Welcome to MODELZ WORLD – your backstage pass to modelling and acting success!
Whether you’re stepping into your first audition room or prepping for a modelling casting call, this guide will demystify the process, set clear expectations, and give you actionable tips so you can walk in confident — and walk out ready for the next one.
A casting call is essentially the public announcement or invitation from a production, agency, or brand looking for talent — models or actors — to fill roles in a film, TV show, commercial, print campaign, runway or brand activation.
- It signals opportunity: you may not have to wait for an agent — sometimes open casting calls are available.
- It sets the “brief”: age range, look, skill set, perhaps size for modelling, or acting type for actors.
- It’s the first step toward actual auditioning—once you fit the brief, you may be asked to audition.
- The role description or campaign (e.g., fashion brand runway, print ad, commercial).
- Age, height, look (for models) or character description (for actors).
- Skills required (for actors: accents, physical abilities; for models: walk, pose, size).
- Submission details: headshot, portfolio, show-reel (actors: demo reel) where applicable.
- Location, date/time or self-tape instructions (online audition) if it’s remote.
So, if you’re an actor or model attending an audition or “casting call,” you’re interacting with a casting agency, not a modelling one.
Once you respond to the casting call and you’re selected, you’ll enter the audition phase. Here’s how it typically flows:
Step-by-step:
1.Submission – You send your headshot (models) / actor headshot + résumé + reel (actors) to the casting team.
2.Shortlisting – Casting director and associates sift through submissions to decide who is called in.
3.Audition or Call-Back – You attend an in-person or self-tape audition where you perform/pose as required.
4.Feedback / Selects / Booking – If you’re a standout, you may be one of the “selects” or called back.
5.Final decision – The casting team, director, or brand chooses the person(s) and contracts are drawn.
What happens at your first audition
- You check-in, wait in a holding area or lobby (your behaviour counts!
- You are called into the audition room: either you present/model or you perform lines/monologue or walk in for a modelling audition.
- Casting directors may ask you to take direction, change your look, do an impromptu read or pose.
- For actors: you might do a cold reading, which means little or no prep of the scene.
- Afterward: whether you hear back or not, the audition is valuable experience.
3. What Models Should Expect
If you’re modelling, your first casting might look like a mix of the following:
•Check-in and paperwork: You’ll present your portfolio/comp card and fill out forms.
•Measurements + basic information: Height, size, walk sample (especially for runway) or pose sequence (for print).
•Look test: You may be asked to walk, turn, pose for pictures or video so they see you live.
•Attitude, professionalism & presence: How you carry yourself, your energy, responsiveness matter almost as much as your look.
•Quick decisions: For many print/brand model castings, decisions are fast and you may not hear back (they called you to check your “look” fits).
•Measurements + basic information: Height, size, walk sample (especially for runway) or pose sequence (for print).
•Look test: You may be asked to walk, turn, pose for pictures or video so they see you live.
•Attitude, professionalism & presence: How you carry yourself, your energy, responsiveness matter almost as much as your look.
•Quick decisions: For many print/brand model castings, decisions are fast and you may not hear back (they called you to check your “look” fits).
Tips for models:
- Bring clear comp card + portfolio.
- Wear simple, well-fitting outfit(s) so your shape/figure is visible.
- Minimal makeup/hair so the focus is on you.
- Arrive early, be polite to everyone in the waiting area.
- Be adaptable when asked to walk differently or pose in varying ways.
4. What Actors Should Expect
Your first audition as an actor might be nerve-wracking, but understanding the structure helps a lot.
- Bring essentials: Headshot + résumé stapled together.
- Be early: Your audition starts when you arrive — from check-in, you are being observed.
- Materials: You may receive sides (short scene) to perform. If self-tape, follow the instructions precisely.
- Performance & flexibility: You may be asked to try it again with a note/change to show how you take direction.
- Waiting & outcome: After the audition you wait. Many times you won’t hear back — that’s industry normal.
5. The Mindset You Should Bring
- Professionalism: From arrival to exit, you’re being judged not just for your look or performance but how you carry yourself.
- Preparedness: Every time you audition or model-cast, you’re building your reputation.
- Resilience: Rejection is part of the process — many auditions lead to no booking. That doesn’t mean you lack talent.
- Openness to direction: Especially important for actors: being able to tweak performance when asked is a big plus.
- Growth mindset: Use each experience to learn: what felt good, what didn’t, what to improve for next time.
6. Checklist: Your First Casting/Audition Ready Kit
- Clean, high-quality headshot (models: comp card)
- Updated résumé (acting credits or modelling portfolio)
- If required: demo reel (actors) or walk/pose samples (models)
- Appropriate outfit: simple, fits your body well, minimal distractions
- Contact info and booking details ready (print and digital)
- Know the production/brand brief: what role, what look, what vibe
- Arrive early, bring water, and stay calm
- Be ready for directions and to adapt
- After you leave: send thank-you/note if appropriate, and reflect on what you learned
Final Thoughts
Stepping into your first casting call or audition might feel daunting — but it’s an exciting milestone. Whether you’re modelling or acting, know that the process is structured, you’re not “winging it”, and each audition is another chance to refine your craft, build your confidence and make connections.
At MODELZ WORLD, we believe knowledge is power. By understanding how casting calls work, what’s expected, and how you can stand out, you’ll walk in prepared and in control. And when you walk out? You’ll be one step closer to your breakthrough.
