Casting

A casting is the selection process in which an agency or production determines whether a person is suitable for a specific production or for representation in general. It consists of several stages: written application, review of the photos, personal interview and, if applicable, test recordings. It ends with a decision, but does not create any obligation for you.

From the application to the acceptance

The first step is almost always in writing. Using the form under Apply, you send details about your age, place of residence, experience and the formats you are interested in, along with some recent photos. The agency replies within 48 hours, even if the answer is a rejection.

If your profile is a good fit, an interview follows. It covers your expectations, your boundaries, your availability and whether you want to work anonymously. Only after that is an in-person casting appointment arranged. For some productions, a callback is added later if several applicants are shortlisted for the same role.

Rarely is a specific ideal being sought. Productions cast according to the role, format and interaction with other performers. The article What productions look for when casting explains what actually makes the difference.

What a casting is not

A casting is not a shoot and not a test for sexual acts. At a reputable casting, no sexual acts take place, either in front of the camera or afterward. Anyone who tells you that they need to “test the chemistry” or “see how you perform” is not describing a casting, but a pretext.

A casting is not a contract either. After the appointment, you are not obligated to anything. You can reject any resulting inquiry without having to give reasons. Conversely, a friendly atmosphere during the appointment is not yet an acceptance from the production.

Conditions that are non-negotiable

• Location: a studio or a booked location, never a private apartment and never a hotel room rented privately by someone.
• People: At least three people are present. You are therefore never alone in the room with just one person.
• Companion: You may bring a companion without having to justify it.
• Identification: identity card or passport. A driving licence is not accepted.
• Costs: none. The agency is paid by the production, not by you.

Warning signs before the first appointment

Most dubious offers reveal themselves before you travel anywhere. Typical signs include fees for photos, a portfolio or alleged registration in a database, a meeting point in an apartment, pressure to agree immediately and contact persons who use only first names and are reachable exclusively via messenger apps. A detailed list is provided in the article Recognizing dubious offers.

Before every appointment, ask in writing for the address, time, names of those present and what exactly will happen there. A reputable agency answers this directly. Give these details to someone you trust who knows when you are expected to be reachable again.