A couple of days after arriving in Denmark, Yuri Arcurs Productions would be hosting a nation-wide model casting at the studio. Upon landing in Denmark, we had two days to prepare for the long weekend ahead. To accommodate for the high number of people expected, we turned the large studio at the office into two studios, and turned a medium-sized office space into another two studios. With the four studios set up, and everyone at the office having their own specific role (greeting the models, giving out information, answering questions, helping the models fill out forms, taking the photos, assisting the stylist and make-up artist, etc.), the doors were opened for 20 hours during which 700 aspiring models from all over Denmark and Europe came in for their 5-10 minute photo shoot. From people who had years of experience, to people who had never modelled before, to people who were just passing by the office and were recruited/encouraged by someone from the office to give it a shot.
Other than the long days on our feet, it was actually quite fun, and definitely interesting. It was strange to be perceived as someone in control of the results of the casting. I've been through many interviews in my life, both individual and group interviews, and I understand the pressure of performing and giving the interviewer what you think he's looking for. In fact, I've even been in the role of the interviewer for various positions. But it felt very strange to be the photographer or, for all intents and purposes, the "interviewer", to a bunch of beautiful and not-so-beautiful people, and learning how to judge within the first few photos if a few extra minutes should be spent shooting this person with potential, or just thank them politely for coming, and show them to the exit. It was a very strange feeling. I've always been a people-watcher (it's fascinating stuff), but the week after the model casting, I caught myself on several occasions staring at people to the point of creepiness. I've got it under control now, just so you know.
So now we've got models lined up for the rest of our shoots throughout the summer, which is a really nice change from frequently having to track down friends or people that I don't know or barely know in Cape Town and asking them if they would model for me. (Then again, that was a nice chance to meet some pretty awesome people!) I'll write about photographing some of the new models in my next post, so check back soon.
One surprising thing I learned about myself was that I am really good at getting people out of their clothes--scarily good, in fact. I seemed to be channeling some X-Men power-of-suggestion skills throughout the weekend. We were told before the casting to ask people if they were interested in doing underwear or bikini modeling, and then to take a few shots of them in their underwear if they were. However, given the fact that this casting was, for the most part, to find models for stock images, and many people who had never modeled before would be coming in, I didn't think there would be too many people keen on the idea of stripping down in front of a total stranger to be photographed in their underwear. In any case, I must be really convincing. I mean, I was completely professional (because as a model, an underwear shot is a good thing to show a potential client wanting to hire you), but on the inside, I couldn't help being impressed and shocked at how many people took off their clothes after merely suggesting it. Then again, it's Europe. Modesty means a different thing here.
Here is a short video from the weekend (I make a brief appearance at 0:38), in case you want to see how the model casting went.
