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10 Tips for making the perfect self- tape audition

10-06-2022

Every actor must learn the technique of auditioning to achieve success. At-home auditions have now become the accepted standard. In the film and television industry, audition tapes, sometimes known as self-tapes, are extremely significant. 

Casting directors expect to see your best work because self-tapes are done on your own time and can be re-recorded as often as needed. To show off what you have to offer, your audition should be of the highest quality possible. Here, The Struggler provides the Latest audition updates, Audition updates, and New audition updates. Moreover, online audition update.

Take a look at the list below for advice on how to make the best audition tape possible

  1. Shoot Horizontally- If the casting director asks for a full-body shot, move your camera back far enough to capture your entire body. If you don't have enough room but have someone to operate the camera, position yourself in a medium close-up for the slate and have your partner pan down to your feet.
  2. Stay in Frame- It's best if you keep your camera at eye level. To set your eye line when dealing with a reader in person, have them stand exactly to the left or right of the camera. Set your eye line and keep it consistent if you're working with a reader over the phone or FaceTime. 
  3. Keep Your Background Clear- Always film in front of a white or neutral background. A plain white, grey, blue, or other neutral-colored wall works well. There should be no furniture or things visible behind you, and particularly no clutter. The goal is to maintain your audition appearing tidy and professional while avoiding attracting attention away from the main attraction: you!
  4. Pay Attention to Your Environment- If you're filming in natural light, try to stand with the window in front of you to avoid backlighting or harsh shadows on your face. Record several test photos if you're using lamps or other light sources to ensure the lights aren't too hot or casting harsh shadows on your face or the wall behind you. Avoid distracting background noises like noisy traffic or a barking dog when it comes to audio quality.
  5. Know Your Lines- For your self-tape, as with any audition, you should endeavor to be completely memorized. Occasionally, a production will allow or even encourage actors to improvise or paraphrase lines. Unless otherwise specified in the casting call, you should attempt to get the line's words perfect. Remember that the beauty of a self-tape is that if you miss a line, you can always record another take.
  6. Dress for Success- There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to dressing for your self-tape, just as there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to choosing apparel for headshots. Choose clothes that flatter your figure and make your hair and complexion pop against the background. If you're going to tape against a white wall, for example, a white top might not be the ideal option. Shirts with logos, designs, or bright patterns might be distracting, so stick to simple colors.
  7. Choose Your Reader Wisely- Unless you're submitting a monologue, you'll need another actor to read the dialogue of the other characters. You can always have an actor read lines for you over the phone if you can't locate someone to work with in person. While some performers are concerned that their readers would outshine them, your scene partner can only help you improve your own performance. You have no control over the reader's performance during in-person auditions. You, on the other hand, have complete control at home. Don't be scared to ask your reader to slow down or change the pace of particular beats.
  8. Remember the Medium- Keep in mind that acting for film and television differs from acting for the stage. To be heard from the final row in the theatre, stage players, for example, must project. However, in cinema and television, the camera can be only a few feet away from the actor. In a similar spirit, powerful facial emotions work well in the theatre but come seem as severe overacting on video.
  9. Submit a Single Video- Make careful to edit all of your footage together once you're satisfied with your takes. You may be requested to prepare more than one scene in addition to your slate. Unless otherwise specified, merge your slate and all scenes together so that the clips play in a single, seamless video.
  10. Practice, Practice, Practice- Self-taping, like anything else, takes practice. Getting your frame set up can be a task in and of itself, especially if you're recording by yourself or in a constrained space — and you still have to nail the performance!  Also, if you require additional assistance, try enrolling in a class.  Audition Technique and Mastering the Self-Tape are two courses offered by The Struggler to help performers prepare for and thrive in this environment.