Models
At Interview
Switch
off your mobile phone before entering the cabin. Make your
introduction brief and cut out the accent. Smile and be your
natural self .Don't pull out your pictures till you are asked,
and, then, place them in the view of the person concerned.Your
personality plays a major part in the final decision. Personally,
when I sign on a model, I assume that he or she will interact
with clients in the same manner that he or she interacts with
me. A model must be able to communicate. In fact, I've signed
many models who may not have had a look that I immediately
believed in, but because I was sold on their motivation and
personality. I'm always on the lookout for that special quality
that makes a great face and body outstanding.
Rejection
is not a Failure
Always
keep your eyes open and your ears to the ground for any opportunity.
Let me give you a simple analogy to help you understand the
process. As a consumer, there are products you have used for
a long time for various reasons - they could be within your
budget, easily accessible, durable, beautifully packaged,
etc. And there are products you have discarded after the first
use, since they weren't exactly what you expected. Similarly,
photographers, coordinators, casting directors, producers,
choreographers and clients may want to continue with the same
models or change them after their first-ever experience. So
you can never tell what clients are really looking for. But
it pays to be consistent in your behaviour and attitude and
approach each professional opportunity positively.
When
rejection comes your way, learn to handle it professionally.
Treat it as a learning experience and move on. You've got
to have endurance, especially because most people in this
business are temper-amental. In the early days, I used to
cry myself to sleep because I thought I wasn't good enough.
But I kept forging on. Like me, you could possibly make mistakes,
but the important fact remains that you've made a decision
and taken a step forward.At every step of the way, and especially
in the beginning, try to develop an enthusiastic, positive
and dependable reputation. For your reputation is closely
linked to your attitude in this industry and it always precedes
you throughout your career.
Right
Dressing
If
your wardrobe is the packaging for your product, make sure
that your package always looks fresh and planned. When you
look at yourself, ask yourself if your outfit is consistent
with your advertising scheme. Ask the agency concerned what
is appropriate for the psychographic profile. Each market
has its own require-ments. In Delhi and Bangalore, agencies
prefer models to dress up and use a lot of make-up. In Mumbai,
however, models tend to dress down, wearing minimal accessories
and make-up. But do use your common sense. Don't imitate others.
Everyone has his or her own style and if it's not you, and
you're not comfortable with your clothes, it will be difficult
to sell yourself at auditions, video tests, and personal interviews.
Basic
requirements for auditions and video tests are:
For
women:
* Bras - skin-coloured, white and black
* Panties - skin-coloured, white and black
* Body stocking - to match your skin tone
* Boob tube - any colour
* Tights - black and skin-coloured
* Hair and make-up bags
* Nail care bag - emery boards, clippers, buffer, polish
* Hygiene necessities - tampons, deodorants, razors
* Your wardrobe should include jeans, T-shirts and two basic
outfits - casual and formal. Take along saris with matching
blouses and petticoats since they are requested for frequently.
Pastel shades work best.
* Accessories - scarves, headbands, hats, gloves, sunglasses,
prop spectacles, belts and jewellery
* Shoes - high-heeled black and neutral courts, flat black
pumps
If
the client, agency or coordinator asks for additional items
before a shoot, you have time to prepare. If you are unable
to supply the required items, notify the client so that the
client's company can supply them, instead. You do not need
to take your model's bag to personal interviews and casting
calls, but do take along a skin-coloured bra and panty, tights
,shoes and clean hands and nails.
For
men:
* Underwear - white and skin-coloured briefs with athletic
support
* Socks - various colours and styles
* Shoes - white trainers, classic black shoes
* Trousers - various colours and seasonal fabrics
* Jeans - classic blue and black
* Make-up - foundation and powder to match your skin tone
* Hair products - spray, gel, brush, comb, etc.
* Hygiene necessities - deodorant, eye drops, contact lens
solution, razors, etc. What men require for editorial and
fashion modelling
* Shoes - trainers, black and brown dress shoes, black and
brown casual shoes, cowboy boots and sandals
* Shirts - dress shirts, sports shirts, casual shirts in a
variety of colours
* Trousers - various colours and fabrics, including denim
* Swimwear - boxer-style shorts and self-coloured briefs
* Accessories - prop spectacles, watch, gold band, etc.
Auditions
For Modelling
When
you visit an agency, make sure you arrive on time, and leave
as soon as your business is over. It can be very disturbing
to have a lot of people just hanging around. If you have to
wait, try to smile and say hello to the people around. Don't
be dismayed if no one responds. Most likely, they are as shy
or nervous as you are. You might start up a quiet conversation
with someone, but avoid loud conversation where people are
trying to work. Also, no gossip! Bringing a book or magazine
is acceptable.
You
should be prepared to wait anything from a few seconds to
an hour and sometimes longer. If you have another engagement
or assignment, tell the receptionist very politely about it.
You'll possibly be allowed in next. If this is the case, apologise
to the other people waiting and say your thank yous.
Make
sure you are dressed as the agency has told you to - you'll
have a better chance of getting the job if you walk in looking
like the photo they have in mind. If the coordinator or production
stylist did not make a suggestion on how to dress, ask her
for ideas. If she does not know, dress mid-stream - not too
high fashion and not too casual.
When
your name is called, follow the person who addressed you into
the interview room. Smile, greet the interviewers, say who
you are and why you are there. Shake hands firmly if you choose
to (a limp handshake is very off-putting). Wait for an invitation
to sit down. (Some clients will interview you as you stand.
Don't worry, this is not unusual). Have a list of things to
discuss, so you have an agenda once the conversation gets
going. Also, make a habit of taking notes in your filofax.
Be prepared to hand over your portfolio for inspection. An
interview may last from 30 seconds to 30 minutes; you cannot
predict how long or short it will be. Just flow with it.
Normally,
when you go into an interview, everyone is under pressure
to find the right model(s) as quickly as possible, book them
and produce the rest of the advertising campaign while juggling
other daily activities. It is not unusual for a client to
have a couple of auditions for different jobs on the same
day. If time allows, take the opportunity to bring out your
personality. You don't have to go into a song or tap dance
- just be yourself. At social gatherings, you know when you
click immediately with someone; there are others who take
a little longer to warm up. It has all to do with personal
chemistry. Photographers and clients are like that, too. Sometimes,
you get along spontaneously and, at other times, it takes
longer.
Your
mood and their mood are factors in determining the success
of the interview. Regardless of their behaviour, always remain
friendly, calm and professional. Don't push too hard. Always
be direct. Don't waste the client's time or yours. This is
also part of establishing your reputation. Photographers and
clients often have incredible memories. They may not book
you for that particular job, but they will keep you in mind
for the future. It is not uncommon for weeks, even months,
to go by before the photographer or client phones the agency
and requests to see you again for a new job being cast.
Over
the Phone
Communication
is a crucial element of success. When you are calling a place
of business, remember every second you waste is time - and
time is money. You'll make quick friends with people if you
are direct and don't waste their time. Say who you are and
why you are calling. Often, I've made appointments with people
immediately just because I liked the way they handled themselves
on the phone.
If
you are nervous, practise with your friends. It may feel silly,
but you'll learn the habit of preparing yourself for all sorts
of telephone conversations. Try to get on and off the telephone
as quickly as possible - excessive conversation can be distracting
to the flow of business at that moment. If you are making
an inquiry, be ready to write down the information. Don't
call people and interrupt their answers to your questions
with, "Oh, can you hold on while I get my pen?"
They have many other priorities in their day, have little
time to spare and are under a lot of pressure. So try not
to irritate them.
Common
Courtesies
Who doesn't like a bit of appreciation? Simple things like
a card, a rose, a cigar or a basket of fruit, just to say
'thank you' to someone special, are always appreciated and
your thoughtfulness remembered. It doesn't have to cost a
lot. The small investment you make will undoubtedly come back
to you, over and over again. If you have made a faux pas or
a mistake you regret, a simple gesture to show your regret
can easily persuade someone to forgive your foolishness. If
you find yourself in a spot, the least you should do is write
a brief letter of apology to the client, depending on how
well you know him or her. Don't hesitate to say sorry for
your mistakes. A graceful apology can work wonders.
At
Studio
Always
be professional. Never forget that you are there to work,
no matter how friendly the atmosphere.
Be
prepared. You should always arrive with your requested wardrobe
intact, pressed and clean. Always bring your model's bag.
Don't rely on any other person, such as the stylist, make-up
artist or hairdresser, to cover for you.
Arrive
promptly at the time specified. You may develop a close relationship
with various studio personnel and they might allow you to
arrive early. But always telephone first to ask if you can
come in early. Don't presume.
Introduce
yourself to everyone when you arrive. Be friendly. Shyness
often comes across as arrogance. Write down the names and
occupations of everyone in the studio.
Always
ask before you take or use anything that does not belong to
you.
You
may offer to bring coffee or croissants to the shoot. You
may be told it is not necessary, but the thought will be remembered
and appreciated.
Personal
stereos do not allow you to hear if someone is calling you.
If you want something to pass the time while waiting to go
on the set, take a book along to read.
Don't
send the photo assistant to run errands for you. If there
is an emergency, ask the photographer before getting an employee
to leave the studio.
Only
use the telephone if absolutely necessary and be sure to ask
first. Make your call brief.
Watch
your step while walking on and off the set. You could stumble
over the cords, lights and other equipment.
Don't
chat with others when on the set. This is very distracting
for the photographer and will affect his concentration. Also,
you won't be able to hear him if you're talking. Excessive
talk or gossip is always rude.
Don't
ever chew gum in the studio. Not only is it unpleasant, it
is also rather offensive in a corporate environment.
If
you make any sort of mess, be it from food, drink, make-up
or hair supplies, clean it up.
When
changing, take care not to get make-up on the clothes you
are to model. Get them on and off as quickly as possible and
hang them up immediately.
Don't
sit, eat or smoke while wearing the client's clothes. They
are often samples and have taken a long time to iron.
Ask
the stylist about wearing dress shields to prevent perspiration
stains.
If
you like the garment you are modelling, you may ask the stylist
about purchasing it, but only after the photo session. Don't
assume you can just take it and don't pressurise the client
to give it to you. This will really put you in a bad standing.
If
you don't like your client's outfit -- just shut up.
Drugs
are absolutely forbidden. They can ruin your career and you.
Respect,
courtesy and consideration are essential in a professional
model. They make the difference between a short or long term
career.
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