Booking Out
To book out or not book out, that is the question....
WHAT IS A BOOK OUT?
Booking out is to inform your agent when you are not available for modeling jobs or castings. For example, you might have an upcoming doctor’s appointment or vacation or starting a new school semester.
Your agent automatically assumes that you are available during business hours unless you book out. It saves them from having to call you whenever a client inquires about your schedule. Otherwise, your agent will spend more time chasing up on your availability, rather than procuring you more bookings.
WHEN TO BOOK OUT:
To minimize any frustrations or conflicts for you, your agent, and the clients; get into the habit of notifying your agent the moment you add a commitment to your schedule. If it is something that you can't change, or you are not prepared to change- you must book it out.
Helpful hint: Make sure you relay the exact times and dates you will be unavailable, and also mention if you will be local, out of town, or out of the country. This way your agent will know if they can work around your book outs for last minute projects.
CANCEL ONLY FOR EMERGENCIES:
Keep in mind that once you have agreed to and confirmed a casting, option, or booking, never cancel for any reason other than a family or medical emergency. Your commitment to your word is the heartbeat of your integrity, and you will earn a reputation for being reliable and trustworthy.
The Importance Of Reading Your Business Emails
In today’s world, we communicate more via text and email than talk on the phone. It makes life easy, especially when receiving large amounts of information. We don’t need to write it all down, nor does it interrupt with whatever we are doing. However, many of us have a bad habit of scanning over our emails and texts, instead of actually reading them.
When it comes to business, or in any aspect of life, glancing over important emails can lead to miscommunication and misunderstandings. When your agent emails casting or booking details, they often include specific instructions. It takes time to put this information together and relay it to you. By reading the whole email and following directions, it will save a lot of stress and hassle for you, your agent, and the client.
To avoid any complications, awkward situations, or miscommunication; always read business-related emails very carefully. Also, try to get to them as soon as you can. If you feel that some of the information could be missing, like grooming prep, contact person, or brings, you will have time to check with your agent. Keep in mind that he or she may be having a super busy day, or waiting to hear from the client for further instructions.
How To Get Representation In Multiple Markets
If you are looking to travel, and your mother agent feels that you are ready, there are a few ways your mother agent can get you representation in another city or country. Yes, leave it to your mother agent. The reason being is that not only does he or she have connections with agents around the globe, but also knows which markets are appropriate for you and your success. Not all markets have the same clientele, therefore, the requirements for models will differ too. Furthermore, there can be laws, regulations and age restrictions that might effect your ability to work in certain cities. Below are the ways your mother agent can help you get opportunities to travel. However, keep in mind that they do not guarantee you representation in these other markets, as it remains dependent on the decisions of the agents in those cities:
Submit your materials to agents via email.
Your portfolio and digitals will be sent to the appropriate agents for their feedback
Arrange appointments for you to visit agencies in another market.
Whether you are traveling to a city for vacation or specifically for your career; your mother agent can arrange for you to visit the local model agencies. Your mother agent will usually email your portfolio to the agents in advance before they agree to meet with you in person.
Hold a casting for a visiting agent or scout.
Agents and scouts travel around to many cities, including yours, in search of new faces to represent in their markets. If your mother agent feels that they would consider you for representation, you will be called into your agency to meet with them. On the other hand, the visiting agent or scout may see your portfolio and request to meet you for a go-see.
An agent notices your portfolio online and contacts your mother agent.
Agents regularly browse through each other’s websites. It is not uncommon for an agent to see a new face and call up the model’s mother agent in hopes to represent him or her in their market.
In any of the above circumstances, the agency will ask your mother agent to provide them with:
- Your current digitals in a bathing suit or underwear.
- Your current measurements.
- A video of you introducing yourself and doing a runway walk.
If they feel that you have the right model requirements, confidence, and experience for their market; the agency will offer you representation.
How To Have A Better Working Relationship With Your Agent
HOW TO HAVE A BETTER WORKING RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR AGENT Behind every successful model there is a talented agent. The model-agent relationship involves a tremendous amount of teamwork and trust. Without the support and guidance from an agent, your career can only go so far. However, without your professionalism and trust, the agent is limited to what he or she can do for you. In the words of Jerry Maguire, your agent is saying, “Help me help you!”
#1 ALWAYS BE ON TIME – FOR EVERYTHING! Or better yet, five minutes early. Agents see tardiness as a liability. When you confirm a booking or appointment with a client, your agent makes a promise on your behalf that you will arrive at the designated time. When that promise is broken, clients not only lose their faith in you but your agent too. Timely models are reliable and therefore more enjoyable to work with. NOTE: This also goes for any meetings that you have with your agent!
#2 BE PROACTIVE Modeling is a job like any other; the more you put in, the more you get out of it. This is a multi-billion dollar industry full of professionals that work very hard and will expect you to do the same. The competition is fierce, with models that may be taller or have a clearer complexion, so why should your agent promote you? You are upbeat, knowledgeable, and have a good work ethic. Take time to learn the business, check in with your agent, update your digitals and portfolio, and keep all necessary work permits, visas, and passport valid.
#3 MAINTAIN YOUR APPEARANCE Agents must have a good impression of their models, not just professionally but physically too, in order to promote them. Always present your best ‘self’ when visiting the agency. Looking like you just rolled out of bed will make your agent believe that you go to castings the same way- and less inclined to send you to clients. Additionally, taking care of your skin and body is vital to your success. Eat healthy, workout, get quality sleep, have good hygiene and skincare regime, and lastly drink LOTS of water!
#4 BE AVAILABLE AND ALWAYS RETURN YOUR AGENT’S PHONECALLS, EMAILS, TEXTS & MESSAGES ASAP. Always respond to your agent, and ASAP! This is a fast-paced business of which you are part of the team. Check your emails, voicemails, and texts regularly, and keep your phone charged. One minute could make a difference between you getting a confirmed job or it going to someone else. Say “Yes” to as many opportunities as you can. Modeling is a numbers game; the more castings you go to, the more jobs you are likely to get.
#5 BE PREPARED FOR ANY MODELING RELATED APPOINTMENTS OR JOBS 24/7. Getting a casting or booking in less than an hour's notice happens – a lot! To arrive on time, looking polished and well organized, always have your model bag ready, with a clean casting outfit, underwear (female models should have a nice matching set), and bathing suit for last minute digitals and fittings and maintain your grooming routine every day. Not only will the client be impressed, but it will also reflect well on your agent. NOTE: Don't forget to keep your phone charged!- #6 TRUST YOUR AGENT AND HAVE OPEN COMMUNICATION For you and your agent to be simpatico, it is important that you feel comfortable talking with him or her. Aside from discussing aspirations and ideas, it is very helpful to mention anything that could affect your career; whether it involves your health, relationships, education, or family. They may be able to offer ways for you to manage modeling with your personal life. Your agent is there to guide and advise you. Although you may not always agree with their suggestions; trust that your agent will exhaust all avenues to help you achieve your goals. Know that through their years of experience, your agent can recognize what is best for your career. After all, agents do not want to waste your time, or theirs. Keep in mind that he or she is giving you their professional, not personal, opinions – and always in your best interests. Remember, honesty is the best policy.
#7 DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING WITHOUT THE AGENCY’S APPROVAL. Models are often pressured into signing release forms, while on shoots and at runway shows. In this situation, you must contact your agent immediately. Your agent negotiates the best rate for your bookings along with any usage, non-disclosures, or exclusivity clauses; while protecting your image and likeness. However, If you sign a release without your agent’s approval, you might be undoing all their work, and giving away yours. For your own protection, and keeping the teamwork going to increase your success; never sign anything or offer your personal information without your agent’s prior knowledge.
#8 HAVE PATIENCE, STAY POSITIVE, AND AVOID COMPARING YOURSELF TO OTHER MODELS. Don’t let your anxieties get in the way of your ability to be objective about yourself and your career. It is understandably difficult to keep positive in the face of rejection. Focus on what you are doing, instead of what you're not. Keep busy with testing, updating digitals, or practicing your runway walk. Also, find ways to ease the pressure and frustrations through meditation, going to the gym, hanging out with friends or finding a new hobby. Your energy will be a lot more positive and approachable. But most importantly, never compare yourself to anyone else. Each model is different; in both features and personality. Like in all businesses, some models will go further than others. Assuming that you should be doing everything your model friend is doing can lead you to unnecessary frustration. Focus on your own journey and appreciate the accomplishments you achieve.
Interview with STORM’S Noelle Doukas And Christopher Yianoullou
Noelle and Christopher have over twenty-five years experience between them, spent working at the forefront of the modeling industry. Both agents exude bright dynamic personalities with an obvious passion for the talent they represent.
We chat about STORM, which has been one of the most influential model agencies since Sarah Doukas, Noelle’s mother, opened its doors in 1987, and move onto the innovations within the market and the changes of their model requirements.
FMD: What are the key attributes that STORM looks for when scouting for models?
Chris: We look for standards like height and beautiful skin and great bone structure, but our industry has started to celebrate the more unique aspects of the girl – who she is and what she’s about; her style, her personality. There is much more to it, and you can’t just scout by looking at someone, you really need to talk to that person and get a feel for who they are. Clients like ASOS and Urban Outfitters want to do more profile pieces, and they want real people, so it makes it more fun for us because [models] don’t have to be strictly 5’10” minimum anymore. It’s more flexible, and more fun; so yeah it’s about character more than anything really.
FMD: Whenever you bring international models into London; what is your process, and does STORM have specific facilities to accommodate them?
Noelle: It all depends on how long you are bringing girls in for, and also what you are bringing them in for. There are some girls we bring in for periods of time, say two to three months; in which case you set them up in a house. We do have model apartments, but we also have a wide range of people who are like second moms who look after them, because it is quite daunting if they have never been into the territory before. Obviously, if it’s a girl who has never been to the UK, we take a bit of time explaining how to get around, because the girls have go-sees or castings every day. They probably have four to five castings a day. So, they kind of hit the ground running really. Sometimes, we try to set them up with other girls so they get a feel for what they are doing. We do have an assistant on board that goes through everything with them, and gives them a UK phone and tries to introduce them to transport etc. London’s enormous isn’t it, so expecting these girls to go to appointment to appointment is really quite daunting.
FMD: Are the castings based in London or all over the UK?
Noelle: They are completely sporadic. With castings, you can’t dictate what time it is, what area it is, so a girl could be coming from E1 and then having to go to SE11 (London postcodes with a distance of five miles) and she’s got a small amount of time to do it. If you get a bigger international girl, say she’s here for three days, it’s easier to put them in a car. They are doing a ton of appointments a day, back to back. I mean, since Uber’s come around it’s changed things quite a bit. It’s not that expensive to Uber from one place to another.
FMD: Uber’s made a model’s life a lot easier.
Noelle: It makes it probably a lot easier. I do feel for them though. I have done go-sees and castings with one girl once, and I thought, “I do feel sorry for them.”
Chris: It’s not as glamorous as you think.
FMD: Describe the London Market and Clientele.
Noelle: Well, I think first of all we’ve got the best editorial, I would say in the world, because we have the high-end publications like Vogue, Harpers, and Elle, and we also have the really kind of cool magazines like Dazed, and Wonderland. Now, there are a lot of online publications, there’s a pop-up magazine every day.
Chris: It’s a super creative city, with all the great designers and fashion schools. The students’ work is incredible here.
Noelle: It’s a good market to develop a girl because, as I’ve said, when we’ve got such a wide range of editorials; it’s good to develop their books. But, I think another great thing about London is that we have the advertising, the catalogues, and the E-com, and so a girl is pretty much guaranteed to make a nice amount of money. I mean the British pound is pretty shocking at the moment, but prior to that, it was great! No, it’s a great city! Our Fashion week is better than it ever has been before. I think a lot more girls are coming to London to do the shows, it’s a lot more relevant. So, I would say London’s definitely kind of an all-rounder. You know the only other thing is there is not as much competition, because most girls base themselves in New York, at which point you’re competing with x amount of girls, as opposed to a less amount of cool, international new faces.
FMD: How easy is it for new models to acclimate to the London Market?
Chris: I think for the younger girls it’s actually quite nice. We’re an English speaking country; the Tube (Underground) is pretty self-explanatory, and the English culture is very polite, and we like to help!
Noelle: They do get chaperoned though, if they are too young. We’d never let a girl under eighteen go out on her own, ever.
Chris: Yeah, and that also helps when they get settled in, there’s an English person there to teach them the ropes, the underground etc., how it works. We’ve never had any problems.
FMD: You mentioned that STORM has model apartments; are there strict rules enforced for the people staying in them?
Noelle: I wish we did, it’s a nightmare! It’s funny, model apartments are generally there for brand new girls, but sometimes girls end up living there for a couple of years. Some girls are actually messier maybe than boys, from what the cleaners tell us. (laugh)
Chris: Yeah, it’s bad! (laugh)
Noelle: It’s not good! It’s not good! I can’t understand it because I think if you can do this to someone else’s house, would you actually do this in your own house? I don’t think they would. Occasionally, we have to get pest control, painters and decorators coming in, or there are doors being broken off hinges or whatever it is. They’re young kids aren’t they; they’re not at home with their parents. I do get girls specifically saying, “I don’t want to stay in a model apartment”. We have a group of really lovely people who rent out rooms, and you know, I think they like it, the international girls who’ve not been here before, they feel kind of nurtured. It’s actually nice to be in a family environment.
FMD: What would you say are the most important qualities models should have?
Noelle: A voice and a personality for sure. I’ve seen the most beautiful girls in the world that have no personality, and I’m not meaning that in a derogative way, I just mean that, I think it’s like dating actually; you can think ‘oh, you’re fairly attractive’, but it’s the connection you have that actually develops how they come across, how you relate to that person – and actually personalities can make or break someone. You meet someone who’s really arrogant and full of themselves, and all that beauty just completely diminishes, whereas someone with a great personality can win you over in a different way, and you see a totally different side of them.
For me, if I were a casting director, it would be that. And it’s interesting to see how [it affects modeling], say you bring in a girl you don’t know particularly well, and she gets 30 options in a month and not one of them confirms, you start to think ‘there’s something not quite right there’, or you can get a girl that you weren’t entirely sure about but she has an amazing personality and her chart is full of red confirmations.
Chris: It’s true though!
FMD: Is there a common mistake that stands out as something models repeat over and over again?
Noelle: I would probably say approaching things with too much negativity.
Chris: Yeah, I was about to say that – or over thinking.
Noelle: When they start to analyze too much, girls can get very down on themselves, and I think that can come across to people. You can get yourself into a hole and it’s difficult to climb back out of it.
But I think it’s like that for everyone, for everything in life. I always write my Gratitudes down every day, things that I’m grateful for. If you try and make yourself feel more positive, then positivity comes back to you. But, I think when you go into anything with a negative view; it’s not going to turn itself around. You’ve got to be strong, and I think you’ve got to have a strong backbone. But saying this, I personally wouldn’t want to be judged on my looks every day of my life. It takes a certain quality of person.
Chris: Yeah, everyone thinks it’s an easy job, but…
Noelle: It’s one of the hardest. The worst thing a girl could ever do is to have a negative view on the industry, or herself, or whatever it is, you know, unless they’re enjoying it, loving it, I try to discourage them doing it at all. Because I think they’re so young, surely in that age group you’re supposed to be having the time of your life, not scrutinizing every part of yourself.
Agent Drop-In: STORM Management
Miranda Cantacuzene-Speransky - STORM Management London
Miranda Cantacuzene-Speransky, from STORM Management London, drops in to the FMD model apartment to give us some modeling advice.
Model Search With Stars Management #fmd❤️stars
ph: Tricia Turner courtesy of Stars Management
FMD & Stars Management Have Joined Forces To Find New Faces!
Top west coast model agency, Stars Management, has collaborated with us to discover the next new face. Think you have what it takes to become a modeling star? ENTER TODAY to find out!
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
WOMEN: MEN:
Age 16-30 Age: 16-30
Height 5'7" - 6' Height 5'10" - 6'3"
If you were only "asking for a friend," but want to keep up with the search, follow @_fmd_ and @starsmanagement or hashtags #fmdlife #fmd❤️stars to see who might be the winners!
Prizes include : A Photoshoot and Interview that will appear on FASHION MODEL DAILY, and you may even get a modeling contract with STARS MANAGEMENT!
YOU HAVE UP UNTIL MARCH 25th, 2018 TO ENTER!
OFFICIAL RULES
NO PAYMENT OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN.
OPEN ONLY TO LEGAL RESIDENTS OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA WHO ARE AT LEAST 16 YEARS OLD AS OF THE DATE OF ENTRY
ENTRANTS WHO ARE MINORS (UNDER 18 YEARS OLD AS OF THE DATE OF ENTRY) MUST HAVE PERMISSION FROM THEIR PARENT AND/OR GUARDIAN.
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By entering this Promotion, entrants accept and agree to be bound by these Official Rules. Any violation of these rules may, at FASHION MODEL DAILY or STARS MANAGEMENT's discretion, result in disqualification. All decisions of the judges regarding this Promotion are final and binding in all respects.
PROMOTION PERIOD. Promotion begins 010:31 AM PST 03/05/18 and ends 11:59 PM PST 03/25/18, when all entries must be received (“Promotion Period”).
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HOW TO ENTER. Visit www.fashionmodeldaily.com/modelsearchstars during the Promotion Period and follow the instructions for the FMD + Stars Management Search to complete and submit the entry form. (“Submission”)You must include five (5) photos of yourself: at least one (1) should be a close up, and one (1) full length. Entrant must be the only person featured in the photos and entrant must have permission from the photographer to use the photos as described in these rules. Entrants represent and warrant that their Submission is the original work of such entrant, it has not been copied from others, and it does not violate the rights of any other person or entity. Entrant further represents and warrants that their Submission adheres to the fundamental spirit of the Promotion and does not contain any defamatory, obscene or otherwise unlawful matter or depict anyone engaged in any illegal, immoral or lewd act, any violent or pornographic material or contain any other inappropriate content (as determined by Sponsor). Limit: One entry per person and one entry per e-mail address during the Promotion Period. All entrant information, including e-mail addresses, is subject to the respective Privacy Policy of FASHION MODEL DAILY.
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Airline Ticketing Agent Saves Teens From Alleged Human Trafficking: Why You Should Never Accept Online Modeling Gigs Without Doing Research
On August 31, 2017, American Airlines ticket agent, Denice Miracle, saved two girls, aged 15 and 17, from falling into a suspected human trafficking ploy. According to the story published in the NY Daily News on Monday, the two teens were lured via Instagram by a man offering to fly them to New York for a modeling opportunity. The girls were to be paid $2000 plus first class flights to dance in a music video. Fortunately, the observant ticket agent noticed too many red flags when the girls came to check-in at her counter. read the full story
Although social media has broadened our access to information and possibilities, it also has a downside. Teens and young adults are approached by predators claiming to be in the modeling industry all too often. In fact, it has become so common that numerous model agencies feel it necessary to announce caution to all aspiring models on their website homepages. Boys and girls are encouraged to verify any scouts or industry professionals who claim they are with the agency. Agents cannot stress enough how important this is.
If you are approached through social media, begin your research into the person or company immediately. Although it could be a bona fide offer, it is in your best interest to make sure! Should the individual claim that they are from a model agency, you can find out how to confirm this here. You can still use similar research tactics for people who say they are in the ‘industry’. However, here are a few extra tips to prevent yourself from getting into a dangerous scam.
- Do not give out bank account details or personal details; such as home address or social security number.
- Talk to a guardian/parent about the contact and what you have been offered.
- Do not travel to, or with, the person without verification.
- Contact law enforcement if you know that the person/offer is not legitimate.
Finding A Legitimate Model Agency
Are you looking for a model agency to submit to? Be aware that if you are uninformed in the modeling business, you are more likely to be taken advantage of. What may appear to be a legitimate model agency, can turn out to be nothing but a fraudulent scam.
However, FMD will show you what to look out for, and how you can determine whether an agency is legit.
HOW TO SPOT A SCAM
There are two major clues to scams or phony model agencies.
- The agent asks for money upfront or an “enrollment fee”. A true model agency only makes money when booking their models on jobs, not by signing them.
- You are required to pay for modeling classes or a portfolio in advance to be considered for representation.
HERE ARE THE KEY FACTORS TO LOOK FOR WHEN RESEARCHING MODEL AGENCIES
- Check if the business is run out of an office, rather than a residence or a PO Box and that it is located at the advertised address.
- Should the agency be open for a short period of time, get background information on the person who started the company. Were they an agent? Do other agencies work with them?
- Be cautious of anyone with a Yahoo, AOL, Gmail, or any other non-business email address.
HOW DO YOU FIND OUT THIS INFORMATION?
WEBSITES
Agency Websites: These days most agencies have websites that provide enough information to prove their credibility. How long they have been in business, their clientele list, and submission policies are just a few examples. Additionally, their models’ portfolios will give you an idea of the type of men and women that they look for. You will also see the quality of clients and photographers they work with.
Blogs and Social Media: Checking out the agencies’ blogs and other social media pages are very quick and effective ways to learn more about them and their image.
The Better Business Bureau: The reputation of a company is perhaps the most telltale sign of its legitimacy. The Better Business Bureau or the local Chamber of Commerce (for international research) is where any reported complaints against the agencies, such as fraud or mismanagement, can be found.
GO TO THE SOURCE
Approach a Department Store: Contact your nearest department stores to find out if they use models for events. If they do, ask which agencies they hire from.
Contact Model Agencies: Although most agents will be too busy to answer a slew of questions, the receptionist or office manager should be able to help you.
