How to Self Tape Like a Self Taping Genius
I once watched a tape of a woman who, instead of performing the sides, decided to perform a monologue from Mommie Dearest. She did not get the part. Now, I’m sure you don’t make such cockamamie gaffes, but nonetheless here are some tips to make sure your taped audition isn’t cluttered by rookie mistakes:
Realize the advantages of self-taping and take advantage:
It would be great if you could meet the casting director; if they could see how charming and brilliant you are in person, how you light up a room with just a sly grin but c’est la vie. So let’s focus on the positive. You control your space; this audition is on your own terms. You’re not waiting in the lobby for an hour only to be called in and immediately asked to perform. You can start when you want, you can do the scene over and over until you feel happy with it and no one has to be the wiser. You have the opportunity to do it 43 times and choose the best one. When you send in your tape, make sure you’re sending in the best audition you have in you.
Also, when you are self-taping, you can make sure that you have a reader that you trust and will give you exactly the performance you need to react appropriately. Make sure you get a reader that you feel comfortable with and that doesn’t draw the focus away from where it should be, you.
Follow the directions:
If the casting office says to keep it under 3 minutes, keep it under 3 minutes. If they want it uploaded in a certain file format, adhere to it. There is a reason casting offices make these requests and it isn’t willy-nilly. Furthermore, they probably don’t have the time to call you and have you correct it. You’re out before you’re in.
Be informed:
Make sure you have read the breakdown of the character and the storyline. Try to get as much information about the role as possible. You don’t have the luxury of having the casting director there to see that you’re a good actor who made the wrong choice. So find out as much as you can in order to get as close to the correct interpretation as possible. That being said, please don’t start crying and breathing into a paper bag if you don’t know anything about the character and can’t get any information. If you’re a good actor, that will shine through. The casting office knows how available they have made that information. An office that tells everyone what they want, will expect you to have that knowledge. One that has kept it guarded, knows you’re shooting in the dark. I’m just saying, if it’s starring Ben Stiller, you might want to rethink the dramatic interpretation and if it’s starring Daniel Day-Lewis, put away the rubber chicken.
Lastly, get the details right:
-Make sure you have a full body shot in the beginning or the end.
-Make sure for the rest of the audition the camera is focused on your shoulders and face. I shouldn’t be able to see your belt but I also shouldn’t be able to see your boogers. Let’s call this the belt and boogers rule.
-Have a reader standing off screen next to the camera and keep your eye contact with them. That way we can see your face but you’re not staring at us. It’s not like we’re on a date.
-If you cannot find a reader, do not read the other lines yourself. Just pretend someone said them.
-Make sure the room you are in is well lit and do your best to make sure the background isn’t distracting. If it means you have to bring all the lamps in your house into one room, do it.
-Say your name at the beginning. It’s also good to include a written slate with contact info at the beginning or the end, or even just running in the bottom third. This is one of those things that the casting office may direct you on.
-Have a good time. It shows.
After that, all you can do is move on and know that you did the best you could– just like geometry tests and soccer try-outs and I’m sorry if I sound like your mother, your mother was probably right.