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Writer's pictureTartan Models

MODELLING TERMS AND LANGUAGE




8×10 GLOSSY:

A photograph sized 8×10 inches, typically on glossy paper. Commonly used for actors' headshots.


ADVANCE:

  1. Money given to in-demand models to secure their commitment for a booking. Not guaranteed for lesser-known models.

  2. Money spent by the agency on the model's behalf, expected to be repaid. See "deductions."


ADVERTORIAL: An advertisement designed to resemble an editorial piece, paid for by an advertiser.

ART DIRECTOR: Responsible for the visual style and layout of ads or editorials in magazines or advertising agencies.

AUDITION: An opportunity for models to showcase their suitability for a job. Also called a "casting" or "go-see."

B&W: A photo or video using only shades of grey, black, and white, without other colors.

BIG AND TALL: Male models for catalog work, typically 6'4" or taller, suit size 44 and above, fit and proportional.

BOARD: Models represented by an agency, often categorized into divisions like "New Faces," "Men's," or "Classic."

BOOKING EDITOR: Person at a magazine responsible for booking models.

BOOKER: Agency representative negotiating and securing work contracts for models.

BOOKKEEPER: Manages a model's income and expenses related to modeling.

BUYOUT: Client purchases unlimited usage rights for a model's image, often with specific limitations.

CALL SHEET: Detailed listing of the creative team for a shoot, including location, directions, and instructions.

CALL TIME: The scheduled time a model is required on set, usually 15 minutes before the actual call time.

CAMPAIGN: A set of ads for a specific product, ranging from a single print ad to coordinated print and TV ads.


CASTING:

  1. The process of selecting models for a job.

  2. A go-see.


CATTLE CALL: A casting where a large number of models show up, often for generic roles, with lower chances of success.

CHARGE-BACK: When a model accepts a job but doesn't fulfill it, leading to charges from the agency.

CHART: Agency's term for a model's schedule.

CLASSIC: Term for older models, usually in their 40s or later.

COLLATERAL: Additional uses of an image beyond the primary ad, such as point-of-sale displays.

COMMERCIAL MODEL: Specializes in advertising, especially print ads.

COMMISSION: A percentage of a model's earnings taken by the agency or manager.

COMPOSITE CARD: A card with multiple pictures, stats, and contact info of a model.

COPY BOOK: A collection of high-quality copies of a model's original tearsheets.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Oversees the creative design of an ad or editorial.

DEDUCTIONS: Money subtracted from a model's earnings to repay agency loans for expenses.


DEVELOP:

  1. Turn exposed film into a picture.

  2. Prepare a person with modeling potential for the professional market.


DIRECT BOOKING: Booking a model without a go-see, based on photos or agency recommendation.

EDITORIAL: Material produced for a publication, representing news, commentary, or staff opinions.

EDITORIAL LOOKS: Unique appearance suitable for fashion editorials.


EXCLUSIVE:

  1. Agreement to work only with a specific agency.

  2. Agreement not to promote competing products for a specified time.


FASHION MODEL:

  1. Models in the fashion industry.

  2. Models represented by an agency specializing in fashion.


FASHION SHOW SEASONS: Events showcasing upcoming designer offerings several months in advance.

FIT MODELING: Models with specific measurements trying on sample clothes for designers.


GO-SEE: Meeting to be considered for a job, either general or specific to a client's request.

GUARANTEE: Some overseas agencies guarantee a model's earnings; uncommon in the UK & Europe.

IMAGE BOARD: Used for models in special situations, not available for go-sees but can be direct booked.

INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR: Models are treated as contractors, not employees, on most jobs.

MODEL AGENCY: Represents models, secures work, and earns commissions.

MOTHER AGENCY: Promotes models to booking agencies, typically developing and managing the model.

NEW FACE: A developing model sent on go-sees but not yet promoted to the main board.

OPTION: Client's right of first refusal on a model during a specified time.

PETITE MODEL: In fashion, a model 5'7" or shorter, typically wearing size 6 or less.

PLUS MODEL: Larger-sized fashion model, often from dress size 10 to 20.

PORTFOLIO: A collection of a model's photographs and tear sheets.

PROPORTIONAL: Client-speak for a model having pleasing proportions.

RESIDUALS: Payments for continued use of a model's pictures after the initial shoot.


SCALPING: Recruiting a model from another agency, frowned upon in the industry ***


SHOW CARD: Special card to highlight agency models during fashion show season.

SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT BOARD: For well-known or celebrity models with special agreements.

SPECIALTY MODEL: Models specializing in specific body parts.

STAGE PARENT: Pushy parent of a child model or performer.

STATS: Basic appearance parameters and sizes for models or actors.

STREET CASTING: Casting using non-professional models for a more realistic ad appearance.

TEARSHEET: Printed page from a publication featuring a model's photograph.

TEST SHOOT: A shoot for a model's or photographer's portfolio or composite card.

TONED: Slim and fit in real life; in modeling, can also mean very slim.

USAGE FEE/RATE: Payment for a model's work on set and the right to use their images in advertising. Additional fees for extended usage.


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