Models Direct Reviews - From our Female Models

Just a year or so ago I decided that I should attempt to become a mature model - having read in the Times that there seemed to be a demand.  I signed up with Talent Management who provide information on the web with regard to all sorts of opportunities - cats, dogs, babies, children and male and female of all ages.  I was called for my first assignment as a patient in a care home, along with another of the Talent team who was to appear on the video as my nurse.  It was interesting to watch the man doing the video and I learned a lot about appearing in front of a camera but not noticing it!

My only previous experience of this sort of thing was years earlier when I had been an extra for the film Revolution and the odd amateur stage appearance.

I recently was asked by the agency to do a shoot for Link.  It was a perfect spring day - off to London early to meet up with my 'partner' for the day and the photographic crew. The shoot took about two and a half hours with changes of clothes and accessories presumably to enable the best colours to be chosen for the publication. There is a tremendous amount of satisfaction doing something like this that is totally different from my employment as a home care organiser before I retired and I get to receive a cheque!

My experience with Talent Management has been very positive.  Each occasion I have had clear, precise information regarding the assignment and the knowledge that should there be the slightest hitch I have an emergency number for contact. The modelling fee is negotiated by the company together with any travelling expenses if they are to be added and clearly stated when you are asked to do the work.  The subsequent cheque follows shortly after completing the assignment.

I would really encourage you to sign up with Talent Management and await your modelling or acting opportunity!

I was booked by Talent Management for a dance commercial with The Walt Disney Company.  It was very nerve-wrecking beforehand, however the client made myself and the other dancer feel incredibly welcome and I soon felt at ease. Dancing is my passion, therefore I thoroughly enjoyed my time on Disney's set - it has always been a childhood dream of mine to dance professionally and regularly!  The most enjoyable part was the filming in the studio, the assignment really came to life at this point; my colleague and I were asked to choreograph a short dance routine as part of a football-themed television show, aimed at 7 - 11 year old boys.

I would recommend the experience to others as the staff at Talent Management were so helpful and quick to respond to any queries, and always had my best interests and well-being at heart.

This was my first assignment since I signed up Talent Management - it was really great fun and I can't wait for the next one!  

The job was an advertising video for William Hill, promoting the Grand National horse race, filmed at Kempton Park Race Course.  A bunch of mature ladies behaving disgracefully - that's what we had to do!  We all got on really well and had a terrific laugh. We were all dressed up in old lady clothes, given walking sticks, zimmer frames, with one lady on a mobility scooter.  The idea was we had to 'race' to the finish along part of the course including a fence - no, we didn't have to jump it!  There was a lot of 'old lady' growling, nicking of walking sticks etc in an effort to get to the finish first (with a great deal of laughing in between takes).  We had to keep doing retakes to enable the camera man to get shots from different angles, with close ups and wide shots too. The guys were happy to include some of our wacky ideas to add to the fun and I'm fairly sure that they were happy with what they got.  Take a look on the William Hill YouTube channel in a week or so to see what you think.

Acting at this level is a great way to earn some pocket money at the same time as having some fun.  There seems to be a lot of opportunities for the more mature person and, provided you have the time, it is a fantastic way to meet new people too. I would definitely recommend signing up with Talent Management - it is important to register with an agency to maximise your chances of getting assignments. I joined Talent Management as their listings looked like the types of jobs I was looking for; I'm not a trained actor but I have a lot to offer including a range of skills - add driving a zimmer frame to the list!  This job today is hopefully the start of many more.

My video shoot booking with William Hill was my first assignment, so I was very excited and a bit nervous beforehand, however I had such fun with the other models/actors involved!  We were all made up and put in clothes that made us look like old grandmas and we then had to run a race at Kempton Park Racecourse, named 'The Gran National'.  The other ladies were all given either walking sticks or zimmer frames, but I was the only one lucky enough to have an actual mobility car which was such fun to drive!  I have definitely gained confidence in my abilities from acting in this video.

My daughter persuaded me to sign up with Talent Management, as I used to be a model in my late teens and early twenties. Now that I am semi-retired, I thought it would be fun to get back into modelling again. Having completed one assignment with Talent Management, I can't wait to be asked to participate again - hopefully very soon!

Prior to my video shoot with William Hill, I was a bit worried about was finding the venue and getting there on time.  However, I did my research beforehand and I got to the shoot very early - the journey turned out to be straightforward.  Myself and the other ladies had our make up done and chose our costumes for the role play shoot.  We all got on with each other straightaway and had a lot of banter.  It was a very relaxed atmosphere, almost as if we had known each other for a long time.The assignment itself was a play on the Grand National but we were playing the 'Gran National' and given props such as walking sticks, zimmer frames and a mobility scooter.  It was such fun doing the runs in the race. The experience has given me a lot of experience and I am very keen to be placed on further bookings.

I would recommend this experience to others because it is such fun and you meet some very lovely people on the way. I am fairly knew to the talent industry, however after this experience I will be putting more effort into pursuing my modelling/acting career. My previous commitments have now come to an end, so I will be keeping my e-portfolio up-to-date at all times from now on.  I think it is important to join an agency in order to gain insight from their expertise in this industry.  I personally chose to sign up with Talent Management because they are friendly and gave me some good advice.

I was slightly apprehensive before my assignment with William Hill, but from the moment I arrived until our last goodbyes it was a wonderful experience.  Our director, Sam, explained the basic theme of the video and the interaction between the characters. The theme was 'Gran National', based on a famous horse race, but featuring racing grannies complete with various walking aids.  We had to stagger and jog to the finish whilst being grumpy and extremely competitive. We worked well as a group and had great fun.  If you are nervous when starting out on your acting career, I would recommend taking part in a group assignment as you can encourage each other and learn new skills.

I had a fun day on my photographic assignment for Vogel's Bread. The ladies from the agency were very welcoming and it was great to meet other models.  I really enjoyed doing something a bit different and watching all of the creative work taking place.  I am already looking forward to further assignments with Talent Management!

It was good to meet the other ladies and film crew at the William Hill video shoot yesterday.  The video shoot was a spoof advertising campaign called 'The Gran National' - we were all given props (such as zimmer frames, walking sticks and mobility scooters) and told to race each other competitively across the racecourse. It was such a fun day - although I didn't enjoy being made up to look older! 

I would definitely encorage others to take work up in this industry, but you must always do some research to ensure you are signing up with a genuine agency.  I decided to join Talent Management as they are a very professional and reputable agency, and because I have a lot of experience to offer.  I look forward to the next assignment!

I had the most amazingly fun day yesterday - meeting some lovely new people and going to Kempton Park Racecourse for my acting job with William Hill, where I would probably have never gone to if not for Talent Management!  I was a bit nervous beforehand, but all the people there were so lovely that my nerves soon disappeared. When I got to the shoot location, I was made up to look like a proper granny - my make up made me look like my mother!  The other ladies were all made up in a similar way and after putting on the granny type clothes, off we went on the racecourse to make a spoof video of the Grand National - in this case the 'Gran National'! 

I will definitely be recommending Talent Management to my friends - I had so much fun on my assignment and I also got paid for it.  Not bad!

I had such a super day.  Please send me to do something else soon!

I had a wonderful time at my modelling assignment yesterday with Motability Operations.  It was my first assignment and I did not know what to expect - but I was pleasantly surprised at how enjoyable it was.  Everyone was so friendly and made me feel at ease - the crew gave me clear directions throughout the day, which gave me a lot of confidence. Throughout the day, I learnt a lot about modelling and what it entails and I would recommend it to anyone as it is very enjoyable and a good way of meeting new people. I decided to get into modelling as I had always wanted to give it a go and older models are often needed for certain shoots.  I highly recommend joining Talent Management as they will help you get started with your modelling career and will place you on exciting jobs.

Molly has been extremely helpful since the day she called me about the assignment.  She was always there for me via email and phone.  The job itself was very fun and professional, as a model with experience this was one of the easiest shoots I have had to do because the photographer was very professional and friendly.  The shoot was involved with an architecture company overseas, I had to do different styles of posing with over 100 cameras around me in a room. I felt at ease when the photographer gave me options to chose for the posing.  I am already looking forward to more work through Talent Management!  Thank you, Jess.

I had a great time working at Twickenham stadium for the day. It felt very special to be working in the platinum section for the guests and I would be delighted to do it again.  The assignment involved greeting guests, taking and serving drink orders and helping to make sure everything ran smoothly.  The most enjoyable part of the assignment for me was greeting and networking with the guests. 

Signing up with Talent Management was a great decision as since joining, they have opened some doors for me and I have been given assignments that allow me to have fun and earn some extra money. Thanks, Rosie.

MY 3RD ASSIGNMENT

This assignment was for a promotional video to help nurses and care workers learn about infection control. I was playing the role of a nurse, and had to act out several different scenarios with the other Talent Management model playing the patient throughout the day.

My previous jobs have only involved photography and not video, so this was a completely different experience. I found it particularly interesting to learn how to move whilst being filmed. For example; it is important not to move too quickly or suddenly, as it looks less natural.

The most enjoyable part of the assignment was probably how kind the clients were; during the shoot I felt unwell for a little while, and they let us have a break so I could rest and then continue with the work. This meant that I could complete the job and provide the best work possible.

I would definitely recommend any other aspiring models to join Talent Management, and once you have, to also to keep your eyes open for opportunities. I found this job on Talent Management's Facebook page and emailed an application. I was also offered the job the day before the assignment, so it’s good to be available at short notice whenever possible!

A DAY IN THE RAINFOREST

This was only my second assignment with Talent Management so I was quite nervous when I first arrived. But once again, I was immediately put at ease by how friendly all the other models were, and the professionalism of both the client and photographer.

The photo shoot was for Silver Shuttle, a minibus service which provides transport for people from home to the airport. I was playing the part of a mother going on holiday with her husband and child, so we would pretend to be getting in or out of the minibus with our suitcases. There were other models playing people also using the minibus: A 'business man' a 'retired couple' and a 'student'. We drove to several different locations around Gloucester; sometimes we'd be photographed individually, and at other places we would be photographed as a group.

We were asked to do our own hair and make up and provide our own outfits. Talent Management also recommended that we bring several options of clothes for the client to choose from, and I'm incredibly grateful for that advice. I didn't have to worry whether I'd chosen the right thing because I knew I had many options, and when I arrived the photographer was able to put together something from my clothes that would fit in with my 'husband' and 'child' and the type of look the client wanted.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of the assignment was just how lovely everyone was. The client was really friendly and chatted to us all about what he wanted, and the photographer was quick to put us at ease when he could tell we were feeling nervous. I particularly appreciated that as at the beginning I felt a little unsure of how to move naturally in front of the camera, but because the photographer gave such great direction I felt like I understood exactly what to do.

The other models were brilliant to work with, so friendly and funny. I was particularly impressed by the little boy playing my 'son'. He was so professional and natural in front of the camera, and he kept everyone entertained all day!

I learnt so much from this assignment, I feel much more confident about moving in front of a camera, which was something I felt a little unsure about. I also learnt how to interact with other models in a shoot, to create an image that looks natural, not posed. This was something I had little experience in, but I feel so lucky to have worked with models who made it feel fun and easy, not awkward.

I would completely recommend my experience to others, I learnt so much and have gained a huge amount of confidence in my own abilities as a model. I now feel comfortable applying for more diverse and challenging jobs than I would have before, and meet people who I am staying in touch with and hope to work with again.

For people pursuing work in this industry I cannot recommend joining an agency enough. If I hadn't had the advice my agency provided me with prior to the assignment then I would have been far more nervous about what to expect. Because of the agency I went to the assignment as prepared and professional as I could be.

When I first joined Talent Management I didn't realise just how much fun the whole experience could be. I honestly cannot wait for another assignment! Until then I will most definitely be updating my e-portfolio and looking for work as much as possible.

WHAT'S TO LOSE?

I was nervous about doing this assignment as I didn't know what to expect but I was also quite excited. Once I got there I was told what I would need to do and there were food and drinks available. The assignment involved working with two other models to hold a prop to promote a new healthcare product and the other models were both great fun to work with, we spent most of the day laughing. The location was amazing and it was a really nice day out - which I also got paid for…?!

The experience was really pleasant and as well as being paid it really boosted my confidence. I would recommend others to have a go, although you need to be proactive with updating your profile which I could have been doing more. I liked the idea of Talent Management and thought why not, what's to lose? Try it yourself, I've had a few jobs now and it's been a great experience.

WELL BRIEFED

It was a really interesting and fun day. I was very well briefed beforehand by Talent Management with regards to clothing and location so I felt very confident with what I was expected to do on the day. The photographer made everyone feel at ease and was very professional - he had a lovely manner. We all had a great time doing the shoot. I would love to do it all again, and I highly recommend Talent Management as an agency.

ELECTRONIC TABLETS AT THE EDEN PROJECT

This was my first booking with Talent Management, and because it was my first job I was quite nervous! But everyone was really lovely; the client was so welcoming and made us all feel comfortable and relaxed. The assignment was based at The Eden Project, so we had beautiful surroundings for the day. When we arrived we were given food and drink and could sit and chat whilst the crew set up. I thought all the other models would know much more than me, but it turned out to be the first time for some of them too, and they were all really friendly. We then changed into our shoot outfits and had our hair and make up done - this was one of the most enjoyable parts of the assignment, the makeup lady was wonderful and she made me feel much more confident about the assignment.

The photo shoot was for electronic tablets, and we were allowed to watch each others photos being done. I learnt a lot from watching the others being directed; how to move just a little bit to vary each shot without completely changing position, how to show off the product you are advertising and how to listen carefully because several people may be talking to you at once.

In the end the client ran out of time and didn't actually shoot my photos. This was interesting as I had been looking forward to taking part in the shoot, but I found it useful to learn that it can often happen on an assignment. I feel like I learnt so much from being on set for the day, from the creative team, the crew and from the other models.

I would highly recommend my experience to others - especially new models - as I now know so much more about what to expect on an assignment and I am far more confident about my own abilities. I know that on another job I will be far less nervous beforehand and I won't be scared to talk to the other models!

For anyone wanting to gain work in the talent industry I would definitely advise them to join an agency. I felt safe knowing my agency had found the assignment for me, that I was with professionals and that my agency knew where I was. I decided to join Talent Management because they were a large company, I knew they were legitimate and actually did find work for their models. They were very welcoming and made me feel comfortable and confident about pursuing modelling.

I will definitely be updating my e-portfolio more often now and looking for work as much as possible. I had such a lovely time and I can't wait to do it again!

SUPPORTING DISABILITY - I CARE

I decided to join Talent Management because I love to model and I wanted to get some new experience. I always make sure I update my model e-portfolio with recent photos and keep my personal information up-to-date.

I was quite nervous before I went on my photo-shoot today but as soon as the first few camera shots were taken I started to relax and felt better. The assignment was about getting the point across to MPs in the government that disabled people have a voice, and that there needs to be more people out there caring for disabled people. I had to do various poses and hold a cup that said ‘we care’. This was a new experience for me and the most enjoyable part of the day was learning how to pose with an angry expression to get the clients point across - that we care what happens to us. I would recommend this experience to others and it felt good to support this cause. There should be greater support and more help available out there for disabled people and those needing care.

EXPAND YOUR HORIZONS

I joined Talent Management when I retired, partly because I wanted to try something completely different to my working life in an office. I would recommend anyone to join Talent Management if they want to expand their horizons, meet new people and have fun at the same time.

I was very pleased to return to the holiday village on the Sussex coast, as I'd enjoyed my last assignment there. I played the part of a grandmother being filmed whilst enjoying various fun activities with the other family members. The other models, Herb, Lucy, Robin, Kyle and Jessica were easy to work with, as were the director and photographer. The best bit came at the end of the shoot when we enjoyed a dip in the hot tub.

I learnt that even simple scenes need to be shot several times before they are good enough, especially when a dog is involved. Luckily my 'model' grandchildren did as they were directed!

DRESSING UP AS DOCTORS

At first I was very nervous about being sent on my first assignment by Talent Management, but when I met the other models and had a chance for a chat and coffee I felt much more relaxed. The day was a lot of fun and the group of people were very nice. I would definitely like to do it again as I know now that I would be more relaxed and confident. What made this day more interesting was dressing up as doctors and I loved getting my make up and hair done. The photographer was great too; he helped me to relax and made me laugh. As a new mother it was good to earn some extra money and be around new people.

PLAYING MUM

I was really looking forward to my first assignment with Talent Management and it was so much fun I can't wait to do it again. I was playing the part of the mother in a family - the other models I met on the day were so nice I think we almost were a little family by the end of the day.

The whole thing was filmed as opposed to photos being taken so I learnt a lot about acting and also working in sync with other people, we even did a scene in the swimming pool!

I would recommend that anybody wishing to have a go at modelling should join an agency because everything you do is an experience to take to the next assignment. I joined Talent Management two months ago and I am so glad I did. Today has just made me want to do more. Thank you Talent Management, if I hadn't joined I would not have had this experience.

I WASN'T THE ONLY NEW GIRL!

I had a great time being a model for the day. I was a little nervous beforehand as this was my first assignment and I wasn't quite sure what to expect. However, after meeting the other models on the day I soon realised that I wasn't the only "new girl" on the day, so that made me feel better. The people were really friendly and the photographer was great, there was no pressure and it really made you feel at ease.

I was chosen to be photographed as a speech therapist talking and explaining things to her patient. It was great fun and the organisers and photographer talked you through everything and encouraged you, which really boosted my confidence. It was also fun having your make-up and hair done. I'm 51 years old and would never have thought of joining Talent Management if it wasn't for a friend who encouraged me to give it a go. I would certainly recommend anyone (no matter how old you are) to give it a go!! And it's great to earn a little bit of extra money and having fun at the same time... bring on the next assignment!! :)

A MODEL TAN

I really enjoyed my experience of being a model for the day. I was slightly nervous beforehand as I had never really done anything like it before and wasn't sure what to expect… but mainly I was just excited, as modelling is something I've always wanted to try.

I think it’s definitely a good idea to join an agency if you are looking to pursue work in the talent industry as it’s really hard to find that kind of work on your own. I wouldn't know where to start looking. I joined with Talent Management after being told by a lot of people that I should try modelling and I decided I wanted to give it a go.

I was modelling for a tanning company named I-tan. The assignment involved me being photographed in a bikini to start with to show the "before" look. I was then videoed getting a spray tan in one of their tanning booths. I had to make sure I was doing the right positions as it will ultimately be used to show people how to use the booths. I was then photographed with my new tan to show what the after affect was like. This was a really enjoyable experience and I feel I have gained a lot of confidence from doing it - I would love to do something like this again.

IT WAS FUN TO BE A BRIDE FOR THE DAY

I was very happy to be chosen for a bridal photo shoot in South London and work with the professionals in this area. Everyone was very friendly and the atmosphere overall was fantastic. We were lucky to have great weather on the day - the blue sky and sun made the work flow easier and made the experience even more pleasant.

Another female model from Talent Management also took part in this photo shoot with me. We posed wearing some amazing wedding dresses and our makeup and hair was done beautifully. First we had pictures taken at a Bridal Shop and afterwards we all went to Crystal Palace Park for some outside shots, which was a great location.

Overall, it was fun to be a bride for a day :-)

GREAT WORK ETHIC

I felt quite nervous about working as a promotional model as I didn't really know what to expect. I have never done it before but it turned out to be really good fun and I met some great people.

The best part of the assignment was being part of the whole thing in general and seeing it all come together. I really enjoyed welcoming people in and I learnt a lot about how events like this are organised and how important it is for everyone to get stuck in and work as a team. I would love to work with the guys from Derelict again as I really liked their work ethic and felt that I fitted in quite well. I would definitely recommend this experience to others as I learnt so much and it was a brilliant way to meet so many new and different people - who I probably wouldn't have had the chance to meet otherwise.

My advice would be that even though you are going on an assignment to be an actor/model/entertainer etc., don't be afraid to get stuck into all the other tasks that are going on, don't just stand about, ask what else you can do to help. I think people really appreciate this and are then more likely to want to work with you again. I joined Talent Management because I really wanted to be a model, and although it’s no longer my prime focus I will snap up any opportunities given to me and put 110% of my efforts into them.