Tag Archive for: #auditiontips

Audition Tape

That’s a wrap! How to Make your Video Audition Tape Stand Out

There are so many social media platforms that currently exist for actors and musicians to engage friends and followers on. Just consider for a moment the social media accounts you follow, particularly Facebook and Instagram. Your favorite pages are likely filled with staged or stylized shots, images of their lives that instantly make the person more appealing. It’s images like these that not only make you their devoted fan and follower, but that are inspirational to countless aspiring actors like yourself.

But posing for a beautiful picture, where you can determine and manipulate the lighting, angles, and background, is an entirely different thing than appearing on an audition tape. That is a whole other level when it comes to making sure you, an actor, are perfectly presented.

Here are a few of our favorite ways to make sure your audition tape is a powerful representation of who you are as an artist:

1) Get the Technical aspects right

Make sure that your tape is not only well lit, but that you have the proper sound equipment so you can easily be heard. There’s nothing worse than a casting director clicking on your footage, finding the sound is too low, and immediately dismissing you and moving on to the next actor.

That’s why you need to gather a quality camera with a built-in microphone, a basic tripod, lighting equipment (or use natural lighting), a solid background color, and a reader. Test your equipment properly before you push record.

2)    Get to Know the Script

Although you must know the script like the back of your hand during your audition tape, it’s still important to have it on hand. Doing this will signal to the casting director that while you are an actor that is prepared, that you are treating your performance as a work in progress. You must convey that you will never stop working on and perfecting your craft.

3)    Forget the Slate

This is a common mistake, but unless specifically instructed to, don’t slate for a self-taped audition. It’s another easy way to make your audition tape stand out from the rest.

Every actor knows how important it is to stand out from the rest, how there is never a time where their unique beauty and poise must be showcased in the best possible way. By following these best practices, you’ll guarantee that your audition tapes get you noticed and allow you to be successful in this competitive yet wonderful field.

For more helpful tips on making your audition tape stand out, contact CGTV at 818-847-6689 or email us at hollywood@cgtv.la. We’d be honored to help turn your dreams into a reality.

First Audition

Approaching Your First Audition

Acting may be an art, but being an actor is a career. And, like any career it takes practice, resilience, passion, and more practice. As you head out to the first of hundreds, if not thousands, of auditions, there are a few things every new actor should know.

Understand the Role

Instead of looking at the audition through your eyes, as an actor – try seeing it from the perspective of the casting director. By understanding what they want and tailoring your audition technique to helping them get that, gives you the best chance at making sure they remember you.

Come Prepared

The only thing you can influence in auditions is your own readiness. So be prepared. This is the number one way to stand out from the crowd and show respect for a casting director and their project. Yet, there are still countless numbers of actors who turn up to auditions unprepared. Don’t be one of them. The more prepared you are, the more relaxed you’ll be – and this means you’ll be able to let loose and show off your skills.

Be Ready to Improvise

During the audition you may be asked to do something completely different, in which case you’re going to want to do it completely differently. What you did first no longer matters. All that matters is that you do exactly what you’re told, and to the best of your ability. And don’t be shy. Go for it.

Believe in Yourself….and Breathe

One of the most important things about preparing for an audition is your mindset. Why? Because nerves and losing faith in yourself will show to the people you’re auditioning for. Take a deep breath, think positive thoughts, and believe in yourself. In response, you’ll walk into the room looking as confident as ever – and there’s no way the casting directors won’t believe that you belong there. You got this!

So, what are you waiting for?! Once you get the audition the role is just sitting there waiting for you to take it. So, congratulations! Go make that character your own.

CGTV is a high level TV, film, and entertainment program designed to help connect talent with some of the top agents, casting directors, and managers in Los Angeles. Learn more about the services we provide by visiting the CGTV website or calling 818-284-6689.

First Audition

Sources:

https://cgtv.la/

https://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/backstage-experts/7-tips-approaching-every-audition-performance/

http://www.projectcasting.com/tips-and-advice/impress-casting-directors

https://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/backstage-experts/21-things-make-casting-directors-happy-audition-room/

https://pixabay.com/en/chromakey-shooting-film-movie-2698664/

Self-taped Audition

How to Create a First-Rate Self-Taped Audition

Standing out in the mind of a casting director requires attention to detail, technical skill, and having the right combination of exactly what they are looking for. A self-taped audition allows an actor to get in front of a director in a more controlled audition setting. Creating the right tape is crucial in catching their eye and getting a coveted callback.

  • Technically perfect – Even the best acting can be upstaged by poor lighting, bad sound quality, a poorly framed video and technically sub-par footage. If the director needs to adjust their computer or television to hear or see your audition, they may just move on to the next actor’s tape.
  • The right equipment – In order to create a properly executed self-taped audition, there are a few pieces of equipment that are necessary. A quality camera with a good microphone is a must. Use a tripod so that your footage is steady and find an area with good lighting (or invest in lighting). Additionally, choose the background carefully. A busy or loud color can be very distracting to the viewer. Finally, take some time to pick out your wardrobe. Make sure it does not clash with the background or wash out your skin tone.
  • Know your part – While it is important to have your part memorized, it is also important to keep the script close by. Your part is a work in progress and is not a fully developed character yet. Having the script in-hand speaks to your ability to flexible and adaptable as an actor.
  • Skip the slate – Using a slate will make your tape look amateur. Unless you are asked to use one in your audition self-tape, plan to go without it.
  • Do as you are told – The quickest way into the trash bin is not following instructions. Self-tape requests often come with very specific details regarding what is expected by the casting director. A good rule is to do everything that is asked, no matter how silly it might seem. Failure to follow directions is the easiest way to get your tape rejected.
  • Preparedness – No matter what, being prepared for that moment, is ultimately the only thing the artist is in control over. How well you prepare prior to the actual tape is extremely important.
  • Keep your reader close – Keep your reader just off camera so that they are not seen, but their lines can be heard on the tape.

If you need more tips on how to create a call-back quality self-taped audition, Check out the CGTV website for helpful tips.  

Self-taped Audition