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Model castings – Everything you need to know

Castings are an important part of a model’s life. Even top models and actors are expected to attend castings in order to secure roles. Models who are represented by an agency sometimes get castings organized. However, self-employed models have to find out about potential jobs themselves.

You should take part in as many castings as possible in order to build up a large portfolio with lots of photos. It is therefore important that you find out about the process in advance.

If you want to make a good impression at a casting, get in touch with us today so that we can discuss everything with you.

Table of Contents

Prepare yourself before you go to the casting

You should not go to the casting unprepared and unorganized. There are a few things you should do beforehand.

Read the briefing you received from your agency. It contains important information for the casting. For example, you need to bring a bikini to the swimwear shoot
Find out about the client or company in advance. If you are asked questions, it’s good if you can answer them. Simply take a look at the website and social media profiles, read through the About Us page and the company history and you’ll be well briefed. You can stand out from other models with knowledge
Pay close attention to the time and location. The last thing you want is to be late or turn up at the wrong place. Check the route on Maps the day before and set an alarm clock early enough so that you arrive on time
Go to the casting alone, without a partner or friends, unless you are under 18, in which case it is a legal requirement. Agencies prefer independent models and like it when you take responsibility

The dress code for the casting

Customers prefer simple clothes that emphasize your body and are not too special. Often a perfectly simple pair of jeans and T-shirt/ tank top will do. So keep it simple and don’t overdo it. Also make sure you wear natural make-up and seamless underwear.

You should also take a pair of shoes with heels that you can walk in and feel comfortable in.

What you can expect at the casting:

You will have to wait a long time

Even if you arrive on time, you should expect a long wait.

When you arrive, you will be given a number that indicates your position in the queue. Take something with you to keep you occupied, e.g. headphones, a book or a magazine. There may not be enough seats, so you may have to sit on the floor. It may be worth taking a small seat cushion with you if you find it uncomfortable to sit on hard surfaces.

Take a bottle of water and snacks with you. Many castings do not provide food, so you should make sure you have something to eat and drink while you wait.

Never leave the venue during the wait or you may miss your number being called. The casting directors are very busy and you will not get a second chance. Your name will be crossed off the list and your competitors will move up.

Always be on time. No one will be patient enough to listen to your excuses, even if it’s not your fault. Always plan your route the night before and give yourself extra time. It’s better to be early than late.

Further tips:

You will be given a form to fill out. As a rule, you will be asked for your age, your height, your agency and your contact numbers. Make sure you have this information.
Every model casting is unique. Some want to see you alone or in a group. At a group casting, it is important that you stand out from the crowd. Show personality and don’t be afraid to speak up.
When you are called in front of the casting directors, they will ask you a few questions. Be confident and friendly. It’s a scary experience, but with practice it will get a lot easier. They will ask you to show off your walk, try on clothes and probably take a few snapshots. Start with a straight shot from top to bottom and then continue with a few poses that you have prepared for each shot.
After the long wait, the actual audition is usually over after a few minutes. They know what they are looking for, so no time is wasted then
You can then leave and have to wait for them to get back in touch with your agency. There are usually three options: a rejection, an invitation to a second audition or an acceptance
Call your agency after the casting and let them know how it went

Don’t be discouraged by rejections

Models take part in a lot of castings; that’s the nature of the industry. If you don’t get accepted, you can very quickly take it personally. You have to remember that the photographers and designers have a very specific look that they are looking for.

There are many top models who have been rejected but then become successful elsewhere. Even if you are accepted at a casting, that is no guarantee that you will be successful at the next one. It all depends on the opinion and vision of the directors.

In the modeling industry, it’s important that you develop a thick skin and can handle the ups and downs. If the casting didn’t go well, always be polite, because you never know who you will meet again in the course of your career.

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