The festive season, particularly around Christmas and New Year, is a vibrant time for the fashion industry with plenty of casting calls for holiday-themed advertisements, winter runway shows, and promotional events. For models, this period offers unique opportunities but also comes with specific challenges. The Fashiongton Post decided to help you and created a guide to navigating holiday casting calls during this festive time.
Embrace the Festive Spirit
Christmas and New Year campaigns often revolve around themes of joy, celebration, and togetherness. Casting directors look for models who can embody the festive spirit. Practice showcasing expressions of happiness, excitement, and warmth. During auditions, let your enthusiasm for the holidays shine through naturally in your demeanor and expressions. If you have props like Santa hats, Christmas ornaments, or festive accessories, use them creatively in your portfolio shots to highlight your adaptability to holiday themes.
Showcase Seasonal Work in Your Portfolio
If you have previous experience with holiday campaigns, make sure to prominently feature this in your portfolio. Brands and casting directors are more likely to choose models who have proven they can handle the specific requirements of holiday shoots. Include images from past Christmas or New Year shoots, highlighting your ability to convey the festive mood. If you lack holiday-specific experience, create a few themed shots to demonstrate your potential.
Be Ready for Quick Turnarounds
The holiday season is a tight timeline for many brands, meaning they often work on accelerated schedules. Be prepared for short-notice casting calls and rapid project turnovers. Keep your schedule as flexible as possible and be ready to respond quickly to any opportunities. This flexibility can make you a more attractive option for casting directors who need reliable and prompt talent for last-minute campaigns.
Highlight Your Availability
Given the busy nature of the holiday season, it’s essential to communicate your availability clearly. Casting directors need to know you can commit to the demanding schedules that come with holiday shoots. Highlight your availability in your applications and be ready to discuss your schedule during the casting call. Demonstrating that you can work on key dates, such as Christmas Eve or New Year’s Day, can give you an edge over other models.
Network at Holiday Events
The festive season is filled with industry events, parties, and gatherings. These occasions offer valuable networking opportunities. Attend as many industry events as possible to meet casting directors, photographers, and other models. Building connections during the holidays can lead to immediate opportunities and future collaborations. Bring business cards and comp cards to leave a lasting impression.
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