A Glossary of Child Modeling Terms

The modeling world is filled with tons of unknowns — where to go, how to pose, what to wear… the list goes on and on. While we know there’s a lot to learn when it comes to being a child model, there are some key terms and commonly used phrases that might not be so obvious. There are tons of words that are thrown around the modeling industry, and the better your child can understand them the easier they’ll be able to navigate this exciting world. Now, we know that it can be overwhelming at first, but your brilliant child models will get the hang of it quicker than you can imagine, and we’re here to help!

We have compiled a list of our top terms that your child model should know when entering the modeling industry. Remember there is much more for them to learn, but we think these are great for a starting point.

Appointment Book

This is the book that will be your guide. From making audition times to keeping track of your overall schedule, it will be used constantly. You can also use it as a daily checklist to make sure everything is being done on time.

Avail

“Avail” is short for “availability.” It is a way for brands to check that your child is going to be available for their shoot dates, ensuring they can move them on to the next round of considerations.

Beauty Shoot

The beauty shoot is a full-face photograph that is used for magazine covers or cosmetic ads. It tends to be a close up, so your child will need to be ready to put on makeup and show off their striking features.

Blocking

This is key for when your child model is on set. Blocking refers to the physical movements made by your child model and will usually be marked on the stage or the floor where they are shooting.

Book Out

Whenever your child is going away for some time or is unable to work, they’ll be booking out time. This is the time where you’ll tell your agent that your child cannot book any jobs.

Call Back

This is a key term to know. When your child model gets a call back it means the casting agent liked them and wants to see them again. It will either be in person at a studio or done virtually, and it means your child is that much closer to booking the job.

Call Sheet

This is everything you need to know for a photo shoot: who will be there, the time your child model needs to be on set, the location of the shoot, important points of contact, and any other necessary details. Make sure you follow this to the letter, or your child will not be booked again. These tend to be sent out the night before a job.

Day Rate

Everyone loves payday and a day rate is what a model will be paid for a day's work. Make sure your child’s modeling agent knows exactly what it is and shares it with producers and casting agents. On some shoots, however, your child might work for an hourly rate.

Digitals

Your agent is going to ask you for digitals over and over again, so it’s important to get them right. Digitals are simple iPhone photos that should be taken in plain clothing with no logos, in front of a plain background with good lighting, with no makeup on. They are meant to show casting directors and brands exactly what your child looks like right now.

Go-See

This is different from a casting, as it is more like a mini-audition. Bring your portfolio, comp card or other photos and be sure to dress and behave appropriately.

Hold

If you get an email from your agent asking you to hold a certain date, that means your child is in the final round of considerations for a job. Keep those dates free on your calendar so you’re able to show up to set as needed.

Monologue

This is key for child actors. It’s a speech delivered by the actor and does not contain other characters. Make sure your child practices this over and over, especially if they are auditioning with it.

Portfolio

This book contains a selection of photographs and tearsheets that a model shows to clients. Make sure you bring it to all of their auditions.

Printwork

Your child model may be asked to do printwork which are photographs taken for catalogs, books, brochures, magazines, and anything similar. No video is involved in print shoots.

Release

If you get an email from your agent saying that your child has been released from a shoot or they can release their hold dates, that means they didn’t book the job. You no longer need to keep the shoot dates marked in your calendar.

Talent Release

This may be the most important term for you and your child model to understand. It’s a document or contract signed by the model or actor that specifies how the client can use the photographs or film.

While we know we didn’t define every term that you and your child model will encounter on your journey, we know this list will help. At Bensimon Models and Talent, we are always here for any questions you will have regarding your child’s career. Don’t hesitate to reach out and we’ll be there to give you even more help and training along the way.