a couple of times a day. This is not for idle gossip – conversations and social interactions are proven factors in the fight against boredom – and depression. 

Stay calm. This is an important piece of advice, but easily ignored. Different people have varying degrees of dealing with serious situations, but it’s not beneficial to always fear the worst. Try to avoid checking the news every other minute to see how the circumstances have worsened (depending on the crisis, it could’ve even got better). Above all – remember that you’re in self-isolation for the greater good. So, just by doing your bit (albeit in a restricted environment), you’re actually helping the cause. 

Try to eat well. No, not like a gluttonous king returning from exile, but it’s important to stick to a sensible diet, with plenty of fluids. 

Sleep well. Set a time to go to sleep, and a time to wake up…and stick to it. A regular body clock will reduce anxiety and improve your general well-being. 

Go for a walk. Depending on personal circumstances, self-isolation doesn’t mean a total lockdown. Spend a hour outdoors – keeping the safe 2-3 metre rule – to keep break up the day. 

Start a new hobby. Self-isolation is the ideal time to begin new projects and hobbies. This will keep your mind off other things and will provide an enjoyable pastime. In what will feel like no time at all, you’ll gain new interests to continue when the self-isolation period is over. 

We’ll go back to the first piece of advice – keep busy. Be safe, use your common sense, and try to have fun. Here’s to the end of self-isolation, and more modelling contracts!

Child modelling work can be a rewarding experience for children and parents. Whilst we all think our own children are cute and adorable, kids of all ages, shapes and sizes are required for modelling work. Models Direct have clients who are always looking for children, both boys and girls to model for their latest campaign!

Child models are wanted for a whole host of different types of    child modelling    assignments and jobs from photographic shoots for catalogues and marketing material to TV commercials. Kids are used to promote products such as toys, kids fashion, Shoes, Holidays and Services. Whether in magazines or on television child modelling is a very competitive industry, but can be lots of fun for both you and your child.

When you watch television or flick through a magazine you will notice that children are used alot in advertising , it makes the campaign or commercial relatable to the customer and is a big market. Parents spend huge amounts of money on their children whether this be clothing, toys, holidays and experiences, so there is a large demand for child models worldwide.

Children who are confident and outgoing are ideal candidates to become child models. On photo shoots, photographers will direct the child, but they need to be happy to follow direction and be comfortable to have the spotlight on them. For some children this comes naturally and for others it doesn’t, so it is important to understand that not all children are right for the modelling industry. It is also helpful if your child has  an interest in other types of entertainment, maybe they dance, sing, act or play an instrument, this is a great additional skill to have and allows them to get used to performing to an audience from a young age.

Although as a parent you are constantly on hand to give reassurance and work as team, the industry can be tough and there is rejection, your child will not be right for every job they are put forward for, however when the right job comes along there will be a real sense of achievement and excitement. Models  Direct are highly experienced when liaising with parents about their child’s modelling career,  we understand the importance of clarity and step by step information is provided to parents when their child or children are selected for work, we  are there with you every step of the way!

Child modelling is also a great way to earn a little be extra pocket money, earnings can vary from £150 to £1000’s depending on many factors, client  budget, length of assignment,  etc. This will all be explained to you  as and when your child is successfully selected for an assignment.

The Models Direct team make it very clear how important it is to keep your child’s photographs current and up to date! Children change and grow all the time and their photographs need to reflect that,  so we  would recommend to update them quarterly.  If your child if selected by a client for a shoot they will expect them to turn up looking as they do in the images they selected them from.

“Dear Marie and Models Direct representatives. We would like to express our gratitude for making our daughter’s first ever assignment so enjoyable for us all, we really didn’t know what to expect as this is a completely new adventure for our family. From the moment you rang us letting us know that Freya was shortlisted for the assignment until the actual photo shoot and beyond, we felt valued, reassured, comfortable and very well informed about the process step by step. When we arrived at the venue, there was a lovely representative of Models Direct that greeted us and the waiting room was very welcoming. The most important thing for us was that our daughter was happy with the photo shoot and comfortable in that environment and I can honestly say that she really enjoyed her experience. Everyone was so friendly and our daughter was full of smiles although your client needed a serious facial expression for their campaign :). We got there eventually! I cannot thank you enough for your professionalism as an agent and for choosing us to be one of the Models Direct models.” – Freya’s Mum

If you think your child would be interested in becoming a model or they have expressed an interest themselves, why not take a look at what is involved and   apply for your child to become child model.