How it works
Major houses and brands often hire independent casting directors. They know agencies and models worldwide, know who the new faces are, and help build the whole cast of a show or a campaign.
A casting director's opinion can shape a model's season: one pick at a major fashion week opens the way to other shows. That is why models meet them at go-sees and castings even before a specific job.
At a casting, a casting director watches not only the look but the walk, the energy, punctuality and behaviour. Courtesy and calm matter as much as the portfolio here.
In practice
Before Milan fashion week a casting director receives several hundred model suggestions from agencies. He picks sixty for the live casting, thirty of those for fittings, and agrees the final list with the designer. A model he chose last season is invited without a casting.
What to watch for
- Arrive prepared and on time, even if the queue is long.
- Be natural: a casting director is looking for personality.
- Note whom you saw: the same people cast season after season.
Related terms
Frequently asked
01Does a casting director work for an agency?
Usually not: they work for the client or independently and get models from agencies.
02How does a casting director differ from a booker?
A booker represents the model; a casting director selects models for the client.