What to expect at a casting

A casting is a short meeting where a client sees you in person before booking. It might be five minutes in a studio, a queue in a hotel room, or a video call. Castings are where most work is won, and the people who do well at them are rarely the ones who try hardest. They are the ones who are prepared and relaxed.

Before you go

Your agency will send the details: time, address, the client and what the job is. Read it properly. If it says bring heels, bring heels. If it mentions a specific look, ask your booker what that means for you.

Plan your journey with time to spare. Busy castings, especially in London, often run late, but you should still arrive on time.

What to wear

Fitted, simple clothes that show your shape: dark jeans, a plain top and clean shoes are almost always right. Keep make-up light and hair clean and natural, unless the brief asks for something different. The client wants to imagine you in their clothes, so give them a blank canvas.

What to bring

• Your phone, charged, with your agency's number saved
• Heels or the shoes requested, in a bag
• Your portfolio or comp card if your agency asks for it
• Water and something to eat if it might be a long wait

In the room

Say hello, give your name and your agency. The client may take digitals, ask you to walk, try on a sample or say a few lines to camera. Follow directions, ask if you are unsure, and keep it friendly and brief. You do not need to sell yourself. Being easy to work with is the message.

If they ask about your availability, be honest and point them to your booker for anything about dates or fees.

After the casting

Let your booker know how it went, and anything the client said. Then let it go. Most castings do not turn into bookings, and it is almost never personal. Clients cast for one specific idea, and you may be exactly right for the next one.

Self-tapes

Many castings now happen by video. The same rules apply: good light, a plain background, clear sound and following the brief exactly. We will cover self-tapes in more detail in a later post.

New to modelling? Start by sending us a few natural photos through our application page.