How to Write a Casting Call That Gets Results in the Philippines
A great casting call attracts the right talent. A poorly written one wastes everyone's time — yours and the models who apply. Here's how to write casting calls that get results in the Philippine market.
What Makes a Good Casting Call
The best casting calls are specific, honest, and professional. Filipino models — especially experienced ones — can tell the difference between a legitimate opportunity and a time-waster within seconds.
Essential Elements of a Casting Call
1. Clear Project Title
Bad: "Looking for models" Good: "Female Models for Skincare TVC — Manila Shoot, May 15-16"
2. Detailed Description
Include the brand (or industry if confidential), the concept, the vibe, and what you're looking for. Models need to visualize themselves in the project before applying.
3. Requirements
Be specific about:
- Gender — Female, Male, or any
- Age range — "18-25" is more helpful than "young"
- Height — Specify in cm or feet/inches
- Look — Morena, fair, mixed, or open to all
- Experience level — Beginner-friendly or experienced only
- Category — Commercial, fashion, lifestyle, fitness, etc.
4. Compensation
This is where most casting calls fail. Filipino models want to know:
- Rate or rate range — "P8,000-P15,000 per day" or "TBD based on experience"
- What's included — Meals, transportation, wardrobe, HMUA
- Usage rights — Social media only, print, broadcast, duration
5. Logistics
- Date(s) — Exact dates or date range
- Location — City at minimum, full address if possible
- Duration — Half day, full day, multi-day
6. How to Apply
- What to submit (portfolio link, comp card, specific poses)
- Deadline for applications
- When applicants can expect to hear back
Casting Call Template
Here's a template you can use on runway.ph or any platform:
[PROJECT TYPE] — [BRAND/INDUSTRY] — [CITY]
About the Project [2-3 sentences about the brand and campaign concept]
Looking For
- Gender: [Female / Male / Any]
- Age: [Range]
- Height: [Minimum or range]
- Look: [Description]
- Experience: [Beginner OK / Intermediate+ / Professional]
Compensation
- Rate: [Amount or range in PHP]
- Includes: [Meals, transpo, HMUA, wardrobe]
- Usage: [Social media / Print / TVC / All media]
- Duration: [Usage period — 1 year, 2 years, perpetual]
Schedule
- Date: [Exact date(s)]
- Time: [Call time and estimated wrap]
- Location: [City, area]
How to Apply [Instructions — apply through platform, send portfolio, etc.] Application deadline: [Date]
Common Mistakes in Philippine Casting Calls
1. Not Mentioning Pay
"We'll discuss compensation later" immediately signals an unprofessional or low-budget project. Even "Rate: P5,000-P10,000 depending on experience" is better than silence.
2. Vague Requirements
"Looking for pretty girls" tells models nothing useful. Be specific about the look, body type, and vibe you need.
3. Unrealistic Expectations
Asking for "model experience, own wardrobe, own HMUA, half-day availability, and full buyout for P3,000" will get you zero quality applicants.
4. No Timeline
Models juggle multiple bookings. If you don't specify dates, serious talent won't bother applying because they can't check availability.
5. Too Many Requirements
The more restrictions you add, the smaller your talent pool. If height isn't critical for the project, don't specify it.
Where to Post Casting Calls in the Philippines
| Platform | Audience | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| runway.ph | Verified freelance models + influencers | Included with subscription |
| Facebook groups | Mixed quality, high volume | Free |
| Models who follow you | Free | |
| StarNow | International + local talent | Paid plans |
| Agency direct | Agency-signed models only | Agency fee |
Post Your Casting Call on runway.ph
runway.ph's casting system lets brands and agencies post detailed casting calls with images, rate ranges, dates, and requirements. Models apply through the platform with their verified portfolios.