Red Management / Writing a casting brief
A strong idea.
Clearly explained.
A casting brief starts with the assignment. What are you making, who are you looking for and what will you agree? Give adult models and performers enough information to decide whether to respond.
Read the article ↗Explore the possibilities ↓Turn “models wanted” into a clear proposal
A useful brief helps people understand what you are asking. It prevents expectations from emerging only after an introductory meeting. Describe the project in ordinary language: the type of production, its purpose, the client and the role of the person responding. Distinguish a photoshoot, a video recording and a performance. They require different preparation and arrangements.
State who makes decisions and who answers questions. If something is not yet known, explain what is provisional and when you expect to have an answer. Do not create a false sense of certainty simply to make a call look complete.
The project, the person and the practical details
Project: explain the intended result and its audience or channel. Describe the style and the proposed number of photographs or recordings if those are settled.
Profile: describe relevant experience, skills and presentation. Make clear what is essential and where there is room for different people. Do not ask about private characteristics without a reason.
Practicalities: give the location or region, date, expected time and preparation. Include clothing, makeup and who provides what. Describe the work concretely and respectfully. Spotlight’s approach to a breakdown includes project details, role description, location, schedule, payment and response deadline. Our examples develop those topics for this context.
The details are part of the idea
A reference image can help explain a creative direction. It does not automatically explain the tasks, clothing or intended use of the result. Discuss boundaries, clothing and recognisability before selection. If the assignment changes, discuss it again. Someone having done different work before is not permission for your project.
Consider the questions a model needs to ask when assessing a casting call. A well-written brief will already answer many of them.
Payment, time and use of the images
Give a concrete budget or range and explain what it covers. Distinguish recording time, preparation, travel, overtime and image use. State when any further pricing arrangements will be made.
Describe the channels, period of use, countries or regions and any paid advertising. Separately identify any exclusivity or editing you want to discuss. A vague promise of exposure is not a substitute for explaining the proposal.
The workplace and the selection process
Say who will be present, who the contact person is and what facilities are available, including changing space, breaks and access to the location. Explain what applicants should send, the deadline and when they can expect a reply. Ask only for information needed at that stage.
Decide who will see submitted material and how long you need it. Use one clear contact route, communicate changes and let applicants know where they stand.
A fictional example: a calm studio lingerie series
We are preparing photographs for a lingerie collection and are looking for an adult model comfortable with a quiet, elegant visual style. Posing experience is welcome; please tell us what guidance you need.
Assignment: posing in lingerie agreed beforehand. No nude photography. Styling and makeup are provided.
Schedule: [date], [studio or region], a maximum of [number] hours including preparation and breaks.
Payment: [amount or range], with travel and any additional usage costs specified separately.
Use: our own online shop and unpaid social channels for [period], aimed at [territory]. Other use will be discussed separately.
Response: send a short introduction and a link to a few current images to [business contact] before [deadline]. We will reply by [date].
This is an example, not a real assignment or booking. Complete every open detail and agree the final arrangements separately.
Ask for a focused selection
A small selection may be enough for an initial assessment. Say whether you want a portrait, a full-length image, a portfolio or relevant experience. If you ask for a self-tape or introduction video, provide a clear task, time limit and delivery method. Do not ask someone to create a complete production when a short introduction would answer the question.
Your brief in six parts
Write down what you already know under these headings: project and contact person; profile and tasks; schedule and location; payment and costs; use of the result; responding and next steps. Start with the assignment, then work through the person, schedule and agreements. Mark the unanswered questions. This is a planning worksheet, not an application or a contract.
Does every detail need to be final?
No, but distinguish confirmed information from provisional plans. Say when you can answer the remaining questions. Do not ask for a final commitment to an assignment whose substance may still change.
Is a moodboard enough?
A moodboard helps explain style and atmosphere. Always add words about the tasks, clothing, schedule, payment and use of the result. Different people may read different expectations into the same image.
Can I use the brief as a contract or book someone here?
No. A brief organises your request and does not replace an agreement. Have the final arrangements recorded appropriately and seek advice on legal questions. Preparing this worksheet does not confirm availability, representation or a booking. You can discuss a concrete creative project with Red Management afterwards.
Adapted from our Dutch practical guide. The photographs illustrate style and presentation. Read the original in Dutch ↗