Manufactured families are created here at Models Direct. We do have real families that are on our books too but we also have individuals who are happy to join forces with other models and imitate a real family.
So, for any of our clients reading this blog, and you’re looking to take on models as part of a manufactured engineered family squad, this one’s for you!
Fake families are something preferred over genuine families for several reasons but here’s how our modelling agency goes about creating an engineered family (which is a more common practice than you’d think!)
Understanding our client’s needs
This is an extremely important step to kick-start the processing stage. We need to understand what our client needs from us. We also need to know what their project is about, their goals, and who they’re looking for to depict their fake family.
Searching for models
After our fact-finding stage, we switch on our search mode. According to our clients’ brief, we look for models who fit their specifications the closest. Our team selects several candidates for each role giving our clients the capacity to make the selection stage come to life and be in control of who they might choose.
Casting process
If our clients find the selection stage challenging or they prefer to put it to the test and see how their chosen models interact, they’ll have the capacity to request for casting call which our team are happy to organise.
We also encourage this all-important stage so that our clients can see first-hand how potential model candidates will fit together for their marketing vision.
Selection time
Finally, our clients can inform us, when they’re ready, as to who they want to designate playing their family roles. And even if they don’t decide to go ahead with choosing any of our models, there are no hard feelings. We understand that things happen and change. But we’re always here to help!
Throughout our time as a UK-based modelling agency, we’ve been able to make fake families happen with our top-tier clients.
Recently, our pretend families have included mum and daughter Rohini and Anna who teamed up with pretend partner and dad Sa for a May half-term campaign with Morrison’s Café in Colindale, London.
Another example is of our male model Herb who has also lent us a detailed review of his work with Symphony Group. He worked with another real family to create great footage for the UK-based manufacturer of fitted home furniture.
“Working with Models Direct certainly helps you see the UK, north south east and west and on this occasion the north, a trip to Castleford in Yorkshire. Until then all I knew about Castleford was they have a Rugby League Football club but I had no idea of the warm welcome I would receive when I arrived at Overview Studios for a photo shoot for Symphony Kitchens.
The success of any shoot depends on everyone working together and on this occasion it certainly was the case and it made for a very enjoyable day in Castleford. It was a “family “ shoot and my fellow models were Patricia who I have had pleasure of working with on other occasions and a real-life family unit of Garry, Jessica and their three-year-old son Maxie who is a star in the making, together with the Production Crew, Leanne, Nina, Josie, Toby, Chris and Johnny, all the shooting was done against a green screen and then the CGI background inserted another first for me and what we saw looked great. So, thanks to all my new friends in Castleford and thanks to Molly who put me up for the job.”
Rachel Syder worked with banking company, Santander, where she was asked to play a daughter role for a pension scheme commercial. Here’s her feedback:
“Myself and 2 other models/actors spent the day shooting a commercial for a Santander UK group pension scheme. The shots showcased family fun, in which I played the daughter role. We filmed a variety of different scenes including shopping at Greenwich market, drinking coffee at a café and walking along.
This was my first job with the agency and I received excellent guidance from Marie. I was prepped well before the shooting date with all the necessary information. The day of the shoot itself was efficiently organised and run professionally. A fantastic experience!”
Claire was also on the same project as Rachel and shared her experience here:
“Yesterday, I was involved in a photo shoot for the Santander Pension Scheme Website, It was a great experience, I enjoyed the day and would like to thank Models Direct for getting me the job.
Everything was well organised, I was given plenty of notice and sent clear details and information about the shoot. At the location, we were met by the Ferrier Pearce representative: Meqele who was extremely professional and accommodating. The other models and I were well looked after and given adequate breaks and plenty of food.
The photographer and director were both good to work with, giving clear explanations, encouragement and feedback. I thoroughly enjoyed being creative on set with my lovely “family”. Thank you again Models Direct for a brilliant day’s work.”
Karen was on board for a Red Tractor project and was cast to be part of a family unit too. Here’s what she had to say about her experience:
“From start to finish, Gemma was fantastic at keeping me informed about the day and how best to prepare myself. She told me who would be there and everyone made me feel very welcome. My choice of outfits was appropriate and I felt we bonded well as a ‘family unit’ as per the comprehensive brief! The photographer was really calm and gave us useful prompts and guidance so we all felt very comfortable. The house setting was lovely and we were able to relax in between our sessions. Lunch was also excellent. I’m really looking forward to my next assignment!”
There’s lots to share, including stories and reviews from our real family sensations. If you want to read what our models have to say about us, please head over to our reviews page!
So whether it’s pretend, fake, engineered, manufactured (or any other variation you prefer), our expert team can assist you with your marketing vision and make a fake family appear real. Get in touch with us today!
