3/4 SHOTS
Photo from head to mid thigh.
8x10 GLOSSY
Pronounced "eight-by-ten glossy." Also called a
headshot, it refers to the standard size of the photo
commercial print models and actors are required to
provide to agents and casting directors. It's used as a
noun: "You're perfect for the part - I've got to show
Harvey your 8x10 glossy."
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
An employee of the advertising agency who works for a
particular brand, like Nike. The accounts are referred
to by the name of the client or the product ("the Nike
account," "the Revlon account"). The account executive
is the person in charge of making the client happy.
Account executives are usually present at photo shoots
and castings to ensure that the model and the
photographer are successfully carrying out the wishes of
the client. See advertising agency.
ACTION
What the director says on the set to indicate that the
cameras are rolling and that the actors should begin the
scene. It literally means "start acting"
ADVERTISING
The industry that promotes products and services to the
general public in hopes that people will buy or use
those products and services.
ADVERTISING AGENCY
Creates advertising campaigns for clients, selects
models.
ADVERTISING AGENCY
The company that specializes in creating ads for big
brands. Almost all of the ads you see on TV or in
magazines, are created by an advertising agency. Let's
say you own a company that makes jeans. You want to sell
more jeans than you're selling now. The advertising
agency looks at your jeans, figures out who would want
to buy your jeans, and then comes up with the best, most
engaging way to reach those potential customers and tell
them how great your jeans are.
The account executive is your main contact at the ad
agency and oversees the development of your ads. The
creative director, art director and the copywriter come
up with a clever ad that will make everyone want to buy
your jeans and you love it. They want the ad to be a
picture of a good-looking model actually wearing the
jeans. Someone from the ad agency contacts a modeling
agency or a commercial print modeling agency and tells
them what kind of model they're looking for (someone
your potential customers will relate to and want to look
like).
The modeling agency then sends the ad agency some
headshots of models that could be a good match. The ad
agency casts the models. They hire a photographer,
who will secure the location, hire a stylist and make-up
artist and run the shoot. On a job like this, the model
is working for the photographer, the modeling agency,
the advertising agency and the original client (the
president of the jeans company), all of whom may show up
at the photo shoot to see what the model looks like in
the jeans. For our purposes, that's what an advertising
agency does.
AFTRA
American Federation of Television and Radio Artists,
union for all TV performers.
AFTRA
The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.
This is one of the unions an actor must belong to in
order to get hired for a television job (SAG is another
one).
AGENT, AGENCY
Third party negotiator, receives percentage fee of
bookings; could be an individual person or a company.
AGENCY
A company that represents models, actors and talent of
any kind. A modeling agency is responsible for
representing and promoting its roster of models and
booking jobs for them. Modeling agencies usually handle
contracts, payments and the whole business side of the
model's life. Sometimes, especially with larger
agencies, the agency will "lend" the model money for a
photo shoot, comp cards, clothes, an apartment, etc. The
agency will then pay itself back by taking money out of
the model's first earnings. Agency also can refer to an
advertising agency. Ad agencies contact modeling
agencies when they need to hire models for TV
commercials and print ads.
AGENCY BOOK
The book agencies distribute to all of their clients to
promote their models. The book contains the comp card
for each model represented by the agency. Models are
required to pay a fee to have their comp card printed in
the book. You will be required to pay a fee to have your
comp card printed in the book.
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AGENT
The person who represents you, sells you to clients and
books jobs for you. You may have a specific agent who
books jobs for you or several agents at your agency may
share the booking. A modeling agent is the same thing as
a booking agent. "Agent" is sometimes interchangeable
with the term "manager" in modeling, although the laws
may be changing to create more of a distinction.
APPOINMENT BOOK
What you can use to keep track of your schedule. Comes
in very handy when filling out vouchers and making sure
you've been paid for all the time you worked. You can
also use an electronic organizer.
ART DIRECTOR
Artist who creates layout for ads, illustrates model's
poses.
ART DIRECTOR
At an ad agency or magazine, the person who designs the
look and feel of the ad or magazine. Sometimes the art
director may have a direct impact on the kinds of photos
they want, but the models usually don't have direct
contact with them.
AUDITION
A tryout for a film, TV or stage part. When a model
auditions for a modeling booking, it's called a go-see.
B&W
Black and white, as in a black & white photograph (the
only other alternative is color). Photos used as an
actor's headshot are almost always in black & white.
BACKDROP
Background used in a photographer's studio.
BACKDROP
Whatever the model stands in front of during a photo
shoot. In a studio, this is usually seamless paper or a
faux location scene.
BACKGROUND
Extras in a photograph, a TV show, a movie or a play.
(As in, "I worked two days as background on a new
pilot.")
BATHING SUIT SHOT
A photo of a model in a bathing suit.
BEAUTY SHOT
A close-up shot of part or all of the face (lips, eyes,
etc.). This kind of photo is usually used in a cosmetics
print ad or in a magazine editorial about skin care
products, make-up products, that kind of thing.
BIO
Short for biography. This is the condensed story of a
model or an actor's life made available to public
relations companies. It's basically a resume with
particular jobs highlighted.
BLOCKING
The actual physical movements by actors in any scene.
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BLOW-UP
Enlargement photo from a negative or slide.
BONUS
A chunk of additional money paid to the model after a
job is completed. Bonuses are not always given in
cash-designers may give clothes as bonuses if they can't
pay the models' full day rates for a runway show. And no
matter what form the bonus takes, the agency takes 20%
of the value of the bonus. Bonuses can be given when a
shoot is long, or when a client loves the pics and wants
to use them more often than the original
intention/contract.
BOOK - see PORTFOLIO; BOOK (verb)
To secure a job.
BOOK
To book a model's time for a job; also the book or
portfolio a model carries to go-sees, jobs, etc.
BOOKER
Person at agency who sets appointments for models.
BOOKER
Do not use this term. The correct term for a booker is
booking agent or agent.
BOOKING
Specific job assignment.
BOOKING
A booking is a job or work that a model gets. When you
get a job, you say you "booked" a job.
BOOKING AGENT
Another term for agent. This is the person at the agency
who represents you and books jobs for you. Again,
referring to your booking agent as your booker can be
considered demeaning, so don't do it.
BOOK OUT
When you tell your agency that you are unavailable to
work for certain day(s), for example, a vacation or
another job.
BOOKOUT
When you tell your agent you're not available for a job,
for either professional or personal reasons, and the
agent cannot book you during that time, you've "booked
out" for that time. As a professional, you need to be
responsible for your own time. Don't expect your agent
or your clients to remember that you're going home for
your Grandma's birthday next week or that you booked a
job through your other agency that day. To help prevent
cancellations and angry clients, you should keep every
booking agent you work with aware of your schedule.
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BRAND
The product a model sells in an advertisement.
BREAKDOWN SERVICE
A professional listing available only to agencies that
lists movies, film, TV, and stage projects with what
types of actors are being cast.
BUYER
Retail store employee who purchases clothing from the
manufacturer; models show the line of clothing to store
buyers.
BUYER
The person from a department store or clothing store
responsible for buying clothes to sell in their stores.
Buyers typically attend fashion shows and visit
designer's showrooms looking for clothing their
customers will like.
BUYOUT
Advance payment for future use of a print ad or a
commercial for a specific period of time.
BUYOUT
An agreement by an agent and a model that allows their
client (Vogue, the Gap, whatever) to use the TV
commercial or photograph that the model appeared in
wherever and however they want, for a specific time
period, and for a fee. See usages.
CALL
Appointment.
CALL-BACK
Second interview after go and see/audition which means
they are narrowing down the selection and they are
considering you.
CALL BACK
A second (or third or fourth) audition for a job. When a
client has seen everyone for a particular job, they will
then call the people they liked best to come back and
try
out again. There can be more than one call back.
CALL TIME
Actual time you are due on set.
CALL TIME
This is the exact time you need to show up for work. If
it's a TV commercial, expect it to be pretty early in
the
morning. If any special make-up or costume is required,
your call time may be at the crack of dawn.
CALL SHEET
The notice that goes out to all people involved in a
photo
shoot (or commercial shoot) that gives the details of
the
shoot. Important information on the call sheet includes
your call time, the location of the shoot and how you
should appear upon arrival. Clients may want the models
to arrive already in full make-up and hair or they may
want the models to show up barefaced (see
clean-clean). If you don't know this information by the
night before the shoot, call your agent and find out.
Not
following directions causes a lot of expensive, wasted
time in the studio and may stop you from getting hired
by
that client again.
CAMERA
A device for taking photographs. Are you ready for your
close-up?
CAMPAIGN
An advertising campaign.
CANCELLATION
24-hour notice before booking is to begin or money is
due
agency and talent.
CASTING
Choosing models/actors for a specific job.
CASTING
A casting call for models.
CASTING CALL
A call put out to actors or models for a specific role
or
job. Casting and modeling agencies usually host the
casting calls, which may also occur at production
offices, studios, hotel suites, etc. A closed casting
call is
one in which the talent has been handpicked and invited
to appear. An open casting call is usually advertised in
the trades (papers) and is open to anyone.
CASTING DIRECTOR
Selects suitable models to represent the comp or
storyboard.
CATALOG MODELING
Posing for mail order items for major retailers.
CATTLE CALL
Several agencies send many models of the same general
type to a casting session.
CHARACTER MODEL/ CHARACTER ACTOR
Character models and actors are hired to play the nerd,
the fat guy, the librarian or the little old lady from
Pasadena. These talented folks usually have several
different characters they can play. Character actors and
models rarely become household names, but this is an
extremely lucrative field if you've got the right look.
See
Types of Models to learn more about this type of
modeling.
CLEAN-CLEAN
A specification on a call-sheet that means clean hair,
clean face. You should show up for the photo shoot
with no make-up on and freshly washed hair. The
opposite of this is "hair and make-up ready," which is
pretty self-explanatory.
CLIENT
Company who hires the ad agency, pays the model's fee.
CLIENT
The one who pays your salary. A model can have
several types of clients:
1) The person or company who hires you for a job.
These kinds of clients include: fashion magazines,
fashion designers, clothing catalogues or advertising
agencies; and 2) The product manufacturers who hire
the ad agencies to produce the ad. A representative
from the client company usually shows up at photo
shoots to ensure that the photos are making their
products look good. Modeling agencies have clients, too.
These include 1) Anyone who wants to hire a model for
a job, like a fashion magazines, a designer or an ad
agency and 2) The model. When modeling agents refer
to their "clients," they are usually referring to the
models
they represent, but it could also mean the magazines and
advertisers that hire their models. Whenever you're on a
shoot, treat the clients with respect. They are the ones
paying you and they will not hesitate to fire you if you
behave unprofessionally or waste their very valuable
time.
A photograph taken up close, usually of a face. When
you're ready for your close-up during a photo shoot, try
to avoid quoting Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard.
("I'm ready for my close-up, Mr. DeMille.")
COLD READING
A script that you are reading for the first time in
front of the client, without time to memorize the lines.
COLLECTION
Group of coordinated clothes being shown by a designer.
COMMENTARY
Script used to describe clothes for a fashion show.
COMMERCIAL
Promotional advertisement on TV, radio or other media.
COMMERCIAL ACTOR
Actors that primarily work in TV commercials. This is a
broad category that includes children, old people, and
every walk of life in between. Some commercial actors
also do commercial print modeling.
COMMERCIAL AGENT
A person or an agency that represents actors for TV
and radio commercials (and not for print ads - that's a
commercial print agent).
COMMERCIAL PRINT ADVERTISING
Advertisements that appear in print for consumer
products and services. This includes any ad that
appears in a magazine, a newspaper, on a poster, on
the side of a bus, etc. In print ads, there's no such
thing
as a bad accent, bad dialogue or poor English (although
you do have to be able to follow directions). See
commercial print model.
COMMERCIAL PRINT AGENT
A person, agency that represents models or actors for
work in print advertising.
COMMERCIAL PRINT MODEL
A model who works in commercial print advertising.
Commercial print models are the ones you see in ads for
everything: toothpaste, diapers, cars, maxi pads,
dentures, dog food, travel agencies - everything.
Commercial print modeling is not as restrictive as
fashion
or editorial modeling, since advertisers need to appeal
to
a wide cross-section of the general public. It truly is
"womb-to-tomb" modeling. There are modeling agencies
that specialize in commercial print modeling alone.
There
is some fashion modeling that commercial print models
do, but it is generally not as well paid or as
high-profile
as editorial modeling.
COMMISSION
A percentage of model's fee required as payment to
agency.
COMMISSION
The percentage your agency takes from your earnings.
COMPOSITE CARD, COMP CARD, CARD
Card with 3-5 photos of model and their height, eye and
hair color and size information to promote and
distribute to
prospective clients.
COMPOSITE CARD
Also referred to as a comp card, zed card or model
business card. A comp card is a piece of card stock
printed with at least two photos of you in various
poses,
settings, outfits and looks (the widest variety
possible). It
includes your name, your contact information, usually
your agency's info and all your stats. Comp cards come
in lots of different formats depending on the city,
agency
and the type of model or actor you are. Agencies will
usually issue comp cards for you after they sign you. If
you don't have an agent, getting your own cards made
will set you back $300 to $1,000.
CONFIGURATIONS
The number of models posed in a photograph. Some
standard fashion configurations are singles, doubles,
triples, and groups.
CONTACT SHEET
Proofs of black and white film used to determine best
shots.
CONTACT SHEET
A photographer's term for a sheet of film printed with
small versions of all the photos taken during the photo
shoot. From the contact sheet, the photographer and the
client will choose which shots they want to print and
enlarge.
CONTRACT
There are several types of contracts models encounter.
1. A contract from a modeling agency guaranteeing a
certain amount of work per year. (Note: If a modeling
agency likes you, they may actually tell you they've
"signed" you, but in fact, you will sign nothing. That's
just
the way it's done. Only in rare cases will an agency ask
you to sign a contract.)
2. Contracts from companies that sell products. These
contracts, usually cosmetic contracts, are the brass
ring
of the modeling world and are worth a great deal of
money, of which your agent will get a percentage.
3. A contract offered to winners of modeling contests
like Ford's Supermodel-of-the-Year contest and Elite's
Look-of-the-Year contest. The winners receive a
modeling contract worth up to $250,000. However, if
you win, you are not handed a check for this amount.
You have to work for it. The dollar amount merely
represents the monetary value of the work the agency
promises you. You are guaranteed $250,000 worth of
jobs. In addition, most modeling competitions stipulate
that
unless you adhere to their standards, they won't get you
that work (if you return to school, gain weight, cut
your
hair, etc.) The contests are, however, fantastic means
of beginning a career. Many winners do go on to
lucrative modeling careers.
COPY
Written words to be spoken on a commercial.
COPY
These are the actual words written for a TV or radio
commercial, including the dialogue spoken by actors. Ad
copy refers to all the text in a print ad.
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Ad agency employee who determines the model type.
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
At an ad agency or magazine, the person who oversees
the overall creative direction and design.
CYC STUDIO
Pronounced "syk," cyc is short for "cyclorama" studio.
This
is a photography studio that has no corners - instead,
it's
sort of rounded everywhere with built-in cyc backdrops.
In photographs, corners and edges (like where the wall
meets the floor) tend to look ugly. A cyc studio
eliminates
this effect. Seamless paper gives the same effect in a
regular studio.
DARK ROOM
The room photographers and lab technicians use to
develop film. The darknesss ensures that the photos
don't get ruined or overexposed. These days, even top
photographers don't develop their own film. Most rolls
of
film are sent to specialized labs that develop them.
DAY RATE
What a model is paid per day. This varies depending on
your status, the market you're in, and the client. Day
rates can range from $400 to $10,000 and even up to
$25,000 for a really big name. Now you know why so
many people want to do what you do.
DAYLIGHT STUDIO
A photography studio that is lit with natural light,
usually
by way of windows and skylights.
DEMO
An audio tape of original music that singers and
musicians use to demonstrate their talent, ability and
versatility to club booking agents, record label
executives, managers, radio programmers and DJs.
Demo is also used to refer to an audio or video tape
used by models and actors for audition purposes. (also
see reel.)
DEMOGRAPHIC
The target audience for a particular ad, commercial or
product. (Sometimes shortened to "demo.") The most
coveted advertising demographic is 18-to-49 year olds,
because they spend the most money and are the most
influenced by advertising. At a magazine, the
demographic is the readership of that magazine.
DEMONSTRATOR
Model who shows use of product at a trade show or store.
DEMONSTRATION MODELING
A type of modeling in which the model demonstrates
how to use a product, usually at a department store, car
show or trade show.
DESIGNER
Creator of the fashion collections.
DESIGNER
A person who designs clothing, accessories, jewelry,
etc. Designers can be instrumental in the career of a
model and may propel a formerly unknown model to the
top of the industry just because he or she liked that
model's look (Calvin Klein did this with Kate Moss).
DEVELOP
To develop raw film at a lab into professional
photographs or to develop raw talent at an agency into
professional models.
DIRECT MAIL
A usage.
DOUBLE-PAGE SPREAD
A photograph in a magazine that is printed across two
pages. The crease between the two pages is called the
gutter. Being the middle girl in a triple configuration
may
seem great at first, but you're going to end up smack
dab
in the gutter. Arguably the most famous double-page
photograph in fashion appeared in Vogue in the 1970s
and starred Nastassja Kinski and a rather large boa
constrictor.
DRESSER
Helps models dress backstage for fashion shows.
DROPPED
To no longer be represented by your agency. It's like
being fired. The best ways to get dropped by your
agency are behaving unprofessionally (showing up late
for jobs, being rude to clients), and not getting work.
EDITORIAL MODELING
The highest-paid, highest-profile fashion modeling.
These
are the models that appear on the covers and in the
fashion layouts of Vogue, Bazaar, Cosmo, Elle, etc. The
top 25 female fashion editorial models in the world are
also known, for better or worse, as supermodels.
EXCLUSIVE
An agreement between a client and a model to work
exclusively with that client. For example, a designer
may
pay a model to do their runway show exclusively, and
not to do anyone else's runway show.
EXPOS
An exposition is like a large trade show. Expos usually
showcase new products, new stores, and new
services, which sometimes require the use of
demonstration models.
EXTRA
Acting job where the actor has no speaking lines, but
stands in the background and adds to the atmosphere of a
scene.
EXTRA
A model who appears in the background of a photo, and
is paid accordingly. It's the same thing an extra in a
movie or a TV show does - populate the environment.
FASHION COORDINATOR
Puts fashion show outfits together in retail stores.
FASHION MODEL
Male or female model with a very specific height, size,
and shape. Men must be 6' to 6'2'' tall and wear a
42-regular suit. Women must be at least 5'8'' and wear a
dress size 4-6 (sometimes 8). With few exceptions, all
fashion models have good skin, long legs, well-defined
features, and generally slender frames. However,
different markets tend to prefer different looks. In the
midwest, the desired look is pretty much all-American,
while the New York market allows for a far greater
range of ethnicities, exotic or unusual features, and
edgy urban style (punk hair, body art, etc.)
FASHION TRENDS
Gradual changes in fashion styles.
FAVORED NATIONS
Contractual term for a photo shoot in which each model
is getting paid the same day rate. The highest paid
model
on the shoot usually gets paid less than his or her
usual
rate. This helps eliminate accusations of unfair work
practices and general griping by lower-paid models that
are working just as hard as the highly-paid model.
Models don't look as good in photographs when they feel
they're being cheated to pay the star.
FILM
There are lots of different film stocks, brands, sizes
and
formats photographers use. As a model, you don't
actually handle the film but you should have some idea
of
what the photographer is talking about. This is
especially
useful when you're hiring a photographer on your own
to take your first professional photos. All film can be
divided into two types: color and black and white. The
photographer will use one or the other depending on the
look he or she wants. Let's say the photographer
chooses color film. Then he or she has to decide
between color slide film and color print film:
Color slide film (also called transparency or reversal
film)
is used to make slides. It's also direct positive film -
that
is, the film that goes into the camera and the film the
slides are made of is the exact same film. The slides
are
then turned into prints.
Color print film is what most consumer cameras use. The
film that goes in the camera is sent to a lab when the
roll
is finished. There, the film is processed to a negative.
The lab enlarges the negatives into color prints.
Black and white slide film and black and white print
film
are also available. Fashion and editorial models' comp
cards should include a mix of color and black and white
photos. Actor headshots and commercial print models
should use b&w for their headshots.
FIRST OPTION
See option.
FIRST REFUSAL
The same as an option but for actors. An acting term
that
means the same as first option.
FIT MODELING
Modeling the original sample garment to test for sizing.
Clients choose a model whose measurements match the
sample size exactly.
FIT MODEL
A male or female model fashion designers and clothing
manufacturers use to size and measure clothes for
production. Fit models must have very specific
measurements and proportions that are geared towards
fitting clothes for the greatest number of customers per
size. Clothing manufacturers do not hire separate fit
models for each size. Instead, they measure the clothes
on a standard size (for women, size 4-6; for men, size
40 regular) model and then use computer programs to
magnify those dimensions for each different size.
FITTING
Trying on clothes to determine fit and style, usually
before a fashion show.
FITTING
The session that takes place before the photo shoot
where the clothes to be modeled are fit onto the model.
Based on the model's particulars, the clothes are
usually
altered to fit. When you go to a fitting, be prepared to
stand around partially clothed all day long, in front of
several people. These people will usually be stylists,
seamstresses and designers, and will be more
interested in looking at the clothes than at your naked
bits and pieces. Just relax.
FLIPPER
False teeth used for young children to temporarily fill
in for lost teeth.
FLIPPER
A partial denture that child models are sometimes asked
to wear when they've recently lost some front teeth. It
gives the illusion of teeth in a photo-like dentures for
preschoolers.
FOREIGN TAX
When an American model works abroad, the foreign
country takes a chunk of that model's pay. The foreign
tax can be as high as 30%. Keep a copy of all your
earnings statements, because if you can prove to the
Internal Revenue Service that you already paid taxes on
your earnings in another country, you can deduct those
earnings from your taxable income.
FORMAT
Types of film. Common types include large format, slide,
transparency, 3 ¼, 3 ½, 4x5 and 6x7.
FREELANCE
Modeling for clients without agency representation.
FREELANCE
A model or an actor listed with multiple agencies (as
opposed to one particular agency) or a model who
works without an agent. Most commercial print models
are freelance and work as independent contractors.
FULL-LENGTH
A photo that shows the model from head to toe.
FULL-LENGTH SHOT
Head to toe photograph.
GATE FOLD
A foldout magazine cover that extends.
GETTING SIGNED
When an agency agrees to take you on and represent
you, you have "signed" with that agency. However, you
do not actually sign a contract. Getting signed is a
verbal
agreement between the model and the agency.
Managers may in some cases ask the model to sign a
Management Contract that is promissory and allows a
manager to collect money for them and represent them.
Commercial print models can freelance for several
different agencies, and therefore do not necessarily
sign
contracts with their agents. Sometimes, an agency may
decide that they want to represent you, but because
they don't ask the model to sign anything, the model may
not realize he or she has been "signed." This happens
all
the time. The only, and best, thing to do in these
ambiguous situations is to ask them flat-out. Something
like this will do just fine: "So, you are going to
represent
me, right? Just checking."
GO&SEE or GO-SEE
Job interview, model meets a client and shows portfolio.
GO-SEE
An appointment to see a client, casting director or
photographer about a potential booking. Go-sees are like
mini-auditions, so you should bring your portfolio, comp
cards or other photos and dress and behave
appropriately. Request go-sees are when a client calls
an agency asking to see specific models. General
go-sees are when the client calls the agency and asks
them to send over a specific type. For example, their
ten
best brunettes.
GROSS
Profit before agency percentages, taxes, etc. are taken
out. Models take home 80% of what they bill and that's
before taxes.
GROUP SHOT
A photograph composed with a group of models (more
than three).
GUTTER
1) The crease in a double-page photo spread.
2) What you end up lying in if you drink too much
alcohol.
HAIR STYLIST
Works on hair changes.
HALFTIME
Models are paid halftime for all travel time. If your
day
rate is $100 an hour, you'll get $50 for each hour you
travel to and from that job. Your agency also gets 20%
of halftime travel rates.
HAUTE COUTURE
Pronounced "oat-ko-chure." That's French for
"high-fashion." Couture is extremely high-end,
tailor-made designer clothes that only a few dozen
people in the world can afford. High-fashion editorial
models work in couture. See our foreign languages
glossary, with modeling terms in several different
languages.
HEADSHEET
A promotional poster or foldout card containing multiple
headshots of the various actors or models represented
by an agency. A headsheet is mailed to each of the
agency's clients to promote their current roster of
talent.
The actors or models that appear on the headsheet
must, however, pay for the privilege, that is,
publicity.
HEADSHOT
Photo of head and shoulders.
HEADSHOT
A photograph taken of the face from the shoulders up.
Black & white (b&w) headshots are an actor's calling
card, along with a resume glued or stapled to the back
of
the photo.
HEADSHEET
Agency sheet, poster, or book of models they represent
that goes to prospective clients
HIGH FASHION
Extreme, chic, sophisticated model type.
HIGH-FASHION MODELING
Modeling for covers and editorial layouts for the top
fashion magazines in the world and in print ads for
designer clothing.
HOLD
When the agency puts you "on hold" for a job, it means
the client is seriously considering you and wants you to
keep the time available for them first.
HOURLY RATE
The fee the model receives for working one hour. Most
jobs have a one-hour minimum and the hour is billed in
15-minute increments. See day rate.
ILLUSTRATION MODEL
Poses for artists.
INDUSTRIAL
Non-broadcast production, often educational or sales
films & tapes.
INFORMAL FASHION SHOW
In stores or restaurants, walk around, no runway.
INFORMAL MODELING
A type of modeling performed in an informal atmosphere,
usually a store or a mall, where models wander around
showing the clothes directly to the customers. Trunk
shows use informal modeling.
INSURANCE
Just as you insure your car and other valuables, some
models insure parts of their body. Lloyds of London
insured Angie Dickinson's legs, and in 1993 Christie
Turlington insured her face for a million dollars.
JOB NUMBER
The agency assigns a number to each job they book one
of their models on. You will see the job number on your
statements, invoices, and checks. It's a good idea to
keep track of the job numbers for each job you are hired
for, to make sure you are getting paid correctly.
JUNIOR MODEL
Youthful type.
KNOCK-OFFS
Copies of a designer's clothing, shoes or accessories
reproduced, manufactured and sold for less money.
Knock-offs can be as subtle as one designer
"borrowing" elements of another's designs for their own,
or as blatant as the guy selling fake Prada bags out of
his van, right on the street.
LENS
The part of the camera that the light goes into.
Regular,
zoom, wide angle and telephoto are all types of camera
lenses and determine what the photo will look like.
LIGHT
Studios are full of lights and all or some of them will
be
pointed at you. Types of studio lights include strobe
lights, tungsten lights (very, very bright lights) and
spotlights. A photographer's number one concern is the
film in the camera, but their number two concern is
light.
LIGHT BOX
A clear Lucite plastic box that lights up, used for
viewing
contact sheets and slides. Also called a light table.
LIGHT METER
A device used to measure the intensity of light for a
photograph. Photographers or their assistants will hold
a
light meter up in front of the model before taking the
photograph.
LINE
The collection of clothing introduced each season by a
fashion designer or, in some cases, a clothing company
(as in "Versace's Fall line").
LINE-UP
Position of model and garment in a fashion show.
LINES
Script, words.
LOCATION
Assignment site outside the studio.
LOCATION
Any place, other than in a studio, where a shoot
(photography or film) takes place. When you are on
location, it means you are outside the controlled
environment of the studio or soundstage and should
prepare accordingly.
LOUPE
Small magnifying glass to see slides and contact sheet
images eight times larger.
LOUP
A small magnifying glass used to examine contact
sheets. Photos on a contact sheet are only an inch or so
high. The loup enables the photographer to view the
photos in detail and decide which ones to blow up.
MAIL-IN
To do a mail-in is to send comp cards to agencies via
U.S. mail, as opposed to dropping comp cards off in
person.
MAJOR MARKET
A big city that has a large need for models and actors.
Currently, the major markets worldwide for models are:
New York, Paris, London, Milan, Tokyo, Sydney, Munich,
Hamburg, Miami and Madrid/Barcelona. Working in a
major market gives you access to more jobs but you'll
also encounter a lot more competition than you would in
a smaller market.
MAKEUP ARTIST
Applies and changes makeup for photo sessions.
MANAGER
In addition to an agent, the person who personally
manages and guides your career. Managers cannot
actually book jobs for you but can connect you to the
people and clients who can. Most managers don't
manage beginning models and instead work with models
that are more established. Sometimes a modeling agency
is a called a model management company and sometimes
people who call themselves managers may legally be
acting as your agent. Ask them.
MARKET WEEK
4-6 times per year when seasonal collections are shown
to buyers.
MARKET WEEK
The week in New York when every designer who
doesn't put on a runway show can show their wares to
the press and to buyers. Designers who show during
market week show lingerie, hats, purses, jewelry,
shoes, luggage, scarves, furs, wallets, hair accessories
- anything that's fashion but can't really be shown on a
runway. Instead, models walk around the designer's
showroom in front of buyers and press, giving
everybody a close-up look at the handbags, shoes, hats,
nighties or hairpins that the designer is selling.
MEDIA
Plural of medium. Media is a broad term used to describe
any avenue of communication. Television, movies,
magazines, newspapers, the internet are all forms of
media.
MARKET, JOB MARKET
Any location where there is a lot of work.
MINOR MARKET
A smaller city that has some need for models and actors.
Currently, the minor markets in the United States are
Atlanta, St. Louis, Dallas, Houston, Orlando, Boston,
Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia. Minor markets offer
fewer and lower profile (but still perfectly
respectable)
jobs, but the level of competition for those jobs is
much
lower. You have a much better chance to stand out in a
small market. Starting in a minor market is a great way
to
learn the ropes, gain experience and make valuable
contacts before taking on a gigantic market like New
York.
MISSES
A women's clothing size in department stores. Misses is
adult women, petite is small women and juniors is
child-teen women.
MODEL BAG
A large tote in which you carry all your makeup and
working essentials.
MODEL BAG
The bag, backpack, or totebag that models carry. This
bag contains everything the model needs to get them
through the day: a portfolio, comp cards, makeup, hair
stuff, cab/bus/subway fare, three different kinds of
bras, three colors of pantyhose, and most importantly, a
nude thong. Link to "model bag" article.
MODEL RELEASE
A legal document provided by the client and signed by
the model or the agent that allows the client to use the
photographs for various usages. The client is only
allowed to use the photographs for usages they have
bought.
MODEL AGENCY
Represents model for employment and receives a
percentage of the bookings.
MODELING AGENCY
See agency.
MODEL RELEASE
Contract in which the model gives permission to use the
photo as the client specifies.
MONOLOGUE
A scene performed by one person for a client, that
reflects a particular mood and demonstrates your acting
talent.
MOOD
The feeling a model projects to suit the specific
assignment.
MOOD
Happy, sad, pensive, joyful - the emotion the model is
asked to display in a photograph or on a runway.
MOTHER AGENCY
The agency that discovers, develops, and launches a
new model. Mother agencies in smaller markets discover
and develop a new model, and then may pass that model
on to a larger agency in a major market. If that
happens,
the mother agency gets a cut (percentage) of that
model's gross future earnings, usually for 1-5 years
after they go to the bigger agency. The individual agent
at the mother agency who nurtures the new model is
called the mother agent.
NEGATIVES
A type of film. The film after its been processed into
prints.
NET
What's left of your gross earnings after paying the
agency percentage is paid.
NON-UNION
A person or job that does not have union status. Models
and actors can belong to one or more of several unions,
or guilds. The two biggest unions are SAG and AFTRA.
If you are non-union (i.e., not a member of SAG or
AFTRA), it may be much harder for you to get certain
kinds of jobs. On the other hand, some companies prefer
to hire non-union models, but beware--a small,
disreputable minority does in fact exist in the modeling
industry.
OPEN AUDITION
Anyone who fits the description listed by the casting or
modeling agency is welcome to audition. These may also
be referred to as "cattle calls," since often many, many
people show up and are herded into a small waiting
room.
OPEN CALL
Casting when the client sees all models suitable for the
type requested.
OPEN CALL
There are two kinds of open calls. The first is when
unsigned models looking for agency representation
show up at an agency and present themselves and their
photos. Most agencies host regular open calls when
they will meet with these hopefuls and give them an
appraisal. The second kind of open call is like a cattle
call
audition. Say a toothpaste company wants to find a
model with perfect teeth to appear in all their new ads.
An open call will go out for all models that fit that
description.
OPTION
When a client calls an agency to hire a model for a
specific job and time period, the booking agent saves
the
model's time by writing it in his or her big, fat
scheduling
book, and then tells the client that the model has been
put
"on option" for them. Being "on hold" and being "on
option" both mean the same thing. There are several
kinds of options, or holds, that a booking agent can
give
to a client:
1. First option or tentative option (same thing). The
first
client to book a length of time with a model is given a
first
or tentative option. The client then has first right and
first
refusal, which means they can confirm the model for the
job or decide not to.
2. Second option. Client A is holding the model's time
with
a first option, but has not confirmed the job. Then,
Client
B calls and says they want to use that same model at
that same time. Client B gets a second option for that
model. The main difference between first option and
second option is that the client with the first option
can
confirm the model for the job, but the client with the
second option for the model cannot. Second options are
also given to clients when the model may be out of town,
sick, or the booking agent is just not sure of the
model's
availability. A second option does not necessarily mean
that the model is already booked.
3. Unavailable. In this case, the model is fully booked
with a first and second option for that time period, and
will not be available that day. All these options and
holds
can get confusing but don't worry too much about it.
That's why you have agents.
OVEREXPOSURE
1) Exposing photograph film to too much light and
ruining
it;
2) Getting your face plastered on every magazine cover,
billboard, and bus in the country, causing people to get
sick of you and causing your agent or manager to
diagnose you with overexposure. The fastest, and only,
cure for overexposure is a few months out of town,
preferably somewhere out of the way like Tahiti or
Tibet.
PER DIEM
From the Latin for "per day." When on location, the
amount of money you can spend on meals,
transportation, etc., and get reimbursed by the client.
Per
diems vary depending on your status, the client, and the
city you're in. For example, a top model sent to Paris
for
an Elle shoot is going to have a slightly higher per
diem
than a model on her first job in a small town. Models in
smaller markets - especially beginning models - may not
get a per diem, and have to pay their expenses
themselves. In the acting world, per diem means day
rate.
PERCENTAGE
The fees your agent and/or managers take out of the
money you make. Worldwide, agents usually get 20% of
your gross for each job, and managers get the same. In
some smaller regional markets, agents may take 15%.
PERSONAL ASSISTANT
The all-purpose term for the person who assists a
model, a modeling agent, a photographer, etc.
PHOTOMATIC
Still photographs that are filmed with a film or video
camera and turned into static videos. Photomatics are
inexpensive ways to turn a photo shoot into a television
commercial (usually a pretty cheap looking one,
however.) It's like a slide show put on videotape. A
photomatic is another usage, however, and, because it's
going onto video, the model must be paid day rates
according to the rules of the actor's guilds (like AFTRA).
POLAROID
A type of camera that pops out the developed film
instantly. On castings and go-sees, Polaroids are
usually
taken of every model and stapled to their resumes and
headsheets.
P-O-P
Short for point-of-purchase. This is anywhere a
consumer purchases a product. Sometimes a model's
likeness is used at a point-of-purchase, like a cosmetic
counter that displays a poster of the model wearing the
company's make-up. P-O-P is also a usage that the
model is paid for.
PORTFOLIO
Main promotional tool for models - select photos in a
vinyl or leather casebook which show the model at
his/her photogenic best and samples of their work (tearsheets).
PORTFOLIO
Also called a book. This is the notebook a model brings
to
castings and go-sees that contains their best photos,
usually size 8 ½ " x 11". Models can usually purchase
good portfolios stamped with their agency's name and
logo directly from the agency, but plain black
portfolios
work fine, too.
POSE
One of the many stances or positions a model assumes
during a photo shoot or a fashion show. Strike a pose -
there's really nothing to it.
PRESS RELEASE
A story written by a public relations company
distributed
to the media. Press releases are used to announce
vitally important events in a model's life, such as
attendance at a movie's premiere, or a recently signed
contract.
PRINCIPAL
Main performer in the foreground.
PRINCIPAL
The main subject in the photograph, as opposed to an
extra or background model.
PRINT
A photograph printed in newspaper or magazine form.
PRINT
Prints are what the photography lab makes with the film
the photographer gives them. It's just another word for
photograph.
PRINTWORK
Photography taken for catalog and mail order, books,
brochures, ads for magazines or newspapers, magazine
covers, commercial photography for household products,
business products and services, glamour products.
PRINT WORK
Photographs shot for print mediums (magazines, print
ads, etc.)
PRODUCER
Person responsible for the day-to-day decision-making on
a production
PROMOTION
Publicity to advance a product, service or person.
PROMOTION
1) An event that may require models to promote a
product, a service, a new store, etc.;
2) A type of advertising.
PROOF
Intermediate stage of photo development from which you
can chose best pictures.
PROOF SHEET
Also called proofs. See contact sheet.
PROOFS
See contact sheet.
PUBLIC RELATIONS
Creating an image of a product or service in the eyes of
the public, mainly through newspaper articles.
PUBLIC RELATIONS
A public relations company is sometimes hired by a
modeling agency, a model's manager, or by the model to
promote and publicize the model and his or her career.
Public relations representatives distribute stories
(press
releases) to the media about a client's comings and
goings in order to get that client's name in the papers
or
magazines. A big agency in a big city has a PR company
it uses regularly to help promote all of its models.
Known
more commonly as PR.
PURCHASE ORDER
A sheet sent by the client to the modeling agency to
confirm the job, the model(s), the dates and times, the
location and the hourly or day rate they agree to pay.
The agency signs off on it and sends it back.
RATES
Fees charged by the model.
RATE
Short for day rate. The amount of money a model or
actor earns for a job. Rates are paid by the hour, the
half-day or the day. Rates are negotiated by the model
or
actor's agency.
READY-TO-WEAR
Ready-to-wear (translated from the French,
prêt-a-porter) clothing is clothing that is not
custom-made
for a customer. Customers can buy ready-to-wear right
off the rack in a store. The opposite of ready-to-wear
is
wildly expensive couture clothing. All the clothes at
the
mall and in large department stores are ready-to-wear,
from The Gap to Barneys.
RECEIPTS
The piece of paper you get every time you make a
monetary transaction. Keep them all. You'll need them
when tax time rolls around.
REEL
A videotape montage of an actor or a model's work. This
could include clips from movies, TV shows,
commercials, industrials, student films, etc. Directors
and
cinematographers have reels of their work, too.
REFLECTOR
A big silvery flat thing, or a big silvery umbrella,
that is
positioned around the photographer's subject to reflect
all the light onto it.
RELEASE
A document or contract signed by the model or actors
that specifies how the client can use the photographs or
film.
RESIDUALS
Additional money paid when a piece runs in repeat, rates
dictated by the unions.
RESIDUAL
The best word in the whole glossary. This is the fee
paid
to the actor or model (and the director, photographer,
writer, etc.) every time the commercial, television
show,
or movie is broadcast after its initial run. Residuals
vary
according to region, the number of times the work airs,
the agreement in the contract, and what type of part the
talent had. Some actors receive residuals for years, if
the show or movie is rebroadcast frequently. Usually,
residuals decrease with each successive broadcast.
RESUME
Your education, training, and professional history
condensed onto one page, neatly formatted and
typo-free. Résumés are usually stapled to the back of
the headshot (but should be facing out for easy
reading). Once signed, models should use a comp card
instead of a headshot and résumé.
ROUNDS
Calling on prospective clients for photography and
television.
RUNWAY
A narrow raised platform on which the model shows the
clothing.
RUNWAY SHOW, FORMAL FASHION SHOW
Invited audience, stage, music; models walk down runway
to show designer clothing.
SAMPLE
Piece of clothing from a line, one-of-a-kind.
SAMPLE
The original piece of clothing made by a designer for
the
model(s) to wear.
SCALE WAGE
Minimum wage set by the unions.
SCALE
This is the minimum amount of money an actor must
legally be paid for a day of work. The unions set scale,
and it changes frequently. As of the year 2000, scale
was hovering right around $600. Check with SAG and
AFTRA for an updated figure.
SCOUT
Person looking for prospective models.
SCOUT
When a model is "discovered" on the street, it's usually
because a model scout saw them and approached them.
Scouts can either be on the agency's payroll or work
independently. When a scout finds someone with
potential, they will try to get their discovery signed
by the
agency. If an agency wants to represent the model, the
scout receives a percentage of the model's future
earnings for the first one to three years.
Note: There are many disreputable scouts out there who
are looking for gullible young people, not potential
models. They may approach you and tell you they'll get
you signed with an agency, but all they really want from
you is money for classes, money for photographs, or
money for representation. Legitimate agencies do not
make models pay for representation.
SCREEN ACTORS GUILD
Usually referred to by its acronym, SAG. It's the union
an
actor must belong to in order to work non-background
roles in film (as well as in all television shows shot
on
film, which covers most series TV). Becoming a member
of SAG is a bit difficult. New members earn entrance
into
the Screen Actors Guild by meeting one of the following
eligibility requirements: 1) An actor is cast and hired
to
work in a principal or speaking role for a SAG (union)
production; 2) An actor has a minimum of one-years'
membership as well as principal work in an affiliated
performers' union (AFTRA or AEA); or 3) An actor is
cast and hired to work in an extra (background) role for
a SAG production at full SAG rates and conditions for a
minimum of three work days.
In addition, at the time of joining, a performer must
pay an
initiation fee plus the first half of his/her annual
dues for
that year. According to the federal Taft-Hartley law
which applies to California, New York, and most other
states, a non-SAG actor may be cast and permitted to
work for a SAG production, under a union contract, for
thirty days. After that time he/she needs to join the
appropriate union in order to accept any additional
union
work.
SCREEN TEST
A few minutes of film shot to see how an actor looks
and sounds on film under different circumstances, in
various lighting and make-up, etc. See testing.
SEAMLESS
Seamless paper rolled down back of a photographer's
studio to eliminate all corners, edges, and shadows in
the background of a photograph. The same effect can
be achieved in a cyc studio.
SET
Arrangement of props and furniture in a TV or photo
studio.
SET
The place where a film or commercial is filmed, either
in a
studio or on location.
SEVENTH AVENUE
An important street in Manhattan located between Sixth
Avenue and Eighth Avenue. This is where many fashion
designers and clothing companies have offices,
showrooms, and factories. It's also synonymous with
the fashion industry (just as "Hollywood" is synonymous
with the movie industry and "Madison Avenue" is
synonymous with the advertising industry).
SHOOT
Photo session.
SHOWROOM
Where clothing designers display their collections to
buyers, sometimes using models. Showrooms are
usually not open to the public.
SHOWROOM WORK
Manufacturer's showcase of a clothing line to buyers
using live models - when the seasonal clothing designs
are being shown.
SIGN-IN SHEET
On cattle calls, lists the order in which each model
arrived to audition.
SIGN-IN SHEET
The piece of paper the model signs when he or she
arrives at a casting, open call, or go-see. It lets the
person in charge know who showed up and which
names to call.
SLATE
To state your name on camera before your commercial
audition.
SLR CAMERA
A single-lens reflector camera. Whatever you see
through the lens of an SLR camera is exactly what you'll
see on film. In some other cameras, the image through
the lens is very different from the image that is
captured
on film.
SPEC SHOT
Photographer's idea of a comp which he/she hopes to sell
to the client.
SPEC SHOT
Test photos taken for a specific job. The photographer
will take the photos hoping to sell them to the client.
SPOKESPERSON
Person/model chosen to explain the features of a
product/service.
SPORTS SHOT
A photo of the model playing a sport (like Gabrielle
Reese
playing volleyball).
SPOT
A television commercial. It's often used to refer to an
ad
that runs locally, as in "Last week, I did two spots for
the
Toyota dealership on Route 180."
STAGE PARENT
An adult who pushes and watches too closely over a child
performer, gets in the way of the shoot.
STAGE PARENT
A negative term used for a somewhat pushy parent who
really wants their child to be a model or an actor.
STATS
Statistical information of a model, including
measurements, size, height, etc.
STATS
Short for statistics. These include all the specific
sizes
and measurements a model needs to print on his or her
composite card. The stats required depend on the type
of model (fashion, commercial print, male or female). A
female fashion model must list her height, waist in
inches, hips in inches, bust in inches, cup size, dress
size, shoe size, hair color, and eye color. A male
fashion
model must list his height in inches, chest in inches,
waist in inches, inseam in inches, shirt size, collar
size,
sleeve length, suit size, shoe size, hair color, and eye
color. Adult models do not list their age or their
weight.
Children list hair color, eye color, their height in
inches,
size, and date of birth. For infants and babies, weight,
length in inches and date of birth are all that's
required,
as well as a photograph taken within the last six
months.
Children under five need to have new photos taken
every six months (these can be Polaroids).
STILL
A still photo, as opposed to photography for film and
television (motion photography).
STORYBOARD
Artwork that shows each scene of a commercial.
STORYBOARD
The frame-by-frame depiction of a television commercial
in drawings. Storyboards are good for getting an idea of
the image or scene the photographer or director will
attempt to achieve during the shoot.
STROBE
Light unit used by a photographer.
STROBE STUDIO
A very bright light used in certain photo shoots (as
opposed to a daylight studio). The strobe is actually
like a
giant flash bulb that the camera is connected to that
provides a bright white light.
STUDIO
The controlled environment photographers use for photo
shoots. The opposite of a studio shoot is a location
shoot.
STYLIST
Coordinates the fashions and accessories, checks fit of
clothing, visual scene.
STYLIST
A professional hired to style the clothing, hair, and
makeup for the models on a photo shoot. The stylist can
choose the clothing, add accessories, design the set,
and design the look of the hair and makeup (but not
actually do the hair and makeup - usually the stylist
will
direct the hired hair and makeup artists). You can
always tell the fashion stylist because they wear the
coolest clothes.
SUPERMODEL
A term for a very famous, wildly successful (almost
always female) fashion model. The term was spawned
in the late 1980s to refer to a small group of
ubiquitous
women.
TALENT
This word refers to anyone hired to appear in a photo,
TV, print, commercial or fashion shoot. Model and actors
are the "talent," as opposed to the behind the camera
people hired for the job, such as grips, makeup artists,
photographers, stylists, etc.
TALENT AGENCY
An agency that represents actors (who agents refer to
as their clients). One or several hundred agents can
work at a single agency, and each individual agent can
represent one or dozens of clients.
TEARSHEET
Copy of a print ad that the model keeps in the portfolio
as proof of work.
TEARSHEET
The actual page torn from the magazine a model
appeared in. Models put their tear sheets in their
portfolios. Tearsheets are even better than photos,
because it shows the kind of work the model has
already done. See our article on putting your portfolio
together.
TELEPROMPTER
TV-like screen that displays the cue card words.
TESTIMONIAL
Celebrity declaration to the value of a product/service;
improvisational endorsement of a product or service that
the actor has officially tested, used and approved.
TEST SHOTS, TEST PHOTOGRAPHY
Photos used to build a beginning portfolio
TESTING
Shooting a few still photographs or a few minutes of
film
of an actor or model to see how they look or sound on
film under different circumstances, in various lighting
and
make-up, etc. Tests on film are called screen tests.
TRADE SHOWS
Industry promotional display of products/services
usually in a hotel or convention center.
TRADE SHOW
An event which is sponsored by a manufacturer to
promote their products. Models will often be used to
draw attention to the participating vendors' exhibits.
TRADES, TRADE PAPERS
Trade publications such as Variety, Backstage, NY
Casting, Actor's Resource Network, Ross Reports,
Drama-Logue, Billboard, Hollywood Reporter.
TRADES
Or trade papers. These are the industry-specific
publications that contain news and information relevant
to a specific industry. For the fashion industry, the
main
trade paper is Women's Wear Daily (WWD). For models,
it's Tearsheet. For actors, it's Backstage. For the
movie
industry, it's Variety and The Hollywood Reporter.
TRANSPARENCIES
The slide forms of a photograph.
TRUNK SHOW
Informal modeling of one specific designer line, usually
in a store or small boutique.
TRUNK SHOW
Just like rock bands, designers go on tour. These
multi-city, multi-department store tours are called
trunk
shows because the designer packs up all their clothes
for the road in these big black trunks. Trunk shows are
almost always held at department stores as a way for
the designer to publicize and sell a new line of
clothing
directly to customers. Models will usually accompany the
designer on tour and model the clothes right in front of
the customers. Sometimes, the designer will hire local
models for each trunk show. See a list of upcoming trunk
shows in your area.
TYPE
1) A general description of a character, included in
breakdowns to help cast roles. Clients might be looking
for a suburban mom type, a rugged outdoorsy guy type,
or a sexy babe type.
2) A skill some models find helpful when looking for
work
between modeling jobs.
TYPECASTING
Casting according to broad categories. Sometimes an
actor will be cast repeatedly in the same role, where
they always play the Italian mobster, the blonde bimbo,
Superman, etc. Some actors try to avoid the typecasting
syndrome by choosing a variety of roles and
demonstrating their range.
UNION
A type of organization whose members may be actors,
singers, dancers, set designers, truck drivers, writers
or
factory line workers. Unions are also referred to as
guilds. The main guild for actors is SAG.
USAGE FEE
The fee paid to models for using photographs in various
formats, or usages.
USAGE
Additional fees for higher exposure, like a billboard or
national use.
USAGES
Models get paid for each different medium in which their
photograph is used. These different mediums, or
usages, may include: consumer magazines, trade
magazines, product packaging, print ads, bus ads,
subway ads, billboards, magazine covers, direct mail,
magazine editorials, posters, catalogues, brochures,
point-of-purchase (point-of-sale or p-o-p), annual
reports, book covers, kiosk, duratrans (those big
portable billboards that are towed around behind
trucks),
newspapers, etc. The model receives an additional fee
for each usage the client buys. Usages also vary
according to time and region. The longer the ad runs and
the more markets in which it appears, all drive up the
model's fee. The largest usage is the unlimited time
usage, worldwide buyout. That means the client can
plaster the photograph across every city in the world in
every possible usage until the end of time.
VOICEOVER
Background voices for radio or video recorded separately
in a
recording studio and dubbed onto visual.
VOICE-OVER
A speech or dialogue delivered from off-screen, as
narration. Many actors specialize in doing voice-over
work, which includes radio, animation (cartoon voices),
TV commercial narration, movie previews, video games
and interactive software. While the voice-over actor
usually doesn't appear on screen, he or she does lead a
life blissfully free from screaming fans and avoid nasty
run-ins with the paparazzi.
VOUCHER
Three-piece form with a model release on which client
acknowledges hours worked by the model, agency copy used
to bill and get paid.
VOUCHER
A form models use to get paid for their work. Every
agency provides vouchers to its models, and it is the
model's responsibility to bring the voucher to the job,
have it signed by the client and the photographer, and
then return it to the agency's accounting department.
One copy goes to the photographer, the second copy
goes to the agency for billing purposes, and the model
keeps the third copy for accounting purposes. [Graphic:
actual voucher with mouse over text. Link to the Money
Center to learn more about keeping track of vouchers
and filling them out correctly.] Using the voucher, the
agency bills the client for the model's time and then
pays
the model his or her percentage of the gross (80%).
WEATHER PERMIT
A location job that is dependent on fair weather, may be
canceled the day before or that morning.
WEATHER PERMITTING
A term used by the client when booking an outdoor job.
If
the weather is not good, the client has the option to
hire
you for an extra day.
ZED CARD
See composite card.
ZOOM
1) A type of lens that magnifies the photographer's
subject;
2) To rush quickly to your next go-see when you're
running late.
