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.

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/

We like to chat about our pastimes, share our interests and listen to what others have been getting up to in their lives as well. There’s no doubt at all that we have all been able to do much less socialising this past year because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

And, despite hooking up more by phone and video chat, we are all probably still feeling a lack of face-to-face social contact.

The good news, however, is that the world around us is opening up again.

Not only can we now meet more of our friends and family members outside, but we are looking forward to meeting them indoors too.

We will soon be able to book a table inside a restaurant, have a glass of wine inside a bar and attend weddings, parties and other celebrations to catch up with those we have been missing.

Modelling is a particularly sociable business and although we at Models Direct – and our clients – have continued to work as best we can, we do realise the social aspect of the job has been affected.

We – and our clients – have taken every precaution to ensure the safety of everyone, from our models right through to our staff and the crew, who has worked on assignments for us this past year.

Social distancing and other measures have been taken, including using models who live together in social bubbles wherever possible.

But we realise it is not the same – and we look forward now to a time this summer and beyond where we can all work together in a much more natural way.

We want our new and existing models to be able to get out there and interact with those around them.

We want them to have the experience of getting to know the other models on a job, as well as the photographers, directors, stylists and other team members.

Modelling is fun and can be a great pastime or career for anyone who enjoys meeting new people and engaging in new experiences.

Filming work for a campaign, promotional modelling and lifestyle assignments can all be ideal for anyone who describes themselves as a “people person.”If that is you, why not make the most of your newfound freedom and take an exciting step towards work that is as sociable as it is fun and interesting?

When you focus on female models, you usually think of iconic and influential females such as Cara Delevingne, Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell. However, male models are creating a strong foundation for men to enter the world of modelling, thrive and be successful. Famous male models such as David Gandy and Tyson Beckford have become icons taking the industry by storm. They show hopefuls and existing models that it can be done – a male model can be just as recognised as their female counterpart on a global scale, cast for many projects and become a huge success. 

If you’re reading this blog or have someone in mind that you think would make a perfect male model, carry on reading to find out Models Direct’s advice on how to become a male model (and not just any model – a successful one!).

No need for professional photos

Take it from us – a top UK modelling agency who specialise in all modelling categories – when we say you don’t need professional images to break into the industry, we mean it. All you need are some simple snaps of yourself which are clear, fresh straightforward without any gimmicks such as filters. Save your money and take the time to create something agencies and clients would like to see. If you want to go ahead and break into commercial modelling, you’ll need varied shots demonstrating your ability to show different emotions. 

Age is not a limitation 

Modelling comes in all ages; there’s no notion of male models having to fit into a particular age bracket. The population is diverse and modelling caters to this variation, embracing everyone as they are the true representation of society. Therefore, if you think your age is going to pull you back…think again!

Age is not a limitation…nor is height 

Not everyone can conform to the typical fashion or runway model requirements, that’s what makes us all unique. Becoming a male model doesn’t mean you have to be super tall and have a mean six-pack. The traditional look has now made way for a truer reflection of the male body – men of all sizes. Plus-size male models are now at the centre stage of fashion campaigns as the male population requires products and services according to their needs and requirements.

Check out our blog here to find out more: https://www.modelsdirect.com/blog/gain-exposure-with-our-plus-size-male-model-agency

Showcase your unique features

Everyone is unique and has something special about them that the camera will be drawn to and thrive on. For any male newcomers out there, do you have a trademark look, facial or body characteristics that agencies will love to see? Rather than thinking of unique features as flaws, look at them being advantageous. Shaun Ross is an excellent example of a male model who is rocking his look and not letting anyone hold him back. 

Having a quirky look doesn’t mean it can’t be beautiful or marketable. So guys, showcase your talent – something you know that’ll make you stand out from everyone else – and let agencies know about your unique features.  

Join a reliable modelling agency

You will need a trustworthy and reliable modelling agency who will put you forward every time a job comes that calls for your look. Because male modelling doesn’t have as much booking as females do, you will want your agency to be on top of every potential lead ensuring that you are called when the time comes. 

So, there you have it – your beginner’s guide to male modelling. If you’d like to join our expert agency, with 30 years of modelling experience, fill in your details here and we’ll be in touch. 

Regrets are natural. They could be in your personal life or in your career. You may regret not trying out for a sports team or playing an instrument. Sometimes the reason is logical; at other times a little bit of self-doubt creeps in to ruin a perfectly good opportunity. Occasionally this self-doubt is irreversible: that is to say, once you have a feeling of scepticism or uncertainty, you never get over it and won’t look to conquer these negative sentiments. When this happens, self-doubt has won. They’ll be other chances to beat it, but for now, the only thing that has stopped you in your tracks is a lack of confidence…

Confidence – a “faith” in oneself or one’s abilities – is an important factor in modelling. Let’s go back to the original question, “What if…?” If you’ve ever given real consideration to becoming a model, you might already be half-way there. It’s probably a bit of self-awareness and lack of confidence that has proved the defining obstacle to your modelling dreams. 

A lot of people aren’t aware of the genuine prospects modelling can provide: the industry is now openly looking for models of all sizes, shapes, backgrounds, talents and ages (yes, that includes toddlers to the more mature models). And it’s not just clothes or fashion modelling that clients look for either. Unique features are like gold dust, so if you have a distinctive physical characteristic or a particular attribute that stands out, use it to your advantage! Note: we use the word “unique” to mean “special” or “exceptional”, not “different”. As a prospective model, you need to identify your valued assets and have the confidence to take the next step into modelling – and that’s knowing your plus points and getting in touch with Models Direct!

Allow us to be philosophical for a minute. The above definition of confidence is true enough (“A faith in oneself or one’s abilities”), but let’s delve deeper. “Faith” is regarded as a belief without evidence. Here are two examples of confidence and faith, both with different connotations:

1. If you tell a friend that you have “faith” in them in running a full marathon in two hours, you’re not being sincere (after all, no one has ever accomplished a sub-two hour marathon!). All you’re really doing is being over-optimistic to show your support and to psych up your friend. It’s harmless, but ultimately doesn’t mean a lot – you’re not confident at all they’ll be able to run 26 miles in under 120 minutes…who would be?

2. You earnestly tell a would-be model friend they should consider modelling. “But why?” you hear them cry, “I couldn’t do it, could I?” You tell them you have “faith” in their qualities – whether facial features, unique selling points or simply because you know a bit about the industry and what some clients are looking for. You are being genuine in your “faith” because the evidence is there in front of you – the evidence is your friend, staring at you! Your sincere comments then get your friend to thinking about becoming a model. And what did it take? Just a few honest words to increase their confidence. Perhaps, simply, no one ever told your friend they’ve got modelling potential in the first place. What a shame.

Confidence can be either self-appointed or gained. A lot of famous models questioned their potential before their successful careers. In many interviews, Cara Delevingne stated frankly she was bullied at school and felt no sense of self-worth. Look at her now! Leading up to inventing the light bulb, Thomas Edison failed so many times he nearly gave up. But, as we know, he didn’t, and went on to quip, “I have not failed ten thousand times—I’ve successfully found ten thousand ways that will not work.”

There are many things that hold certain people back: children, work, lack of motivation. These are all viable, and people shouldn’t be judged on these alone. A fear of failure is also justifiable, but is easier to overcome. It comes down to needing that spark of confidence to take them to the next level. Don’t give up at the first sign of failure: use it as a learning curve to gain more knowledge and to come back stronger. 

Confidence – everyone has the ability to have it and to use it. But treat it with respect. Too much of it can sour a relationship (personal or business) and can even prevent you from accepting help or ideas from others. Use it wisely. “Confidence won’t always produce results, but it will give you the best possible chance.”

Our advice is straightforward. Do a little research, and if you’re seriously thinking about modelling in any capacity, please get in touch. We’ll consider your look and are happy to discuss anything with you. We know what to look for. Don’t look back at a missed opportunity by mulling over the “What if…?” question. Have the confidence to take the first move. After all, you have nothing to lose.

We’ll leave you on a humorous note. There’s one activity where self-doubt is absolutely necessary to avoid repeat disasters: “If at first you don’t succeed, maybe skydiving isn’t for you.” And if you try it again after an unsuccessful first time, you must be really confident. Or bonkers.

Models Direct have put together an easy and time-saving morning routine for men, which will have you looking and feeling your best for your day ahead. Models will know how important incorporating a beauty regime is to achieve good skin and hair care no matter what the time is. Teen models and senior models will also benefit from these tips. 

Read on to reveal our ultimate male grooming guide… 

Multitask in the shower

As soon as your alarm bell rings or your funky notification on your mobile alerts you, it’s time to get out of bed and pop straight into the shower. A quick morning shower will help to awaken your senses and energise you to take on whatever the day throws your way.

Focus on using gentle products that are suitable for everyday use. It’s quite easy to forget or postpone for another time but taking care of your skin early on will help maintain its overall condition where positive results will show in later years. Don’t let a good routine slide because you think you’ll do it some other time. Chances are, that “some other time” will never come. 

Who says you can’t multitask? (and do it well!)

When it comes to showering, you can fill in a couple of extra beauty chores to get things done quicker whilst saving water. Try brushing your teeth or tackling body grooming whilst you wash to save time in the morning and to get things done all in one go.  

Set up your skincare routine

If you’re new to the humongous world of skin products, don’t fear. It can be a daunting task to find what will suit your skin and much of the process can be trial and error. What works for one person doesn’t necessarily mean that will work for another in the same way. 

Before you dive into making expensive and regrettable purchases, we’d recommend figuring out what type of skin you have in the first instance. 

Ask yourself the following if you’re finding this point difficult:

• Does your skin feel tight or is it flaky? 

• Are you showing signs of shiny skin or do your pores frequently clog up? 

Skincare routine and tips

If you have normal or dry skin, you could:

• Cleanse daily with a gentle cleanser, and immediately after any exercise

• Moisturise after cleansing with an enriching moisturiser specially formulated for dry skin

• Scrub your face once a week to remove the build-up of excess dirt and impurities 

If you have oily skin, you could:

• Cleanse at twice a day with a formulated cleanser, and immediately after exercise

• Moisturise after cleansing with a non-oily moisturiser

• Scrub your face twice a week to exfoliate skin

Bonus tip: Don’t forget to use products that contain SPF to protect your skin from sun damage.

Take care of your facial fuzz

To achieve a smoother shave, it’s a wise idea to do it straight after having a shower and cleansing your face. This helps to soften facial hair and open pores making the shaving process smoother. 

If you prefer a rugged beard, make sure you trim and shape regularly to keep you looking sharp. Alternatively, you can ask your barber to shape and style it for you. Beard oils and products are helpful and can maintain your facial hair, keeping it looking on top form!

Nourish your eyes

Your eyes need TLC because they work super hard for you. It’s worth adding an eye serum to your men’s skincare kit to help keep the delicate skin around the eyes moisturised.  

Don’t forget your hair! 

Your hair should be a part of your skincare routine too so don’t neglect it. Get yourself booked in for regular trims to keep your hair in good shape.

Look out for a shampoo that suits your hair type. Again, does your hair tend to be on the dry side? Do you suffer from dandruff? Does it get greasy very quickly? Opt for a shampoo that fits well with your hair needs. Shampoos containing niacin help to increase blood flow to the scalp, helping to keep your follicles healthy. 

You’ll also want to condition your hair regularly too, particularly if you have long hair, to help replenish lost moisture. Conditioner helps smoothen every single hair to support your hair’s health. 

These easy tips will streamline your grooming routine and have you looking your best all year round. Try them out and let us know your thoughts.

If you’re ready for a new opportunity, why not contact the Models Direct team today and discuss your modelling potential…click here to apply and find out more about male modelling!

Every day, Models Direct receives requests for models from a wide range of clients: creative agencies, casting directors, events promoters, advertising agencies and businesses across the UK and Internationally. Each and every client is looking for the perfect model(s) or talent for their latest advertising campaign, TV commercial, online content or promotional shoot and with Models Direct every assignment is a paid assignment for our registered models!

For many models represented by Models Direct, modelling is much more than a fun day out or a chance to look great. It’s also a way to earn some very valuable extra money. Even if you don’t become a top earner, paid modelling work can still be a very useful supplement to your income.

Commercial modelling is about ‘real people’, brands worldwide are looking for commercial models who are relateable to their target market while endorsing the product or service in the right way, so don’t worry if you don’t have catwalk or film-star looks, that’s not what commercial modelling is about! Models Direct represents a diverse range of models from new born babies to mature adults of all sizes, looks and ethnicity, this is how as an agency we have been able to successfully provide commercial models to clients internationally for 30 years!

As with all types of modelling, nothing is guaranteed, either in terms of assignments or earnings. Agencies can only offer the work their clients provide, however the bookings team at Models Direct HQ will put you forward for work whenever your look is called for, giving you a chance to launch your modelling career and secure work that’s really rewarding – in every sense.

If you’d like to apply to become a model and earn some extra cash, click here and a member of our experienced team will be in contact very soon to discuss your potential.

Read a list of genuine modelling assignments and fees which our models have recently been booked for and their feedback from the experience.

The Models Direct team look forward to speaking with you soon!

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‘We now post last minute and niche modelling opportunities direct to our Instagram!’

With the wonder of social media and blogs it’s now easier than ever to stay in contact with our models and talent. The social media team at Models Direct post fresh, new and exciting content on our platforms daily to help you develop and launch your career as a successful model or artist!

Models Direct’s Instagram account is updated daily with pictures of our models on assignments, new faces joining the Models Direct books and lots of fun and interesting model feedback videos and #bts pics! It’s a great way to get a better insight into how Models Direct works and the type of assignments our models are being selected for.

There are also a few pictures of the Models Direct team working hard to promote you and daily head office goings on too!

The easiest way to get social with Models Direct is to visit the social media wall – link below:

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You will receive an email every time a new blog post is published. Each blog post is full of information to guide you on your modelling journey and also give you lots of industry and agency news.

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