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The Difference Between Casting Calls/Open Calls & Agency Interviews

Ah, modeling agencies. They're awesome and scary all at the same time. Whether they're boutique or a mega operation with multiple office locations, these businesses employ the pros that know how to turn an unknown female or male model into a recognized and established professional.

There continues to be a lot of misconceptions and myths about submitting to agencies. I can only hope that my blog has helped to properly educate and inform so that anybody thinking about sending a submission to a local agency does so with successful results.

It's normal to be confused when navigating modeling agency websites and trying to figure out how to go about getting noticed. Going to casting calls (also known as "open calls") are one of the most effective ways to catch an agency's eye. After all, it's free and you get to actually meet with the staff. Getting invited to an interview at an agency is even better.

In case you thought casting calls/open calls and agency interview were the same, think again. So how do the two differ?

- Casting calls/open calls are held on a specific day and time frame each week. Agency interviews are specially scheduled and can take place anytime during the work week.

- Casting calls/open calls are open to the public--essentially, anyone with an interest in modeling can attend without an appointment. Agency interviews are only offered to select female and male models.

- Going to a casting call/open call usually means being around a bunch of other aspiring models. Agency interviews are one-on-one situations where you're the only one being interviewed during that time.

- Casting calls/open calls are typically scheduled to be 1-2 hours long. Anyone who wants to go can come in at anytime between the hours listed (i.e. 3-4pm or 2-4pm). Models chosen for an agency interview are given an exact date and time to be at the office.

- Casting calls/open calls are fairly quick. You sign in, have your info and photos reviewed and then you're done. Agency interviews can be anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour.

- Casting call/open calls attire is casual. For agency interviews, models may be given guidelines or suggestions on what to wear. Interview attire can range from casual (like what one would wear to a casting call) to dressy casual.

Comments

Anonymous said…
Hello Dania!

So you definitely think that going to an open call is better than submitting an application by e-mail? Also, if the agency likes me, do they schedule an interview or do they just say that they want to sign me? Also, what are the hints the agency use/say to say that they are not interested in me?

Thank you! xx
Dania Denise said…
Hi, Anonymous! You'll find the answer to your questions in its own post, titled "Answering a Reader Question #707," which can be found on my other 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!
Anonymous said…
I have a question you said casual wear. I just don't want to not be dressy enough or to casual. What are some examples you have.
Dania Denise said…
Hi, Anonymous!

For casting calls, casual wear can be the "model uniform" of dark skinny jeans, high heels and a solid colored, fitted tank top or t-shirt.

For agency interviews, it can be dressy casual like dark skinny jeans, high heels and a nicer blouse or a dress (i.e. sundress or other style that shows your figure--it doesn't have to be super tight, however).

If you copy/paste the link below, it will take you to a blog post I wrote about open calls/casting calls that has a photo example of what a female model could wear to a casting call:

http://amodelsdiary.blogspot.com/2007/03/casting-calls.html

Hope that helps!
Anonymous said…
Hi !

I am attending some open calls next month and i am so stressed because although i am 5'9" and my waist is 23" my hips are 37/38" which i know is too big for high fashion modelling and the agencies are top agencies!! I dont know what to di because i know i need them to be smaller but i dont know how and i already do a lot of excercise!

Do you have any tips or advice ?
Dania Denise said…
Hi, Anonymous! You'll find the answer to your questions in its own post, titled "Answering a Reader Question #941," which can be found on my other 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!

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