Damian O’Connor, Managing Director at Models Direct, recalls the humble beginnings of the company and examines how far we’ve come since then.
As a professional photographer, back in 1990, I started taking pictures that showed people in a light and style that made them say: “Wow, is that me? I never knew I could look like that!”
Women then began to bring their children and partners, and before long I had a large library of looks and the details of people who enjoyed being photographed and wanted to model.
And that was the birth of Models Direct!
In those early days, Suzy and I would do a photoshoot, drive the film to the developers and invite our model back to our modest studio for an evening slide show – usually accompanied by the model’s mum, husband or curious friend – and together, we would choose the best picture to represent them.
“Not that one, it shows my teeth,” they might say. “I look too smiley in that one… do you think I look too moody in this one?”
And late in the evening, we would drop off the slides for printing and head home.
Before long, those shots were being photocopied and posted to clients who had heard of us – there was no email back in those days!
And life became a whirlwind of auditions, photo shoots, viewings and castings.
We soon moved from the studio to larger premises and applied to the Department of Employment to be issued one of the very first licences to operate as a model agency.
It was then that things really took off!
When they heard of the assignments we were securing for our models, people began to send us their own pictures, asking us to represent them. Before long we had a fast-growing library of models from far and wide to offer our expanding client list.
By 1995, we were receiving enquiries from models and clients all over the UK. We were booking models for catalogues, films, television, fashion shows and all sorts of events.
Our operation grew from two people to five, then 10, and finally to today’s huge team of skilled co-ordinators and agents, based right across the country.
Today, instead of posting out photocopies, we of course use the internet to help us search for models and present them to clients at the touch of a button.
We also use modern technology to source new clients, build strong working relationships and respond quickly to opportunities for both our models and our clients.
Now, we not only work across the UK, but we also have clients who are based or operate abroad and sometimes require models who are prepared to travel to undertake bookings.
The assignments we offer our models are exciting and varied – no two jobs are ever the same, and that is what we love about this industry.
Because they appreciate our professionalism and reliability – and can offer them a wider choice of models of all types than any competing local agency – our clients return to us time and time again.
They also know that like any other genuine employment agency, Models Direct is regularly inspected by the government’s regulatory body, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).
And is pleased to be invited to contribute to consultations for legislative changes within our field.
Models Direct has come so far since 1990, and the whole team here is looking forward to the next 30 years of working with and for our models and clients.
We hope that you’ll be part of our story.
Damian O’Connor, Managing Director, Models Direct
Apply to be a model
"I was acting as an office worker for the day. Models Direct are very good at keeping you in the loop and they explain the process very well. It is also great to get the extra cash on the side!"
Yasmin, Model fee: £150
Female model reviews
