Commercial modelling brings with it a large range of unique briefs and model requirements, the latest commercial for Finish Dishwasher needed a male model who’s also a fully qualified plumber – not a problem for Models Direct!

Male model Terry successfully secured the two day filming assignment all thanks to his acting abilities and is plumbing qualifications.

Terry’s Feedback:

Model fee: £500
“Last week I completed an assignment which Charlie helped me secure. It was for a commercial for Finish, advertising the new product line of dishwasher cleaners in the UK and in Germany . I was playing an engineer who was inspecting the inside of a dishwasher and watching the cleaner at work as it produced a shiny clean wine glass. I can’t wait to see the final edit to add some amazing shots to me show-reel and see myself on TV
It was a pleasure to work with the whole production team from the runners, catering staff, producers, creative directors, wardrobe etc. So many people made the experience from start to finish a great one. Looking forward to more and more work with Models direct.”

Plus size modelling is a contentious subject in the media, with brands being slammed for using plus size models in their marketing campaigns and consequently then promoting an unhealthy lifestyle or brands using size 6-8 models and therefore not appealing to the majority – so how can these fashion houses get it right??

Models Direct is the UK’s number one commercial modelling and talent agency. We have a more varied demand from our clients for the types of models and talent we represent and have done since 1990 when the agency was created, this is why ‘size’ is literally just a number for us!

With big name high street brands like ASOS, BooHoo, River Island and Marks & Spencer using plus size models to promote their clothes the demand for plus size models is big.  Now you can use your size to your advantage which wasn’t the case historically in the modelling industry.

Brands pay big money with us for the right plus size model to promote their garments. Some of the top curve models are able to earn up to £20,000 per day!

Models Direct has always represented plus-size models. Average female in the UK is a size 16, so a plus size model can vary from a size 12 upwards. Recently Models Direct has seen a rise in demand for models size 16 and above.

Models Direct currently has 5 plus size models selected for a Very Curve casting – let’s wish them good luck.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BsqgnbDjWUY/

Here’s Lisa she had this to say:

“I just wanted to say such a huge thank you to Models Direct!!

I went on my first photo shoot 2 years ago because I was struggling with body confidence, ( I had a breast reduction planned and a huge weight loss dream) the reduction I had but the weight loss didn’t happen as I became quite poorly.

I never planned to sign up to a model agency, it was just to help me feel better and it really did.

So in all honesty I half heartedly filled out my account and never looked at it again and my photos I kept hidden behind my sofa never to be seen by anyone !

It’s really funny because over Xmas we were moving furniture my mum and sisters found the folder and we all sat there laughing at them at how huge I looked ! I was mortified by them and embarrassed .

When you called me I literally thought it was a joke! I thought maybe it’s an open audition and it’s what the agency do before your account runs out – I hadn’t even thought for one second my account was really live.

I spent the morning of the casting writing a blog about self confidence and used the experience as a challenge about facing demons head on, it took me right back to my dancing days (which is another lifetime ago!) when I was always told great dancer but you won’t fit in the costume at all my auditions soul destroying as back then I was only a size 10 but just had these huge boobs that made me look a 16+

To have you call me yesterday with the great news was mind blowing, I’m literally blown away it was so unexpected and I’m so over the moon to just have had that phone call, it was so unexpected !

Fingers crossed for Monday it will either be something to scream about or write about either way

I’m happy with both options

Thank you again for taking the time to call me on your day off it was really appreciated

Lisa x “

To find out more about plus size modelling click here.

Congratulations to model Steve on completing another successful assignment with Models Direct – your feedback is so interesting…..

MODEL FEEDBACK

“I arrived promptly for this photo shoot, having checked in advance the detailed arrangements and dress requirements with the client. As a result I was more than well prepared.

To work as a commercial model you will need an agency to represent you, a good, established agency will be able to promote you to suitable clients for your look and skill set, this is virtually impossible to do without an agency, especially in the early days of your career. Make sure you get to know your agent, spend time chatting with them and telling them lots about yourself, your talents and what you are hoping to achieve, it makes it easier for your agent to match you quicker with the ideal client for you. At Models Direct our team of coordinators and bookers are on the phones all day talking to models and clients, building a rapport and getting a better idea of the type of assignments and clients what would be ideal for them.

Unlike fashion models, commercial models are not solely judged on looks and measurements. These requirements are much more important for a fashion model agent, models are booked and selected simply on their striking looks and whether they have the right measurements for the brand, this is not the case in the commercial modelling industry. Models Directs agents are looking for good looking ‘everyday people’ who have additional talents too. They are looking for people who have confidence and are versatile, showing your personality in your photographs is very important, so don’t be afraid of being creative with your pictures. Professional images are not necessary as they date and are expensive, this might be something you consider getting once you have a more established modelling career, but at the beginning well lit, clear and creative images are much better. Don’t hold back, create pictures that show how versatile your look can be and that you can fulfil different roles – you will then appeal to a wider circle of clients.

As a commercial model it is very useful if you have some acting experience, it could be a very limited amount or something you do a lot, either way any kind of acting experience will be a big benefit to you when being selected for assignments. Commercial models are employed to advertise products, these could be household products, sports equipment, travel destinations, food and drink products, cars, etc, so essentially you will be asked to play a character or role, whether it be for stills or filming, having acting experience is a huge help to you.

One of the main questions at Models Direct is “How much can i expect to earn?”, obviously this is a very important factor. The answer is that model fee’s can vary a lot from one assignment to another, there are several different factors that an effect your fee. If you are selected for work through Models Direct, our agents will always let you know the fee before you decide whether or not you’d like to accept the assignment, it’s very important. Models can expect and average rate of approx £200 – £400 for a shoot, this is just a guide, it varies hugely. Client budget, content usage, model experience are all varying factors to what a model can expect to earn. Models Direct always pay their models very quickly after an assignment, so you are never waiting months for payment.

Model agents can’t stress enough how important it is that your pictures are the best they can be, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through, it’s a competitive market and you need to make yourself stand out above the rest. An agent can get you infant of prospective clients, however they don’t have the power to make them choose you for the assignment, so make sure you’ve given yourself the best possible shot!!

If you have ANY questions about your portfolio, or any other aspect of your modelling career please do get in touch!

The Models Direct team are always on hand to assist you.

Modelling opens up the opportunity for positive and negative judgments about  your appearance and body, for experienced models this is part of the course and something they have grown used to, but for others it can take it’s toll!

Models Direct have put together a few helpful hints to help stay healthy and look your best while reaching your modelling goals:

• Eat a healthy and balanced diet – We have all heard of fad diets, food supplements and even starving yourself before an important audition, casting or modelling assignment, but this is a mistake. Modelling is tiring, to be in the spotlight takes up a lot of nervous energy as well as the physical pressures, from travelling, rushing around, posing and taking direction, don’t try to do this on an empty stomach or reach for the sugar and caffeine. Instead eat a sensible dinner the night before, with protein and good carbs, a healthy breakfast and take snacks with you to eat little and often throughout the shoot. Nuts, cereal bar, fruit, dark chocolate are all good snack options.
• Stay Hydrated – We hear this all the time about drinking litres of water a day, but staying hydrated is so important. Coffee and tea are not an alternative to water when hydrating yourself, it’s water all the way! Get into a habit of having a sports bottle with you everyday, fill it up before you leave home and aim to drink at least two of these per day, more if you can. Drinking plenty of water doesn’t just help with your skin and appearance, it also give you energy. One of the first symptoms of dehydration is tiredness.
• Look after you skin and hair – At the end of the day it’s easy to not bother removing your make up and the general grime of the day, just getting into bed is super appealing! However, you will notice how much better your skin is if you have a good skincare routine, most importantly in the evening. While you sleep your will breathe and renew itself, so by taking your make up off your skin can breath and good products will combat any skin issue you may have. Hair too needs a bit of TLC, especially if it has been over styled for a shoot, so treat it to a hair mask over night so its shiny and glossy the next day.
• Exercise – Exercise is very important physically and mentally, we are very aware of the physical benefits, but the mental benefits are very important to, especially if you are having confidence struggles or are anxious about an up and coming shoot you have then the endorphins released when you exercise can really help these emotions. If you are not into the gym then try an outdoor activity or start with long walks or a quick run round the block, make it work for you and you’ll see the benefits.

To be a success in the model and talent industry you need energy and buckets of it, so look after yourself and be the best version of you!

To find out more about modelling visit Model Direct

Male Model Herb has successfully been selected for numerous assignments with Models Direct ranging from an extra for a Nokia commercial to a photographic nursing home shoot! He’s travelled the UK with his modelling work and earnt a nice income along the way – check out what Herb has to say about his time with Models Direct so far…..

“It is getting more and more difficult to find superlatives for each assignment I receive from Models Direct. The latest a journey to the East Midlands to take part in a brochure photo shoot for a retirement home. My fellow models were Emma, we had worked together on other projects and Kristina who I worked alongside for the first time. The shoot was to highlight the activities available for residents. These were various but two stand out – one was planting up a garden plot with flowers, Emma and I working together, and the second where the delightful Kristina introduced me to the intricate game of chess.  We were very lucky as the weather was sunny, if not very warm and the shoot very well organised. Now retired from full time business, I have been working with Models Direct for over four years and each assignment has proved to be a really enjoyable experience, just try it and find out for yourself. As ever thank you Molly for finding me the job.” –  Herb

“Working with Models Direct certainly helps you see the UK, north south east and west and on this occasion the north, a trip to Castleford in Yorkshire. Until then all I knew about Castleford was they have a Rugby League Football club but I had no idea of the warm welcome I would receive when I arrived at Overview Studios for a photo shoot for Symphony Kitchens. The success of any shoot depends on everyone working together and on this occasion it certainly was the case and it made for a very enjoyable day in Castleford. It was a “family “ shoot and my fellow models were Patricia who I have had pleasure of working with on other occasions and a real life family unit of Garry, Jessica and their three year old son Maxie who is a star in the making, together with the Production Crew, Leanne, Nina, Josie, Toby, Chris and Johnny, all the shooting was done against a green screen and then the CGI background inserted another first for me and what we saw looked great. So, thanks to all my new friends in Castleford and thanks to Molly who put me up for the job.” – Herb

“What an enjoyable day! One of the most interesting things about working with Models Direct is the diversity of locations. As I was travelling back from my latest assignment I started to think about the locations where I have worked.
Holiday Parks, Arboretum, Hospital, Posh country houses, Retirement
Villages, Care homes, Bed manufacturer, Furniture Manufacturer among
others, but today was something different, Reading Railway station, they say
variety is the spice of life in which case my working life with Models Direct is
pretty spicy.” – Herb

“This assignment was very different to any of the above, one of thirteen, all of
whom were a pleasure to work with, we spent a very interesting day on a
video shoot up and down the escalators, singly or varying group sizes, in
alternate wardrobe, you could think it could have been boring but it certainly
wasn’t primarily due to the great companionship of crew and talent, great
day all around.
Once again thanks Molly for giving me the chance of enjoying my working
day so much.” – Herb

“Well, well, I have been working with Models Direct for four years and been to many locations but this was very different, a Casino, and it was very interesting.

Unlike most shoots where you may work alone or with another two or three colleagues, today there were fifteen and it was pleasure meeting and making new friends, although I didn’t get to meet everyone. The ambience of the Casino was quite different to other locations and in a strange way both exciting and interesting, for one reason it was open and working. The shoot itself was again different to any other I have done, but that is what makes working for Models Direct such a pleasure, you don’t know what it is going to be but you do know you will enjoy it and get paid for enjoying yourself.  Once again thanks Molly, more please.” – Herb

If you are interested in being represented by Models Direct click here

“I hope to promote diversity and inclusion as a wheelchair user in more campaigns such as this in the future!” – Alex

Models Direct have been involved with many campaigns and shoots featuring disable models and we hope we can be involved in many more – here’s what our #malemodel Alex had to say after recently working with Heathrow Airport:

“Hi, I have just had a fabulous experience on my first assignment with Models Direct, courtesy of Molly at Models Direct and working with Ingenious on behalf of Heathrow Airport.
Natalie met me on arrival, such a lovely lady, offering refreshments and kept me posted on the time frame and set up status of equipment etc. We started promptly at noon, Steve and Magnus, the team responsible for the shots, were great, made me feel relaxed and confident. We had an initial chat then onto some shots before an informal interview whilst being pictured.
The whole experience was simple from start to finish, everywhere was of course accessible, parking was easy, directions and contact info all provided, just very very easy. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience, and hope to promote diversity and inclusion as a wheelchair user in more campaigns such as this in the future. Many thanks to everyone involved in the selection process, it’s been a privilege  – Thank you!”

Unlike alot of agencies Models Direct works on a International scale, so the Assignments team are able to promote our models to clients across the country and worldwide!

Models Direct represent talent across the country and internationally, so instead of just being represented by a local agency to local clients you are being put forward to clients all over the world!

This coverage also allows the Models Direct team to source models for clients wherever they may be based so they don’t have to incur travel expenses and can use local models for their campaign.

Today Models Direct have assignments taking place in Peterborough, Milton Keynes and Exeter!!

Alicia & Terry are shooting with a new business park gym in Milton Keynes!

Tom is shooting acupuncture demonstration videos on Thursday & Friday in Peterborough!

Alyssa, Gypsy & Imogen are attending fittings for a bridesmaid dress company on Thursday & Friday in Exeter!

It can be a roller coaster of emotions for a parent throughout the whole process and the rejection can be tough! At Models Direct we do not send you on lots of castings with your children, however some clients will only select child models if they attend the casting. So here are Models Direct top tips to surviving it!

Pay Attention to the Requirements

Read the brief properly and only take children along who fit the description. There is no point going to an open call for toddlers with your adorable four-year-old. You’ll only be disappointed, and it will slow the process down for everyone else.

Don’t Go Overboard on the Lines

If there are lines for older children to deliver, don’t overdo the delivery training. Casting directors will want to be able to direct your child. Help your children learn the lines, but let them say them as they please.

Read the Instructions Carefully Before Calling

Casting directors’ offices have very little time or patience for answering calls or emails about specifics that were already mentioned in the posting. Do not expect them to tell you what has already been stated.

Dress Your Children Appropriately

Unless otherwise stated, the dress code for auditions is simple, clean, modest clothing. Avoid outfits that are all one colour and make sure shoes are clean and fit well. Clothes should also be age appropriate. Do not put too much makeup on older children, and keep jewellery to a minimum.

Make Sure Your Child Has Eaten a Healthy Meal

Casting directors want to see that your child is bright but also well-behaved. A sugar rush might make your child smile a little wider for a few minutes, but will also cause mood swings afterward.

Leave Brothers and Sisters at Home

Having extra children in the audition or waiting area leads to excess noise and acts as a distraction for the child auditioning. Generally speaking, there should be at least one adult present per child.

Know Your Child’s Data

Make sure your write down your child’s current and correct date of birth, height, weight, clothing size, and shoe size. Be patient and bring toys, casting calls are a waiting game. Treat it like waiting for a flight: bring toys, healthy snacks, and patience!

Only Go to an Audition if Your Child Wants to Go

Modelling and acting can be very demanding work. It’s important that your child enjoys it. You know better than nearly anyone else whether your child is genuinely interested in acting or modelling.

Have Fun and Praise Your Child

Auditions refuse more models than they choose. This can be a great way of building resilience in children, but only if they actually enjoy the auditioning process. Whatever the outcome, celebrate afterward and be proud of their efforts. This way, you’ll be setting them up well for the next audition.

To find out more about child modelling and the option to make an application click here.

Friends are essential in life, whether you choose to have a special few or  you’re one of those people who have friends all round the world,  they all offer us different things!

We see our  colleagues  every day and probably spend more time with them than our families in some cases, so it’s lovely when you have ‘work friends’ too. Models Direct’s head office is predominately female, we rely on each other for support, advice and of course humour when times are stressful or difficult, it’s great to have a strong team of people around you who you can call your friends.

Alot of our models also get to make friends when out on assignment, often thrown together in a pressured environment with nerves bubbling, it’s a time  where models seek reassurance from one another and form friendships, some of them life long! On set or on a shoot location you often spend alot of time with the people you are working with and there may be times when you’re not filming when you can chat with lunch or refreshments, so fiendships are formed and it makes work alot more fun!

At Models Direct the  New Face team often hear from applicants who want to be with an agency because ‘their friend is’ or Models Direct has been recommended to them by a friend, it’s always great to hear and  some of the most successful models on the books have found us this way.

Friendships can of course have their ups and downs, when we are young and studying or travelling, we perhaps make more friends as we are out socialising and meeting lots of people, however as we get older often some friendships fall by the wayside, when life’s responsibilities get in the way and it’s therefore harder to meet people – as you mature you get to realise which friends are important to you!

New parents often make lots of new friends when they have a baby, you may well be on maternity leave with your baby so therfore do dofferent activities, groups and socialise with people who you hadn’t before, this is often a time when really strong friendships are made as you offer support to each other throughout what can be a challenging time.  This is the case when baby models are used in a commercial, campaign or photoshoot, mum’s and dad’s chat and talk about their experience of Models Direct and often remain in contact.

Often when people are going through the application process here at Models Direct  our agents will spend a lot of time talking to them on the phone  to get a clear understanding of their personality, skills and abilities.  When asked  WHY they think they would be  right for this industry people often respond whit “my friends say i have a good look” or ” my friends say i’m a great singer, dancer, actor or musician” – we look to our friends for reassurance, the good ones will help build your confidence and point out what you are good at, our best friends make us feel good about ourselves!

So today remind your best friends who they are and be grateful to them,  they really are your diamonds!