Castings for different model markets differ, as do the markets themselves. In our time it is very rare if the model has time to work for Asia, Europe and America. But such models are still found. One of them is Natalia Tsygankova. She will tell us about the features of casting for each market.
Natalia has worked in Japan, China, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, France, Sweden, Slovenia, and the United States (Los Angeles). She has worked for BCBG, Shiseido, Love Republic, Jag Jeans, MUSE, Carolina Herrera, Elle, Cosmo, and Wedding magazines. She was a model for photographer Mario Testino.
Asia is big, so the requirements for casting are different. Somewhere you can come without makeup and the last word will be for your photos from your book, but mostly you need makeup-light and fresh. Clean hair, fit clothes and heels. Asians love cute, smiling models. Even though many customers do not know English, they will be more comfortable working with a positive model. As a rule, models are taken by car and presented by the agency’s booker, so, on the one hand, it makes life easier, on the other – you are very dependent on the schedule of the agency car, since not all auditions will be just for you, you will also have to wait for other models in the car.
In Europe on the contrary, it is better to come without makeup, while it is important to be rested and fresh. Heels, book – here you are no longer taken by car with the manager, you have to get everywhere on your own, so knowledge of English is very important. On the eve of sending a schedule: where it is marked how to look better, what kind of client, etc. Sometimes the list of places to visit is impressive, you don’t have time to go everywhere. You have to plan your schedule with the maximum benefit for yourself, learn to be collected and navigate the city well. Very often clients who do not take a model for casting can recommend it in the future to their colleagues or famous photographers.
In Los Angeles a beautiful makeup, hairstyle, outfit and a Hollywood smile are welcome. No matter what is in your heart at this moment, you must radiate cheerfulness. The competition is very high, a lot of rejections, because of this, self-esteem can fall. Here you need to understand — it is impossible to like everyone, next time your type will be more in demand. So it is — you can hear the word “no” several times, and then you will be chosen for shooting by Mario Testino himself! You go to the castings with a driver or you rent a car yourself. There are a lot of campaigns, magazines and image shoots. It is even possible to star in music videos for the stars.
However, for whatever country your castings are there are rules that are the same for all markets: good relations with the foreign and mother agencies, courtesy, model form, spoken English. You need to keep your head on your shoulders, no partying. Focus on working on yourself.
Text by K. Mironova
Photo provided by N. Tsygankova
