After the casting. What’s next?

Congratulations. You’ve made it through the cuts. The next step is where the fun begins.

We are talking about casting today and the targeted audience is of course the models, especially those who have been selected.

For some, the casting might be the first obstacle to overcome, but is it really?

If you are responding to a casting call, chances are the required criteria are listed on the call itself. Have a read and make sure you understand the requirements before you respond/apply.

In this post, we are giving out some tips for the inspiring, and confirmed models who have made it through the first round. What happen next? What is expected from you after the casting?

As RAW as it would sound, the casting is the “easiest” task that you have overcome. Now that you are heading to the next stage, the fun can begin but you are required to put in some efforts.

First of all, remember: You made it through. You have been chosen. What comes next will not be about you anymore but about the concept, the message or the product that the team is trying to create. You are part of that team.

 

A team is like a chain where every link counts. If one of the links breaks, the project breaks.

I like to think that we are all important people and al together, we create something even more important. Everyone’s time is valuable and everyone’s talent is important for the project. Be upfront, don’t take things personal. Let’s create.

Here are a few basics that I have happened to me, fortunately not that often, but still do:

1. Be committed

If you have responded to a casting and the whole team is working on the project. There is nothing worse than having a text message an hour before the shoot that the model, or any team member, can not make it to the shoot.

Life is unpredictable sometimes but having a hangover from last night is not good enough.

Luckily this hasn’t happened to me but I have seen countless last-minute calls on social media for replacement models (MUA, Hair and photographers as well for that matter).

2. Be on time

Time is money, even more for tfp shoots. When money does not change of hands for a tfp project, it is still involved.

As mentioned above, everyone’s time is valuable, sometimes we have to book for a location or props, with a set time limit. Some people may only be available for a certain amount of time, and they show up on time.

Plan ahead, give notice and don’t waste people’s time.

3. Read the brief

Generally speaking, a shoot needs and mood board and some planning. At the very least a date and time, a location and a creative team.

As discussed before, it is not only about you anymore, it’s about the concept.

Some people may not work as efficiently with others, and that’s fine. Just make sure you make this clear at the early stage of the project. Pulling out at the last minute because you have some issue with another model, or any team member on set, is a big No No.

Sometimes there are designers involved, and their latest creations. It does look bad when after the shoot, the garments are stained with fake tan.. If you need a fake tan, it will be provided for you (for the shoot I run). Do not go out the day before for a spray tan.

Make sure you read the brief and if in doubt, ask questions.

4. Do some homework

For my shoots, I usually send out a mood board to the team, sometimes a couple of youtube videos on the concept for the styling, or even posing flow.

Read them, watch them and even practice them before the shoot. I always welcome improvisations, once we have hit our initial target.

5. Ask questions

“There a no such thing as stupid questions. There are only stupid people“. I can’t remember where I read this quote but I certainly agree with it.

When things are obvious to you, do not assume they are for others. If you are in doubt, ask questions. Never assume. Everyone has the right to ask questions.

 6. Be positive

Think about a team of creative people, gathering together to create something cool. The last thing they would want to do is to make the model look bad.

I have heard stories of models not happy with the outfit, or the makeup or even the hair styling … Well it is not about you only. This is about the concept that you have responded and been selected for.

I don’t normally give my up time with my family to go out and make someone look bad. A team of talented people spending so much time and energy to make someone look bad is nonsense.

If the shoot is completely opposite to the concept to which you responded to, ask questions. You have the right to say “no” if the shoot is not what it is supposed to be. I admit I sometimes add (not change) some ideas during shoots but always alongside the initial concept.

7. Have fun

People say that “if you love what you do, you’ll never work again”.

I believe that “If you are not having fun, you’re doing something wrong”.

So, let’s recap.

Congratulations for being chosen for what will boost your modelling portfolio. Here is a summary check list of what to do:

The day before the shoot:

– Sleep well

– Be hydrated

– Know the brief (homework)

– Make sure you know the time and location for tomorrow’s shoot

– Make sure you have packed required gears, if any (heels ..).

 

The day of the shoot:

– Clean skin (no make up)

– Clean & dry hair

– Clean nails (fingers and toes)

– Don’t be late

– Have fun.

 

If we shoot through the day, meal can be provided, always make sure you have breakfast before coming to the shoot.

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