NEWSFLASH!

Audition

Last weekend I had an audition for the part of Susan in A White Christmas. I have been in a show before for 9 months! However, this was a while ago so I was looking forward to the chance to go through the audition process again.

When we arrived we had to queue up for ages! Maybe an hour or more. We were all given a number on a sticker - I was 82. I think there were about 110 girls auditioning; all between the ages of 8 and 12. I was auditioning with my younger sister's best friend. My sister hadn't wanted to audition as she doesn't like doing an American accent! The company needed three girls to play the part on rotation. It was really exciting!

For the first round, they took girls in groups of ten into the auditioning room. They started with numbers 1-10, and went all the way up to numbers 100-110. I had to wait ages before I could go in, and my sister's friend had to wait even longer. When my number was eventually called, we went into a room and had to stand in front of a group of people sitting at a desk. I was a little bit nervous to start with, but the nerves soon went. All we had to do was sing 'Happy Birthday' in a group and then individually. Then we went back into the waiting room.

Once everyone had had there chance to sing, the company made a cut. Well over half the auditionees were told to go home. Once the cut was over there was only 36 of us left. 

We were then split into two groups. Luckily my sister's friend and I were in the same group; so we could chat when the first group were auditioning. After a nerve wracking wait, we were called in. This round tested our singing - we learned a song from the show. Fortunately, I had gone through the song a bit before the audition, so I kind of knew it before we had to sing it. That's always a good thing to do before a singing audition. Just look up songs your character sings and go through them - even if they say you don't need to. It's likely that you will have to sing it and it helps if you know it beforehand.

After we had been through the song as a group and individually, we were told to go back into the waiting room. After a few minutes, they made yet another cut. They brought the number down to just 15. Unfortunately, my sister's friend was knocked out - I was convinced she'd get further than me. She was so good about it when I got through though. That's the only bad thing about auditioning with friends - it is hard when only one gets through.  

We were now down to just one group and we went in for the acting round. This is probably the scariest round for most people. We got given two short scripts from the show and had a read through them. We had to perform them in an American accent - this was specified on the email we were sent so I wasn't surprised. In one of the scripts we had to act sad and worried and in one, happy. There was quite a long wait while all of us went through them. It is important if you are waiting around in an audition room not to talk or look bored. If you got the part, there would probably be loads and loads of waiting around! I tried not to be too nervous when my turn came - I had listened to everyone else' feedback and tried to take that on board before my go. Once I had finished they said 'well done' and I sat back down. Once we had all finished we went outside the audition room but not back to where my Mum was waiting.

They made another cut and I was down to the final 7! It was really exciting. We had to put a dance to the song we had learned earlier. It really wasn't that difficult but because I was nervous it made it harder. We performed it in threes. The further along you get, the closer you get to the other girls, and the more you want the part. Once it was over we went back to the waiting room, and were told we would find out on Monday whether we had the part or not.

Unfortunately, I didn't get in, but the audition experience was amazing. If you do modelling, doing auditions are brilliant as they are great for your confidence. They help you to learn to cope with rejection and are a great thing to be part of. I don't mind too much because the shows were over the Christmas period so it would have been tricky. I would have missed a holiday too. Still, I'm sure I will audition for something again soon.

Parents

Parents

In the same way you get a variety of models, there are a wide variety of parents too. I think there is a massive stereotype about parents of child models. It is really easy to just presume that the mum (or dad) is controlling everything and does not consider what their child wants to do. I suppose, if you have never met a parent of a child model, this view is pretty understandable. I mean, the parent is the one who gets notified of the jobs and they don't have to consult their child about it. Also, quite often parents will take the child to a job or casting and organize everything regarding the practicalities of it. To some people, this looks like it is the parent who is controlling everything and the child doesn't have a say in what happens to them.

In many, many cases this is not the case. By people presuming it is, they are only enabling modelling to become something only for 'pushy parents' and 'spoilt kids'. The more people who think of it as this, the less people who put their children into an agency.

What my parents have ALWAYS done, and what I'm sure many others also do, is to ask me whether I wanted to do the job before committing to it. Since I first started, they have always explained what the job or casting was for, where it was, how long I would have to be there, and asked me what I would miss at school. If, for whatever reason, I didn't want to go, they would always say no to the agency. It is really important to be able to say no to your agency, because, if you couldn't make it but felt pressured by the agency to do the job, you might end up missing something special to you and your family. A good agency will NEVER force you to do a job - they should understand that you have other important commitments.

Of course it goes without saying, that there are a tiny proportion of parents who could be labelled as a 'pushy parent.' I have seen quite a few that were waiting with us in waiting rooms. Here is how to spot a 'pushy parent.'

• To start with, their child will nearly always look really bored. They will usually be on some electronic device and looking like the casting or job is the very last place they want to be. The mum or dad will most probably be giving them little nudges every now and again and telling them 'stop being embarrassing and speak to the other kids!' If they don't look bored they will be really dressed up and most probably trying to impress everybody with their latest 'major campaign.'

•  Secondly, they will be absolutely surrounded by other parents hanging on their every word. They will certainly feel the need to tell everyone about which job 'we' did that didn't live up to 'our' high standards, and can't resist mentioning the company that only used 'us' for two shots. Everything will be about their child and them - never just about the child. Everything is a competition; if one mum says their child's done Dior, suddenly 'they've' done Dolce Gabana.

•   And finally, a pushy parent will ALWAYS get too involved in things. All they do is get in the way. They will insist on helping their child get ready and always sneak in behind the photographer. They take photos on their mobile and reminding their little 'star in the making' to keep up that fake smile. They will grab an unlucky member of the crew, demanding immediate dates on when the photos will be out, and probably grilling them on the amount of hours the child's worked and how much they get will get paid.

Pushy parents are a real pain, crews don't even like them and it can even stop the child from being booked again. Although it's nice to discuss what you have been up to -many mums are just interested in what goes on in the studio, but make sure you know when to take a back seat.

My First Job

My First Job

My first job was a straight job for children's magazine called 'Junior Magazine'. I really didn't have a clue what to expect - all we knew was that the magazine was a high fashion one ...and that we had never heard of it! We were given the address of the job and the call time by the agency; the Presidential Suite of the Hilton in London. I remember being really excited and a little bit nervous as well. It was great fun and I modeled the most expensive clothes I have ever modeled in my life - including a white, sequined Roberto Cavelli jacket!!. I was convinced I would end up spilling something on them. It was the first time I had taken direction from a photographer and I remember being really surprised at all the lights and equipment they were using. They had curled my hair into a massive pouffe that stuck out all round my head like a seventies rockstar - I didn't wear my hair curly that much then and I was amazed at how different I looked. After it had finished we took the tube back to where we were parked and I kept thinking how strange I must look with my hair all done up.

Obviously, I didn't expect all jobs to be like that. I didn't even know whether I would get any more jobs. As it turns out, I have been really lucky with how many jobs I've had, but back then I didn't have a clue how many I'd get. It's all down to luck at the end of the day - whether clients are looking for someone that looks like you or not. If they're not, then there is really nothing you can do about it, you just have to keep trying! 

TOP TIPS FOR A FIRST JOB

• When you have your first job you should expect to be waiting around possibly even longer than at a casting so make sure you bring plenty of stuff to do. 

• It is really important that you try to be patient and polite to any members of the crew even if they seem to be taking ages on purpose. If you are impolite or start getting bored or sulky they might not keep you on for as much time as they were going to; they might not even consider using you again. You can be the next Kate Moss, but if you are a diva at a shoot you won't make a good impression no matter how pretty you are.

• Make sure you don't let on that you hate the clothes. Not all clothes you will model will be to your taste. I am really small for my age so sometimes have to wear clothes mainly designed for ten year olds; sometimes I think I would NEVER wear this but I try not to let it show.

•  Don't worry if you are used less than other models that are there. If there are other models at the job, you might find they are being used more than you are. Don't worry at all. It might be that they have modeled for the company before, fit more of the clothes, or just had more shots planned than you did. It doesn't mean that you are any worse than they are.

There can be a lot of equipment on set!!

• Make sure you have time spare for the job to overrun, or if not, ensure you let someone know as soon as you arrive. If the company know in advance you are in a rush, they will shoot you first so you can get off quickly. In general though, it is best if you leave the whole day free in case the hours you need to be there change.   

• Have fun and enjoy it! It you want more info take a look at my castings post. :)

How To Make A Good Impression

How To Make A Good Impression

 

When you are at a casting it is unlikely you will be the only model there. If the casting is more of an audition (occasionally, models are asked to audition for an advert or to go to an open audition for a production or t.v. series,) you may even be auditioning with a group of other people. So, you want to stand out from the crowd. I'm going to focus on castings in this post as models will get more castings than auditions. 

When you arrive there is usually a receptionist at a desk. She or he will ask you your name, agency and height. As much as it sounds stupid, make sure YOU say your name and not the person who brought you. Although you might think it's only the receptionist, they could have a say in things at it still will make you look, sound, and feel confident anyway. The receptionist will give you a form to fill out asking some details about you (i.e your measurements and clothes size). They will then direct you to a waiting room.

So, you're in a small room full of people waiting to go in to the studio where you will have your photo taken. The person who brought you should probably fill in the form as you don't want to worry about writing email addresses and taking different measurements. You might be nervous, or not.  If you are nervous, try to control your nerves as you really don't want to come across as nervous in the pictures. If the casting is running late, use this extra time to spruce up your hair, maybe give your face a wipe to freshen up a bit. Don't sit there doing nothing as you will most probably get really bored and not in the right frame of mind for a casting. You want to feel and look really fresh and upbeat.

You will probably have a number that you were given at the reception desk. When your number is called, you will directed to the studio/room where you will be photographed. There will be a photographer and possibly some other people sitting at a desk. Look them in the eye and say hello. Wait for them to tell you what to do next. They might change you into some clothes from the brand you are casting for. Don't worry if the clothes are too big or small. It doesn't mean you haven't got the job or you are too fat/thin to be a model! They will have just brought a few samples in that some models will fit and some won't. More often than not however, they will just shoot you in what you are wearing. 

Once you are standing in front of the camera, the nerves might kick in. If they do, take a deep breath and remember the casting really isn't  that important. You need to only focus on what the photographer is telling you to do. If he or she asks you to do some poses of your own here are some that will make a good impression and some that definitely won't:

GOOD:

• One hand on hip. Smile. Look into the camera. Shift you weight slightly.
• Turn your body. Both hands on your hips. Small smile. Look back into the camera.
• Tilt your head. Small smile. Look slightly above the camera.
• One or two silly poses that show a bit of your personality! This helps you to be memorable.
• Just have fun and be girly. Laughing is good. 

BAD:

• Sexy poses. Sticking chest out, sticking bum out e.t.c.
• Pouting.
• Anything too little girly like blowing kisses, cupping chin with hands, skipping e.t.c. This looks a bit cheesy.
• Moving around too much - the pictures will be blurry.
• Standing there looking helpless is the WORST thing you can do!

If the photographer gives you any direction make sure you make note of it and change. Don't be upset if they tell you you are doing something wrong - they want to see how you take criticism and use it constructively. When it is time to go, say thank you and maybe ask when they will let you know whether you have got the job or not. The casting will probably only last 5 minutes and won't be too difficult. Just enjoy it and have fun.  

First Casting

First Casting

Your first casting is always very exciting! It's a really important day - I still remember mine after 5 years and I'm sure I will remember it for a long time yet. My first casting was for a Walk To School Campaign and was in a studio in London. I remember thinking going to London was the best thing EVER and riding on the tube was AMAZING! I remember going into the studio and my mum stood at the back of the room and I walked to a spot marked with tape and had my photo taken. I had to hold up a card with my agency, age and height on it and do what the photographer asked me to do. There wasn't anybody else in the room and I hadn't had to wait very long at all. I really enjoyed myself and we went for a meal afterwards. Unfortunately, I didn't get the job from that casting, but next year I got it without a casting as a straight job. 

For your first casting, whatever it may be for, there are a list of things you must make sure you have done before the day:

• Most importantly, make sure you know when you need to be at the casting and where the casting is. It might be a good idea to print off a Google map that you can use in case you have to park far away and walk, or, if you haven't got a SatNav, for driving there. If you are further away from the casting, taking the train avoids the traffic and can be easier.

• Also, it is a good idea to decide what you will wear the night before the casting - especially if you are setting off early in the morning. You don't want to wear anything too sparkly or with too many patterns as you want the client to see you and not your clothes. Don't be afraid to wear some bright colours though; it can make you stand out from the crowd and get noticed.

• Ensure your hair is freshly washed and you have clean nails (no polish or just a clear coat). Do this the night before as you don't want to be rushed in the morning.

• It is really important that you look like you do on your agency pictures when you go to a casting. If a client expects you to be a short 13 year old with straight, red hair, you must make sure you look like that. There will be no one to do your hair and makeup at a casting so make sure your hair is done, and if you are over about eleven or twelve you can maybe wear a little bit of blusher or lip gloss. Definitely do not put on any eye makeup, lipstick, or fake tan. When I go to casting I put on a little bit of powder, blusher and lipgloss. I sometimes wear a VERY light concealer if I have a spot that is really obvious. I have only just started doing this though and you definitely don't need to wear any makeup. 

• When you pack a bag for the casting it is important you have: your height/measurements or a tape measure, a hairbrush and hairspray to spruce up your hair just before you go in, the number for who to call if you are going to be late or have any other questions, a snack and a book or phone for if you are waiting around, a waterproof so you don't get drenched just before you go in, (this has happened to me before!) 

• It is best if you arrive 5-10 minutes before you were told, as you will then not have to stay much longer than the call time (hopefully!) The longest I have ever had to wait at a casting was probably only about 30-45 minutes.

Don't be too disappointed if you don't get the job. The client will probably be seeing models all day and you are probably unlikely to get it. Still, castings are really fun and you never know, you might get a job out of it!

 My sister and I outside CBBC!

Why Modelling Isn't Always As Glamorous As It Seems

Why Modelling isn't sometimes as glamorous as it seems.

Modelling is hard hard work. There aren't very often posh dressing rooms with recliner massage chairs to lie in whilst drinking cloudy lemonade and having your nails painted. This post is about my experiences of very UNglamorous jobs I've done. Sometimes, you have just got to grit your teeth and get on with.


I did a job for a big sports company quite recently and no one had warned us there wasn't going to be a makeup artist there. All modelling jobs I've done there has been someone there to do your hair especially if it's for a well known company. Unfortunately, I was having a particularly bad hair day that day and hadn't really made much of an effort to make my self look nice as the job started quite early in the morning. Not that I put a lot of makeup on usually for jobs but it is best to turn up with your hair done nicely so you make a good impression. When I got there it was immediately quite obvious that I would have to be shot as I was - there was no hair stuff or makeup there at all! It was ok as the crew wanted us to look natural anyway but I still spent ages in the toilets trying to make my hair go straight!! I have to say those pictures were definitely not my favourites! I will pack straighteners and hairspray in my bag from now on!

This is my sister on a shoot for New Look in the hair and makeup room.



















One time, I was on a shoot for M&S (before I grew out of the sample size)  and another girl and I were shooting in the middle of a very busy park. This was about a year ago and it was a really hot day. We were shooting winter clothes as everything is always shot earlier than when it is put on the website. We were really far away from the caravan that was the makeshift make up and changing room so there was nowhere for us to get changed. The park toilets were on the opposite side of the park and were also a ten minute walk away. The crew were behind schedule so we needed to get into our next outfit really quickly. Because of this we had to change behind two polystyrene screens that the cameraman was holding up for us. Even though I knew nobody cared, I was still sure everyone was looking at me!!

I find that pretty much all the studios I go to are in really grotty places or look a bit strange from the outside. Once we got an email from my agency and she advised us to take a taxi as the place we were going to wasn't very safe in the evening. Luckily, the taxi driver dropped us off right outside the place the casting was at. I wasn't sure I wanted to be out on those streets! 

A very cool studio I did a job in!

NEWSFLASH!

NEWSFLASH!

 I have just had some bad news tonight :( A company who have been using me regularly for 2 years, M&S, have just said I am now too tall for their sample sizes and have been dropped! When I said there were no height limits - you can get too tall, as, unless you're modelling for a teen range, the average maximum sample size is age 10. However, the good news is M&S do a teen range so I just need to grow a bit more! The agency are putting my younger sister forward so good luck to her! I hope I won't have to retire just yet! :)                                                                                                                                                                    

M&S on location

M&S studio shoot

What Clients Look for

What Clients Look For

If you are with a children's agency, the client who chooses which models to use will be looking for certain qualities in the model. You can be 15 and be with a children's agency, but you must be short and young - looking for your age otherwise you are better off in an adults agency. The clue is in the name really - if you are with a children's agency you must look like a child!

Whenever a client searches for a model, whether they are looking for a blonde haired 6 year old, or a ginger haired 12 year old, there is one thing they are not looking for - makeup. This is why your agency will take natural photos of you in a studio, to put on their website (your profile). When applying for an agency you will probably be asked to send in some snapshots of yourself. Again it is very important that these are natural and actually look like you - it's also best to avoid logos and busy prints. The pictures must be recent and your face must be clearly visible. Imagine you are having a passport photo...but smile!! 

Clients do look for really different things depending on what product/brand they are casting for. Good agents should know what your look is, and will submit you for appropriate castings. You can be really successful and not necessarily classically beautiful. For example, companies like cereal manufacturers want real looking kids with bags of character, whereas a high fashion company such as vogue probably want a look that's slightly more edgy. I have modelled for quite a few magazines and clothes companies whereas my sister (who looks very cheeky) is cast a lot for T.V. commercials. We are with the same agency but have really different looks so get put forward for different things.

Another thing that some clients look for is experience. If you have just started out this can be quite frustrating as someone's got to give you this experience before you can have it! Because of this, it can often take a while for models to get their first job, however once you are able to add more pictures of work you have done, quite often clients will book you more regularly. 

Of course this is just the beginning, once a client sees you amongst loads of others at a casting, there are lots of other things to consider -  but I will post this another time! :)

Adult and Child/Teen Modelling

The Difference Between Adult and Child Modelling

Adult and child/teen modelling are completely different things. If you start with a modelling agency and are under 16 you can't expect to be doing runway every weekend. Child modelling is a completely different industry. Here's why:

• First of all, if you're under the age of 16 and wanting to be a child model, you will need a license. This license allows you to take time off school for modelling castings and jobs. To get a license you need to contact your local authority and have the full support of your school.  If you are over 16 you don't need a license as at this age, you do not legally need to be educated.

•  Secondly, there is no height restrictions for child modelling. For high fashion adult models, you need to be tall - at least 5' 7'' or 5' 8''. However for child/teen modelling your height is less of an issue.  I'm twelve, and am lucky because I am short - if anything shorter is better as you aren't to tall so you don't look like an adult yet.

• Also, child/teen modelling is a lot less competitive than adult modelling. If you're over 16 and in the modelling industry you are competing against loads of others all wanting the same thing. With child/ teen modelling, a 1 year old and a 15 year may be on the same agency's books. It goes without saying that they aren't going to be put foreard for the same job. If many models in an adult agency are between 18 and, lets say 25 there isn't such a wide age gap and so everyone is more or less competing against each other - and there are a lot more people competing to start with.

So child/teen modelling is very different to adult modelling. Clients are looking for totally different things and the models provide totally different things too. Yes, children aren't seeing strutting down the runway very often but child modelling is just as fun in its own way. :) Please comment and subscribe!

Picture Page 1: The Studio

A plain, simple studio.

The things they can do with a blank canvas!

 

 

Picture page 1:

 The Studio

Silly times off set

Lights, cameras, SAY CHEESE!

Waiting to get started again

Last minute adjustments

Comment for more information on each picture.

Model Dictionary

Model Dictionary

Before you start modelling it is probably a good idea to learn a few of the terms used to describe things in the modelling industry. You will probably know quite a few of these terms to start with but there are a few quite strange ones that are really important if you want to know how close you are to being booked by a client. So....

• STUDIO: Usually a very plain white room with a massive roll of white paper you stand on, cameras, computers, places for you to change, a hair and make up room and a sofa for any parents to sit. If you are with an agency you have probably been to one to have your agency pictures done.

• CASTING: Basically an audition for models. You will have your photo taken by a photographer and it will probably only last for about 5 minutes. I will post a separate post about castings soon

•  COMMISSION: Your agency will take probably about 20% of what you earn when doing a job in order to pay their staff and keep the agency running. This is called a commission. It's them who got you the job after all.

• AVAILABILITY CHECK: A client may want to availability check 10 models and only need one. Your agency will phone you up and let you know you have been availability checked. Don't get your hopes up because there will be plenty other models who will have been checked too.

• ON A PENCIL: This means the client is not confirming you for a job but is thinking of booking you. This is a nerve wracking time especially if the job sounds exciting. Even if you're not booked, be proud you got this far - the client obviously likes you and might consider you for something else.

• CALL TIME: The time you are needed to start shooting. Aim to be there about ten minutes before the call time as if you arrive before any other models you will get shot (photographed) before anyone else and might even get the most shots because of it.

•  CLIENT: The brand that is booking you - say, next.

• ON LOCATION: This doesn't necessarily mean the shoot will be in the Maldeves! This basically means the shoot will take place somewhere that is not a studio. 

• FITTING: When you try on the clothes to see whether they fit. Usually a separate to the shoot. You probably won't have been confirmed for the job.

• STYLIST: The person who seems to be in charge of the clothes. They might dress you and will see that the clothes are right. The hair stylist does the same for your hair.

• FEE: The hourly rate you're paid.

• DAY RATE: The money you are paid for the job if it lasts all day. 

 

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Choosing A Good Agency

Choosing A Good Agency 

Having a good modelling agency is soooooooo important. There are many companies who claim to be a reliable agency but are actually scams. Here are some signs an agency is a scam:

• If the agency asks you for UPFRONT FEES ( fees they ask you to pay before they actually sign you up.) 
• The best agencies will NEVER accept you from just a photo you send - they will always want to meet you in person.
• Proper agencies NEVER promise work. If work is promised the agency is probably a scam. 
• If an agency DOES NOT HAVE A WEBSITE be careful. The best agencies will have a website. It might just be a small agency that is just starting up but it could be a scam.
• If you are unable to speak to an ACTUAL HUMAN BEING run a mile and don't look back!!!!

Even if you suspect an agency is fine, make sure you research it first as there are agencies out there who just want your money.

There are less agencies based in the north of England than the south but there are still a few. You might not get as much work as going with a London agency but if you live up north it might be a struggle for your parents to take you into London and some agencies only accept kids from London anyway. Here are a few good northern agencies:

• Urban Angels North
• Bizzykids North
• Kids Manchester
• Eurokids
• Tuesdays Child
• DK model management 

 If you are in easy commute to London for castings you have a much wider choice of agencies. Here are a few good ones.

• Urban Angels South
• Kids London
• Bruce and Brown
• Alphabet Kidz
• Bizzykids South
• Bonnie and Betty

If you get into any of the agencies listed above and don't receive any work don't panic! They are not scams - just keep waiting. There are loads of other agencies too so don't worry if the agency you are with isn't on the list! 

Do you want to start modelling?

Do you want to start modelling?

This post should give you some helpful pointers on being a model. First question, presuming you can't drive, is who is going to take you up and down the country at short notice for a job or casting. You could ask your parent but other options are relatives, professional chaperones or even dance teachers! If there is no one to drive you, modelling could be very tricky!

Modelling isn't all fun. You have to be really patient because sometimes you are left waiting around for quite a long time before you start shooting. 

Most people think the only thing you need to be to be a model is beauty. This really isn't true. You don't have to be stick thin and you don't have to be the next Kate Moss. However you HAVE to be confident in front of the camera and polite and confident around new people. 

Probably the hardest thing about modelling is the rejection. I have been modelling for five years and I have been unsuccesful lots of times  The more times you get rejected the easier it becomes but you must remember its not that your ugly or rubbish at what you do, the client is just looking for something different. If you can't handle being rejected modelling could really damage your self confidence. 

Modelling is really really fun and you make loads of friends along the way. As long as you never let it take over all of your life and focus on school as well you can do it quite often and still do really well at school. It doesn't have to be the only thing you do - I do dance 5 times a week on top (although you might not want to be quite as busy as me!!!!)  comment for any advice or feedback you want to give.

My Blog

My Blog

This blog is all about modelling. I am creating it because I think some people think modelling is basically another word for showing off. Sometimes I find it hard to talk about - even though my friends are really supportive of me there are some people who aren't. I want to give advice to anyone who wants to start modelling and make it more well known. I would love to post pictures of what I do and tell people what its like to be a model. Hopefully people will start to realise modelling is just like any other hobby. Please comment any feedback or ideas.

Gracie