A beginner entering the industry should aspire to know all the nuts and bolts of a modeling agency in order to work with them efficiently.
Bookers/Model Managers
It is difficult to exaggerate the importance of a booker for a modeling agency. A booker is also known as a model or talent manager. The key roles include scheduling the model's photo sessions, finding new faces and talents to add to the agency, managing the interactions between the various clients and the agency, negotiating the terms of the contracts, and ensuring that the models are of a professional standard.
That's not all; in fact, the most important thing a booker does is prepare future and aspiring models. When new faces are introduced, the booker has to introduce them to the world of modeling and the fashion industry, while identifying what type of role or job best suits the fashion. The booker must interpret the client's needs and assign the models to the jobs that best fit them. On a normal day, a booker would have to take multiple calls and be very cool-headed to maintain relationships.
Scouters
You may be one of the lucky few to encounter the explorers, who are required to have a keen perception of the fashion industry and be able to identify potential models wherever they are seen. They must also have confident interaction skills like bookers and be able to attract potential models to the modeling agency.
Specific booking departments
Depending on the size of the agency there may be multiple departments for reservations.
Manager / Large Reserves: Consists of the CEO, major supervisors, reservists and senior members. They hold regular meetings to ensure that the agency is functioning well and they contact their major clients.
Editorial and Advertising: This is for relatively experienced and professional models. This will have experienced Bookers try to get as many job opportunities for the models as possible.
New Faces: A specific group of Bookers will be assigned to help develop a model, their portfolio, and get the first job opportunities. A lot of trial and error happens here, so bookers pay a lot of attention to the models and their growth here.
Fashion/ Catwalk/ Supermodel and Celebrities The modeling ivy league, and where the department has a good knowledge of the fashion industry and its events. Every schedule and reservation is handled so that the model arrives successfully on the catwalk platform.
The Finance Department
Handle all payment matters from client fees to model payments, and ensure that proper accounting is done and that accounts are professionally audited and maintained.
The Marketing Department
Handle all agency advertising and public relations guarantees. Maintain the agency's online presence and market the agency to potential clients and models.
Receptionist
You can tell a lot about a person's character by the way they handle a receptionist. A receptionist's job is not easy and she has to handle many visits and appointments. The receptionist will be the one to direct you to the right person for your interview or meeting, so always be nice to her.
Of course, as a model you will meet many different photographers, reservists, managers and clients. All their roles are different and important for the smooth running of the operations. As a model, one should always be humble and cooperate with everyone.