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How to Write a Good Casting Brief in Aida

To get the strongest results, keep your brief clear, specific, and unambiguous.

1. Be Clear About What You Want

Write your brief as if you're describing it to a real casting director:

  • –Female models, 35–45.
  • –London-based only.
  • –Healthy, elegant, sophisticated look.
  • –Diverse backgrounds.

Avoid vague phrases like "cool vibe" unless accompanied with specific casting requirements.

2. Format Your Brief Clearly

Write in paragraphs or list out requirements. Keep production notes separate from casting requirements.

Clean format example

  • –Female models, 20–30
  • –London-based
  • –Healthy skin, no freckles
  • –Diverse backgrounds
  • –Confident, elegant look

Production Notes

  • –Photographer: Richard Avedon
  • –Editorial for Puss Puss Magazine
  • –Rate £250 – No travel budget

Or as a paragraph

"We're looking for London-based female models aged 20–30 with healthy, elegant skin and a confident look. Open to diverse backgrounds. This is for an editorial with Richard Avedon for Puss Puss Magazine, and there's no travel budget."

3. Reduce Ambiguity

If something is optional, say it:

  • –Prefer Asian or mix-heritage models, but open if the look fits.
  • –No travel budget – models must be in the same country as the shoot.
  • –Europe-only travel budget – models must be Europe-based.

4. Give Context

If known, include:

  • –Photographer / director (e.g., "Alasdair McLellan")
  • –Publication / brand
  • –Shoot type (editorial, e-comm, campaign, beauty, runway)

5. Describe the Look in Plain Language

Good

  • "Strong cheekbones, sharp jawline."
  • "Youthful, clean skin."

Avoid

  • "A girl that feels like Sunday morning."
  • "Models who look like a dream."

6. Multiple Talent Briefs

If your brief requires multiple groups of talent, Aida will automatically open the Multiple Models tab and label each casting requirement.

Example

  • –20 dancers
  • –Male + female
  • –Aged 18+
  • –Dance ability
  • –Also 1 blonde female with freckles

Aida will recognise two distinct groups:

  1. A large group of dancers (open gender, 18+)
  2. One specific model (blonde female with freckles)

Full Examples

Good casting brief

"We're casting for an editorial and need female models aged 25–35, based in London, with distinctive features such as freckles, gap teeth, or big eyes. Suggestions should be diverse. We also need one additional female model aged 20–30, also London-based, with short dark hair and a sharp, editorial look. Shoot is with Harley Weir for AnOther Magazine. No travel budget, rate is £300."

Avoid this

"Looking for interesting women, clean energy, nice style, London optional. Need 3–4. Maybe older but not too old. Natural beauty but unique too."

Too vague, conflicting, and unclear.

That's it. If you run into any issues or have feedback, don't hesitate to reach out.