7 Tips to Nail Your First Model Casting

As a model you will be required to attend a fair amount of castings. After all, this is your main way of booking jobs!

When you attend a model casting you are essentially providing a snippet of how you will be on the real job, so it’s important to leave a good impression. Showing that you’re professional and prepared could give the Casting Director all the reason they need to hire you over the next girl or guy.

1. Read the Brief from Your Agent

It’s so important that before you attend a model casting you read the brief carefully, as it may contain information crucial to your preparation.
If you’re casting for a bikini shoot, for example, you’ll need to ensure that your skin/body is bikini ready. Moisturise, shave your legs and bring your own bikini with you. Always read the brief from your agent and prepare accordingly.

2. Do Your Homework

You’ll also get brownie points for knowing a bit about the company that you’re casting for. Jump online check out their website and social media platforms. Make note of the types of models they’ve used in the past or anything worth mentioning when you meet with the casting director.
For example – If you’re casting for the Seafolly Campaign you could say “I loved your campaign last season, was that shot in Australia? Those beaches looked so tropical and beautiful…” This will spark some conversation and will hopefully be a good way for the casting director to remember you over the 20 other girls.

3. Leave the Entourage at Home

Castings are kind of like a job interview for models. So with that in mind, it’s not appropriate to bring friends and family along with you. If you’re under 16 it’s OK to bring a parent, however they will usually be asked to wait outside during the casting process.

4. Dress the Part

When attending castings you want to show an agent that you’re a true professional. So unless they ask you to wear something specific (men casting for Hugo Boss to wear a suit for example), then the following is a staple model casting outfit:
Girls – A little black dress or high waisted skinny jeans and a fitted tank top are the usual go to’s. Plain high heeled pumps and clean groomed hair are necessary.
Guys – Skinny jeans, fitted plain tee and clean semi-smart shoes.

5. Arrive 10 Minutes Early

Always arrive on time if not, 10 minutes early. No one likes to be left waiting, casting directors less than anyone! If they have to wait for you during the casting process, it will be an uphill struggle to change their bad first impression of you.

6. Be Prepared to Take Direction

During the casting process there a few things that will be required of you. Depending on the job, you may be asked to try on clothing, walk for them (which is generally just for catwalk castings) and most commonly be photographed.
When you’re asked for a snap it’s good to start with a standard straight up and down shot and then move through a few small poses each time they take the next shot. This is all a rather quick process, that’s why preparation is key!

7. Always Be Polite

Last but not least, always be polite and courteous, even if you feel that the casting did not go so well. Thank everybody involved and leave with a smile on your face.
Once you’ve left the casting, it’s a good idea to touch base with your agent and let them know that you’ve come and gone. That way they are more likely to follow up with the client.