Modelology

Here Is Your One Stop Terminology Shop!

Here is where you can learn all about the different term's used in the industry.

Enjoy lovelies!

Industry Terms and Definitions

A

AEA -  Actor's Equity, union for stage and legit

ADVERTISING AGENCY - Creates advertising campaigns for clients, selects models

AFTRA- AFTRA (American Federation of TV and Radio Actors) is the union that represents most actors in TV shows, videos and commercials. There is an overlap with SAG, (Screen Actors Guild) which represents talent in movies, etc. Generally speaking AFTRA deals with video and SAG deals with film and television, but each may be involved with either. A project is either AFTRA or SAG, but not both.

AGENT, AGENCY - Third party negotiator, receives percentage fee of bookings; could be an individual person or a company

ART DIRECTOR - The person from the advertising agency who is responsible for the art/design of the project.

ARTISTIC NUDITY -  Artistic nudity is a form of nudity that is quite tasteful in the nature of poses, but is still revealing. Photographers who do this often work in black and white or with unique lighting scenarios. Generally speaking, these are the types of photos that are intended for gallery display rather than in magazines.

 AUDITION -  Interview with a photographer, art director, casting director or client where they evaluate you for a particular opportunity. Where specific talents are required, it is not unusual for you to be asked to perform. As an example, for acting, one might be asked to read lines from a script.

Agency - see Model Agency or Casting Agency.

B

BACKDROP:  Background used in a photographer's studio

BLOCKING:  The actual physical movements by actors in any scene

BLOW UP:  Enlargement photo from a negative or slide

BIKINI AUDITION  - The same as an audition except that one will be asked to appear in a bikini so that the client may evaluate your figure.

BIT -  The term applies to a role as an extra where the actor is asked to do something specific on camera for which there are no lines. As an example, if one were an extra acting as a doorman at a hotel, went up to a car, opened the door so an actor might exit, that would be doing a "bit."

BODY CHECK -  For an assignment where shape is critical, a casting director may want to view a woman's figure or a man's physique. For women this will often be done in a bikini. In some cases, a body check will require nudity (if the assignment requires nudity). It is important to never disrobe at an audition unless you were informed in advance of the nature of the assignment and have discussed the requirements with your manager and/or agent first.

BODY DOUBLE -  Normally in feature films, when a featured actor/actress is either unwilling or unable to show their body, an alternate person is used without showing their face, and filmed in such a way as to suggest it is the featured character. NOTE: While body doubling often involves nudity, many times it does not. As an example, an actress may need to appear pregnant when she is not. An actress might need to appear in a swimsuit, but for a particular reason, she may not so a body double might be used.

BODY MODELING -  This is where shape and form are essential. It isn't necessarily, and often is not nude. Examples are posters you see for beer or tools. You will see a model dressed in a sexy swimsuit.

Book - see Portfolio.

Booker - a booker is someone who works in a model agency and keeps track of which clients hire which models.

Bookout - Notification to your agent that you're not available for a casting or job, for either professional or personal reasons. You are not available at this time, the clients cannot book you during that time, you've "booked out".

BOUDOIR -  A style of print that is normally a lingerie style or an implied nude glamour or similar shot in an indoor, bedroom setting.

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

Buyouts - This is the payment for the use of model pictures. Often this is negotiated on top of the dayrate and sometimes it's included. The type of use must be set (poster, advertisements, internet, TV etc.), as well as the run-time and the countries.

C

CALL:  Appointment

Calltime - The time at which a model must be at the location and ready to work.

Call Back / Recall - after the first casting a callback or recall is held to narrow down the selection process. It is not unusual to get a callback before getting a job or being turned down.

Casting - Castings are notices of modelling jobs which are made to models, casting agencies, or on modelling websites. They show details of the types of models required for an upcoming production. This could mean a call where every model can apply or a date on which (preselected) models introduce themselves to the client, who will then make the final decision. The client sets the requirements and makes his/her choice.

Casting Agency - Casting agencies are agencies specialised in finding talented people for different fields like modeling, singing, acting, dancing and others. They work similarly to scouts. They search for perspective persons that could participate in different kinds of projects like TV, photo, video, advertisement casting and others. Usually the models in a casting agency doesn't have an exclusive contract and can work for different agencies.

CASTING COUCH -  A term from the early days of the entertainment industry. It basically means that a producer is soliciting sexual favors in return for a part in a film or a print project. This needs to be emphasized. This is a big business. Nobody is made famous because they sleep with a director. There is just too much money involved. If someone propositions you in return for a job, get up and walk out. That is the smartest move you will ever make!

CASTING DIRECTOR -  The person in charge of, or responsible for casting a project. Most commonly, a casting director is used in film and video, but are sometimes used for print projects

Casting Detail Sheet - Information sheet for the model, which contains all important information about a casting: calltime, direction, client etc.

CATTLE CALL -  An audition where dozens of models are brought in and paraded by the casting director to seek out a particular look. It could also just be a notice of an opportunity where the casting director is trying to get the largest participation so that he can select someone who has just the right look and talent.

Catwalk/Runway - Catwalk or runway describes a narrow, usually elevated platform that runs into an auditorium, used by models to demonstrate clothing and accessories during a fashion show.

CLIENT:  Company who hires the ad agency, pays the model's fee

Close Up - In film, television or photography a close-up tightly frames a person or an object. Close-ups are one of the standard shots used regularly along with medium shots and long shots.

CLOSED SET -  A set that has been closed to public access and is likewise closed to anybody who has not been given a specific authorization to be present.

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

COMMERCIAL MODELING -  This is modeling in which a product is being presented and it is the central focus of the photo. A shot might be generic, such as a model outdoors walking, yet the photo would be commercial if it were used in advertising or marketing.

COMMENTARY:  Script used to describe clothes for a fashion show

COMMERCIAL NUDITY -  Commercial nudity is similar to implied nudity except it is intended for the commercial, rather than the glamour market. Examples would be Calvin Klein ads where the model is topless but wearing jeans, panty hose ads where the model is nude in panty hose or soap commercials where a model is taking a shower but nothing shows. This can be contrasted with Maxim magazine, where again, the nudity is non-revealing, but is clearly more glamour than commercial.

COMMISSION:  A percentage of model's fee required as payment to agency

COMPOSITE CARD, COMP CARD, CARD, ZED CARD - Also referred to as a comp card, sedcard, (zedcard) or model business card. A composite card is a piece of card which is 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 you are. Agencies will usually issue comp cards for you after they sign you. A composite card serves as the latest and best of a model's portfolio and are used as a business card.

CONTINENTAL -  This is a term that is being seen more frequently. It originates in the United Kingdom and generally signifies a pornographic assignment.

CONTACT SHEET:   Proofs of black and white film used to determine best shots

Contest - A contest in this case mostly refers to a model contest. This is an event in which models engage in competition against each other, often for a prize or similar incentive. Modelmanagement.com runs it's own international Fresh Faces contest annually.

COPY:  Written words to be spoken on a commercial

Copyright - Copyright is the set of exclusive rights granted to the author or creator of an original work, including the right to copy, distribute and adapt the work. These rights can be licensed, transferred and/or assigned.

Cover Shooting - A photo shooting for a cover of a magazine. Depending on the magazine it has great significance for the awareness of the model.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR:  Ad agency employee who determines the model type

Cuttings - Documented releases of a model in magazines, catalogs or other medias.

D

DEFERRAL - This is another term for "Deferred Compensation." In this form a payment, all or part of the monies due a model or actor are deferred until a certain event. Most commonly, talent is paid a percentage of future earnings. A word of caution, while deferral agreements sometimes sound appealing, legalistic definitions of profit or a production that is unsuccessful means that, in reality, most of these arrangements will not result in payments to talent.

DEMONSTRATOR:  Model who shows use of product at a trade show or store

DESIGNER:   Person who creates the idea for a garment

DRESSER:  Helps models dress backstage for fashion shows

E

Editorial - Photographs made to illustrate a story or idea within the context of a magazine. These are usually assigned by the magazine.

EXPLICIT NUDITY -  This is a level of nudity that is somewhat less than what would be considered pornographic. The term "explicit" means that you will be asked to reveal your genitals fully.

EXTRA -  A person with a non-speaking part in a film or commercial. They may be part of a crowd or non-descript in the distance. If they are alone on camera performing a specific function, they are considered a "featured extra."

F

FADS:  An overdone fashion; passing craze

FASHION COORDINATOR:  Puts fashion show outfits together in retail stores

FASHION MODELING - The modeling of clothes where the clothing is the central focus of the photos.

FASHION TRENDS:  Gradual changes in fashion styles

FEES:  Amount of money per hour

FIT MODELING:  Modeling the original sample garment to test for sizing. Clients use a model whose measurements match the sample size exactly

Fitting - The session that takes place before the photo shoot where the clothes to be modelled 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. The fitting is often included in the dayrate.

FLIPPER:  False teeth used for young children to temporarily fill in for lost teeth

FIGURE MODELING -  This is a form of nude modeling normally used for art rather than glamour.

FORMAL FASHION SHOW, RUNWAY SHOW:  Invited audience, stage, music; models walk down runway to show designer clothing

FREELANCE:  Modeling for many clients without agency representation

FULL LENGTH SHOT:  Head to toe photograph

FULL NUDITY:  With full nudity, you are expected to completely disrobe and your body will be fully exposed to the camera. Unless you have been warned in advance and have agreed to it, poses should be tasteful and should not include graphic views of the genitals.

G

GIG - A slang term for a job or a booking.

GLAMOUR - A broad term of modeling where the model's appearance, rather than the attire or product is the central focus of the photo. There is a misconception that glamour modeling involves nudity. A glamour shot could be nude, but it could also be taken in formal evening attire. It is the presentation of the model, not the wardrobe that makes a shot glamour.

GOLDEN LIGHT - The period at dawn or dusk when the outdoor photographic light takes on a golden hue, which is ideal for taking pictures.

Go See - A model's appointment to see a potential client, to present his book and his - or herself in person and to leave a good impression. Often a client keeps the models in mind for his next shoot/job.

GUILD - Guild is term used to identify most of the unions dealing with film/video. Good examples are the Screen Actor's Guild, the Writer's Guild and the Director's Guild. There is no union representing models because there is no conglomerate group that employs them as there are studios in the film business. In several cities there are companies that call themselves the Model's Guild (Seattle Model's Guild, the Model's Guild of Los Angeles, etc.). Although these are official sounding names, these are just private companies that have no official affiliations. These companies should be evaluated on their own merits and not by their names.

H

Hair Stylist - A hairstylist is someone who cuts and styles hair. He or she often offers other services such as coloring and hair extensions. He or she cares for the perfect hair style of the model at the shooting, runway show or event.

Head Sheet - A poster displaying head shots and information about models represented by a modeling agency.

HEADSHOT:  8 x 10 size photo of head and shoulders

HEADSHEET:  agency sheet, poster, or book of models they represent that goes to prospective clients

HIGH FASHION:  extreme, chic, sophisticated model type

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 (if anything else comes up for that time, you must notify the agency before accepting another job)

HONEY WAGON -  The portable restrooms brought to locations by film companies to provide for the comfort of the cast and crew.

I

ILLUSTRATION/Artist's MODEL:  poses for artists

IMPLIED NUDITY Where implied nudity is required for a shot, you will generally be asked to disrobe fully or partially. While the standard is subjective, a photographer will normally not reveal nipples or genitals in the photographs. In some cases, buttocks will be shown. The essence of implied nudity is that the photograph is suggestive but not revealing.

IMPRESSION That is the term that reflects one viewing of a print advertisement by an individual. Thus if four people see an ad, that would be four impressions. The number of impressions may not necessarily equal the number of copies printed. For example if you printed one hundred posters and each was seen by three people that would be three hundred impressions. Impressions are important because the rates paid to talent for national advertisements, etc., are often based upon the exposure measured in the number of impressions.

INDUSTRIAL:  non broadcast production, often educational or sales films tapes

INFORMAL FASHION SHOW:  in stores or restaurants, walk around, no runway

J

JUNIOR MODEL:  youthful type, animated

L

LICENSE - When a photographer takes a photo of a model, he almost always owns the copyright to a photograph. If a model is given and wants to use pictures she has been given from a photographer, she needs to ask him for permission to do so. The giving of permission is a license by the photographer to the model to use the photos for a specific purpose. Some photographers have detailed, legalistic forms for this purpose, others just grant the consent in a note or e-mail. Photographers also give clients a license to use the photographs that they have taken.

LINGERIE MODELING - This term would seem self-evident, but it is not. Lingerie is a broad term signifying modeling in undergarments or sensual sleepwear. However, the model needs to realize that lingerie varies from quite modest to very revealing. Always inquire as to whether it is sheer or tasteful lingerie when considering an assignment.

Lingerie - Lingerie is the word use for alluring undergarments.

LINES:  script, words

LINE UP:   position of model and garment in a fashion show

LOCATION:  assignment site outside the studio

LOUPE:  small magnifying glass to see slides and contact sheet images eight times larger

LOOK: The unique appearance of the model.

Location - Any place 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.

M

Make-Up Artist - A makeup artist (MUA) is an artist whose medium is the human body, applying makeup and prosthetics for theatrical, television, film, fashion, magazines and other similar productions including all aspects of the modeling industry.

MARKET, JOB MARKET:  any location where there is a lot of work

MARKET WEEK:  4 - 6 times per year when seasonal clothing lines are shown to buyers

MODEL BAG:  a large tote in which you carry all your makeup and working essentials

MEET AND GREET - A first meeting with a client where you are not auditioning for a specific assignment. Instead you are introducing yourself to a client with the hopes that you will be considered for a future potential assignment.

Model Agency - A model agency is a company that represents fashion models, to work for the fashion industry. These agencies earn their income via commission, usually from the deal they make with the model or the client. The model agency presents the models to the clients, promotes them to foreign agencies and is in charge of the models chart, book, portfolio, buyouts, travel etc.

Model Release - A legal document provided by the client/photographer and signed by the model or agent. It gives permission to the photographer to use photographs taken at a particular sitting. If photographs are used without a release, or in a way different from what is stated in the release, then the model can sue for breach of contract.

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

MUST JOIN - ( or see SAG Eligible) This is a union term applies to film, television, and video. For simplicity we will use SAG as an example. If you are not a member of SAG but have already had one speaking roll in a SAG project, you will be required to join the union before you can appear in a second SAG project. You can also reach a "much join" status if you have appeared in SAG projects as a SAG extra and have accumulated a certain number of vouchers.

N

New Faces - New Faces or newcomers are models who are new into business. They are just starting their career and usually don't have a professional book done.

O

OPEN CALL - An audition that is not by invitation or appointment, but instead is open to anyone who wants to try out for a particular opportunity.

OPEN SET - A set that is open for anybody who has access to enter. Sometimes an open set is open to the general public, but it is usually just open to people who happen to be in the studio, on location or on a studio lot.

P

PARTS MODELING -  Modeling of a specific body part such as hands or legs. A model normally specifies which body parts she is interested in working with.

PER DEIM -  A payment given to a model who travels to cover her daily expenses. A model could be given a flat per deim to cover all expenses including lodging, transportation, meals and incidentals or just specific things like food. In the latter case, the client might choose to pay things like lodging separately.

PETITE - This is a misunderstood term. Generally speaking, large agencies look for talent to be 5'9" or taller because that is what is needed for fashion and runway. There is a smaller market for petite models, but there are opportunities for them with agencies. A petite model is normally one who is 5'6" to 5'8". In addition to fashion, petites often find work in the commercial area. A model shorter than 5'6" is considered sub-petite. Sub-petites have the greatest opportunity in glamour and body modeling.

PLAYBOY STYLE - This is a commonly used term to describe a tasteful style of nude modeling intended for print or Internet publication. The term is vague and often leads to misunderstandings. The reason is that Playboy Magazine has a constantly evolving style. Generally speaking, it means full nudity where the legs are kept reasonably together and there is no overt sexual activity. Our advice is when accepting Playboy Style assignments; discuss clearly what is expected to ensure that you are not being asked to do more than you feel comfortable with.

Plus Size - Plus-size model is a term applied to a person who is engaged primarily in modeling plus-size clothing. Plus-size models also engaged in work that is not strictly related to selling large-sized clothing, e.g., stock photography and advertising photography for cosmetics, household and pharmaceutical products and sunglasses, footwear and watches. Therefore plus-size models do not exclusively wear garments marketed as plus-size clothing. This is especially true when participating in fashion editorials for mainstream fashion magazines.

Polaroid - Polaroid photos is a special type of photos that are used in modeling business. Polaroids are usually needed for agencies or scouts to see the natural look of the model. This is something every model needs in their portfolio if they intend to be serious in this business. Modelmanagement.com offers professional polaroids for new models who require them or for professionals who need up to date polaroids.

PORTFOLIO -  A book, normally 8" X 10", 9" X 12" or 11" X 14" made in vinyl or leather casebook  filled with the best photographic examples of a model's work. Also showcases tear sheets.

Prints - Prints are printed negatives, the real photos.

PRINCIPAL:  main performer in the foreground

PRINT:  a photograph printed in newspaper or magazine form

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

PRODUCER:  person responsible for the day-to-day decision-making on a production

PRODUCT CONFLICT:  representing competitive products...this is to be avoided

PRODUCTION COMPANY:  produces video for viewing

PROMOTION:  publicity to advance a product, service or person

PROOF:  intermediate stage of photo development from which you can chose best poses

PUBLIC RELATIONS:  creating an image of a product or service in the eyes of the public

Q

R

RATES:  fees charged by the model

RELEASE -  The document a model signs after a paid shoot giving the photographer permission to use the photos that have been taken. When a model has been paid to do a photo shoot, she will almost always be asked to sign a release, therefore, the model should always ask about this before accepting a booking and should read the release before shooting begins.

RESIDUAL -  A payment made to talent for subsequent use of a material after its initial release. It normally applies to film/video. As an example, if an advertisement were to run on TV for six months and the producer chose to renew it for an additional six months, the talent would receive a residual payment to compensate them for the additional use.

ROUNDS:  calling on prospective clients for photography and television

RUNWAY MODELING - Live modeling on a stage or walkway where clothing is the central focus of the show.

S

SAG - Screen Actor's Guild - SAG is the union that represents most actors in feature films (as well as some industrial films and TV commercials). The other dominant union is AFTRA (American Federation of TV and Radio Actors). AFTRA concentrates more on TV commercials and television programming.

SAG ELIGIBLE - In order to join SAG, you must first be given and actually accept a speaking part in a SAG project. Once you have appeared in a SAG project, you may join, if you choose within a specified period. During that period, you are free to do either SAG or non-SAG projects. AFTRA has similar requirements. You can also become SAG Eligible by appearing as a SAG union extra and accumulating an appropriate number of vouchers.

SASE - This is a common term that many people don't understand. It means "Self-Addressed, Stamped Envelope." Basically, if you are requested to provide SASE when you are submitting photos for a project, it means that the casting director won't send your pictures back unless you send a preaddressed envelope with postage already affixed.

SAMPLE:  piece of clothing from a line, one of a kind

SCALE WAGE:  minimum wage set by the unions

SCOUT:  to look for prospective models from other, smaller agencies, other locations, or even in the mall or while on the beaches; finding model potential in a crowd

Sedcard - See Composite Card.

Senior model - A senior model is a professional model in his 40s/50s/60s. As the average age is constantly raising, the advertisements go back more and more to older models to approach their target group. A senior models often has a good book as they can show a lot of experience or after easily being booked for ads they get publications from the beginning on.

Set - This is where the action of shoot takes place usually within a professional studio or within a location. It includes all the elements which make the shoot; for example the lighting, camera, art direction and art directed scenery

SHEERS - Modeling in clothing or drapes which are sheer or transparent. Generally the model will be exposed to the camera through the material. The model might be topless or completely nude beneath the sheers.

SHOOT:  photo session

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

Shooting - Shooting in general means the implementation of photo or film shoots.

SIDES -  A portion of a script that is given to an actor to read at an audition.

SLATE:  to state your name on camera before your commercial audition SLATE:  to state your name on camera before your commercial audition

SPEC SHOT:  photographer's idea of a comp which he/she hopes to sell to the client

SPOKESPERSON:  model chosen to explain the features of a product/service SPOKESMODEL - An assignment where a model promotes a product at a tradeshow, convention or similar.

STABLE -  The roster of models represented by an agent.

STAGE PARENT:  an adult who pushes and watches too closely over a child performer, gets in the way of the shoot

STATS: The statistics for a model. Normally this is height, weight, hair color and measurements. Age is also included in some cases, but is not necessarily required.

Stock Photos - Stock photography is the supply of photographs licensed for specific uses. It is used to fulfill the needs of creative assignments instead of hiring a photographer. Today, stock images are usually presented in searchable online databases, where they are then purchased and delivered online. Often, they are produced in studios using a wide variety of models posing as professionals, stereotypes, expressing stereotypical emotions and gesticulations or involving pets.

STOCK PHOTOGRAPHER:  one whose work is not for a specific client or job, but whose photos get listed in a general catalog by number for any client to select (for example... a photo of a woman holding a briefcase or of a male model wearing a business suit)

STORYBOARD:  artwork that shows each scene of a commercial

STROBE:  light unit used by a photographer

Stylist - The stylist is in charge of the outfit of the model and discussing at length with the photographer or director, about theme of the shoot.

STYLES - Types of modeling that a person would be interested in. Examples would be fashion, glamour, parts, implied nudity, etc.

SUBMISSION - The sending of your zed card for project for submission

T

TALENT SCOUT -  While this term traditionally used to mean anyone scouring the countryside looking for young talented baseball players to sign, the term talent scout is becoming a broad based term or application for other industries as well. In the modeling field, this certainly opens the door for many scammers and thus young models need to be skeptical of anyone calling himself a talent scout without properly verifying the talent scouts position and the company they work for. Generally speaking, larger agencies don't go scouting talent, because enough people usually come to their door to keep their stable full. While smaller existing managers and agents occasionally want to expand and thus seek talent, new companies would certainly have the need to reward a talent scout if they happen to be out and about and discover someone of true potential.

Tearsheet - sometimes written 'Tear sheet' is a term used by Advertising agencies to denote a page cut or torn from a publication to prove to the client that the advertisement was published. Media buying agencies are often required by clients to provide tear sheets along with a post analysis of any advertising campaign.

TELEPROMPTER:  TV-like screen that displays the cue card words

Test Shooting/TFP - An agreement between the model and photographer to whereby they work for each other on a mutually beneficial basis. No fees other than sharing film-and-developing expenses are involved. They work together on a new idea or on their portfolios. The photographer provides a selection of prints from the shoot in recognition of the model's time commitment.

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:  free or low cost photos used to build a beginning portfolio

TFP The term means: "time for prints." A model works for a photographer without a cash payment. Instead, the model is given a pre-arranged number of prints and/or enlargements as payment for her work.

TOPLESS As the name implies, you will be expected to remove your top and the full breast will be exposed.

TRADES, TRADE PAPERS:  trade publications such as Variety, Backstage, NY Casting, Actor's Resource Network, Ross Reports, Drama-Logue, Billboard, Hollywood Reporter

TRADE SHOW A show where companies in a particular industry gather to demonstrate or promote their products.

TRANSPARENCIES:  the slide forms of a photograph

TRUNK SHOW:  informal modeling of one specific designer line, usually in a store or small boutique

U

U5 The term means "Under five lines." It is a term used by the acting unions to designate a speaking part in which the actor delivers less than five lines. The term may be significant under some clauses of the SAG or AFTRA contracts

Usage - 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.

V

VOICEOVER:  background voices for radio or video recorded separately in a recording studio and dubbed onto visual

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

W

WEATHER PERMIT:  a location job that is dependent on fair weather, may be canceled the day before or that morning

Z

ZED CARD  - This is a misused term. A true "ZED" card is similar to a comp card except it is usually shorter than a comp card and folded into three sections. When looked at from above, it looks like the letter "Z." ZED is how the letter "Z" is pronounced in England where the ZED card originated. People often use ZED card to refer to a comp card, but the usage is actually incorrect.

Other Terms

1/2 SHOTS:  photo from waist to head

3/4 SHOTS: photo from head to mid thigh