CASTING COUCH A term from the early days of the entertainment industry. It basically means that a producer is soliciting sexual favors in return for a part in a film or a print project. This needs to be emphasized. This is a big business. Nobody is made famous because they sleep with a director. There is just too much money involved. If someone propositions you in return for a job, get up and walk out. That is the smartest move you will ever make!
CASTING DIRECTOR The person in charge of, or responsible for casting a project. Most commonly, a casting director is used in film and video, but are sometimes used for print projects.
CATTLE CALL An audition where dozens of models are brought in and paraded by the casting director to seek out a particular look. It could also just be a notice of an opportunity where the casting director is trying to get the largest participation so that he can select someone who has just the right look and talent.
CLOSED SET A set that has been closed to public access and is likewise closed to anybody who has not been given a specific authorization to be present.
COMMERCIAL MODELING This is modeling in which a product is being presented and it is the central focus of the photo. A shot might be generic, such as a model outdoors walking, yet the photo would be commercial if it were used in advertising or marketing.
COMMERCIAL NUDITY Commercial nudity is similar to implied nudity except it is intended for the commercial, rather than the glamour market. Examples would be Calvin Klein ads where the model is topless but wearing jeans, panty hose ads where the model is nude in panty hose or soap commercials where a model is taking a shower but nothing shows. This can be contrasted with Maxim magazine, where again, the nudity is non-revealing, but is clearly more glamour than commercial.
COMP CARD A card with photos on it as well as your stats and contact information that is submitted for consideration when casting projects.
CONTINENTAL This is a term that is being seen more frequently. It originates in the United Kingdom and generally signifies a pornographic assignment.
DEFERRAL This is another term for "Deferred Compensation." In this form a payment, all or part of the monies due a model or actor are deferred until a certain event. Most commonly, talent is paid a percentage of future earnings. A word of caution, while deferral agreements sometimes sound appealing, legalistic definitions of profit or a production that is unsuccessful means that, in reality, most of these arrangements will not result in payments to talent.
EXPLICIT NUDITY This is a level of nudity that is somewhat less than what would be considered pornographic. The term "explicit" means that you will be asked to reveal your genitals fully.
EXTRA A person with a non-speaking part in a film or commercial. They may be part of a crowd or non-descript in the distance. If they are alone on camera performing a specific function, they are considered a "featured extra."
FASHION MODELING The modeling of clothes where the clothing is the central focus of the photos.
FIGURE MODELING This is a form of nude modeling normally used for art rather than glamour.
FULL NUDITY With full nudity, you are expected to completely disrobe and your body will be fully exposed to the camera. Unless you have been warned in advance and have agreed to it, poses should be tasteful and should not include graphic views of the genitals.
