Model Speak

Just like any other industry the modeling industry has terms that newbies or outsiders might not know. Here is a list of key terms so you can walk into an agency, booking, casting or go see with confidence that you'll know what they are talking about.

Generally Used Abbreviations

DR: Day Rate
PM: Production Manager
C/T: Call Time (time due on set)
HF: Handling Fee/Agency Commission
HD: Half Day (4-5 hours no lunch)
W/C: Weather Call
W/R: Wardrobe Call
VAT: Value Added Tax (overseas VAT is similar to an income/sales tax, and depending on the country, you may be able to get it back after you leave or at the end of the year. Your booker or agent should know how this works for the country in which you are working)

Terminology:

Editorial: A statement or article by a newspaper or magazine where photographs are usually used to illustrate the opinions of the editors or clients. Not tied to a specific product. Rates are usually low, however editorials are great tear sheets for your portfolio.

Advance: Money that is paid to the model before the modeling job is completed. This is deducted at a later time from the model's pay. Advances can be given to cover modeling supplies such as portfolios and living accommodations.

Advertorial: An advertisement designed to look like editorial content whilst still offering valid information.

Advertising: Where an identified sponsor pays to deliver a message through a medium. Mediums: Billboards, magazines, posters, pamphlets, busses, web.

Book Out: Blocking out time that you're not available with your agent or on casting databases.

Booking: You have been confirmed for a job.

Catalogue: Product advertising in catalogue form. Each catalogue has set rates, although higher rates can be negotiated for more experienced models.

Castings: Auditions where clients review models or actors for the job. Make sure you are available for the job dates before you cast.

Commercials: TVC. TV commercials advertising a product. high rates

Day Rate: Your rate per day for jobs. If you work any time over the initial booking period you should advise your booker immediately.

Fittings/Wardrobe Calls: Done prior to the shoot. If the fitting takes longer than 2 hours overtime will be billed thereafter, however on condition that bookers are informed within 24 hours.

Go-See: Specific appointments that your booker has made with particular clients for future jobs. It is vital that you attend as the client will be expecting you.

Photo library/ stock photos: Photos that can be purchased electronically and be used in a number of ways for advertising. There are no set rates and photos can be used by more than one client. Shooting stock photos can be a good way to gain experience and build your book. The photographer will have the model sign a model release form so the images may be sold online. Most models don't get paid for these images or shoots but photographers will make money if/once the images sell. Most agencies will tell you not to shoot stock because it lessens your brand. My advice is don't shoot stock unless you really need it for your book.

Options: Client reserves you for a booking. If your booker gives the client a 1st option, this means that the you are available to work and will remain so as long as the 1st option exists. If you wont be free for specific dates you should "book out" with your booker that way they can place options on your chart.

Tear or Tearsheet: A page from a magazine from a completed shoot.

TFP: Trade for Pictures or time for prints. The model works with a photographer without a cash payment. If you're doing TFP and you're the less experienced person offer to take them out for coffee, drinks or happy hour.

Usage: And additional fee to the day rate, calculated as a percentage of the day rate depending on the country where the ad will be shown. Note: Usage is different in different markets, in South America usage is based on being featured in the final cut.

Weather Call: Talent is required to call and confirm that weather is ok to shoot. Calls must be placed at least one hour before the shoot.

Weather Booking: Done to protect the client against bad weather. The client can change the day of the booking due to bad weather without penalty.

Z-card Zed Card/Comp Card/ Composite Card: A card you give to casting directors or clients at castings. One side has a headshot while the other has your stats, agency, and some other images.