Model Casting Tips And Advice
As a model, you have to face the fact that most of your career will be going to casting calls for modelling jobs; although it would be nice, it is incredibly rare for someone to be “discovered“ hanging out at the local coffee shop, at the beach or just walking down the street. People in the industry want to know that you know what you are doing, which is where the casting process comes in.
Either your agent will send you to a casting, or you, through your networking efforts or on-line research (there are several websites out there where modeling needs are posted that you can submit yourself to, for a fee) will book a model casting call opportunity. Keep these key items in mind when attending the casting:
- Be fifteen minutes early for your appointment. Do not show up any earlier than that as they might not be ready for you. Never arrive late; that gives the impression that you do not take the casting seriously and it is not important to you. Arriving a little bit early shows that you are professional and prepared, all things the casting director looks for when considering whether to hire you.
- Do not bring anyone with you, unless you are a child, then your parent may attend your audition. You wouldn’t bring a friend to any other job interview, would you?
- Be polite to the receptionist. They may be the actual casting director or the casting director may ask them later for their opinion of you.
- Be prepared. Have your portfolio and several copies of your zed card with you (in case they ask for more than one or you accidentally spill something on your zed card right before you are called in – it does happen!). If you are expected to perform dialogue, for example, a commercial audition, know your dialogue.
- Do not engage in conversations with others in the waiting room. Do not be rude, but, you should be using the time prior to the casting to mentally prepare for your interview, not chatting. Waiting room chatter is disruptive to others trying to work in the office and may carry into the casting room, which will annoy the casting director.
- Do not play on your mobile phone or read a book/magazine while you are waiting to be called in. Again, this shows that you are not focused or professional. Sit quietly and study your lines, if applicable.
- Always have a sunny and polite disposition. Even if you are having the worst day of your life, the casting director and others in the office do not need to see that. They definitely do not want to hear about it. Keep all conversations light. Do not let your nerves get the best of you and start babbling, though!
- At the end of the interview, thank the casting director for seeing you and wish them a pleasant day. Don’t rush out of there, but, remember they have a lot of people to see, so, don’t overstay your welcome, either. Trust your gut on when it is an appropriate time to leave.
Model Casting Calls Can Be Hard – But They Are Essential
Like they say, you have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find a prince; you are going to be attending a lot of model casting calls before you get the phone call letting you know you booked the job. Remember, it’s a numbers game and if you are professional, pleasant and prepared, you will eventually book the job. Don’t give up, stick to it and you will become a successful model.
