How to Self-Tape Auditions and Land the Role – Learn the Technical Skills to Get a Call Back
Nowadays actors are no longer visiting the studio or casting director’s office to audition. Instead, casting directors are asking actors to do video auditions.
This allows for casting directors to see more auditions in a shorter period of time, therefore, increasing the amount of competition an actor faces for every role. However, there are a few things you can do to stand out and beat your competition.
Here are a few tips that you should use on your next video audition.
1. How should the video be framed?
Many casting directors will provide detailed instructions for your video audition. But, if they do not it is a stand to frame the camera so that it cuts you off above your head and comfortable below the chest. This would be considered a “medium shot”.
2. Where should I film?
Shoot your video audition against a plain wall facing a window. The window should provide you with some soft light so casting directors can clearly see your face during your audition. Also, shoot in focus in landscape mode. In addition, your audio should be clear, audible and not fluctuate wildly. Strongly consider recording your audio with a recording device rather than your camera. The difference in audio can make or break your audio.
3. Should I move around a lot during my audition?
You should not bounce around a lot and you should not look directly into the camera. Instead, pretend there is someone just to the side of the camera. Your audition should show personality but be very brief.
4. What should I wear?
Wear something that compliments your colouring and adds to your character but, does not over do it. For example, if you are auditioning for a pirate role, then do not go overboard and buy an eye patch, a parrot, and a costume from Party City.
5. What can I do to make my audition stand out?
Record your audition on a tripod, ensure correct and constant exposure, and white balance. Do not try to oversell your editing skills with background audio or fancy edits. This is an audition and it show off your acting skills not your editing skills.
Recently, the Sag-AFTRA did a workshop on how to self-tape auditions. Check out the full video below:
Related:
- 5 Things You Never Noticed George Clooney Does in Every Movie [VIDEO]
- How to NOT Land a Role on a TV Show
- Everything You Should Know About Being a Stand-in in a Movie or TV Show
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