The Role of the "Contact Person" In Modeling

When reading my blog posts, you've probably come across the term "contact person" more than a couple of times. While I do clarify who this person is in the posts themselves, I figured it would be helpful to do an entire post on the topic itself so that there's no confusion for my readers that are applying this info to their own careers.

Whenever I talk about the contact person in regards to a modeling job, I'm referencing a specific individual that serves as a model's "go-to" for important info related to the shoot/gig and other related matters.

Situations where a model may be given a contact person typically involves situations where a model needs to check in when they arrive at a casting, go-see, fashion show or shoot. Knowing the name of the contact person is a fast way for the model to get sent to the right people. For example, arriving at a business where there is a lot of activity and people going on, a model can easily get lost in the mix. Even the employees at the location may not know why you're there. But if you give them the name of your contact person, it will instantly allow them to know what direction to point you in or instructions to pass on to you.

Other cases where a contact person comes in handy is in case of an emergency. Say you're on your way to a shoot or fashion show and your car breaks down, you're running late or you get lost. Having the phone number of that specific contact person is a fast way to make sure they know your situation.

Who serves as a contact person? It can actually be anyone. To better understand this role as it applies to modeling, below are just a few examples of common individuals that tend to fall under the contact person category:

Photographer

Let's say you've gotten hired to do a photoshoot. The photographer could be the main person that's in contact with you either via phone or email. He/she is the one giving you the details, such as time, location, what to bring, etc. Should you have any questions or concerns before, during or after the shoot, that photographer is your contact person who can get you answers.

Casting Director

The casting director is the person in charge of hiring the models for an assignment. So it only makes sense that this particular individual would be considered a contact person. If you have any questions about the job, they're the first choice to send an email to or call. If anyone would have the answers as they relate to what you should be doing, it would be the casting director, most times.

Assistant

Photographers, casting directors and other people in positions of authority often have assistants to help them keep track of all the projects on their plates. It isn't uncommon for the assistant to be given the title of contact person. Even if they don't automatically know the answers to a model's questions, they are in the best position to find out.

Miscellaneous Person

Some modeling jobs have entire crews in charge of making sure the final results are achieved and the process goes smoothly. This could include assistant directors, producers and other people that have their own respective titles. Any one of them could be tasked with acting as the contact person.

How to Use the Contact Person Wisely

Not all go-sees, castings and actual jobs models work have a contact person designated. So how will you know if such a person has been assigned to the project, go-see or casting you'll be a part of? Usually you'll find out when you're given details about the assignment either via email or phone call. Most times you'll probably receive an email and somewhere it'll specifically mention the name of the person that is serving as the "go-to" for the project. Additionally, that person's contact info will also be provided.

When contacting this person, make sure you act professionally. Don't call late at night or too early in the morning. Avoid bombarding them with tons of emails. Make sure your questions are clear and easy for them to understand so that they know exactly what you're asking.