Model Shortlist, Scout, Sedcard and Showroom Explained
Episode 13.5 · Scouts | Sedcard | Shortlist | Showroom · 2023-08-18 · 4:13 · Chapter 13 · by Stephan M. Czaja
Quick answer
A shortlist is the client's final selection of models for bigger productions. After the agency's inquiry and your option, the advertising agency and production company choose from the list. Usually only two or three models are on it, so being shortlisted is a great sign and means good chances of getting the job.
What you’ll learn
- A model scout often works freelance for an agency and looks for new faces internationally.
- A sedcard is a model's business card with pictures, measurements, eye color, hair color and agency contact details.
- For bigger productions, a shortlist comes between the inquiry and the final booking.
- Usually only two or three models are on a shortlist, so it signals good chances of getting the job.
- Showroom jobs present a collection to retailers and buyers without a runway or public audience, and pay less.
Read the full episode transcript
Today, we will talk again about important keywords that are a must to know if you want to be part of the model industry. Last episode, we talked about introduction, look book, facial expression, modelbook, and new faces. In this episode, we will cover scouts, sedcard, shortlist, and showroom. Let's get started.
What are scouts?
Scouts are looking out for new models all the time. A scout usually works for an agency as freelancer and is even internationally looking for new faces. A model scout works indirectly around the clock because he or she is always also looking for models during his or her free time. In general, a model scout will get an arranged payoff for a new face. But there may also be other internal agreements, like a certain commission, if a model gets a job. The sense for wanted types of the current fashion scene, the model scout has to have that.
Next, what exactly is a sedcard? The sedcard is the business card of a model. It is to show potential clients different styles and situations with different pictures. The sedcards will contain all general information of the model, measurements, eye color, hair color, et cetera, besides the great pictures and the agency's contact details.
Now let's talk about the shortlist. The shortlist is the final selection of the client. For bigger productions, there is a step in between before the booking, the shortlist. First, you will get the inquiry of the agency. Then, if you are available on that day, you give them your option. As soon as you have done that, you have to wait. For smaller jobs, you will get the cancellation or confirmation directly. For bigger jobs, a shortlist might be sent out. From that list, the advertising agencies and production companies will make a selection of models.
Because when bigger productions become more complex and many models need to be booked, the post-production meeting will take place in advance. Here, the advertising agency will present the client the final planning, location, styling, photographer, models, and so on. The client then approves all parts of these concepts and also the models on the shortlist.
The shortlist is a great sign because you will have good chances of getting the job. Usually, only two or three models will be on that list. Sometimes even photographers or producers are very convinced of you, and they will recommend you to the client because you would be the perfect fit.
The next important term is the showroom. The showroom is used to present the latest fashion collection of a designer. There won't be a runway and no public audience. The collection will be shown to retailers and buyers with the help of models. The showroom is usually in the atelier of the designer or retailer. Since the models are only showing the clothes and are no means of marketing in a showroom, the payment is lower. For showroom jobs, a lot of new faces with perfect measurements get booked because experience and image are not so important here.
Those were important keywords you have to be familiar with. In the next episode, we will talk about stylists, TBA, test shooting, and availability. Tune in.