Sunday, January 16

Industry Terms and Definitions


Industry Terms and Definitions

Here are just some of the many industry terms with definitions used by talent agencies, model management companies, casting directors, actors, models and many others in the acting and modelling industry.
Agent, Agency
Third-party negotiator receives percentage fee of bookings; could be an individual person or a company

  • Art director
An artist who creates the layout for ads illustrates the model's poses
Beauty Shot
The basic headshot which should appear in every model's portfolio simply showing basic facial features.

  • Call Time
The actual time you are due on set

  • Casting Call
A group audition for a job

  • Casting
Choosing models/actors for a specific job
  • Casting Director
Selects suitable models to represent the comp or storyboard
Catalogue
A type of modelling. This is generally fashion advertising or a variety of products which are advertised in, funnily enough, catalogues!

  • CMYK
It means 'Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black' ... its a type of colour format used in print publishing.

  • Commercial
A type of modelling. Generally refers to a look which would appeal to a wide audience, or a specific targeted audience, always to sell a product.
  • Dressers
The models best friend at a runway show - they wait backstage with the next outfit ready to go.

  • Digital Media
Advertising or editorial material presented in a digital format, such as via the internet, mobile phone or through other forms of data transfer.

  • Editorial
A type of modelling. This refers to photographs taken for use in content features in magazines, not in advertising. Generally, these are fashion spreads which can tell a story, designed to show off a 'look' that's in.

  • Electronic Media
Advertising or editorial material presented in any electronic format, such as television and radio.

  • Fashion
A type of modelling. Generally, the most sought after, with strict height and feature requirements. Usually incorporates Live Catwalk shows or high profile fashion spreads in magazines.

Figure
A type of modelling. This is often nude as the intention is to show the body. Models can be required for life drawing art classes or live art installations.
  • Fitting
A type of modelling. Fashion designers often require models to assist them in designing the clothes. The model may be fitted specifically for outfits to model on the catwalk, or simply used to fit the sample design.

  • Freelance
Working for a variety of clients without an agent or manager for representation.

  • Glamour
A type of modelling. A glamour models job is to draw the viewers attention to a product or simply to create a mood. While in fashion and commercial modelling the model mustn't draw attention away from the clothing or product, glamour modelling is opposite where the model is the only subject.
  • Glossy
A type of printing. Photos can be printed in a glossy or matte finish. This is also used as a casual term to refer to an 8x10 or a headshot.

  • Grayscale
A type of colour format which includes only shades of grey, to create black and white images.

  • Head Sheet/Contact Sheet
A collection of headshots of models which may be sent by an agency, or an entire set of photos displayed as thumbnails so all can be skimmed at once.

  • Headshot
An 8 x 10 of you which is used to submit with your resume when applying for jobs. You should always keep this up to date and make sure it looks like you!

  • Jpg/Jpeg
A digital photo file type used to compress photos or shoot digitally.

  • Mannequin
A type of modelling. Usually, a live installation where a model must remain still or rotate slowly to give the impression of being a mannequin.

  • Model Release
This is a contract which a photographer must have you sign to a) show your age and b) to show that you allow the photos to be used in the areas outlined in the contract.

  • Parts
A type of modelling. This refers to models who are used for a specific body part such as hands, feet, lips etc.

  • Photoshop
A program which is used to 'touch up' photos. While it is a computer program, it is often used as a verb ... "We'll just photoshop it."

  • Promotional
A type of modelling. A model is often required to be at an event and hand out promotional material, sell raffle tickets, or talk to groups of people about a product.

  • RGB
It means 'Red, Green, Blue' ... its a type of colour format used in digital publishing.

  • Runway
A type of modelling. Models walk along a raised platform to show designers clothing to an audience.

  • Scout
An employee of an agency who looks for models for future work. Rarely will a scout walk up to you on the street but they will seek out models from various forms of media for work for their clients. Beware of fakes - always ask for a business card, call the agency and do your research.

  • Stats
Your measurements such as height, weight, bust size etc.

  • Stock Photography
Photographers often commission models to shoot generic photos with no particular end use in mind, for example holding a mobile phone to be used in communications related marketing material. The photos are put into a stock collection and publishing rights may or may not be purchased by magazines, websites or companies seeking images for advertising campaigns.

  • TFP - Time For Prints
A way for models & photographers to build their folios by offering their services to each other for no fee.

  • Thumbnails
Small versions of photos to allow an entire set to be previewed at once.

  • USB
The connection by which digital camera's and accessories are hooked up to a computer or printer for the transfer of data.

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