TV and social media channels are used all the time to deliver important messages and advice to the general public on a whole range of subjects. To do this in the most effective way commercial models are selected to reenact a role or demonstrate how a product or service works to create a relatable message to the viewer.

Recently Models Direct worked with the Scottish Government to film a Corona virus Health & Safety video, filming took place in Edinburgh following all safety guidelines and the assignment was a great success. Models Bruno, Andrew and Catherine tell us about the experience and what it was like working on such an important campaign…

Model Feedback:

“I find Models Direct a great company to work with, they are professional, kind and really helpful, even in short notice shoots they are excellent and always there to make sure that we have the support and anything else we need to make it easy for us, I am really happy working with Models Direct.” – Bruno

“My first modelling job was very last minute, to feature in a Corona virus advert by the Scottish Government. Even though it was short notice, the member of staff at Models Direct (Charlie) was really friendly and helped me through everything” – Andrew

“Although the assignment was with short notice, I’m glad I did it, I had a great experience . It was my first assignment and I was a bit nervous, but the people I worked with were lovely and made me feel comfortable” – Catherine

If you would like to be considered for modelling campaigns, the Models Direct team would love to hear from you….click here to speak to us today.

The MD team love to hear our models feedback, it’s such an important part of the process and useful for other aspiring models too! Below are a small selection of the models we have been working with this month and their take on their modelling experience with us:

“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.” – Anne

“What a brilliant day. The weather gods were on our side for yesterday’s video and photo shoot at Mansell Raceway. Wilton Bradleys team were superb, taking their time ensuring they got what they needed, and David was only too happy to oblige. The equipment David had to show was varied, and he was raving about the motorbike he got to ride. Models Direct again have done a great job on keeping us informed and being very supportive. Again great day had by all” – David’s Parent

“Great communication and information for the shoot. Photographer and company were very thoughtful ensuring Daisy (Labrador) was well looked after with lots of breaks. Lovely experience.” – Daisy’s owner

“Bea recently had her first photo-shoot in Hemel Hampstead and oh my what a fun experience! Bea totally immersed herself in every shot, she embraced the camera with her smile. Photographer most impressed with her energy, enthusiasm & listening skills. Bea thoroughly enjoyed every moment and wanted to know when she can come again. Looking forward to an exciting future with Models Direct.” – Bea’s Parent

“My first assignment with Models Direct was really good, I did have a great time, very glad it was a success and I am pleased that the client was happy aswell. The clients were very friendly and welcoming. Everything was in order from the start to finish. I am happy to have worked with the brand.” – Benjamin

“I had a great experience working with Acco Brands, showcasing their unique and colourful products to a live audience.The staff on the day were very welcoming, and made it clear what they wanted from us.
I would also like to thank my agent Molly for organising the opportunity, and I look forward to my next assignment with Models Direct.” – Jamie

“Hope you’re doing great Molly, I just wanted to say thank you SO much for this amazing opportunity you’ve been a great help and gave detailed information about the assignment, I had a great time the staff and everyone were so nice a friendly I look forward to future works!! :)” – Oreka

“I had a very good first experience as it was everything that I had imagined it to be like, and I am looking forward to other assignments. Thank you for the opportunity that you’ve given me to pursue a career in modelling.” – Mohummed

“Really enjoyed working with Models Direct again! The crew were all lovely, fun and very professional – which makes all the difference when you’re shooting outside in the winter morning chill!
Charlie at Models Direct made it a pleasure to work today, for all the greatly appreciated updates, clear communication, thoughtful planning and considerations. Thanks! :))” – Graeme

“Naruto enjoyed is first modelling job. So proud of my boy. He even had some fun. But now he’s home and sleeping. Thank you so much Models Direct for giving him an opportunity to be a model. Can’t wait for his next one ” – Naruto’s owner

To read all the latest reviews from our models click here.

Learning how to smile sounds ridiculous – surely everyone can do it? but when the photographer requests a smile, how do you make it look genuine?

Models Direct gives you some helpful tips to giving your best genuine smile on demand.

In almost every modelling assignment, photographers need the models to convey some kind of emotion through their facial expression or body position.

You can work on facial expressions by practising them in a mirror. Everything you feel is reflected in your face, and models need to be adept at projecting all the major emotions.

Make a list of key emotions (love, hate, sorrow, joy etc.) and practice expressing each emotion in front of a mirror. After you have practiced for a while, try out your skills on a friend and see if they can tell what emotion you are conveying.

How to smile

Learning how to smile sounds ridiculous – surely everyone can do it? In fact, smiling on demand is a real skill, and one that professional models need to master.

To improve your smiling skills, position yourself in front of a mirror and practise the following steps.

• Put your lips together without moving them. Look at your face in the mirror, concentrating on the eyes. At first, they’re lifeless. Now lift up the corners of your mouth and watch your eyes come alive.
• To create a smile, say “MMM” without opening your mouth. No teeth should be showing. Don’t forget to turn the corners of your mouth up.
• To create a broader smile, say “MMM” again with your mouth still closed and again, don’t forget to turn up the corners of the mouth.
• This time say “ME”, whilst opening your mouth and showing your teeth but keeping it soft. Next say “ME” again, this time with a big smile showing all your teeth.
• When you say “HEY,” you produce a very natural facial expression. Say “HEY” and hold it – you will notice your tongue is coming forward and your lips are apart. Now try it again, saying “HEY” with a smiling expression.
• Create a gaunt look by saying the word “POOR”, keeping the lips very soft and sultry and holding for a few seconds.
• To achieve an open and happy laugh try saying “HAA”, remembering to focus your gaze on someone or something to avoid a “lifeless” look.

Posing

You can practise posing in front of a full-length mirror. Check out some fashion catalogues to find the most popular poses. Pay attention to the tilt of the head, the position of the hands and the turn of the ankle. These little things can make a big difference – just as with facial expressions, your body posture can convey a variety of emotions. Consider taking up activities that teach you how to move your body gracefully. Dancers and gymnasts move well in front of the camera because they know how to create long sweeping lines with their bodies.

Both facial expressions and poses can be improved by practising with props, products and wardrobe. Examples of props could be a floppy hat, a long shawl or a beach ball. The idea is to practise using and reacting to the prop.

Since one of the key areas of modelling is promotional and marketing work, it is a good idea to practise with a product that might be sold – a perfume, household product or foodstuff, for example. Practise holding the product so it may be clearly seen and you don’t cover the label.

In fashion shoots, you’ll be selling clothes, so practise showing the important features of each item. Show off the pockets, collar and belt or how the garment moves. You need to bring attention to whatever makes the garment interesting.

Click here for more modelling advice or to speak to a member of the Models Direct team

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.

Check out this feedback from children who have recently had assignments:

“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.

Five costumes of different shapes and styles were created almost entirely out of Roofshield, Wraptite®, Fireshield®, Reflectashield TF0.81 and Procheck® Adapt. They were then professionally modelled and photographed at the A. Proctor Group’s factory location. For all the details please see the final campaign linked below.

Check out the full campaign and all the details: Final Campaign

Check out the behind the scenes footage from the shoot

The models involved in this shoot were very excited about the fittings and organisation involved in creating such a masterpiece as this! The campaign for The Proctor Group has now launched and the first ad is featured in this month edition of Architecture Today.

“Had a great experience with this company recently. I attended a model fitting for a shoot I will be doing very soon, Marie couldn’t have been any more helpful. Really enjoyed the experience, thank you for giving me the opportunity!” – Anna

“Recently had a great experience with this company! I attended a photo shoot which I loved! The company arranged hair and makeup for the shoot, everyone on the shoot was very helpful and accommodating. I also received a cheque in the post from models direct a couple of days after the fitting I had for the photo shoot.
Marie from models direct was so helpful from start to finish, I highly recommend Models Direct if you are looking to enter the modelling world.
It has boosted my confidence greatly and I can’t wait to see what the future brings!
Thank you so much for an amazing experience!” – Gemma

“I went for my second fitting last week! Everything was still super comfortable and easy! Communication was still a key feature from Models Direct as answers to questions were answered quickly! Glad to see the costume coming together and I cannot wait until the shoot!” – Rameesah

“I had so much fun modelling for proctor Group (roofing company) which was unusual and unique for me as I didn’t know what to expect. It was by far such a great experience and as soon as I was picked up by the marketer for the company (Lucas) I felt at ease and confident. They made sure you were okay all day and provided up with warm fleeces! Which came in handy! Overall such a great experience and I can’t wait to see the photos in the magazines!!” – Rameesah

“Had my first shoot arranged by models direct and can not be happier. Working on a unique concept, my fittings went smoothly with such lovely people, and the actual day of shooting was so much fun. Everyone was very friendly, and the photographer was great at helping us get comfortable and deliver his vision. Only minor snag was the length of time spent shooting which went on way longer than was initially advised and lack of clarity on the part of Models Direct how this is handled.” – Llyanna

“It was a bit longer than expected The photographer was great as was giving clear instructions There were making sure we are warm as it was freezing there The atmosphere was great Good experience, especially for first time. Very good experience for this company. Looking forward to other jobs.” – Anna

The final images the Models Direct team have received from a recent shoot with  Caldecotte Lake Business Park are fantastic, both models Alicia and Terry did an incredible job!

Model Feedback: Terry – Model Fee: £100

“The shoot for Lakeshore Fitness was extremely fun with plenty of laughter. The photographer and team were very organised and easy to work with, which made the project flow smoothly. Working with fellow model Elisa was very natural. It really helped having a natural chemistry with her which shows in the photos.”

Model Feedback: Alicia – Model Fee: £100

“Just on the way back home to London. The shoot went really well, very professional and kind. It was mostly fitness shots which required a lot of physical movements but they made sure I had water and that I was comfortable at all times. Thank you for featuring me as a starring model, I look forward to receiving more jobs as it’s been a pleasure! ”

Recently  Marie from the Assignments team  coordinated a large assignment for Natalie and her family, it was for an international computer and software company, a very exciting assignment to have been selected for!

The assignment took a lot of organising, it’s essential the Assignment Coordinators are organised and give clear briefs to our talent so they know exactly what they are doing and what to expect,  so it’s fab to get feedback like the one from Natalie below:

“My whole family did a shoot for a global tech company and everything was so perfectly organised. The staff at Models Direct were so helpful, especially Marie and everyone on set was lovely. We had our children with us and we were all looked after so well. It was a great experience which we thoroughly enjoyed. Would definitely recommend Models Direct! Thanks again for the opportunity!” – Natalie

If you have an assignment coming up soon make sure you give us your feedback, it helps us grow and change so we can  strive to continually improve our service to our talent and clients and also we LOVE to hear how you get on when doing your dream job!!

Get Safe Online have recently created an amazing campaign to help raise awareness of online scammers and how users can avoid getting caught up  with it and how to spot it – basically for us all to become more  internet safety savvy!!

Two of Models Direct’s model ‘Nana’s ‘ were selected to   be trained up to become a ‘scammer Nana’ for the day – Pat and Debbie did such an amazing job and Models Direct were delighted to be able to offer them this exciting opportunity.

There is no age limit to being a  commercial model, the team at Models Direct often get enquiries from clients looking for mature model for campaign’s, promotions, photo-shoots and fittings.

Pat who was selected for this  particular campaign has done several different assignments for  Models Direct and is now one of our more experienced models.

It was a first for Models Direct’s Debbie, but she now has some fab experience and pics for her portfolio and amazing feedback from the client.

Huge Congratulations to you both!!

Check out the final video below:

Models Direct’s male model Ian was delighted to be selected to pose as a chocolatier for the day in York last week for a big advertising campaign!

Ian was amazing and managed to get a couple of #bts pics to give us a little bit more of an insight into his assignment experience – Congrats Ian! The Models Direct team are so pleased it went well.