ADVICE FROM THE SOURCE

Follow instructions.

“The main factor is that someone can take a brief and work on the projects remotely. I have been making use of video conferencing software to talk things through, which has been really helpful.” —N.G.K., N.G.K. Media

Be yourself.

“What we are looking for in talent really varies depending on the project. Overall, we like people who are engaging and have an interesting or unique perspective the brand’s audience? What’s important for our talent to know? We then begin looking for them and doing individual outreach, which we find is more effective than a blanket casting post.” —Heather Freiser, Likeable Media

Get creative, and do your research.

“I’m always looking for versatility and eagerness. I love models who are not afraid to try new things and do the research to deliver on any given project. Some models get too wrapped up in having ‘the look’ and don’t spend enough time actually learning the product. It puts a smile on my face when I know a model has looked into our company and the product before showing up.” —Deandre Moore, Thrasio to offer. Some projects Take advantage of require talent to have certain your surroundings. backgrounds or skills, but it really “It really comes down to the does vary [by] project.” —Martin project. [When we’re working on Hardy, Paired Up Media a remote shoot,] it’s definitely more helpful for couples, It’s about more than just families, and roommates. Many on-camera talent. clients aren’t looking for just “In order to create eye-catching one person when they’re putting UGC [user-generated content], together a commercial or photo you are going to need some very shoot, so the more the merrier— well-versed talent. We essentially if something is being shot at need to find people with two home, you can build a whole fairly different skill sets. We are ‘cast’ with a full house.” —Colin looking for people who are great Olsen, South James

on camera who know how to present this style of content, but we also need people Advice From the Source who can produce the actual video themselves.” —Chris King, Bamboo Don’t try to guess what Digital content creators share what they casting wants. “A general thing I look for is look for when casting someone who knows who they are and isn’t afraid to own it. By Jalen Michael We are looking for people who are interesting to watch, are engaging, and don’t care what ACTORS SHOULD NEVER HAVE TO APPROACH AN AUDITION other people think about their blindly. Of course, that’s easier said than done. With so many larger-than-life personality. We different requirements and expectations, it can be tough to know also are looking for people who the right approach to take for any given audition, especially one for are memorable, whether that’s a commercial or brand content campaign. To help clear things up, for better or worse. We like to industry professionals working in the brand space share what they find people who aren’t overly look for when casting their projects to help you get that much closer saturated in auditioning for to booking your next—or first!—brand content gig as a multifaceted different projects. We want real ambassador, influencer, and content creator. people who legitimately fit the molds of what we’re asking for, not someone to act out each of those asks.” —Sabrina Safran, Hearst

You don’t have to be a seasoned actor to get cast.

“We do a lot of real stories, narrative video, and content for moms, so when we can use real people with good stories, it’s ideal for us. When we need to use models or actors, we start with a discovery process with our clients based on their brand. How do we ensure we reflect