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Model Agent POV: In person castings V self tapes
written by
Ione McLeod
PART 12: ARE IN-PERSON CASTINGS STILL HAPPENING, OR ARE SELF-TAPES NOW THE NORM?
If you are working as a model or actor today, you will probably notice that self-tapes are now a normal part of the casting process.
In-person castings do still happen, but they are far less common than they used to be. In many cases, the first stage of casting now happens remotely, with clients using self-tapes to narrow down their options before deciding who they want to meet in person.
Our booking team explains how the process works now.
ARE SELF TAPES NOW THE NORM?
In most cases, yes.
Daisy: “Self-tape, I would say, is pretty much primarily where they go from.”
Self-tapes have become the standard first step for many commercial, TV and digital briefs. They allow clients to see how talent comes across on camera without needing everyone to attend an in-person casting at the early stage.
This can make the process quicker and more efficient for everyone involved.
DO IN PERSON CASTINGS STILL HAPPEN?
Yes, they do.
Georgia: “We do still have in-person castings. I would say that’s probably now more the recall stage.”
This means a client may first review self-tapes, create a shortlist, and then invite selected talent in for a recall.
At this point, they are usually looking more closely at chemistry, personality, movement, energy and how someone responds in the room.
WHY SELF-TAPES WORK WELL:
Self-tapes are not just easier for clients. They can also be much more practical for models and actors.
Georgia: “It’s so easy, not just for the client, but for the talent as well because you’re not booking out part of your day to go somewhere in London to cast.”
For talent, self-tapes can avoid travel time, waiting around, delays and last-minute schedule changes.
Instead of travelling across the country or into central London for a first-stage casting, you can usually complete the tape from home, following the instructions provided by your agent.
WHY IN PERSON CASTINGS STILL MATTER:
Even though self-tapes are efficient, there is still real value in seeing talent in person.
Daisy: “It’s still really important to see that vibe and that energy that the talent can bring to set.”
Some things are easier to assess face to face. Clients may want to see how you take direction, how you interact with others, or how your personality comes across in a room.
This is particularly important for recalls, chemistry reads, movement-based briefs and jobs where personality plays a key role.
HOW COVID CHANGED THE CASTING PROCESS:
The move towards self-taping accelerated during COVID, when in-person castings were no longer practical.
Georgia: “If COVID taught us anything, it’s really that self-tapes do work, and they’re more time effective than castings.”
Since then, self-tapes have remained a major part of the industry because they save time and help clients make quicker decisions.
A FINAL THOUGHT
Self-tapes are now a key part of modern casting, and in many cases, they are the first stage of the process.
In-person castings have not disappeared, but they are now more likely to happen later, often at recall stage when a client has already narrowed down their shortlist.
There are pros and cons to both. Self-tapes are efficient, flexible and practical, while in-person castings allow clients to get a better feel for your personality, energy and presence.
The best approach is to take both seriously. A strong self-tape may be what gets you into the room, and a strong in-person casting may be what gets you booked.
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written by Ione McLeod
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