How to write a casting brief that gets the right talent

The fastest way to find the right talent is a good brief. A clear request reduces mismatches and endless back-and-forth. This guide is a practical checklist for brands and agencies looking for models, UGC creators or production crew.

What a good brief includes

1. Project type: e-commerce shoot, campaign, UGC video, event or brand film.
2. Profile you need: category (model, actor, UGC creator, photographer…), experience level and any languages required.
3. Market and location: where will the content run, and where is the shoot? Can the work be remote?
4. Dates: shoot day or delivery date, plus alternative dates if possible.
5. Deliverables: how many photos or videos, which format (for example 9:16, 15–30 seconds) and how many revisions.
6. Usage rights: where, on which channels and for how long the content will be used.
7. Budget range: a range is enough and helps us suggest the right people.

A short example

We're looking for two female and one male model for an autumn e-commerce catalogue shot in Istanbul. One shoot day in the second week of October. Images used on product pages and social media for 12 months. Budget range: USD 5,000–15,000 for the whole project.

Even a brief this short gives us enough to suggest the right people.

Common mistakes

• Discussing usage rights last: it is the single biggest factor in fees and expectations.
• Vague deliverables: write numbers and formats instead of "a few videos".
• Unrealistic timelines: leave time for preparation, wardrobe and approvals.
• Focusing only on looks: experience, reliability and ease on camera matter just as much.

Sending a brief on CastLyra

Every CastLyra profile is reviewed by our team before it goes live. Leave a short brief on the For business page; a person on our team reads it and replies with suitable, approved talent. We don't send automated sales e-mails.