SAG - Screen Actress Guild, union for TV and film performers.

Sample - a piece of clothing from a line that is specifically created for a shoot or a fashion show. Many samples are one of kind pieces that are produced before the line is created. Samples are sometimes marked with permanent ink or have defects so that they cannot be resold.

Scale Wage - minimum wage set by the unions.

Scout (noun) - a person who scouts.

Scout (verb) - to look for prospective models from smaller agencies, other locations, at the mall or on the beach; finding model potential in a crowd.

Sed Card - card with 3-5 photos of model and their height, eye and hair color and size information to promote and distribute to prospective clients. Currently, postcard-size is popular. One side contains a head shot, the other side several small photographs together with information about the model. Also called zed or compcards.

Set - arrangement of props and furniture in a TV or photo studio.

Shoot - photo session.

Showroom Work - manufacturer’s showcase of a clothing line or car line or other mechansie to buyers using live models - Clothing-wise especially when the seasonal clothing designs are being shown.

Sign-In Sheet - lists the order in which each model arrives to audition at cattle calls.

Slate - to state your name on camera before your commercial audition.

Spec Shot - photographer’s idea of a comp which he/she hopes to sell to the client.

Specialty Modeling - a/k/a Parts modeling. Fingers, hands, legs, ears, lips, eyes, back. Anything that is part specific.

Spokesperson - or spokes model. Model chosen to explain the features of a product/service.

Stats - statistical information of a model, including measurements, size, height, etc.

Stock Photographer - one whose work is not for a specific client or job, but whose photos get listed in a general catalog by number for any client to select (for example, a photo of a barn house, of a cowgirl, of a male model with a horse).

Storyboard - artwork that shows each scene of a commercial.

Strobe - light unit used by a photographer.

Stylist - coordinates the fashions and accessories, checks fit of clothing, visual scene.

Tear Sheet - a page containing the model’s image removed from a publication, usually a catalog or magazine. This sheet is usually added to the model’s portfolio.

Test Shoot - when a model and photographer work together on a new idea or on their portfolios. No fees other than sharing film-and-developing expenses are involved. Model and Photographer Releases should be signed before the session.

TFP (Time for Prints) - Similar to test shoots. Photographer provides time and prints and the model provide a subject for the photographer to shoot. Generally offered by photographers who are transitioning into a new area of photography or trying to build their portfolio of work.

Trade Shows - industry promotional display of products/services usually in a hotel or convention center.

Trades, Trade Papers - trade publications such as Variety, Backstage, NY Casting, Actress’s Resource Network, Ross Reports, Drama-Logue, Billboard, Hollywood Reporter.

Transparencies - the slide forms of a photograph.

Trunk Show - informal modeling of one specific designer line, usually in a store or small boutique.

Under-5 - in AFTRA contracts, a speaking role having five lines or less.

Usage - additional fees for higher exposure, like a billboard or national use.

Voiceover - background voices for radio or video recorded separately in a recording studio and dubbed onto visuals.

Voucher - three-piece form with a model release on which client acknowledges hours worked by the model, agency copy used to bill and get paid.

Weather Permit - a location job that is dependent on fair weather, may be canceled the day before or that morning.

Zed Card - card with 1-2 photos of model and their height, eye and hair color and size information to promote and distribute to prospective clients. Currently, business card-size is popular or a little larger. One side contains a headshot; the other side contains information about the model. Also called sed cards.

Source: http://www.squidoo.com/modeling-and-acting

Head-sheet - agency sheet, poster, or book of models they represent that goes to prospective clients.

Headshot - 8 x 10 size photo of head and shoulders.

High Fashion Modeling - high fashion modeling is the modeling of designer clothes, either at fashion shows or in publications. Sometimes, the modeling of jewelry and cosmetics falls into this category. The models are hired through agencies, and the pay rate is the highest among all modeling jobs. Of course, the advertisers’ expectations also run high. The agencies choose models with a proven track record for this type of modeling.

Hold - when the agency puts you “on hold” for a job, it means the client is seriously considering you and wants you to keep the time available for them first (if anything else comes up for that time, you must notify the agency before accepting another job).

Industrial - non-broadcast production, often educational or sales films & tapes

Informal Fashion Show - in stores or restaurants, walk around, no runway. Also called Tea Room Modeling.

Line-Up - position of model and garment in a fashion show.

Location - assignment site outside the studio.

Loupe - small magnifying glass to see slides and contact sheet images larger.

Makeup Artist - applies and changes makeup for photo sessions and runway shows.

Market Week - 4-6 times per year when seasonal clothing lines are shown to buyers.

Model Agency - represents model for employment and receives a percentage of the bookings.

Model Bag - a large tote in which you carry all your makeup and working essentials.

Model Release - a document signed by the model or photographer to give the other party the signed permission to disaply/publish said photos as desired or stated within the Model Release Form.

Monologue - a scene performed by one person for a client that reflects a particular mood and demonstrates your acting talent.

Open Call - casting when the client sees all models suitable for the type requested. Also refers to a specific day and time of the week when an agency sees new models who do not have a pre-arranged appointment.

Photographer Release - contract signed by the photographer. It gives permission to the model to use the photographs taken during a particular sitting.

Portfolio - a collection of photographs or tear sheets demonstrating a model’s abilities in front of the camera. Also called a Book.

Print - a photograph published in newspaper or magazine form.

Print work - photography taken for catalog and mail order, books, brochures, ads for magazines or newspapers, magazine covers, commercial photography for household products, business products and services, glamour products. Any modeling job whereas a photograph is published.

Producer - person responsible for the day-to-day decision-making on a production.

Product Conflict - representing two similar products at the same time. This is to be avoiding i.e., modeling for Coke & Pepsi.

Production Company - produces video for viewing.

Promotion - publicity to advance a product, service or person.

Proof - intermediate stage of photo development from which you can choose the best poses.

Public Relations - person or department responsible for creating an image of a product or service in the eyes of the public.

Rates - fees charged by the model.

Release - same as a Model Release or Photographer Release

Residuals - additional money paid when a piece runs in repeat, rates dictated by the unions.

Resume - a sheet listing a model’s education, experience, and vital statistics. The resume is usually attached to an 8X10 or a composite.

Rounds - calling on prospective clients for photography and television

Runway - a narrow raised platform on which the model shows the clothing. Also called a catwalk.

Runway Modeling - also called fashion show modeling. Models work on a long, raised platform about four feet wide.

Source: http://www.squidoo.com/modeling-and-acting

Abroad - places outside of the United States where you can go to model, such as London, Paris, Milan, Tokyo.

Accessories - fashionable items that you wear to complement clothing, such as jewelry, belts, pocketbooks, hats and scarves.

Account Executive - an employee from an advertsing agency who is incharge of an account.

Adult - adult in nature and clearly intended to sexually arouse the viewer, however nudity may be implied rather than actual. While penetration may be implied or simulated, it is usually not shown in graphic detail. Often depicts one or more models anonymously.

Advance - a sum of money paid to you by your agent on behalf of an advertising company that wishes to book you for a job. This is usually paid in advance of your working to secure your services particularly if you are in demand as a top model.

Advertising - the action of getting the word out or letting the public know about a product or service.

Advertising Agency - creates advertising campaigns for clients, selects models

AFTRA - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists is a union for performers that establishes specific fees for different types of performances and protects the model’s or Actress’s rights.

Age Range - the ages that a model can portray (usually a 5 to 7 year span).

Agency - an establishment that does business on behalf of the model, such as booking jobs and collecting payment for the model for a specific fee (usually 15-20% of dollar amount collected).

Agent - a person who works for an agency or who has a privately held business to book models.

Appointment Book - a calendar or date book used to record bookings, go-sees or any other business activities. You may also use this book to keep a record of your expenses for tax purposes.

Art Director - artist who creates layout for ads, illustrates model’s poses.

Assignment - this is the same thing as a booking or modeling job whereby a model is paid for services performed - runway, print, trade shows and other types of employment associated with modeling.

Audition - this is a trial performance which is given to show the casting directors how well you are qualified for the job.

Backdrop - background used in a photographer’s studio.

Beauty Shots - pictures that are taken from the shoulders up, featuring the hair, the skin, the eyes, the smile and the makeup. Also known as head shots.

Black and White Photo - a picture that is taken specifically to produce black, white and gray images. Usually black and white photos are suggested for acting head shots.

Blocking - the actual physical movements by Actress in any scene.

Blow-Up - enlargement photo from a negative or slide.

Book (noun) - a collection of photographs and tears a model uses to promote herself. Also called a portfolio.

Book (verb) - to secure a job.

Book Out - when you tell your agency that you are unavailable to work for certain day(s), for example, a vacation or another job.

Booker - person at agency who sets appointments for models.

Booking - job assignment.

Breakdown Service - a professional listing available only to agencies, that lists movies, film, TV, and stage projects with the types of Actress being cast.

Buyer - retail store employee who purchases clothing from the manufacturer; models show the line of clothing to store buyers.

Buy-out - when a client arranges a one-time payment or flat fee for a commercial instead of paying residuals for the job. This means that you will not get paid every time the commercial plays - the fee should be quite substantial.

Call Time - actual time you are due on set.

Call Back - second interview after a go-see or audition that means they are narrowing down the selection and they are considering you for the job.

Casting - the act of choosing a suitable model for a particular assignment.

Casting Director - the person who works with advertising agencies to select the talent for a particular modeling job.

Catalog Work - modeling for photographs which will be used in catalogs produced by a manufacturer or distributor to sell clothing or other items.

Catalog Modeling - these models are hired to appear in catalogues like Macy’s, Nordstrom, Sears or other major department stores, and sell everyday products to average people. Requirements are flexible.

Cattle Call - this type of audition where hundreds of models will show up to be viewed by casting directors or photographers. Usually new models are sent by their agents so that they can be introduced.

Character Model - a model who is not necessarily a beauty, but who may have strong interesting facial features and selling attributes for specific products. Some jobs require models with an everyday look, such as a truck driver, mechanic, grocery clerk, schoolteacher, cleaning person, appliance repair person, and so on. Also called commercial modeling.

Checklist - a notebook which is referred to daily where you list all of your “things to do”.

Client - company who hires the ad agency, pays the model’s fee.

Cold Reading - a script that you are reading for the first time in front of the client, without time to memorize the lines.

Collection - group of coordinated clothes being shown by a designer.

Commentary - script used to describe clothes for a fashion show.

Commercial Print Modeling - This refers to models photographed to promote a product on billboards, buses, magazines and newspapers. This type of modeling can be divided into two sections- Fashion Advertising and Product Advertising. More correctly called PRINT WORK - no need to use the word “commercial” in it since all printed work is commercialized anyhow.

Commission - a percentage of model’s fee required as payment to agency.

Composite Card/Comp Card - card with 3-5 photos of model and their height, eye and hair color and size information to promote and distribute to prospective clients. Currently, postcard-size (6×8) is popular. One side contains a head shot, the other side several small photographs together with information about the model.

Contact Sheet - also called proof sheet and index sheet. This is a contact print of negatives on 8-by-10-inch photographic paper. These images are the same size as the negatives, and require use of a magnification glass to evaluate them.

Convention Modeling - also called trade show modeling. These shows use mostly female models to demonstrate products and answer questions. You must look professional and believable to be a convention model!

Copy - written words to be spoken on a commercial.

Creative Director - ad agency employee who determines the model type.

Demonstrator - model who shows use of product at a trade show or store.

Designer - person who creates the idea for a garment.

Dresser - helps models dress backstage for fashion shows.

Editorial Modeling - this refers to photography for magazines, including covers. This work is very eagerly sought after by models because of the exposure it provides. Editorial Modeling is similar to High Fashion Modeling, except that the model works for a particular publication. The readers of that publication make up a target audience for the photographs taken. Images in the non-advertisement sections of the fashion magazines, such as Glamour, Vogue, or Seventeen, are good examples of this type of modeling. The physical requirements are less stringent than for High Fashion Modeling, but the pay rate is considerably less. Many more models are needed for Editorial Modeling, and Editorial experience opens the door to High Fashion Modeling.

Enlargement - see blow up.

Equity - see AEA.

Extra - acting job where the Actress has no speaking lines, but stands in the background and adds to the atmosphere of a scene.

Fashion Coordinator - puts fashion show outfits together in retail stores,

Fashion Show - invited audience, stage, music; models walk down runway to show designer clothing.

Fees - amount of money per hour to employ a model.

Fetish - fetish photography is adult in nature but not always sexually explicit, and generally centers around a main theme. It tends to be photographed in harsh light and extreme settings, and often includes the use of props. Examples include bondage, leather, feet, etc.

Figure Modeling - generally considered more artistic work, usually involving some degree of nudity. Figure models work with artists for photography, painting, or sculpture. Figure work is often done anonymously, that is the model is not readily identifiable in the final work. The focus of the work is usually the body or body parts, and how they interact with light and textures. Also called Illustration Modeling or an Artist’s Model.

Fit Modeling - modeling the original sample garment to test for sizing - clients choose a model whose measurements match the sample size exactly.

Fitting - when the clothes are fitted to the model. Usually, a model gets paid less than the normal modeling rate for this time.

Freelance - modeling for many clients without agency representation.

Full Nude - full nudity where there is a clear focus on the genitals, often including the model’s legs spread.

Full-Length Shot - head to toe photograph.

Glamour Modeling- a glamour model is used to draw attention to something - a product, an idea, a mood or a message. Whereas the fashion model should not draw attention away from what they are selling, a glamour model should do the opposite. A viewer’s eyes will fall upon the model first, and then notice the message of the commercial. Sometimes when models are famous, there is no product, just the model - her or his body and personality, e.g. Swimsuit calendars, etc.

Go-see - job interview, model meets a client and shows portfolio

Source: http://www.squidoo.com/modeling-and-acting

Your portfolio is your visual resume. Here are some tips about getting yours into shape.

1. Presentation. Your portfolio should be organized and visually appealing. Loose photos, cut up contact sheets, loose slides, torn or bent photos, and a delapidated case are signs of a poor portfolio presentation. Just as an accountant wouldn’t present his resume on a crumpled piece of paper, you shouldn’t have a sloppy portfolio. Your portfolio represents you; make it a lasting, positive impression.

2. Number of Photos. Your portfolio (or “book” as it is sometimes called) should have between 6 and 20 shots of you or work you are in. There should be a variety of poses and a combination of headshots, half body shots, and full body shots.

3. Kinds of Photos. A high quality headshot is a must. After you get some experience, you should have a couple different headshots showing different hairstyles and makeup looks. Your book should also contain shots of you showing the kinds of work you want to do. If you want to be a swim wear model, have swim wear shots, not high fashion, in your book. Versatility is good but don’t get caught up in trying to be everything. Stick to what you are suited for and are interested in.

4. Sizes of Photos. Models should have 11×14 cases with either 8×10 or 11×14 photos. Actors should have 8×10 cases with 8×10 photos. Most serious models don’t use 5×7’s or smaller in their books.

5. Tear Sheets. Experienced models put tear sheets (samples from the work they have done) in their books to show prospective clients; 1) that they have experience, and 2) that they have proven to be marketable for certain looks and uses. Inexperienced models have shots of themselves showing the types of work they are capable of and interested in doing.

ALWAYS ASK THE PHOTOGRAPHER OR PERSON IN CHARGE FOR TEAR SHEETS!!! THEY ARE INCREDIBLY VALUABLE PARTS OF YOUR PORTFOLIO.

6. Other Marketing Tools. For your mailings, go-sees and any other meetings, you should have some sort of zed card or headshot to give to potential clients. Zed cards should have 1-4 of your best shots showing what you like most. You should always have a resume containing your contact information to give them as well.

Source: http://www.tm-photo.com/portfolios/modinfo.htm#PORTFOLIO

Becoming a model of any kind can be a challenging process. The fashion industry is brutal, and one of the more difficult areas of modeling to break into is fitness modeling. There is a certain level of fitness and body shape that needs to be maintained. Use these steps as a base for the rigorous process of becoming a fitness model.

Instructions
Step1
Get a personal trainer. If you are not already in great shape, get someone to whip you into shape fast. You need to be trim, strong and look great in activewear and swimwear. Avoid too much muscle definition; you still need to look pretty and feminine.

Step2
Contact a photographer to help you put together a portfolio. You will need a variety of shots including head, body, glamour, casual, swimwear and active shots. Most photographers have experience in putting together portfolios; have them assist you through the process.

Step3
Find an agent. Research modeling agents in your city and ask them if they are looking for fitness models. Be prepared for them to ask for your portfolio and experience. They will also want you to come in for a test shot.

Step4
Attend go-sees or book jobs. A go-see is a job interview in the modeling world. It means to meet with a client looking your best with your portfolio in hand. Your agent will send you on these.

Step5
Search for modeling jobs using job sites such as topmodelshub.com or one of the many modeling websites.

Tips & Warnings
# Another great way to get into fitness modeling is through beauty pageants. Search for pageants in your area.

# If you don’t get signed by an agent, there are ways to find modeling jobs to gain some experience.

# Do not get discouraged if you don’t get signed by an agent immediately.

# Be careful of any jobs that aren’t arranged by an agent. These could put you into a dangerous situation

Source: http://www.ehow.com/how_2064576_become-fitness-model.html

Runway modeling is the highly competitive and most demanded in market. Lots of fashion and catwalk show makes the high opportunities for male and female models to be a famous runway models and catwalk models. In this type, person required above average height and very slim body compare to other commercial models. Average height women can use a high hill sandal to make them tall and that is acceptable.

Whenever you are performing Catwalk on ramp, you should have to be very careful for the following thing:

* Eyes: Your eyes should be focused straight ahead of you. Looking off into the distance. Just find something on the back wall and focus on it. There will be bright lights aimed at you! Do not try and focus on a light unless you want to go blind and walk right over the ledge of the runway, because all you can see is the after image of the light bulb.

* Chin: Your chin should be down slightly while runway modeling. The reason for this is because every one will be sitting, looking up at you. There will be many photographers taking pictures aimed up at you. So for your exposure aspect, you want to have good pictures taken of you so that they can be reused in magazines. You can then take these and add them to your portfolio.

* Shoulders: They shouldn’t move much at all. Your shoulders need to stay still as you walk. This can take a little getting used to but will not take long.

* Arms: A lot of models, when learning runway modeling, tend to swing their arms way too much. Your arms should only swing as much as your body makes them. With men and women it is a little bit different of a swing. The reason for the difference is how a man takes his steps. His step will cause his whole arm to swing more while a woman’s steps will cause her arms to swing more from her elbows down. Next time you watch a model runway modeling, watch and see how their lower arm is doing most of the swinging.

Tip for WOMEN: Concentrate on keeping your upper arm in close and somewhat tight to your body. This will ensure that only the bottom half swings.

Tip for MEN: All you need to do is just let them swing naturally. Don’t assist them at all.

* Hands:Now hands are surprisingly quite important while runway modeling.

Here’s why: Say you are walking down the runway with your arms at your side. Then someone for a fashion magazine take an awesome picture of you. Now this is a good picture! Everything looks perfect, until they look at you hands! Why? Because you, like most people, had your fingers curled in and up slightly. So what’s wrong with that you ask? You have no fingers!!!! At least in the picture it will look like you have no fingers! Like they all got chopped off!

Always remember to have your hands open with your fingers nearly totally straightened. Not totally straight (you don’t want to look like a robot), but out enough to be visible.

* Legs: Legs refers to walking. Men just need to walk natural. The only difference is that you take longer strides. So instead of having 1.5 feet in between your strides increase it to 2.5 to 3 feet. The main point is to take long strides without making it look unnatural. Women need to also take longer strides, but they need to walk with one foot in front of the other. This causes their hips to sway, which gives their arms the swing that was described in the arms section.

* Posture: This is fairly basic runway modeling tip. Stand straight up, with your shoulders back. No hunching! That looks insecure and disgusting.

Source: http://www.modellifestyle.com/runway_tips.htm

There are millions of beautiful, young people that have the pre-requisites and desire to get into modelling, however only a very small percentage succeed. You may be wondering why and the answer to that is they just don’t have the right attitude.

In order to become a successful model you will also need to have all of the following:

Determination:

Breaking into the modelling world can be very disheartening as you will face many setbacks along the way. You need to be prepared to be rejected many times before you get someone who is interested and this takes a certain type of character. You need to be determined and to keep going, most young people do not have this determination and simply give up before they make it.

Professionalism:

It is important to remember that modelling is a business and it should be treated as such. The photographers, agents, casting directors are all working to make a profit and they need a model they can rely on. You could be the most beautiful person in the world but you will struggle to get repeat work if you turn up late, don’t show up or are not prepared for your job.

Good Work Ethic:

Models with experience will testify to the fact that they very rarely have a steady stream of work. The best way to handle this is to focus on promoting yourself focusing on your strong points and you will quickly find you can bring in some work.

Imagination:

Remember that the way you get work is to market yourself to others and as with any other form of marketing, find your niche. Work out what makes you individual and focus on that. Put a lot of effort into putting your portfolio together and use your most striking, unique images to advertise yourself.

Networking Skills:

All good business people create networks of clients that are constantly growing. Actors, actresses and models are no different. You need to find ways to reach potential clients and generate more work and more clients from referrals and other network techniques. Of the clients you work with, ask them for referrals to other opportunities for you. And if a client was referred to you, always let them know who referred them. The common networking rule of thumb is that for every satisfied client you have they, in turn, will tell 2-5 others about you, but for every dissatisfied client, 10 potential new clients will hear the bad news. Never burn your bridges with clients. You may not want to work with them anymore, and that is fine, but never, never be rude or unprofessional. Always make it a goal to either work a number of times with a client or get referrals to others from them. Work makes work in this business.

Discipline:

Be prepared for work. Develop the discipline to keep your valuable assets, (smile, face, figure, or whatever else you model), in good shape. Have your portfolio ready when you get a go-see, (interview or test shoot), and have your promotional materials, (headshots, z-cards, and CVs), ready for any potential interview or marketing opportunity. This chance may not come around again.

Persistence:

Successful models are made, not born. They work at all aspects of what they do and they do not stop because of a few setbacks. They are determined to accomplish a goal and they are not easily stopped by petty excuses or fears of the unknown.

A Plan of Action:

Successful models have a direction, a plan of action. They set goals for their portfolio, their resume, their network of potential clients and the part of the market they want to work in, and they plan a way to achieve those goals.

Source: http://www.portator.com

Like any profession, modelling can be learnt. We are sure there are some reputable modelling schools out there but we would recommend you considering the following before paying out a lot of money for one.

1. You don’t need to go to modelling school to be a model. When you join an agency you will get the experience and training you need through test shoots, experience on the job, through conversations with your agent or personal manager, and, if necessary, from brief classes arranged, usually for free, by your agent.

2. A lot of what modelling schools teach is wrong! Quite often the instructors in the schools are former models. This can be really great as they know a lot, however the industry is always moving and what may have been true when they were working may not be now. This does not mean you will not be able to get some valuable information from them. The big problem occurs when you find out that a lot of instructors aren’t models at all, and never were. They are just graduates of the schools, imperfectly passing on what they learned. They probably don’t really have the skills a professional model needs, and probably don’t know what skills you need.

3. Pictures from modelling schools aren’t what you really need. That’s not always true, of course. Once in a while a school gets lucky, or the manager is really good, and they get real, professional quality pictures done for their models. But the vast majority of the time they get junk. The school counts on the students and their parents not knowing any better, and they are usually correct. So all the money you spend on pictures is wasted. You could get selected by a real agency with simple snapshots just as easily.

4. They don’t tell you what you really need to know. At least, not if it keeps them from selling you classes, or pictures, or attendance at expensive conventions that they say you should attend. They are a business. They make their money by taking it from you, not making it for you. So you can count on them not to tell you what keeps them from making money. What are some of those things?

a. There isn’t much modelling work where you live.
b. You can’t be a model in a big city unless you live in the big city.
c. Unless you are a skinny, long-legged 5’10″ 16 year old girl, you are going to have to pay all the expenses of relocating to where there really is modelling work. And with no guarantees of ever actually getting any.
d. People who hire models, and model agencies, don’t care that you’ve been to modelling school.
e. You don’t need to know how to walk on a runway. OK, maybe if you are that tall skinny 16-year old you do, but the agency will teach you that in an hour. Nobody else needs to learn the runway walk. That’s not the kind of modelling they will do.
f. A photographer can’t take good portfolio pictures of ten people in a day.

Now the above isn’t always true, but it’s so commonly close to the truth that you’d better assume it is true until someone proves otherwise in your case.

Source: http://www.portator.com