Once you arrive on set at your Models Direct job, you should be focused throughout the whole day (and the next one, if it’s a two-day assignment). You’ll probably experience a mix of emotions, including excitement, nerves and pride, but your focus should never waver.
Most commercial modelling jobs require models to pose as a character. For those new to the wonderful world of commercial modelling, we’ll give a couple of examples of models posing in character:
- Our two models Connor and Filippa were chosen by the Gibb Group to pose as industrial workers to promote the company’s range of safety equipment. The company sells a wide variety of equipment and accessories for the gas, oil and marine sectors and needed models to accurately portray their target customer audience, which our two models did very successfully.
- Here! Student Accommodation came to us seeking a group of models of student age to pose as students for images on their website. They were photographed and filmed throughout the day doing what students do in their digs. It all contributed to realistic material required to engage with young adults looking for new student living quarters, and they all excelled – as all our models do. (See below for some advice from our young female model Pranay).
So, posing in character on set is a staple of a Models Direct model. That’s because we work with the largest variety of clients, and so the number of jobs dictates that posing as a commercial model is an extremely common requirement. Whilst we do have plenty of job where posing as someone else isn’t that important (promotional modelling for instance), it’s certainly a common theme amongst the hundreds of job briefs we receive.
- Staying in character during your booking
- Do I need professional photographs to be a model?
- From Blossoms to Big Smiles – Spring Photography Tips for Child Models
- How do I find modelling work?
- Our Guide to Modelling with Models Direct
So, how to stay in character during your time as a Models Direct model on set?
Firstly, understand the job brief, and focus on what’s being asked of you. For example, if you’re posing as a retail worker, remain helpful and friendly throughout the day – including on breaks – and this will reflect well on camera.
Secondly, put your research prior to the shoot into the day. Understand how the brand works, and what their potential audience might be. This will help your mannerisms and make your modelling more realistic.
Thirdly, don’t be afraid to interact with filmmakers, photographer and anyone representing the client on the day. They’re there to make you feel comfortable and relaxed, so use those good vibes to your advantage when the camera starts rolling.
Lastly, relax, enjoy yourself, and be proud that you’ve been selected in the first place!
A last mention to young model Pranay, who was one of the models on the 2024 booking with Here! Student Accommodation. She wanted to share her thoughts to other models about our booking process
She advised to all models, “Do NOT worry about the admin fee. That’s normal and required capital for agencies to market you well to brands. The first few months will be slow. But, when your ePortfolio does spark interest – it will maintain that! I got two shoots within five days after four months of waiting. It really is that random, but with a great selection of pictures and a good work ethic, you can definitely speed up this process.”
Well said, Pranay!
