What Is a Go-See? (Showbiz Term of the Day)

At a Go-See a Photographer May Take Some Test Photos

If you are starting a career in showbiz that includes modeling, you have certainly heard, or will very soon hear, the term “Go-See.” Today’s Showbiz Term of the Day is “Go-See.”

My daughter was almost 6 when she had her first “go-see” for Pottery Barn. She did not even have a comp card or headshot yet. We really did not understand what we were doing. And I really would have liked more information.

For a model to book a print job, it is very important that the representatives from the company employing the model see what the model looks like and how well the model photographs. It is also important that  the model’s look and type match the company image and the type of products being advertised.

Those hiring the model also need to have a good feeling about how easy it will be to work with the model. For that reason, just taking a look at some photographs of the model may not be enough to allow the company representatives to choose the right model for a job.

So, “What Is a Go-See?”

Basically, a “Go-See” is to modeling as an audition is to acting. The “Go-See” is the appointment for a model to be seen and interviewed for a modeling job. It allows the casting director(s) and perhaps other company representatives to see and meet the model to determine if the model is right for the job.

What Happens During a Go-See?

Sometimes the model will be photographed during the go-see. This allows those hiring to see how easy it is to work with the model and how the model looks in some test photographs, perhaps even with the product in them.

Typically, the casting director(s) will chat with the model and take a close look at the model and the model’s portfolio (previous modeling work and other good photos) if the model has one. For young children, you may not have a portfolio yet, but take it with you if you have one. If you bring a portfolio, make sure to include photos for products or companies that are similar to the products/company hiring if possible.

It is important that you take a comp card (aka a zed card) with you to the go-see as well. For a young child who has not been modeling already, if you don’t have one, take some acting headshots or other good, representative photos. However, if you are pursuing a modeling career, you will definitely need a comp card.

Clothing sizes and body shape are often very important for modeling, so make sure you know what all your (child’s) sizes are so you can supply that information on any paperwork that you fill out. Sometimes jobs will only be for models that are specified sizes, for example, children who wear girl’s size 6 or girl’s size 12.   You should never lie about what the correct sizes are in order to go to a go-see or to book a job.  You don’t want to be fired or to anger the casting director or those who are hiring. If they say they only want to see size 12, they mean it!

Also, when taking a child to a go-see, remember that advertisers are looking for kids that look like kids. Don’t bring photos that look like glamour shots (unless it is specifically requested). Don’t put lots of makeup on your child or over-style and spray your child’s hair. The casting directors want to see kids looking as natural as possible.

Unless you are given specific instructions about how to dress your child for the go-see, you should dress your child in cute but casual attire and in a style that is appropriate for the company and/or print campaign or advertisement.

Often you are given a time range for a go-see rather than an exact time as is common with acting auditions. It is advised that you show up at the earlier end of the call time rather than near the end.  If you arrive at the very end of the time, you may not even be seen, especially if those casting have already seen some models they really like.

For more on this and many other topics related to children and showbiz, be sure to subscribe to Your Young Actor’s Newsletter.

To your child’s success,

Debbie Sikkema