Regardless of which sector you’re in, you’ll have to interview at some point. Casting calls, or go-sees, are the modeling industry version of job interviews. Where fashion designers, photographers and directors find candidates to their fashion campaigns. And as with all interviews, the end goal is to impress the interviewer. So it is important to know how to prepare for a model casting call.
If you’re new to modeling, then you already know how tough it is to break into the industry. Regardless of how ridiculously beautiful and talented you are, actually making it to the catwalk depends, to a large extent, on your performance during your casting call – so it’s imperative that you attend this well prepared. Here are some helpful tips on how to prepare for a casting call.
How to Prepare For a Model Casting Call
-
Dress Simply
Fashion designers and directors already have a vision of what their pieces should look like on a model. So during the interview, they’re trying to see if you’ll fit their vision. They can’t do this if you’re all dressed, so you need to look as blank and natural as possible.
Wear very little makeup, perhaps just concealer, some lip gloss and mascara so your natural beauty comes out. In terms of clothes, the industry standard for casting calls are either high waist jeans paired with a shirt or a little black dress. It should hug your figure enough to reveal your shape, without being too distracting. Don’t forget to wear heels.
-
Do Your Due Diligence
This involves reading the briefs your agent (if you have one) compiled, doing your own research on past campaigns, being familiar with what the client likes. This alone will immensely help you prepare for a casting call. The thing with the fashion industry is that there’s no one-size-fit-all. Everyone’s creative and artistic, so you need to reflect your potential client’s brand of art during the casting call. Understanding whether you have the right body type can save you a world of hurt. Knowing beforehand whether or not you need to cover your tattoos and piercings also matter. So do your research.
-
Come Along With Your Portfolio
Portfolios are the modeling industry version of a CV; they showcase your range of modeling abilities and allow directors to see you from different angles as well as what you’d look like on print. Note that you’ll need to bring between 10 and 15 photos, including headshots, regardless of whether or not you’ve done paid modeling work before.
-
Be Punctual
This is true for every job interview. Casting calls are usually conducted in event centers filled with photographers, booked by the hour, so directors will be time conscious. Suffice to say, it won’t bode well for you if you’re the late. Those diva models with reputations for being late are either already ridiculously famous or out of jobs. So be punctual, or early if possible.
-
Stand Out
Again, beautiful models are a dime a dozen, so you need to distinct yourself from the rest. One way to do so is to carry yourself with confidence – both during the actual interview and while interacting with crew.
As helpful as these tips are, it always pays to learn what’s expected of you. Take time to practice multiple poses and learn what’s new in the industry so you aren’t caught unaware. With all of the items stated above you now know how to prepare for a model casting call.