Most of the models supplied by Models Direct go through a process where we select a group of people who match our client’s requirement – and then our client makes the final choice.

For certain jobs, however, especially those where more acting is required, our models or actors may be asked to attend a casting call or to audition for a part.

Here are a few DOs and DON’Ts for those lucky enough to be asked to attend:

DO

*Make sure you know exactly where to be and at what time

*Arrive early and make sure you know who to ask for

*Find out whether you should be dressed in any particular way

*Bring along a bottle of water and a snack to give you energy

*Find out whether you need to prepare anything before arriving – a song, a dance or some lines, perhaps

*Make sure you know your lines (or your song or dance) inside out and upside down

*Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse – and rehearse again –  ahead of time

*Treat the casting call or audition as a learning process – watch how it works, talk to others who are also attending, and pick up hints and suggestions that might help you next time

*Try to enjoy yourself – attending a casting call or audition is a nerve-wracking experience but it can be great fun too!

DON’T

*Be late!

*Turn up without knowing what you are supposed to be doing

*Forget your script or other material you have been asked to work from

*Let the nerves overwhelm you – try a few mindfulness or relaxation techniques to help you stay calm

*Be disappointed if you aren’t successful this time round. There may be lots of reasons why someone is not selected and remember that no-one can be chosen every time!

For models and talent, agency jargon can be confusing and difficult to understand what it really means. You hear the words ‘searches’, ‘portfolio views’, ‘shortlisted’, used lots when speaking with your agent, but you are maybe left feeling a little confused and unsure on exactly what”s happening.

This blog explains what a few of these modelling agency terms mean, it may seem obvious, but if you are new to the industry this isn’t always the case!

‘Clients’

If you are a registered model with Models Direct you may well have viewed our extensive client list – our client’s are brands, companies and industry individuals who have contacted the bookings department and we have provided models and talent to for their latest photo shoot, commercial or advertising campaign.

‘What is a ‘Search’?‘

At Models Direct there is a team of booking agents who’s job it is to coordinate modelling assignments from beginning to end. When a client contacts us with a brief, our booking agents will create a search from our database of models and talent that fits the criteria the client has provided. The talent criteria can vary hugely depending on many factors including, location, budget, looks, experience, etc. Once the search is complete it is then sent to the client for them to view and consider.

‘ePortfolio’

This is your online portfolio, think of it like your modelling CV. This is what clients will view when you are put forward to them in a search so it needs to look the best it can be, it can be the difference of getting selected or not! As a model with Models Direct you will have your own log in and password to access your ePortfolio online, this is so you can make sure it includes all the relevant information, your contact details and measurements are updated when need be. It’s also incredibly important to make sure your photographs are current and of a high quality, often client’s will select models without a casting or audition, simply from ePortfolio’s so it’s essential yours stand out above the rest!

‘ePortfolio Views‘

This is the amount of times your ePortfolio has been looked at by a client. If you find that you have had a high number of views, but are yet to be shortlisted selected for an assignment then perhaps you might review your ePortfolio and make sure it is showing you off in the best way. A member of the Models Direct team is always very happy to look through it with you and will offer and help and advice where they can.

‘Shortlisted’

This is a very exciting time, if you have been shortlisted for an assignment then it means you are one of the client’s favoured options for the job! When a client receives a search they will then create a shortlist of the talent they think would be right for the role, at this point a member of our bookings team may well contact you to let you know you have been shortlisted and find out your availability and give you some information about the assignment to see if you are interested in it. At this point the job is still not guaranteed, so do not change any of your plans or make travel arrangements – there will be time for this if you make the final selection.

‘Castings’

Castings are just like an interview, they are an opportunity for the client to meet you in person to see what skills you have depending on the job. A casting will often be held if the the client is looking someone for a speaking role or a very particular look which you can not determine from just an image. Castings are unpaid and the work is not guaranteed, this would be explained to you if a member of our team contacts you regarding a casting opportunity.

‘Assignment’

Assignment is the term used for the modelling job, the nature of the job can vary from photoshoots, fashion shows, films, TV, commercials, the list is endless, but they are all referred to as modelling assignments.

For any other modelling questions please visit our FAQ page where you will find lots more helpful modelling info!

These moments create a roller coaster of emotions for a child and also you as a parent, it’s an exciting time and managing their enthusiasm and expectations can be challenging, especially if they are unsuccessful on the day, rejection is tough!

At Models Direct we try to avoid sending models to castings, especially junior models, however with some client’s it’s the only option. So here are Models Direct’s top tips to surviving it!

Pay Attention to the Requirements

Read the brief properly and only take children along who fit the description. There is no point going to an open call for toddlers with your adorable four-year-old. You’ll only be disappointed, and it will slow the process down for everyone else.

Don’t Go Overboard on the Lines

If there are lines for older children to deliver, don’t overdo the delivery training. Casting directors will want to be able to direct your child. Help your children learn the lines, but let them say them as they please.

Read the Instructions Carefully Before Calling

Casting directors’ offices have very little time or patience for answering calls or emails about specifics that were already mentioned in the posting. Do not expect them to tell you what has already been stated.

Dress Your Children Appropriately

Unless otherwise stated, the dress code for auditions is simple, clean, modest clothing. Avoid outfits that are all one colour and make sure shoes are clean and fit well. Clothes should also be age appropriate. Do not put too much makeup on older children, and keep jewellery to a minimum.

Make Sure Your Child Has Eaten a Healthy Meal

Casting directors want to see that your child is bright but also well-behaved. A sugar rush might make your child smile a little wider for a few minutes, but will also cause mood swings afterward.

Leave Brothers and Sisters at Home

Having extra children in the audition or waiting area leads to excess noise and acts as a distraction for the child auditioning. Generally speaking, there should be at least one adult present per child.

Know Your Child’s Data

Make sure your write down your child’s current and correct date of birth, height, weight, clothing size, and shoe size. Be patient and bring toys, casting calls are a waiting game. Treat it like waiting for a flight: bring toys, healthy snacks, and patience!

Only Go to an Audition if Your Child Wants to Go

Modelling and acting can be very demanding work. It’s important that your child enjoys it. You know better than nearly anyone else whether your child is genuinely interested in acting or modelling.

Have Fun and Praise Your Child

Auditions refuse more models than they choose. This can be a great way of building resilience in children, but only if they actually enjoy the auditioning process. Whatever the outcome, celebrate afterward and be proud of their efforts. This way, you’ll be setting them up well for the next audition.

To find out more about child modelling and the option to make an application click here.