If you are new to the world of casting, you have probably come across words and expressions that we use when sending you casting calls, or that casting directors, agencies or production companies use, and which may sound a little strange. In this guide, we explain, in a simple and clear way, some of the most common terms you will hear in this sector.
Selftape
A selftape is a video audition that the talent records at home and sends to the casting director to participate in a project. Normally, you are asked to record a specific action or phrase while playing the character in question, but it is not just a matter of sending a video of your performance.
Current photos and a presentation video in which the talent briefly introduces themselves (name, Gimpera Models agency, profiles, hands, etc.) are also often requested, so that the casting director can get a better idea of their presence, naturalness and communication in front of the camera.
Selftapes allow you to participate in auditions from anywhere, and are an essential tool in today's industry.
Here is an example of how to prepare yours, with some very useful practical tips: How to record a selftape? – Gimpera Models
Option
When a talent is ‘on option’, it means that they have been shortlisted after the general casting and that the production company or agency is interested in proposing them to the project client. Being on option means that the talent is asked to block the shooting dates and keep that project as their priority . If, in the meantime, they receive another proposal with overlapping dates, they must inform the client that they are already the first option for the first project, and they can only accept the second if that date becomes available. During this time, it is important to remain available, not change your look (hair, beard, colour, etc.) and wait for official confirmation before making other commitments. It is a waiting phase, but a very good sign: it means you are really close to being confirmed.
Callback
The callback is a second casting audition in which the director of the commercial, the client or the advertising agency are present—either in person or remotely—to see the candidates who have already passed the first phase. During the callback, the talent repeats the audition, usually with new instructions that are more in line with the final idea for the shoot, and the aim is to provide those responsible for the project with additional material to help them make the final decision on who to confirm. Therefore, it is not just a repeat: it is the decisive phase that determines who will be chosen.
PPM
Pre Production Meeting is the last meeting between the client, advertising agency and/or production company, where they decide which talents they will definitely confirm for the shoot. The option, i.e. availability and priority for that particular project, must be maintained until the date of the PPM, which is when the agencies and talents will receive good or bad news from the casting director.
Fitting
The fitting is the costume fitting prior to filming. At this appointment, which usually lasts about two hours, the talent tries on different garments or combinations of clothing to define the final look that will be used in the project. The choice of costume does not depend on the talent, but must be approved by the director of the commercial or by the client, ensuring that it fits in with the overall aesthetic of the advertisement.
Back up
The term backup refers to the talent who is on standby for another person selected for the lead role. If for any reason the confirmed actor or actress cannot participate, the backup would be called immediately and would automatically take their place.
This role is mainly used in shoots with minors , as it is common for a minor to be unable to shoot due to health reasons or various unforeseen circumstances. For this reason, the back up must be available and prepared on the day of filming, and receives remuneration for their availability, even if they do not end up filming.
Roles and categories of appearance
OCP – Lead
The main role in a production. This is the character around whom the story revolves, the one with the greatest presence and relevance. Being an OCP implies high visibility and interpretive responsibility. It is the talent whose image appears in an advertising medium individually, without sharing the limelight with other people, or who, appearing alongside other individuals, has a clearly dominant presence over the rest, either because of their special relevance to the message being conveyed, their relationship with the product being advertised, or their appearance in a greater number of shots, regardless of whether the role has text.
It may or may not contain text, but its relevance within the message or its direct relationship with the product makes it the central focus of the story.
Shared OCP – Co-star
Aquí el talento comparte protagonismo con otros intérpretes, con igualdad de presencia e importancia dentro del anuncio o campaña. Ambos o varios tienen una función principal y aparecen equilibrados en el resultado final.
SEC – Secondary
These are characters who accompany the protagonist and help the story develop. Although they have less weight, a good secondary role can be memorable and add a lot of value to the plot. This is the talent who appears in an advertising medium and whose involvement, either because they are close to the protagonist but with less relevance, or because their involvement is shared with other models, is less decisive than in the case of the protagonists or co-stars. In any case, with their presence and performance, they play a character within the story and continue to interpret a character with narrative intent.
FE – Featured Extra
Special extras are somewhere between unrecognisable extras and supporting roles. They are talents who may be recognisable on screen, often forming part of a group or appearing in wide shots. They must never be recognisable in close-ups or in any solo scenes.
They may interact briefly with the protagonists, but without dialogue or direct prominence . Their role is to bring naturalness and coherence to the scene, appearing visibly but not prominently. For example, a waiter serving coffee or a passenger interacting briefly.
BGE - Background extras (Unrecognisable extras)
These are the extras or background actors who complete the overall setting of a scene, adding movement, depth and realism. They represent the public, passers-by or people who fill a space without having individual relevance within the story. Their role does not involve acting or direct interaction with the protagonists, and they are not usually distinguished or focused on by the camera. Even so, their presence is essential for the viewer to perceive the environment as authentic and natural, creating the atmosphere necessary for the main action to make sense.
At Gimpera Models, we will continue to share more terms and tips from the world of casting in future posts. We hope you find this guide useful now that you know a little more about this exciting sector. 🌟