FOR ACTORS

Once you have recorded your audition please upload it to a video sharing site like YouTube or Vimeo. Mark your video as “Unlisted” so it is not seen by the general public. If you mark your video as “Private” we will not be able to access it. Video files cannot be downloaded on the submission form on this website (I simply do not have the storage to hold all audition videos). I only need the URL to your self-tape.

Yes! If I have asked you to take a full length front and side view, and then read the lines with you framed from waist up then please cut the video so I don’t see you moving the camera around to adjust for the different shots.

It is preferred that you use a plain background. Many actors will use a green, blue, grey or white backdrop. A blank wall is fine too. Less distraction and shadows the better. If you’re shooting outside think about what would be the least amount of distraction. We want to focus on your performance, not what’s going on in the background. Also consider any background noise (dogs, children, music etc). Please choose a time when you have absolute quiet and you can be heard clearly.

I understand when an actor is away on vacation and they just ‘make-do’ with what they have. That’s totally fine and a quick explanation is all that’s needed. I find that this happens when the client has asked for this particular actor to audition and the actor was not in their normal surroundings or on a film shoot when the request came in.

Yes. If you have someone appropriate that can read the opposing lines please use them. You’re eyeline should be directed toward them slighly off camera, unless otherwise instructed. With this they are likely to be standing closer to the the camera’s mic which means their voice may be picked up much louder than yours. Please be careful of this. I suggest using an external mic on you to enhance your lines. Have your reader say the words in a slightly quieter tone if you don’t have a dedicated mic on you.

You can also use a remote reader. This is usually done with a friend or family responding over the phone. If you don’t have a reader, simply take a beat before reading your next line.

If there are no notes about what to wear in your audition then there are a couple of things to consider. Think of what the character might wear to an interview. What comes to mind about how the character may dress generally. No need to dress in full costume. If in doubt, wear something flattering but not distracting. Smart casual is always safe.

As a tip: if you dress similar to how the character might, this does help the client and I to visualize you in that role better.  We have cast good talent that took the initiative and dressed appropriately. They looked so good, it was hard to pass them by. So, they were cast. It took out the guess work for us.

Please bear in mind that we do need a clear view of your face. No facial coverups, hats that hide your face or hair over your face so we can’t see you.

If it’s something simple like a cell phone then go right ahead. You may be asked to hold up a bottle in place of a skin care cream. Use what is appropriate and improvise when needed but don’t let it be a distraction. You may simply mime it.

If the casting breakdown calls for no makeup then please do not wear makeup. In any other case you should use light makeup to enhance your natural features. Do make this an occassion to go all out with your makeup. We want to see what you really look like clearly.

I wouldn’t plan on removing your video audition until after the film shoot. I will express, that for those that leave their video audition active as ‘unlisted’ are also given another chance to be cast in that project should a cast member suddenly have to cancel or even for an entirely different project. Here’s the secret. Sometimes I’ll get asked to cast someone I know would be a good fit for their production. If you have kept your video audition or demo reel on file I have something to show the new client. Actors have been cast this way. So my advice is to leave your audition active…just in cast something wonderful happens in the future. 

If you are on this websites actor database you will be one of the first to know. I also list casting breakdowns on Casting Networks, Actors Access and direct to talent agencies.

This will depend. If you have a short read and want to give another variation this might be acceptable. Generally you have one take to send. Personally, I don’t mind a second take as long as you have done something different that is appropriate and the total length of your self tape audition is within a minute long. Only send a single video.

Yes, you should strive to be fully memorized and have the lines word perfect. In saying this I always encourage actors to have the sides in hand in case you need to refer to them to keep the momentum going. Be sure that the sides do not cover your face or make too much rustling sound.

If you want to take your self-tape to the next level please consider teleprompter software. One of the best ones (with the least frustration) is ‘PromptSmart’. It is a paid subscription but well worth the money if you are a serious actor self-taping all the time. It’s hard to memorize sides within a short period of time and when you want to give an amazing performance while under time constraints then teleprompter software is a God sent. PromptSmart is voice actived so the words will follow your voice as you speak so your eyeline is consistent. You can read the words right from your phone if speaking into camera or on another device, like a tablet positioned just to the side of camera.

Please shoot horizontally (landscape) and stay in frame! The only thing that is okay to shoot vertically is a full length front and profile shot. Your audition should be shot horizontally and generally from the waist up unless the casting breakdown instructs otherwise.

There are 4 key aspects in giving a professional self-tape audition:

1. Good lighting (avoid harsh shadows)
2. Good sound
3. In focus
4. Blank background

This is all about seeing and hearing you in the best possible way. Other things you should be thinking of are:

• Your framing – generally from the ribs up and not chopping the top of your head off or too much space above your head
• Standing slighly off center is fine unless instructed to stand center of frame
• Your eyeline should be slightly off camera unless instructed to look into camera
• We should see your face toward camera. Not to the side where we only see a side profile
• Plain background preferred
• No other visable or audible distractions
• Use a reader, if appropriate. They should never be in frame or louder than your voice
• Dress appropriately. Similar to how the character might dress
• Memorize your lines or use teleprompter software, like PromptSmart
• Remember to slate at the beginning or end

Your slate can vary a little. Please read the casting breakdown carefully for any additional information that the casting director is looking for.

The slate is to identify who you are: Your name, agency, role and age, if under 18 years.

Casting directors may ask for things like your height or State you reside in.

Actually, yes! Often self tapes are viewed as they come in. If we see an amazing performance early in the casting process we may send it over to the client early and that actor could get cast even before the remaining submissions arrive. So submitting early could be an advantage!

Yes. If you want to submit for a role in a neighboring State that is only accepting local talent, and you are happy to audition as a local hire then yes, you may do so. Remember, if you agree to being a local hire you will not be reimbursed for lodging, per diems, travel or transportation to or from the shooting location. These costs are at your own expense.

Be mindful about the fitting date. For short productions like commercials, this date can be days apart from your actual shoot date. Which means you’ll have down days that you are not being compensated for. Wardrobe is often hired for a day before production begins shooting and fittings are on a tight schedule to get everyone into that one fitting day.