How it works
The booker tells the model about a casting: the address, the time, the client and what to wear. There the model shows the portfolio, leaves a comp card, is photographed or filmed and is sometimes asked to walk or try on a garment. It usually takes a few minutes.
During fashion week a model may have ten or more castings a day across the city. Some castings are remote: the client asks for digitals or a short video.
Nobody gives an answer on the spot. If the client is interested, the agency receives an option or a callback. If not, simply nothing happens, and that is a normal part of the job: even experienced models win only some of their castings.
In practice
The booker messages: casting at 2 pm, cosmetics advert, no make-up, hair down. The model arrives at 1.50, fills in a form and waits 40 minutes in line. Inside she is photographed from the front and in profile, asked to smile and say her name to camera. It all takes five minutes. The next day the agency receives an option.
What to watch for
- Arrive on time, with no make-up or very little, and clean hair.
- Wear simple fitted clothes; women should bring heels.
- Carry your portfolio and a few comp cards.
- Do not wait for an answer afterwards: go to the next one.
Related terms
Frequently asked
01How long does a casting take?
The meeting itself a few minutes, but you may queue for an hour.
02Are castings paid?
No. A casting is unpaid; only the job is paid, if you get it.