Apply Here! - Casting Call Responses

I have recently taught a couple of live classes concerning modeling and the industry; safety, ethics, and business management. One of the most frequently asked questions was concerning what to even say - especially in a response to a casting call. Below, I have given a few rules to live by as you pursue jobs and communications with people. Ultimately, remember to treat everyone with respect, even if they have not treated you with such. Word of mouth can be a breath of fresh air and equally a poison. As you conjure up a response to a casting call, keep mind that you are likely one among dozens or more of applicants.

•  Remember your manners when writing a response. Begin with a greeting! "Good Morning, Mr. X!" or "Salutations, AwesomePersonStudios!" are suitable responses. "Hey" does not count. You are your own business, and your response to a casting call is similar to the idea of a cover letter. Professionalism counts.
• Introduce yourself. "My name is Aina, and I am a female model based out of the Inland Empire in Southern California." Keep it sweet and simple. I also may mention, "I have ten years of yoga experience, eight of dance, and have been singing for five and a half." Briefly mentioning any skills and assets you may possess will allow the reader to brainstorm what he/she can or cannot do with you. If you express that you are as bendy as a pretzel, but can't touch your toes in reality, the false advertisement will follow you. People talk. Even your fellow model may hear of this through the grapevine.
• Express genuine interest and request more information if it hasn't already been provided. Do NOT say, "mor info plz." "I understand you are seeking a female model for (insert project here), and I believe I fit the qualifications. I wanted to know more about the project and discuss the possibilities of us working together." 
• If you would like, feel free to offer a bit about yourself. Mention that you arrive on time, ready to shoot, need two minutes to retouch your hair after the drive and put on a dash of lipstick, etc. Don't be lengthy, but let them know that you are serious about your position. As you do this, you are taking away some seeds of doubt that you are a flake and may fall through.
• Wrap up your short and concise letter with a cheerful note. "I look forward to speaking with you" is a great way to tie the bow. Here's a tip: Don't say that you "hope" for anything. Think about this for a moment. You "hoping" that I write you back may register in my brain as you don't think you're worthy, good enough, or are sure you want to work for me (and not just because you need to know m ore about the project). It's one word, but omitting that one word makes a difference in how you come across. With that said, it may not bother me at all. Play the side of caution and don't bother using the word. 
• Don't use the smiley face more than once in a message every ten messages. Smiley faces after every sentence get annoying. :) I'm glad that you want to convey your joyfulness :) But I don't want to see smileys every other damn word :) And if you insist on using a smiley every other phrase :) don't forget to use punctuation :) Again. Professionalism. :)
• Sign your name at the end and be done with it. If you would like to list other places that people can find your work, feel inclined to do so AFTER you have signed the letter to a close. Give them that option. Nothing is more annoying than five billion Facebook, Twitter, deviantART, Instagram, etc links in the middle of a message. After you have said your goodbye THEN you may post your links.

That's about it! Keep it simple, but longer than four sentences. Don't write a novel, and do NOT involve your mid life drama crisis unless it directly pertains to your work as a model, photographer, hairdresser, make up artist, etc. Get to the point. Be genuine. 

Happy Creating!

With Love,

Aina