A Quick Guide to Creating Casting Calls

A casting call is essentially a notice that you are looking for someone to work with, whether locally or when travelling. Fundamentally, it has a title or subject, and it has some content.

This short guide explains the basics of creating a casting call. You can also click here to see all of our articles about casting calls. 

How to create a casting call on PurplePort

To create a casting call, you can either:

• Go to the Castings page and click the (+) button
  OR
• Go to the (+) menu (top right next to the purple cog on every page) and click A casting 

You must publish your casting call before it appears 'live' to other members on the Castings page. All unpublished casting calls have a yellow banner that says You haven't published this casting, please review and publish it when you are ready.

To publish your casting call:

• On the Castings page, go to the grey cog (top right) and click My Castings
• Find your casting call and click Edit 
• Under the heading Review and Publish (near the bottom of the page), make sure you tick the option for If you are ready to publish this casting and make it live, please check the box and update
• Click Update casting call 

After that, your casting call will then be published and live.

Once you have finished creating your casting call, there is a 10-minute delay before we notify anyone who has asked to be alerted about casting calls. This gives you a small window of opportunity to edit your casting call before it is sent to everyone.

Depending on the type of casting call and its location, we'll typically notify somewhere between 100 and 1,000 people, but it really depends on the casting call.

Types of casting call

Casting calls come in three basic flavours:

Collaboration/TF/Trade/TFP/TFCD

A collaboration casting call (also known as a TFP or trade shoot) is where no money will change hands. Instead, everyone will get paid with images they can use to boost their current portfolios.

Click here to learn more about trade shoots.

You want to hire someone

If you need to hire someone (a model, photographer, make-up artist, etc.), this is the option you would choose. You will have to pay for their services.

You want to get hired

If you are available to hire (as a model, photographer, make-up artist, etc) then this is the option you would choose.

Options for dates and location

When creating a casting call, you have the option to put in a from and to date. These dates allow the casting call to naturally expire so you don't need to disable it after it's run its course.

You can also specify a location. By default, your location will be used, but you can change it, and PurplePort VIP members can even add multiple locations. This is especially useful if you are planning a trip abroad or to some other part of the country, as only those people in and around that location will be notified of your availability.

Change the location for casting calls

To change the location on the Castings page:  

• Go to the Castings page
• Click (Change location)
• Type your location into the box (this must be a town or city) and select the location from the drop-down list that appears
• Click Update

Note: Changing the location on your account (shown on your portfolio page) will not automatically update the location on the Castings page, so you will need to change the location on the Castings page and your Saved filters with your new location. 

You may also need to update your Saved filters (such as your Default filter) with your new location. To delete a search filter or create a new one, click Saved filters (top right).  

Things to get right

• Use the formatting options such as bold and italic to emphasise certain bits.
• Use bullet points, like we are here, to make lists of things.
• Use headings, as we have done in this article, to break up sections (avoid using Heading 1, though!)
• Review your casting call and ask yourself, "Does this look awesome?" If it does, then you have done it right!

Things to avoid

• Do not add adult images or links to adult sites to your casting calls, as this may result in the casting call being deleted.
• Although you can add images, don't overload the casting call with images!
• Avoid writing all capital letters, as IT MAKES IT LOOK LIKE YOU ARE SHOUTING!
• Avoid using Heading 1 as a style :-)
• Don't post casting calls too often otherwise, people will block you.
• Don't post casting calls for studio days, group shoots, tuition days, workshops, exhibitions, or social meet-ups. Any of these should be created as Events where there are dedicated options.
• Things you can and cannot do with casting calls

Limitations

For PurplePort VIP members there are no limitations.

If you have a free account, you can only post 1 casting call every 7 days, and you cannot create casting calls asking for paid work or apply to casting calls offering paid work. 

Go for it!

It might seem scary and a little like putting yourself out there, but you really have nothing to lose. The potential gains from finding work or collaborators could do wonders for your portfolio!

Don't forget to read our article about creating more impact with your casting calls. It's packed with great advice!

FAQs

Why can't I see my casting calls on the home page or the casting calls section?

Because the filter is set to show the opposite of what you are looking for. Change the filter settings to show everything/everyone, and you'll see it. Don't worry; the people you are casting for can see it.

Why do I have to publish my casting calls?

This extra step allows you to see your casting call before you send it out to the world, proofread it and make sure it looks amazing!

Why do I still see casting calls for my old location?

It sounds like you need to update the location on either (or both) of the following places with your new location:

• The Castings page (click (Change location) to add your new location)
• One or more of your Saved filters (click Saved filters to view or delete a filter or create a new one)

I'm stuck and need help. What can I do? 

We're here to help. You can contact us anytime by creating a support ticket from our Help & Support page.