Casting Workshop with James C

James began the session by going through what you would need to find out when looking for models. Important things such as name and gender would probably be first.

We discussed other things which may be different for the type of shot you want, for example their sizes. This may not be just their dress/ suit size but furthermore hat size, chest, neck, shoe etc. 

You'd then need to know, if they work for an agency, who their agency is. Their contact details will also be very important in order for you to get back in touch with them if all goes well during the shoot.

Who pays for the casting?

Your client will have to pay for the casting. The costs go into an Estimate which will have all the details on for the different costs. For example travel, accommodation if necessary, clothing, stylist and more. 

What happens during a casting? 

James got us all to participate in a casting to see what happens. Firstly a sheet similar to the image above will be handed out to the models to fill in whilst their waiting to have their photo taken. Next, one by one will enter and have their photos taken. James took profile pictures capturing the front and both sides of the face. This would then be reviewed after to find which model works best for the job.

There would be people waiting to take the sheets from the models and give them details about what will happen next. There was also the photographer and assistants that would move the lighting if the photographer asked. As it needs to be a quick process usually assistants will have to think of things like turning off the lights at the end of the session or changing the battery/ etc because the photographer will be busy photographing. During the casting you want to make the model feel welcome and comfortable during their visit. As I modelled James would ask me questions such as where I study, where I'm from, etc. 

When lighting your models you need to keep it consistent. You need to be able to see the face in full light so no shadows from casting the light in the wrong direction, etc. If you was to light all models differently you would get a different feel for each person so a clear profile image would be easier to pick from. James also said to stick to a standard lens. As you may be limited to space the zoom will be helpful to capture from all lengths.