Have you always wondered what it’s like to work in the talent and modelling industry? Well now’s your chance to get a firsthand look at the different talent professionals we have on board here at Talent Management. First off, we talk to Katie, Talent Management’s Assignments Manager…

Tell us about a typical day in the life of an Assignments Manager.

I start work (after a coffee) responding to online enquiries from clients. My team and I will contact clients directly to get all the details of the assignment and establish their exact model requirements. I’ll then carry out several searches based on these requirements, and put forward a selection of models that fit the criteria. It’s then up to the client to choose their model preference.

Once models are selected we go through the booking process, sending out booking forms to both the client and the models. Models also receive a map and directions to the shoot or job location. Occasionally I go on the shoot, visit the location and meet the client and the model. Overseeing the whole process, I ensure models turn up, everything runs smoothly, and that both the client and models are happy. After the model has completed the shoot we ask for feedback about how they felt the assignment went.

Another aspect of my job is managing photo updates, which is when models submit their photos to be uploaded onto their e-portfolio. I check the photos for their suitability and ensure they represent the model at their best. It’s very important that the photos are right, as a lot of the clients we deal with book models on the basis of these images, usually without a casting.

Do you have any advice for models when submitting photos?

Yes, although photos don’t have to be professionally done, there are some key points to bear in mind. Firstly, I recommend getting a friend or family member to take shots for you. Don’t take pictures of yourself, especially in the mirror or on your phone camera. Try and use a camera that produces nice, clear shots and make sure you pose against a plain background such as a wall or greenery outside. It’s always great for the client if you include a variety of shots; head and shoulders, full length, some natural and some maybe a little more glamorous. This demonstrates model versatility to the client, and increases your chance of being selected. Also, make sure there is no one else in the photo, as the client only wants to look at you as the model. On the same note, ensure nothing is obscuring the model’s face, such as sunglasses, a hat or a dummy.

How important is it for models to update their photos?

It’s extremely important to update photos regularly, especially for babies and toddlers who are constantly growing. The stats, which are viewed on a model’s e-portfolio, are equally important. I highly recommend filling out stats thoroughly, including any talents or abilities, dress size, shoe size, even ring size; you never know what specialist requirements a client might be after. For example, one client contacted me recently looking for child exactly 152cm in height for a fashion shoot.

What kind of requests do you get from clients?

We get all sorts of strange enquiries, from giant rabbits to unicyclists. We also get a lot of clients after really ordinary looking models, whether that be for film extras, or models for ad campaigns. Model and talent requests range right from newborns and toddlers, and promo models for trade fairs, up to mature models for companies involved in mobility chairs for example.

What is the most important part of your job?

I would say the contact between myself, the models, and the clients is very important. We’re in constant communication with everyone involved. It’s also great letting the models know they’ve been selected for a job, they’re always really excited.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I like connecting with people, seeing a job come together, and being able to fill a client’s requirements. In my free time I’m a photographer and specialise in portraiture, so I take a personal interest in the outcome of the shoot and look forward to seeing the final shots.

What’s the most difficult part of the job?

Getting the timing right, working under pressure, and the short notice; sometimes clients come to me at 3pm wanting 10 models for the next day, so it can be a challenge.