Casting 101: A modeling checklist for brands

✅ 5 minutes of your time
✔ Know what you need to do before you start casting models.
✔ You'll have a checklist of what you need to prepare for great results.

hello. Spotlite, where model casting is made easy. Behind every successful brand campaign is thorough preparation and planning, good communication and fulfillment of roles by the people involved, a good understanding of the brand, and a great model to bring the whole picture to life. The models vary, but their role is always the same: to help brands. You want them to promote your product or service and reinforce your brand image and awareness. Today we're going to give you a modeling/casting checklistfor brands, especially small brands.

1. Define your concept and set your purpose and goals.

• Campaign goal: Define what your goal is for this brand campaign. Have a clear understanding of your concept and the message you want to convey, and consider which models can communicate this well and appropriately.
• Target audience: Define your model profile by considering your target market and audience or consumers. (Example: Nutraceutical model targeting 5060s = Youngwoong Lim)
• Campaign type and medium: Plan what kind of content you'll be creating. Which mediums or channels do I need, such as TVCFs, YouTube ads, Instagram/TikTok, lookbooks, fashion shows, and more? Depending on this, the model you define can vary.
• Visual elements: Once you have a brand concept, it's time to think about your visual style. Decide on the model's specs, outfit, hair and makeup style, and images for the shoot.
• Budget and timeline: Review your budget for model and creative sourcing and production. Prepare other project schedules, locations (studios), contracts, etc. in advance.
  
  

2. Explore models, get estimates, and schedule.

Have you defined the model profile you want? If so, it's time to find a model!

• Model exploration and quote requests: First things first: model casting. We like to get as many lists of models as possible for model casting. You can find the right model candidates by looking at modeling agencies, searching portals, browsing Instagram, and connections.
• Model requirements: Create and communicate the profile and requirements of the model you need. It's good to specify that [you want a model like this], preferably including height, appearance, style, experience, expertise, etc.

Tip. Be sure to check out the model's compcard and portfolio!

• Request a quote and schedule: Once you've found the model you want, it's time to request a quote. Align with the budget and timeline you've established.
• Writing contracts: It's important to be careful with contracts and details of payments. Consider all legal aspects of the contract, such as model consent, copyright, and funding arrangements.
• Communication: Give the model plenty of time to consider the project before the shoot. Good communication is the key to campaign success. Share and discuss your shoot requirements, style, references, and as much detail as possible with your model.

💡 If you're a brand that can't afford to search for or cast your own models, save time and money while finding the best fit on Spotlite! With just a few clicks, you can set up your favorite model profiles to get direct access to available models and quotes at once.

Scouting models directly from Spotlite in under a minute >
 

3. Find the reference for the desired deliverable.

References can be found by talking to relevant crew members, photographers, hair and makeup artists, models, etc. Pay attention to copyrights and licenses.

• Check for copyright: When looking for reference images, always check the copyright and license of the image. Be careful not to borrow without permission.
• Discuss with models and staff: Discuss with hair stylists, models, makeup artists, and photographers to select matching references. Viewing, evaluating, and analyzing references together will increase your understanding of concepts.
• Match your concept: Find references that match the concept and style of your desired deliverable. Choose image references that match your product, style, hair and makeup, model, mood, and more.

4. Check the hair/makeup and style of the model you cast.

• Model style: Once you've decided on the style and concept of your overall shoot, make sure your model's style matches it. Discuss and decide on your hair and makeup style, the look or style you want, and more.
• Hair and makeup: Check references with your hair and makeup artist and decide what you need before your shoot.
• Time schedule and location: Make a plan for when and where you'll do your hair and makeup and fittings.
• Final fitting and execution: Finalize the hair and makeup styles you've set up before going into the shoot.
  

5. Collaboration and communication, the most important thing in the field, don't overlook it!

• Clear communication: Communication should always be clear. Coordinate with models and photographers to ensure they understand the shoot concept, context, goals, and style.
• Collaborative attitude: Respectful attitudes enhance the outcome of collaboration. Models and artists should work as a team, respect each other, and listen to each other's ideas and opinions.
• Be prepared and punctual: Make sure everyone you work with is on time. Get the necessary filming tools, equipment, costumes, etc. on time.
• Relaxed atmosphere: Don't put too much pressure on the model when working with them. If necessary, ask for consent while filming. Encouragement, praise, and positive conversations can bring out the best in your models. Make sure you're comfortable and ready to shoot.
  

Complex model sourcing and contracting processes
Now do it in the Spotlite!

💡 Spotlite is recommended for these people

0.I have a limited budget for model recruitment and want to keep the cost reasonable
0.Too many models, you don't know who to choose from and it's hard to trust the expertise of the actual models
0.I want to manually find models that fit my specific profile and conditions
0.I'm new to modeling and want to get help from a real professional
0.I want to get quotes from multiple models at once
0.I want to quote and schedule directly with no agencies or middlemen in the middle.
0.I'm pressed for time and want to move from model recruitment to contract as quickly as possible.
0.I want to quickly see a model's profile and portfolio in one place and at once