Casting Video Recording: What to Pay Attention To? 6 Tips from Our Bookers
A bad casting video can throw even the most talented model out of the running — before the bookers have even watched three seconds. E-castings have long since replaced live castings in many areas, and customers today decide within seconds whether to keep scrolling or book someone. Whoever knows how to record a convincing casting video has a huge advantage over the competition. Our bookers at CM Models watch hundreds of such videos every day — and they know exactly what works and what doesn’t.
Why the casting video is more important than ever before
E-castings have become the norm in the fashion industry. Clients from New York, London, or Paris book models without ever seeing them in person — based solely on photos and videos. This means: your casting video is your digital business card. It shows not only your appearance, but also your presence, movement, voice, and personality.
Anyone who has already informed themselves about the requirements to become a model and knows the first steps to become a model should consider the casting video as the next concrete step. Because even the best profile is incomplete without a solid video. Be sure to check out the information on casting at CM Models to understand exactly what we expect from applicants.
“We often decide within the first five seconds of a video whether someone has the right energy level. Technique can be improved — but presence is either felt or not. Therefore: stay natural, look directly into the camera, and simply be yourself.”
— Booker, CM Models
The 6 Most Important Tips for Your Casting Video
Tip 1: Set up the lighting, background, and camera position first
Before you say a single word or move, you need to make sure the setup is right. The most common mistake: too little light. Natural daylight is your best friend — position yourself in front of a window, but not with your back to it. Ring lights also work well if there’s no natural light available.
The background should be neutral and tidy — a plain white wall is ideal. Distracting posters, piles of clothes, or colorful wallpaper will take the booker’s attention away from you. The camera should be positioned at eye level or slightly below, never from above or extremely from below.
- Use daylight from the front
- Neutral, tidy background
- Position the camera at eye level
- Hold your phone horizontally (landscape) or vertically (portrait) depending on the requirement
- Use a tripod or stable setup system
Tip 2: Clothing and makeup — less is more
The casting video is about showing yourself — not your wardrobe. Neutral, fitted clothing such as a white T-shirt and plain jeans is ideal. Eye-catching patterns, logos, or too much jewelry are distracting. When it comes to makeup: natural and fresh, not too emphasized. Bookers want to see how you really look — not what a professional makeup artist has made of you.
If you’re unsure how to properly prepare, our article on preparing for a casting and the model portfolio for casting will help you.
Tip 3: The structure of a professional casting video
A good casting video follows a clear, simple structure. It doesn’t need to be a film production — but it needs structure. Our bookers recommend the following format:
- Introduce yourself briefly with your name and height
- Show your face frontally, then left/right profile
- Walk toward the camera, then walk away
- Short turn to make your body visible from all sides
- End: smile, name and location once more
Tip 4: Use movement and walk intentionally
The walk is one of the most important elements in a casting video. Many models move stiffly and unnaturally in front of the camera — this is immediately noticeable. Practice your walk beforehand, relax your shoulders and arms, and walk at a natural, confident pace. Those interested in professional runway techniques should check out our tips on runway and catwalk.
Important: Avoid forced poses or gestures. What bookers want is authentic movement — not a performance.
Common mistakes that bookers recognize immediately
With hundreds of applications per week, our bookers know the typical mistakes inside out. Those who avoid these mistakes stand out positively — because most applicants make exactly these mistakes.
| Common Mistake | Why It’s a Problem | Better Way |
|---|---|---|
| Too dark image | Facial features not recognizable | Daylight or ring light from the front |
| Unstable background | Distracts from the face | Neutral white or light wall |
| Heavy makeup | Natural look not recognizable | Minimal, natural makeup |
| No eye contact with the camera | Seems insecure and uninterested | Look directly into the lens |
| Shaky image | Unprofessional impression | Use a tripod or stable surface |
| Too long or too short | Under 30 sec. too little information; over 3 min. too much | Ideal: 60–90 seconds |
Especially when you’re just starting out and wondering whether you have the necessary measurements and requirements as a model, the casting video is an opportunity to show that presence often counts more than mere numbers. There are also ways for those without classic standard measurements: for example, as a curvy model or with a model agency without a minimum height requirement.
Technology and Equipment: What You Really Need
Smartphone or Camera?
The good news: You don’t need expensive equipment. A modern smartphone with a good camera is completely sufficient — provided the conditions mentioned above (lighting, background, stability) are met. It’s important that the resolution is at least Full HD (1080p). Many bookers receive videos that were recorded in 4K — that looks good, but it’s not a must.
Sound and Language in the Video
The tone is often underestimated. When you introduce yourself in the video — and you should always do this — your voice must be clear and understandable. Avoid recording in an echoey room. A small lavalier microphone for your smartphone can work wonders here, but it’s not strictly necessary. Speak clearly, at a normal pace, and smile while doing so — it sounds obvious, but it’s surprisingly often forgotten.
Editing and Cutting
No filters, no over-the-top cuts, no background music — unless the client requests something more creative. A simple, unedited video appears more honest and professional than an overproduced clip. If you want to edit, keep it minimal: trimming the beginning and end is completely sufficient.
Casting Video Checklist: Everything ready?
Before you press “Record,” go through this checklist:
- ☐ Natural light or ring light set up in front
- ☐ Neutral, tidy background chosen
- ☐ Camera set at eye level and stable
- ☐ Clothing: plain, fitted, no patterns
- ☐ Makeup: natural and fresh
- ☐ Hair well-groomed — open or tied back as desired
- ☐ Smartphone storage cleared, battery charged
- ☐ Introduction with name, height, and place of residence prepared
- ☐ Test recording made and checked
- ☐ Video exported in Full HD (1080p)
- ☐ File name: Firstname_Lastname_Casting.mp4
If you are already listed with an agency or are looking for one, you will find information about the Model agency Berlin, the Model agency Hamburg, and about becoming a model in Frankfurt with us. For international ambitions, it’s worth looking at becoming a model in London or becoming a model in New York.
Important to know: A reputable model agency never charges fees for an application or a casting. If you are unsure whether an agency is trustworthy, be sure to read our article on whether a model agency may charge fees — and find out about model agencies without fees.
Once you have finished your casting video, you can apply directly with us: Apply now and submit your video.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Casting Video
How long should a casting video be?
The ideal length is between 60 and 90 seconds. In this time, you can show all the important elements: introduction, facial views, walk, and turn. Videos under 30 seconds provide too little insight; videos longer than three minutes are rarely watched in full.
Can I record a casting video with a smartphone?
Yes, absolutely. A modern smartphone with a Full-HD camera is completely sufficient. What matters most is not the camera, but the lighting, background, and stability. Use a tripod or place the phone on a stable surface to avoid shaking.
Do I need to speak in the casting video?
In most cases, yes. A short introduction with your name, height, and place of residence is standard. Many clients and bookers also appreciate hearing your voice — it gives a more complete impression of your personality. Keep your statements short and natural.
What should I wear for a casting video?
Wear simple, form-fitting clothing in neutral colors — for example, a white or black T-shirt combined with simple jeans. Avoid large patterns, logos, attention-grabbing jewelry, or overly loose clothing that hides your body shape. The goal is for the bookers to see you — not your outfit.
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