The new model showcase reel from Janine from Zurich!

Dreamy, confident and with a gaze that magically draws the camera in – Janine from Zurich shows in her brand new model showreel exactly what makes a strong up-and-coming model. The video is more than just a clip: it’s a business card, a statement and the first step on the way to a big career. Those who want to know how a professional showreel is created and what lies behind it will find all the answers here.

Overview hide

Janine’s Showreel: What Makes the Video Special

What a professional model showreel needs

New Faces: The Journey from Talent to Agency

The modelling industry today: Markets, agencies and opportunities

Checklist: Are you ready for your first showreel?

Frequently asked questions about showreels and entering modelling

Janine’s Showreel: What Makes the Video Special

Strong looks, flowing brown hair and a style that shifts between dreamy and cool – Janine delivers a performance in her showreel that is remarkably confident for a new face. The video was shot under the direction of Janis Lionel, who is responsible for the visual language. The editing was handled by Maximilien Morrel, who shaped the raw material into a dynamic yet atmospheric clip. Hair and make-up were done by Luigi Vampa, whose work significantly contributes to the cohesive overall image.

What makes the result so strong is the combination of technical precision and a genuine emotional connection to the camera. Janine never appears staged – she moves naturally, reacts to light and framing without it looking like instruction. That is exactly the core competence that every serious modelling agency is looking for.

Why Authenticity Comes Before Perfection

Many aspiring models believe a showreel must be flawless and highly polished. The opposite is often the case. Casting directors and agency decision-makers are looking for a spark – something unmistakable. Janine has this spark. Her natural aura cannot be produced, it can only be captured. Anyone wondering what it generally takes to make it in the industry should first familiarise themselves with the requirements to become a model.

The Role of the Creative Team

A showreel is always a team effort. The director sets the visual direction, the editor decides on the rhythm and dramaturgy, and hair & make-up create the look that matches the model’s personality. With Janine, every gear meshed perfectly with the next. The result speaks for itself – and shows why professional production teams play such a central role in the casting preparation at CM Models.

“A good showreel doesn’t tell a story about the model – it lets the model tell their own story. The camera sees everything that is real.”

What a professional model showreel needs

A showreel is the most important tool in the digital age of the modelling industry. Where the model portfolio for casting used to be at the centre, video now holds equal or even greater importance. Agencies in modelling metropolises such as London, New York or Berlin review hundreds of digital applications every day – a strong video often makes the difference within the first three seconds.

Technical Foundations for a Strong Video

The production of a convincing showreel follows certain basic rules. Here is an overview of the most important technical and content-related parameters:

Element	Recommendation	Why it’s important
Length of the video	60–90 seconds	Keeps attention, shows the essentials
Resolution	At least 1080p	Professional display on all devices
Opening shot	Face to the camera	First impression counts
Outfit change	2–3 different looks	Shows versatility and adaptability
Music	Licensed, matching the mood	Rhythm influences perception
Movement shots	Walking, posing, natural gestures	Shows body awareness and movement flow

Substance over superficial beauty

The best showreels show not just a pretty face – they convey a personality. Laughter, thoughtful looks, movement in the wind, a sudden mood change: All of this gives casting directors an idea of how the model would act on a real set. With professional posing tips, this becomes even more convincing. Those who want to learn more about the structured path into the industry will find a helpful overview in the steps to becoming a model.

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New Faces: The Journey from Talent to Agency

Janine is one of our New Faces – a term that in the industry means more than just “new”. A New Face is a raw diamond: potential is visible, the polish comes through training, castings and professional guidance. The path there is clearly structured, but not without hurdles.

Which requirements really matter

Many believe modelling is solely a matter of height. This is only partly true. Of course, there are specific requirements in certain segments – anyone interested in classic runway modelling should know the model measurements and requirements and be aware of the minimum height model agencies demand. However, the industry has opened up: there are now more opportunities than ever before to be successful as a model without meeting standard measurements.

Natural presence over perfection
Movement flow and body awareness
Discipline and reliability on set
Openness to feedback and coaching
Professional behaviour at castings

For models who do not meet the classic standard measurements, attractive alternatives are available: modelling in larger sizes is a growing market, as is working with a model agency without minimum height requirements. Those who wish to break through as a curvy model can now find professional structures and genuine career paths.

Castings: Preparation is everything

No portfolio can replace personal presence at a casting. Anyone who prepares thoroughly for a casting has a much better chance than someone who turns up unprepared. The casting is the moment when the image on the screen becomes a real person – with personality, energy and presence. The combination of a strong portfolio and convincing live presence is unbeatable.

The modelling industry today: Markets, agencies and opportunities

Anyone serious about entering the modelling industry should be familiar with the key markets and structures. Germany offers strong regional starting points with locations such as a model agency in Berlin, a model agency in Hamburg or the location Frankfurt for aspiring models. Internationally, the path leads through the major fashion metropolises – the Big 4 Fashion Weeks in New York, Paris, Milan and London are the stages where careers are made. The Fashion Week Berlin has also established itself as an important hub.

What models actually earn

A question few people dare to ask, but everyone is concerned about: What does a model really earn? The answer is multi-faceted and depends on the segment, experience and agency. It’s important to know: A reputable modelling agency will never ask for advance payments. If you’re unsure, you should read up on whether a modelling agency can charge fees – and how to find a modelling agency without fees. For those who want to start slowly: Modelling as a side job is a completely legitimate and often chosen entry point.

So findest du die richtige Agentur

The first step is research. The second is a convincing application. Whoever knows how to write a proper application to a modelling agency already has an advantage. A look at the Top 10 modelling agencies is also worthwhile to understand which agencies cater to which segments.

Research an agency portfolio thoroughly
Check seriousness according to clear criteria
Bewerbung mit starken Fotos und Showreel
No upfront payment
Pay attention to legitimate contract terms

Checklist: Are you ready for your first showreel?

Before the camera rolls, these points should be completed. This checklist will help you stay on top of things:

☐ Professional photographer or cameraman booked
☐ At least two to three different outfits prepared
☐ Hair & make-up coordinated with an experienced stylist
☐ Location checked and lighting evaluated
☐ Movement exercises and poses practised
☐ Music selection for the edit prepared
☐ Showreel length planned for a maximum of 90 seconds
☐ CV and other documents for castings updated
☐ Model portfolio up to date
☐ Ready to apply to CM Models

Frequently asked questions about showreels and entering modelling

How long should a model showreel be?

The ideal length lies between 60 and 90 seconds. In this time, enough can be shown to make a strong first impression – without casting professionals losing interest. Janine’s video hits this sweet spot precisely. Longer videos are often not watched in full.

Do I need a showreel to apply to an agency?

A showreel is not a mandatory document for an initial application, but a huge advantage. Good recent photos and a compelling application are sufficient for the first contact. Those who still want to apply directly with a video can do so at any time via the application form. For the next step, it is advisable to know all the steps to becoming a model.

What does a professional showreel production cost?

The costs vary greatly depending on the production scale, team and location. Experience shows that a solid production with a director, cameraman, editor and stylist falls within the three-figure to low four-figure range. Important: Never cut corners on quality if the video is to be the highlight of your career. Those who want to model without directly investing large sums can start with part-time modelling and gradually invest.

Which agencies take New Faces like Janine on board?

New Faces are managed by specialised agencies that prioritise talent over established careers. CM Models is one such agency. Those who want to know which agencies in Germany and internationally are particularly professional can find a good starting point in the overview of the Top 10 modelling agencies. Likewise, a look at fashion show and catwalk tips is worthwhile to prepare for specific requirements.