Casting is used to select a model based on your visual and technical preferences before a shoot.
At Squareshot, there are two main options when it comes to model selection:
Standard Online Selection - Free
You can choose a model from our Model Network at no extra cost. While building your brief, you’ll see available talent options. If a model from the network fits your needs, we’ll lock them in — no casting round needed.
Casting Rounds - Fees apply
If your project requires a specific look, body type, ethnicity, or visual vibe that isn’t represented in our existing network, we’ll organize a custom casting round. We’ll source and present a wider range of models, and you can select the one that best fits your vision.
This article breaks down how casting works at Squareshot — including how it's done, and what it costs.
Casting options
We offer two types of casting rounds, depending on your project needs:
Online Casting – $395 success fee
We source models based on your preferences and share a digital selection of at least 3 candidates. Each profile includes recent photos, relevant shoot examples, and measurements. You only pay the fee if you confirm a model from this search. Fee applies per confirmed model.
Best for: Most e-commerce shoots that don’t require assessing product fit in person.
On-Site Studio Casting – $650 flat fee
We start with the same digital pre-selection process, then invite 3 candidates to an in-person casting session at our studio. This includes up to 1.5 hours of studio time with our team on set. The fee is non-refundable, as it covers studio space, team time, and coordination.
Best for: Projects where the model’s physical fit must be checked in person — typically apparel or products with sizing constraints.
Why the Pricing Differs?
Online casting is charged only upon a successful match. On-site casting requires pre-scheduling, studio setup, and in-person staffing — which is why it follows a flat, non-refundable fee.
What to Include in Your Casting Request
The more details you provide, the better we can source a match. You can share:
Reference images (e.g., “we want a similar look to this brand’s campaign”)
Age range
Gender identity
Body type / sizing
Skin tone
Hair length / style / color
Usage needs (especially if extended or global)
If your criteria are very specific, we’ll always flag early if the pool is narrow and let you know whether we recommend an agency-supported search.
How casting rounds work
To include a casting in your project, simply add a model to your brief and select the Casting option. Once the brief is confirmed, our team will begin the casting process.
Online casting process
If you’ve opted for an online casting, our team will source and present a curated selection of models based on the preferences provided in your brief. The process takes up to 3 business days from the moment your brief is confirmed. Here's how it works:
Preference review: We review your brief to confirm all model-related preferences. The more detail you share — including reference images, body type, or visual direction — the more accurately we can source candidates.
Casting round begins: The sourcing process starts on the next business day after your brief is confirmed. We search across our internal network and partner channels to identify at least 3 relevant models.
Selection preparation: We prepare a digital selection that includes model profiles with measurements, recent snapshots, and examples from previous shoots.
Review and decision: We send the selection for your review. You can either share feedback or select your preferred model.
Finalizing the casting: If you confirm a model, we add the $395 fee to your project total.
After the casting is completed, we move to the next step in pre-production for the model shoot. Learn more about our process here.
What happens if none of the models are a fit?
We will go over additional rounds to find the right match. Here's what you need to know about it:
Each additional round prolongs our timeline by additional 3 business days.
While there's no set limit to the number of rounds, our internal talent pool is finite — especially for highly specific requests. If we’re unable to source more suitable candidates, we may recommend expanding the search through an agency. This can involve higher model rates and may require a separate quote.
You won’t be charged unless a model is confirmed. The $395 success fee only applies when you choose a model from the selection.
On-site casting process
If you've selected an on-site casting, we begin by pre-selecting up to 3 models based on your brief — following the same steps as in our online casting process. Once the shortlist is confirmed, we move forward with the in-person session. Here’s how the process works:
Product delivery: We’ll coordinate the delivery of your shoot items to our studio ahead of the casting. If you plan to attend in person, you’re also welcome to bring the items with you.
Casting invoice: After everything is confirmed, we’ll issue an invoice for the on-site casting. The flat fee is $650, which covers model coordination, studio space, and team time.
Session scheduling: The casting session will be scheduled for up to 1.5 hours at our studio. You can join in person or remotely via WhatsApp.
Fit check and selection: During the session, we’ll test product fit with each model and review the outcome with you. You’ll make the final selection on set.
Finalizing the casting: Once the model is selected, we lock them into your project and proceed to the next stage of pre-production.
What happens if none of the models are a fit?
If none of the models from the on-site casting are a match, there are a few options:
We can run an additional on-site casting round, which involves inviting a new set of up to 3 models to the studio. This would require another $650 flat fee.
If you'd like to see more than 3 models in a single session, we can arrange an expanded casting. This option is quoted separately, based on the number of additional models and required studio time.
Please note that the initial $650 on-site casting fee is non-refundable, even if none of the models are selected.
If your preferences are very specific or if fit remains an ongoing challenge, we may recommend exploring agency support to broaden the talent pool.
Where our models come from
We work with a mix of:
Independent talent in our model network — professionals we’ve worked with and vetted.
Agency models — for highly specific or hard-to-find requests, we collaborate with model agencies.
Agency-sourced models are typically used only when your preferences can’t be met by our internal sources. While we always aim to stay within our standard pricing structure, agency bookings may involve higher rates depending on availability and usage rights.
Need help sourcing from our network?
Feel free to reach out to our team at [email protected] or send us a message using the chat on this page — we’re here to help.