How To Research A Client For A Casting

What's Irving Serving? Top 5 Things You Absolutely Should Do When Researching a Client for a Casting

Alright, let’s cut to the chase. When you’re prepping for a casting, it’s not just about showing up with your best look (though let’s be real, you’ll slay that too). It’s about walking in there knowing who the heck you’re working with. You don’t want to be the person who gets caught off guard, right? No, no, no. You’re better than that.

So, grab your notebook (or phone, we’re not living in the Stone Age) and get ready to take notes. Here are the Top 5 Things You SHOULD Do to Research a Client before you step foot into that casting room. 

1. Stalk Their Social Media Like a Pro

Let’s be real: if you’re not creeping their social media, are you even trying? Instagram, Facebook, TikTok – those platforms are gold mines for any casting. You need to see what their vibe is, what their audience responds to, and what kind of image they’re putting out there.

• Look at their posts: Is it all high fashion or a bit more street style? Do they use influencers, or are they big on DIY content, is there a target market?
• Check out their stories & highlights: See if they’ve dropped any hints about upcoming projects, campaigns, or even behind-the-scenes content it's really time to be a super sleuth.
• Pay attention to engagement: Is their following mostly engaged, or are they more about the numbers? This can tell you a lot about the brand's authenticity.

2. Dive Into Their Website (Don’t Just Browse – Study!)

If you’re still just scanning their website, you’re doing it wrong. That’s like glancing at the menu without reading the ingredients – you’re missing the whole point. The website is your opportunity to see the core of their brand. What’s their messaging? What kind of tone are they using?

• Read the "About Us" section: Get to know who runs the show and what their values are. Are they pushing for diversity? Do they have a commitment to sustainability? Get the inside scoop on their mission.
• Look through past campaigns or portfolios: These are the visuals that show you exactly what they love – and what they might want you to bring to the table. Notice patterns in the types of models or talent they’ve worked with.
• Check their blog or press section: They might have updates about upcoming projects or launches that you can reference when you talk to them.

3. Understand Their Aesthetic (Then Make It Yours, Guys & Dolls)

You can’t just walk in there hoping they’ll like what you’re offering. Nope, that’s rookie stuff. You need to understand their aesthetic – but more importantly, you need to make that aesthetic work for you.

• Look at previous campaigns: Is it a clean, minimalistic vibe or loud and expressive? Know what kind of vibe they love so you can reflect it in your approach.
• Check their competitor brands: Understanding the industry around them helps you see how they fit in. Are they cutting-edge, or are they more traditional? Knowing this gives you a leg up on the competition.
• Be prepared to show how you fit: When you understand their vibe, it’s so much easier to show how your look fits in. Whether it’s your energy or your unique look, you’re more than just a model – you’re the missing piece to their puzzle.

4. Peek at Their Recent Work (And What’s Coming Up)

When you show up to a casting, there’s nothing more impressive than casually dropping some knowledge about their latest work. But don’t go all “superfan” on them. You want to be strategic, not creepy. Let them know you're about your business, and that you take this seriously.

• Look at press releases or news: If they’ve dropped any major updates recently, like a campaign, product launch, or collaboration, you should know about it. It shows you’re proactive, darling.
• Check if they have upcoming projects: If they’re teasing anything new on social media, be sure to be the one who’s in the know. You never know – your pitch might be perfect for their next big thing.
• Google them: Don’t forget the basics. A quick search can uncover articles, interviews, or even podcasts where they’ve spilled the tea about upcoming projects. Take notes.

5. Talk to People Who’ve Worked With Them (Networking, Baby)

Networking is a must. It’s not just about what you know, it’s about who you know and who’s willing to spill the tea. If you can, find someone who’s worked with the brand before and get the inside scoop.

• Ask fellow models, photographers, or stylists: They can tell you if the client is chill or if they’re a bit more “difficult.” Is the casting room relaxed or ultra-formal? Do they like models to be super high-energy or more laid-back? Also, Facebook groups will have great chatter about what a client is like.
• Use social media to connect: Slide into those DMs (professionally, of course) and ask if anyone has experience with this client. You’d be surprised what you can learn with a little bit of curiosity and charm.
• Build relationships: Remember, the more people you know, the more insider knowledge you get. If you're lucky, someone might even tell you the best way to impress them. Eventbrite is a great tool to use as well.

Final Word, Guys & Dolls...

Listen up, this industry moves fast, and so should you. You’re not just going to any casting; you’re going to a casting where you’re prepared, confident, and totally in-the-know. By doing your research – by actually understanding who your client is, what they stand for, and what they’re looking for – you’ll be able to walk into that room and OWN it.

So, the next time you’re getting ready for a casting, take these five tips to heart. And remember: Confidence comes from knowing your stuff – and knowing exactly who you’re working with.

Now, go out there and show them what you’re made of. You've got this, superstar. 

Catch Ya Later, Irving For more blogs, visit the Maps Studios' Website!