A Model s Guide to TRAVEL BFC_equity A5_v3.indd 1 16/2/10 12:19:58
Disclaimer: Whilst the authors make every attempt to ensure the accuracy and reliability of contents of this leaflet, this information is intended to provide general guidance only. Please note that Equity, Dance UK and the British Fashion Council cannot be held responsible for the contents of any referenced sources. Ava Barron is a Dance Scientist and former dancer and model. Bibliography: 1. Teenage Modelling Part 1: what is it really like? Brown, Alexa. 8, ClubTV magazine, 2009. 2. Louise Cole, Giles Vickers-Jones. Professional Modelling: every Models must have guide to the industry. London: New Holland Publishers, 2009 3. Linda s Tips. Modeling advice. [Online] Van Rossen & Associates, 2002. [Cited: 2009 June 30.] http://www. modelingadvice.com/.html. 4. Take care of yourself, be safe and secure on London s streets. Metropolition Police Service. [Online] [Cited: 13 July 2009.] http://www.met.police.uk/sapphire/docs/womenssafety.pdf. Equity, prepared in association with the British Fashion Council and the London Development Agency in partnership with Dance UK Dance UK 2009 Copyright Notice The text and images contained belong to Dance UK and the British Fashion Council or the appropriate author and are protected by copyright and other intellectual property rights. You cannot print or reproduce any part of these text and images other than for personal use and any copies must retain the copyright or other intellectual property notices contained in the original material. Any other use could lead to action or breach of copyright. No part of this sheet may be reproduced by any process without written permission from Dance UK. BFC_equity A5_v3.indd 2 16/2/10 12:19:58
Tips - Ava Barron MSc The opportunity to work abroad is very appealing to a lot of aspiring young models. You can ask your agency to set you up with a foreign agency for a short period where you will attend castings and shoots just as you would in the UK. Or you could be assigned trips by your agent where you stay away from home at a specific location required for a particular shoot. Whether you choose to work abroad for several months, go on various different trips or just travel in the UK, there are several pieces of advice you should take with you. Models no longer have to travel the world to get noticed, with the impact of the internet on advertising you can be based in one place whilst still being successful worldwide. However, learning to be travel savvy is important even if you decide you would prefer to stay home and work in the UK. Getting from A to B on time and arriving looking professional with everything you need can take practice. Your booker will give you times to meet clients; this can be a specific slot or an open call which lasts for a few hours. It is then up to you to organise your time effectively. For specific time slots it is important to arrive punctually. For commercial castings it is advisable to arrive at least fifteen minutes early to prepare and learn any dialogue you may be asked to recite (2). Remember to bring any extras such as particular clothing your booker has recommended if you can. Prepare for your day in advance. For example, wear flat comfortable shoes for dashing to appointments and change into heels once you have arrived. For a list of other things you should carry with you such as your portfolio and comp cards, check out the Equity information booklet Manners in your Handbag. Whether working in the UK or abroad, one essential piece of kit is a detailed street map of the town you are working in. It is possible that you will have several Go Sees or castings in a day, so you need to plan your route in advance and choose the best mode of transport. Castings can be held in a hired casting suite, the client s office, the photographer s studio or at your agency. Wherever it is, be prepared to spend a large portion of your day commuting. Research the most cost effective and convenient travel options in the town you will be working in, so you can plan your expenses in advance and avoid becoming stranded! The internet can be an invaluable tool for local information and street maps. If you are working away from your home town, the landlord or hotel concierge should be able to advise on the best routes. If your agency has you scheduled to go on a trip, your booker will have a full itinerary from the client listing the requirements of the shoot, hotel details, travel arrangements and everyone on the team s contact details. Ask your agent for photos and website links, if possible, so you are fully aware of what to expect from your accommodation and never pay in advance. Don t forget BFC_equity A5_v3.indd 3 16/2/10 12:19:58
How to be street smart Carry your mobile phone & programme important numbers into the speed dial. Use a buddy system let someone you trust know your day s itinerary. Avoid going out alone at night, there is safety in numbers. Avoid isolated places and streets. Take a longer route if the short cut takes you through an undesirable or unfamiliar route. Be cautious talking to strangers Don t carry a lot of cash or wear expensive jewellery. Be assertive and walk with purpose. Watch your surroundings and follow your instincts, if you sense something is not right keep a cool head. Check out the Metropolitan police website for further advice: http://www.met.police.uk/sapphire/staying_safe.html The Suzy Lamplugh Trust, a UK charity, provides personal safety resources online at: www.suzylamplugh.org to check if you are staying, Bed & Breakfast, half board or all-inclusive - the price of additional food could make a real difference to your end wages. Take a look at Equity s information booklet Healthy Eating for Models for some tips on meal choices at restaurants or from your room service menu. Be cautious of trying local delicacies, tempting as they may be, the last thing you need is an upset stomach. Investigate food types at your destination and check out hygiene and food safety risks, especially if you have dietary requirements. It is usually wise to avoid tap water and ice, order cold bottled water instead. Do not assume that you will be able to get hold of your favourite food and drinks, instead equip yourself with some nutritious snacks. Trips are a great way to improve your portfolio and get some unusual and unique pictures as well as give you the opportunity to expand your skills. Usually a trip is just a few days and expenses cover your accommodation, food, travel and BFC_equity A5_v3.indd 4 16/2/10 12:19:58
sometimes your travel insurance, though double check this with your booker for each trip. Model, Oreke Mosheshe warns that it is important to always take several books/ magazines on a trip to avoid boredom. You have to stay on location all day, even when not needed. You will not necessarily have time to sightsee and shop but you will get to see some of the most beautiful places and it can be a great way to see the world. Unlike trips for specific shoots, working abroad for several months attending castings in cities like Tokyo, Milan, Paris and Miami is much the same as you would expect working in the UK (1). The experience may not be as glamorous as short term trips; so be prepared to share accommodation with other models from the same agency and understand that it can be exhausting, especially when you do not see friends and family for long periods. Use spare time to email and write. Mobile phones are cheaper than ever before to use abroad and phone cards are easy to purchase. ling the world can be exciting and rewarding, a great way to experience different cultures and make some money on the way. Talk to your agency about contacts they may have with foreign agencies and get their advice on what model markets would most suit your look. It can also be a good idea to ask other models before you leave to see if they found work in that country. The advantages of being referred by your own agency are that they can deal with some of the legalities such as visas, immigration fees, taxes and other such practicalities (2). Make sure you have covered all legal aspects and have the correct documentation or you could run the risk of being excluded from the country and forfeiting any outstanding pay (2). Documentation will vary from country to country and many will require particular visas which can take time to apply for. Speak to your booker and make sure you understand exactly what they will help you with and what you are expected to cover yourself, it will vary from agency to agency. A current up to date passport with plenty of space for visa stamps is your responsibility. However, remember that rather than paying upfront they will take the cost of your flights, accommodation, commissions etc, out of your earnings. It is a good idea to find out if you will be sharing your accommodation with other models in advance. See if you can have their e-mail addresses or phone numbers before you travel so you can introduce yourself. Prior to travelling to a foreign country make sure you are familiar with their laws and cultures. Some countries will expect woman to be covered up, drinking alcohol in public may be illegal and there can be very high penalties for recreational drug use in some areas, for example. Other countries can have strict age related working polices; teenage models should double check they are within age limits. Learning some of the local traditions and a few phrases such as please and thank you will definitely be a bonus. Be sensible, make sure you know about and BFC_equity A5_v3.indd 5 16/2/10 12:19:58
avoid any trouble hot spots and be even more careful than you would be at home. Do not feel pressured into working away if you do not wish to. But if you are invited to work abroad, here are some general tips before you go: Documentation: Allow plenty of time to obtain a work visa; some countries have complicated specific requirements. Check whether it is your responsibility to obtain Visas and other documents. Before you leave home make several colour copies (or scan to your email account so you have instant access) of the photo page in your passport. Give one copy to a family member for safe keeping, the others can be used if people other than customs officers need ID. This will prevent you from having to carry your passport around minimizing the risk of losing it or having it stolen. Secure your valuables in the hotel safe if possible. Insurance: It is your responsibility to arrange worldwide travel insurance, not the clients. Remember, it is tax deductible. Speak to your agent and other models for recommendations. Vaccinations: Check with your GP whether you require any specific vaccinations for the country you are visiting. Airports: Check with your airline to find out when you should arrive at the airport for your flight.. Also check for current regulations on what you may or may not pack in both your checked and hand luggage as rules change regularly. Your particular airline will be able to advise you on the number and weight of your bags, be aware you could be charged a fee or made to leave something behind if it s not correct. If you have connections to make, try and book your bags through to the final destination to save you worrying about them en route. Packing: Try and travel light. Choose clothing appropriate to the weather conditions of the country. All you really need is your models handbag and unless requested by the client, simple clothing such as jeans and t-shirts for day to day, toiletries and small first aid kit which contains any prescription medications in original packaging. Don t forget to include anti mosquito preparations for hot climates. A battery operated alarm clock is invaluable for early starts in different time zones. If you can, plan to organise your luggage into two smaller suitcases opposed to one large heavy one. Make sure they have wheels for ease of mobility and are clearly labelled. In-flight: be prepared for the tedium of travel delays and understand that international travel will disturb your body s natural rhythms. To arrive at your destination feeling fresh, looking good and ready to work, follow these tips: Snacks: Bring your own healthy snacks to avoid the desire to buy expensive on board options. Remember to request any onboard inclusive meals at the time of booking. BFC_equity A5_v3.indd 6 16/2/10 12:19:58
Avoid alcohol: Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration from the air conditioning and to minimise jet lag. you do your research before travelling and take a guide book or map, the chances are you will find the work enjoyable. Earplugs: Cut out excessive noise but still hear important announcements. Rest: Grab a blanket and eyeshades. A window seat will minimise disturbances however, aisle seats and exit rows have increased leg room. Time: A psychological trick to decrease the effects of jet leg is to set your watch to the destination time at take off. Concierge: If you are staying in a hotel, the concierge can be invaluable. They will advise on restaurants, shops, and local transportation. If you have a hectic day of castings booked in a strange city, they could just turn out to be a great resource. The more opportunities you have to travel, whether in the UK or abroad, the more skills you will develop and the faster you will adapt to new destinations. It helps to try and be out-going but also remember to take care of yourself. If you make sure If you lose your passport abroad, you must report the loss or theft as soon as possible to the local police, the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Embassy or High Commission of the country you are in. You can obtain details of a local FCO by calling +44 20 7008 1500 or by visiting the FCO website: www.fco.gov.uk BFC_equity A5_v3.indd 7 16/2/10 12:19:59
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