The Best Model Agencies in Leeds Casting the Freshest Faces!
Not to flex, but I have some head-turning friends who own runways and photoshoots like they were Tyra Banks or David Gandy. You’ve probably even seen a few in ads or catalogues, which, according to my mates, pay handsomely.
As they also put it, however, modelling isn’t always gold, glamour, and glitz—especially if you don’t have an adept agency. Self or badly managed talents are more likely to deal with unfair pay, weak networks, and shady contracts.
That’s why we’ve chatted with insiders (friends included) and did our research to bring you the best modelling agencies in and near Leeds.
How much do modelling agencies charge in the UK?
The UK’s model agencies typically charge between 20% and 30% of the talent’s booking fee, but only after the model starts securing work. Upfront fees are prohibited in the country.
Note, however, that the rates can change, usually depending on the work type and the model’s experience.
In Leeds
Face Model and Casting
Address: 1, Craven Court, Millshaw, Beeston
Contact Details: 0113 245 8667
Operating Hours: Mon to Fri – 9 am to 5:30 pm
Face has over 50 years of combined experience in striking poses and calling the shots behind the lens. Founder Victoria Cockroft, for instance, has done projects locally and internationally for 10 years.
Their decades of insights mean they know the industry’s ins and outs, like shifts in trends, including the rise of influencers. In fact, they manage big-time influencers like Tasha Jay, who has around 111k Instagram followers.
They have excellent customer service, too. Talents usually don’t wait for over a day to get responses, and if a project is available, Face’s team will smooth out technicalities, such as licensing and custom briefing.
Additionally, they have an in-house photography studio just 10 minutes from the CBD. The free parking makes it sweeter.
The downside is they have a massive roster, so internal competition is there. The weekend closure is also bad news for clients and talents only available on Sundays or Saturdays.
They Always Communicate Well
‘I have been with Face since 2016 and they have been fantastic throughout my time with them. The team are extremely friendly and professional. They always communicate well which is key when getting booked for jobs. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking to get into the modelling industry.’
– Tomas Bersier, Google Review
Super Helpful
‘I have 4 of my sons registered with this wonderful agency. They have always been incredibly good at getting modelling jobs and castings for my boys. The communication is always fantastic and the children’s well-being is always their top priority. The team of ladies are super helpful and always willing to answer questions for me, which can be a little more challenging for them when I am anxious.
I highly recommend this agency to anyone looking to get their children into modelling.’
– Tara Bailey, Google Review
Star Casting
Address: Crank Studios, Unit 4 New Bank St, Morley
Contact Details: 07511 475651
I have some mates in Star Casting, and they often describe the agency positively. Our research aligns with that; this 25-year-old casting company has talents who made appearances in big shows like Game of Thrones, Peaky Blinders, and Below.
Their team is also easy to get along with, courtesy of their ‘family-like’ approach. It’s probably why most talents we interviewed have been with Star Casting for around 5–10 years.
It also helps that they have a massive network, mostly known brands and shows. Think The Voice, McDonald’s, Nike, and Xbox.
Influencers aren’t their main thing though, aside from a few YouTube kids. They’re more about actors (including 50+ ones), extras, and ad models.
Another concern is they can be slow to respond, sometimes not responding at all.
Beyond that, they’re solid. You can get work from anywhere, and the booking fee/salary is in line with UK standards.
Extremely Friendly
‘I have been with Star casting over 10 years since they first formed and have found them to be brilliant.
Extremely friendly and unbelievable agent for me, I would recommend them to anyone.
Adam is a great person and I have a lot of respect for all that he has achieved with Star Casting.’
– Paul Anthony Jackson, Google Review
Made Me Feel Very Welcome
‘Star Casting fully deserve my 5 star rating. I would highly recommend to anyone. I have been with Star for over 6 years now. Star has a real family feel and have made me very welcome right from the start. So happy to be part of it all.’
– Deborah Tate, Google Review
Near Leeds
Nemesis Models
Address: Nemesis House, 1 Oxford St, Manchester
Contact Details: 0161 228 6646
Operating Hours: Mon to Fri – 9 am to 6 pm
Founded in 1981, Nemesis Models is a good choice for talents after experience.
They’re also an excellent pick if you’re leaning into a lifestyle or TV commercial-centred career. Nemesis’ talents have landed work in ads for JD Sports, Visa, and Uber.
What’s more, they have niche positions others here don’t have, like casting for actual couples and families. That’s a win for companies who want to portray realistic on-screen chemistry.
The biggest advantage is that they employ one-on-one talent development. You’ll get personalised support throughout your career.
However, their talents are on the pricier side, especially with some models requiring additional VAT fees. If you’re a brand or company seeking faces to put in an ad or show, prepare your budget.
On the model’s side, there’s plenty of competition given Nemesis’ packed roster. Always bring your A-game.
Attentive and Approachable
‘Having run the desk at various casting sessions booked at Nemesis house I can say the team here are top notch, they are extremely attentive and approachable xx’
– Steven Vick, Google Review
Professional
‘Fun Fab and Friendly … Professional and long may they continue… Giving people an opportunity to shine and feel special’
– Kolin Richmond Hughes, Google Review
Boss Agencies Ltd
Address: 33 Turner St, Manchester
Contact Details: 0161 237 0100
Operating Hours: Mon to Fri – 8:30 am to 6 pm
Boss Agencies Ltd meets our experience requirement, having been around since 1988. Those decades come with noteworthy achievements, like bagging a ‘Best Practice’ award from BFMA and building connections with names like Reebok and Calvin Klein.
They’re also game for whatever pays—TV shows, commercials, film, and even theatre. Age won’t limit you as well since they manage juniors, over 70s, and talents in between.
Being a part of their agency also means getting your makeup, outfit, or hair done by professionals.
Boss can be blunt, though. They are usually direct, which can be brutal if you’re not used to it.
Getting a reply can sometimes take days or more, too.
On the bright side, they accept work from any location, both small-scale and large-scale.
Those looking to shoot can also take advantage of Boss’ studio, a versatile, zero carbon Georgian warehouse.
Genuinely Care about People
‘Staff are lovely, agents are great and genuinely care about people on their books.
When arriving for castings latest tech makes signing in and providing details easiest thing ever.
Clean, comfortable spaces. Lovely space to drop in.’
– Kerry Ely, Google Review
It’s All Gone Really Well
‘A reputable agency that has taken care of my son for a number of years. He’s had plenty of jobs & it’s all gone really well.’
– Tristan Gage, Google Review
Industry People Model Management
Address: 5, Basil Chambers, 65 High St, Manchester
Contact Details: 0161 839 1771
Operating Hours: Mon to Fri – 9 am to 6 pm
If you’re looking for an agency with global connections and over two decades in their resume, Industry People Model Management is worth checking. They’ve been operating since 2002 and have networks in major cities like LA and NY.
Their casting style is also tailored. For example, if a fashion company wants a ‘diverse look,’ Industry will curate a shortlist that fits the client’s aesthetic or demographic demand.
Moreover, the agency is a part of BFMA. That means they pay attention to the model’s development and well-being.
As for the brands they’ve teamed up with, there’s Van Cleef and Arpels, GISELe (a Tokyo-based magazine), and Vogue Portugal.
Another selling point is Industry’s representation of stunt and voiceover artists.
The weekend closure is a snag, though. Fresh faces are also in for a tough time since most of Industry’s books are established names with at least 10k Instagram followers.
Efficient Service
‘In my work I have come to rely heavily on a high calibre of models and an efficient service from my agencies. This is something that Industry consistently provide me with. The high standard of their models, coupled with a strong customer focus, means I am able to relax in the knowledge that my clients will receive a top quality shoot every time.’
– Ash Robinson, Google Review
Answered All My Queries
‘Great experience, by far the most professional agency in Manchester. Answered all my queries, not a bad word to say about Industry Model Management.’
– Sam Currie, Google Review