Tips for model casting (auditioning) success

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✔ Model casting and the process.
✔ Learn casting success tips that any model would want to know.

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What successful models have in common is that they all made a strong first impression during modeling castings (or auditions) and interviews. If you don't do anything, nothing will happen, right? You need to make a good impression on the client or designer to get the job.

In this article, we'll cover a number of tips to help you succeed in model casting. It's not just for models preparing for a real-life meeting or casting, but also for anyone curious about how casting works!

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What is Model Casting?

When you think of the word "casting," don't you often think of expressions like street casting? In the arts, casting has many uses. There's street casting (finding new talent), role casting (casting for a role in a show or movie), casting calls (casting for management's affiliated and exclusive models), and in-person meetings (casting in person). In this article, we'll only focus on model casting.

Think of model castingas a model audition. The process by which a casting director, brand (advertiser), or designer meets a model for the first time to determine if they are a good fit for the role. So it starts the moment you open the door. Everything is evaluated: facial expressions, the way they walk, the aura and energy that only they possess.

Model Casting Process

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Even for a seemingly simple casting, there are a lot of steps that can be omitted or added depending on the nature of the brand and the size of the shoot. A typical model casting process looks like this

• Select model profiles: This is where advertisers (brands) find models whose images they like and view their profiles. Check out profiles by contacting agencies or, in the case of freelance models, through Instagram and websites.
• The advertiser (brand) sends a 'shoot inquiry' to the modeling agency or freelance model selected by the advertiser. During this process, the reference of the shoot, the date of the shoot, the number of models needed, and the pay for the shoot are communicated. Agency or freelance models send brief responses to advertisers about their availability for shoots. Once I have a model I'm happy with, I'll sometimes catch *garbage/options/etc. before I *fix* the model.
• Casting (in-person meeting) after confirmation of availability: This is where the advertiser (brand) and model meet for the first time. If you're casting for a fashion show, it's the catwalk; if you're casting for a commercial shoot, it's the camera test; if you're casting for a fashion lookbook or campaign, it's the fitting - the process of seeing on camera whether the model is a good fit for the brand. If a garbuckle/option is caught and not fixed in the final cast, it will be *released.
  

*Garbucking/optional: asking the model to clear her schedule until the shoot date is fixed because she hasn't been finalized yet but is a strong possibility.
*Release: when the model is not fixed in the final phase and can be scheduled elsewhere.
*Fix: casting is finalized at the last minute

After you've done that, you're ready to shoot. Before the shoot, you'll need to spend some time with the modeling agency or freelance model to discuss the schedule, terms, and conditions of the shoot. So it's common in the industry to finalize casting up to a month and at least a week before a shoot.

What you need to know before casting/auditioning models

Model casting is an opportunity that models shouldn't miss. If you're a model, you need to showcase your professionalism and work ethic in a real-life meeting. Provide all the reasons why you're the best model for the shoot on the spot. Read the tips below to help you prepare for a successful model casting (audition).

Never be late!

If you're late for your first meeting, no matter what kind of work you do, it's easy to develop a bias that says, "This person will always be late. The same goes for model casting spots. If you're a professional model, keeping your time commitments is one of the most basic of basics. In fact, many casting directors will tell you that "time" is something they emphasize in interviews. Ideally, arrive at least 10 minutes before the actual appointment time.

Always have a good attitude

: A good attitude has a huge impact on the outcome of an audition. Always be polite and courteous, even if the casting doesn't go your way. Put on a good face, and don't forget to say thank you.

Show your 'me'

: The more nervous you are, the better you are. They'll see that you're confident and you'll get the part.

Practicing is important!

: Knowing a little bit about the company, product, or shoot you're casting for can help you in the actual meeting. Showcase your integrity and proactivity.

Preparation is essential!

: Basic heels, nude-toned seamless underwear, a headband, and waxing are a must-have for modeling castings! If they ask for a physical *comcard, it's a good idea to bring one with you.

💡What is a comcard?

Short for Composite Card, it's a mini-portfolio of models that you can view at a glance. It has a headshot with the model's name, size, and face clearly visible, 4-6 photos showing the model's diversity, and agency or freelancer contact information.

From model casting to shooting
The easiest and fastest way to do it

So far, we've talked about "model casting" - how brands/advertisers choose models. Casting a model is an essential part of the process, both for the model and the advertiser.

Spotlite helps advertisers and models cast!

The Spotlite features professional fashion models, freelance models, lifestyle models, beauty models, and plus-size models, both internationally and in Korea. Casting will be easier with Spotlite, especially since we have over 800 verified models.

If you're a brand looking to cast, go from model casting to shoot quickly and easily with Spotlite today!

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