Top Glossary Terms for Models in Canberra
Are you an aspiring model in Canberra looking to understand the industry's unique language? Familiarising yourself with these key terms will help you communicate effectively with agencies, photographers, and clients. Many of these terms also apply to the worlds of acting, presenting, and voiceover work, and are used worldwide. If you're part of—or aspire to be in—the creative industry, you'll find this glossary of essential modelling terms useful.
Here's a list of essential modelling terms:
Agency Model: A model signed exclusively with a modelling agency. Also known as ‘signed model’.
ASF (Agency Service Fee): A fee charged by an agency for its services, typically a percentage of the model's earnings for jobs secured through the agency.
Book: Another term for a model's portfolio, whether digital or in print.
Booking: A model's scheduled job or assignment.
Bookability: The potential or likelihood of a model being booked for jobs.
Call Sheet: A document detailing the schedule and logistics for a shoot, including call times, locations, contact information and often packing lists, mood-boards, shot-lists etc.
Call Time: The time a model is expected to arrive on set. Note that a model should always arrive at least 5 minutes early.
Casting: The process of seeking and selecting models for a specific job or role. If a model is applying for a casting, they are in the running to be chosen but are not yet confirmed.
Comp Card: A model's business card featuring their photos and stats. This can be made up of a styled portfolio or model digis.
Deal Memo: An agreement outlining the terms and conditions of a job such as the role title, description, classification, rate of pay, shoot date(s), inclusions, optional rollover details, etc.
Direct Booking: When a model is booked for a job without a casting, usually based on their portfolio or prior work.
DPS (Double Page Spread): A magazine layout that spans two facing pages, often featuring a model's work.
Exclusive Agency Contract: A modelling contract where a model is represented exclusively by one agency.
Freelance Model: An independent professional who is not exclusively signed to any agency and manages their own bookings and contracts directly with clients.
Go-See: An audition where models present themselves to potential clients.
In Perpetuity: Usage rights granted indefinitely, without an expiration date. A model should be careful of this term and only sign such contracts when fairly compensated and with full awareness of how the image(s) will be used and how this will impact their bookability.
Longevity: The duration of a model's career and their sustained success in the industry.
Model Release: A legal document granting permission to use a model's image.
Mother Agent: A model's primary agent who typically discovers and initially represents them.
Non-Competes: Clauses in contracts that restrict a model from working with competing agencies or clients for a specified period.
Non-Exclusive Contract: A modelling job contract where a model can be represented by multiple agencies.
OOH Usage (Out of Home): Usage of a model's image in outdoor advertising, such as billboards and transit ads.
Organic Online Usage: Usage of a model's image in online content that is naturally distributed without paid promotion.
Rollovers: Extension of the usage rights for a model's images beyond the original contract period. The standard for this is 12 months, but some clients will request either shorter or longer periods. This can be negotiated.
Runway Model: A model who walks fashion runways during fashion shows.
Shortlist: Models who have been selected from a larger pool to be considered for a specific job or casting.
Sponsored Online Usage: Usage of a model's image in online advertisements that is paid for (i.e., will reach a higher audience).
Tearsheet: A page torn from a publication featuring a model's work.
TFP (Time for Print): A collaboration between model and photographer where both parties trade services without monetary compensation, often for portfolio building.
Test Shoot: A photoshoot to create new images for a model's portfolio, or one that is cast by a photographer to test a specific type of lighting or concept.
Usage: Refers to how and where a model's image will be used. This can include social media, websites, e-commerce, TVCs, billboards, points of sale, etc.
Walk: If an agent requests to see a model’s ‘walk’ at a casting or interview, they are specifically asking to see the model’s runway walk, which should be confident and polished, and in heels (for women!).
Understanding these terms will help you navigate the modelling industry more confidently. Use the glossary above to assist in breaking down the industry and legal terminology often found in contracts, and ensure you have a solid understanding and agreement before you sign anything. If you have any questions or need further guidance, feel free to reach out. Good luck on your modelling journey!
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