Skip to main content

The "Check Avail" Reply in Modeling--What It Means

(This post was inspired by an anonymous reader's question. Anonymous wrote:

Hi there. Can i ask what is the difference between casting and checking of availability?)

The modeling industry is full of its own lingo. However, clients and agencies often throw out these terms without giving any thought as to whether or not the model they're addressing even knows what it means. Sometimes it's easy to just "assume" that models--regardless of experience level--know such things.

Out of the model jargon out there, one term you may or may not have run into yet is what's commonly referred to as the "Check Avail." This is short for "checking of availability. Traditionally used in the acting world, it's slowly made its way into regular conversation in the modeling industry. By definition, it's a basic request for information as to what your schedule looks like for a specific time frame.

It is important to understand what check avail means because not knowing could lead to false hopes. Okay, let me set the scene so that I can put this concept into an easy to understand manner...

- Let's say you've got a casting for a catalog. You attend, submit your headshot and the client takes a few snapshots of you to keep for their records. That's the end of the casting and you go back to your everyday life/routine.

- A few hours or days later you get a call/email from the client (or your agent, if you have one) and they want to know your "check avail" for a certain date and time or multiple dates/time frames. You let them know if/when you're available and they thank you and say they'll get back to you.

By this point, you're probably wondering, did I get the catalog gig or what? The answer is technically "no." BUT getting a check avail request is a GOOD thing because it shows the client is leaning towards possibly using you for the project. However, they can't tell you whether or not you've actually booked the gig because they're still working things out.

Putting together photoshoots, fashion shows and other related modeling assignments takes a lot of time, planning, production and involves a number of different people all working to make everything happen. Sometimes they can't confirm hired models until they've got all the logistics and details worked out--and that doesn't always happen by the time the casting occurs. When this happens, clients typically review the models that have attended the casting and then request check avails to see who is available on which dates and during which times.

Knowing that info further helps them fit the final pieces of the puzzle together. Once that's accomplished, they can take one final look at who made the cut so far and then actually confirm the models they'll use in the final shoot/project.

So if you get a check avail request from a client or through your agent, one of two things will happen afterwards:

1) They'll contact you again at a later time (before the shoot date obviously) or right away to let you know you're confirmed for the gig.

2) They'll contact you again and say that you are no longer being considered for the gig.

Either way, they'll keep you in the loop, which is a lot better than just not hearing back. A similar situation that also applies to models is known as being placed "on hold." If a client knows you're available but can't quite confirm you 100%, they'll put you "on hold," which basically means make sure you don't have plans on the day(s) when the gig is supposed to take place. In most cases, you'll find out if you've been hired or "released" from being on hold within a few hours or a few days. FYI: being "released" means you didn't get hired.

It may seem like a mean thing to do to a model by keeping them in limbo but many times it can't be avoided--and it is done in a businesslike manner. Clients and directors have to plan and account for everything and sometimes that means keeping people up in the air until important decisions have been made and things can go forward. Just go with the flow and keep your fingers crossed that you'll be confirmed.

Word to the wise: whenever you get a check avail request, be sure to have any and all days they ask for completely open in your schedule. The more flexible your availability is, the higher your chances will be of getting hired over whoever else they might be considering.

Comments

Anonymous said…
Hi Dania! I've wanted to be a model for quite a while, given my tall slim body and unique look. The problem is, i'm not very photogenic. But i've got a strong runway walk, so i was wondering if it was possible to just be in fashion shows? or is there a way i can make myself become more photogenic? thanks bunches dania! xoxo
Dania Denise said…
Hi, Anonymous! You'll find the answer to your question in its own post, titled "Answering a Reader Question #388," which can be found on my new blog: "Modeling 101 - Answering Readers Questions."

Please visit this link: http://amodelsdiary-readerquestions.blogspot.com/ and you can view your post there. Thanks for reading!

Popular posts from this blog

Modeling & Pay Rates: How Much Should You Charge?

(This post is more targeted towards freelance models and not those with agency representation, although it may apply to those that have an agent but continue to find their own work.) A part of being a successful model is making money from the jobs that you book. However, being a freelance model comes with many challenges--figuring out what you should charge is one of them. I will say upfront that there are no established black and white rules when it comes to pay rates. Each modeling job is different, each client is different and budgets vary. Ultimately the factors that should influence what you charge should be the amount of experience you have, the strength of the images in your portfolio and the client's budget/needs. Not every client is going to pay what you want to charge. There may be times when you will be skipped over for charging too much or taken advantage of for charging too little. It's going to happen so be prepared for it and do not take it personally. It

What Are Male Models Supposed to Look Like?

The modeling world is filled with women. That's never been a secret and sadly, that often means male models fall by the wayside. There are successful male models in all categories across the industry but the fact that the modeling business revolves around women can make it challenging for newbies to figure out how to pursue their goals of male modeling. It is important to know that because there are different types of modeling categories out there, that means there are also different types of male models. They aren't all supposed to look alike and what ends up being in demand does change every year. Let's break down the common attributes that come with male modeling in various popular categories, shall we? THE MALE FASHION/RUNWAY/EDITORIAL MODEL These are the typical types of models most of us tend to think of when it comes to men in modeling. What is important to know and understand if you're an aspiring male model is that agencies have all different looks

Modeling and Weight

One of the first things I hear potential models ask is what the weight requirement for modeling is. Sometimes that is the main issue they worry about when it comes to pursuing modeling. Let me tell you right now that weight should NOT be one of those concerns. Obviously, the height requirement reigns supreme when measuring up to the modeling standards sought out by agencies. If you meet the height requirements--whether it's for fashion and runway or commercial/print--that is the first step towards starting on the path to modeling. How much you weigh shouldn't be your biggest fear. It is rare that anyone can look at someone and say, "Oh, my gosh, he/she looks like they are 5 pounds over our weight requirement!" It just isn't realistic. If you look at many modeling agency websites, they clearly list the age and height requirements--rarely, if at all do they list any weight restrictions. The general rule of thumb when it comes to weight is that for models who