Auditioning Archives - JL David Agency

3 Commercial Audition Tips From a Talent Agent.

by Jenn David

When you are auditioning for a commercial via a self tape there are a few key foundational principles that I believe can transform your performance.

1. Eye line

You want to adjust your camera set up to match your exact eye line, so it seems as if you are talking to your best friend, which is (the camera). The goal is to make the person on the other end watching feel like they are in the conversation with you.

2. Volume and Pacing

You want to deliver your dialogue at a conversational volume level and a relaxed pace. You want to avoid sounding rushed, too loud, or overexcited. Remember the main goal of advertising any product is to evoke certain emotions in the viewer that leads to a potential sale.

An actor that demonstrates their ability to effectively present the product properly is essential for casting and producers when auditioning actors to be the face of their brand.

3. Choose Your Shirt Color Wisely

There is an actual science behind this key point and why choosing the right color to wear can have an affect on your commercial audition. This is known as “the psychology of color” and is used every single day by major advertising campaign decision makers. So, we want to avoid that color in auditions and headshots.

Auditioning

Tips to Instantly Improve Your Self Tape Video

by Jenn David

What is a self tape?

Self Taping is an increasingly used method of casting in the film and television industry, and now even in theatre. Instead of going along to a conventional audition, casting or screen test, actors are asked to film their own auditions, edit the scenes together and upload or email the finished product to the casting director or production company concerned, sometimes to extremely tight deadlines. While some people embrace the challenge, others find the process daunting and confusing, even terrifying, not knowing where to start, whether they’ve got it right or if what they have filmed is of good enough quality.

Why self tape?

There are a number of reasons that a casting director or production company might ask you to put yourself on tape. They may need to see performers who are from a different country before they go there to shoot, they may be unable to get the director or other members of the creative team into the same room at a given time, or they may simply be looking to save money, as hiring a studio or casting suite is expensive. On the plus side, they will be able to see many more actors than at a conventional audition, you can tape your audition whenever suits you, rather than having to make yourself available at a specific time and you could also save money on expensive last minute train or plane tickets.

Do I need expensive equipment?

No! While this was certainly the case in the past, technology these days means that most mobile phones and tablets now shoot high definition video through their cameras, which is perfectly good enough quality for a self tape. You may also need a chair or stool to sit on, as it’s easier to shoot yourself sitting rather than standing, a solid backdrop, a tripod or ladder to get your device to the required height and keep it still, and good light, if necessary, to make sure you are well lit and not acting with some, or all of your face in the dark.

“The eyes indicate the antiquity of the soul.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson

Top Tips To Instantly Improve Your Self Tape

EYE LEVEL

1. Best if the camera is at eye level.

2. Have your reader directly to the left or the right of the camera with their eyes in line with the lens.

3. Have the reader stand as close to the camera as possible, slightly in front of the camera if possible.

self tape video — Eye Level and Framing Example

FRAMING

1. Rule of thirds. Top third of the frame going through your eye line.

2. Close up – Film and TV

3. Medium – Musical Theater and some Broad Comedy

4. Wide – I would only use if I were doing Dance. (Dance should include entire body, from head to toe)

CAMERA AXIS

1. If there are multiple characters in the scene, place one character left and one right.

2. Try to use the camera axis to open up your performance.

3. Looking across the camera opens you up to the camera and the audience.

4. Staying on one side of the camera will close you off from the audience, which can be a great choice for certain characters.

MOVEMENT

1. Side to side movement will sometimes create distraction. You want your feet to feel more planted than in a theater audition.

2. Moving toward the camera is strong choice, it brings the frame closer to your face, and lets us deeper into your emotional life.

Auditioning

How To Audition Like a Pro!

by Jenn David

Today’s technology is allowing actors the convenience of self-taped auditions.

More and more casting directors are having actors send in their own self-taped auditions to be seen for the part without having to come in and audition in person; and with the changes caused by the COVID-19 global pandemic, pretty much every casting director has to come to terms and accept self-tape auditions to be the “new normal.”

If you’re a seasoned actor who is used to a more traditional way of auditioning in a casting room, you may find self-taping your audition a little dispiriting, especially due to lack of feedback and being able to “work the room.”

However, I promise that it does get easier and more comfortable the more you self-tape your auditions, and you’ll be an expert at it in no time!

As easy as recording your video and sending to casting may sound, (and it fairly is), there are things you can do to mess it up and never get invited to audition again if you don’t take the time to learn what is expected from you as a professional.

Pro Tip 1: Framing At Eye Level

When taping the performance, framing should be mid-chest to the top of the head. We should be able to tell the color of the actor’s eyes.

The overall goal of self-taped auditions is to re-create the reality of the environment, including appropriate eye lines for each person in the scene with you.

The reader can be one eye line and should be located slightly to the left or right of the camera. Do not read directly into the lens unless appropriate for the role (news anchor, Skype conversation, etc).

Summary

1. Best if the camera is at eye level.

2.Have your reader directly to the left or the right of the camera with their eyes in line with the lens.

3. Have the reader stand as close to the camera as possible, slightly in front of the camera if possible.

If the audition includes multiple scenes, please include all scenes and the slate in one file. The scenes should appear in the same order as they are in the sides.

Please place the slate at the END of the audition with a hard break (stop and restart camera) in between performance and slate.

The overall goal of self-taped auditions is to re-create the reality of the environment, including appropriate eye lines for each person in the scene with you. The reader can be one eye line and should be located slightly to the left or right of the camera. Do not read directly into the lens unless appropriate for the role (news anchor, Skype conversation, etc).

Video quality is very important. Shooting with a hi-def camera is ideal, but if necessary to use a cell phone or tablet, the device should be placed on a tripod and positioned horizontally, not vertically. Using a cell phone or tablet should be a last resort.

Lighting should be clear and balanced across the actor’s face. Use soft lighting if possible – avoid stark white light. Avoid shadows on wall/backdrop behind actor.

The sound must be clear. We recommend using a lavalier mic if possible. If not, please be sure that the mic is directed toward the actor.

A good reader is very important – use an actor if at all possible. Please have the reader read in a low tone so as not to overpower the actor. It is not the reader’s audition!

Please have actors audition one at a time. Having 2 or more actors audition for roles in the frame together does not work.

Since the goal of an audition is to create the reality of the scene, having lines memorized is ideal. Holding sides during an audition is acceptable but should not deter us from seeing your performance, which can be impeded if the actor is continuously referencing the sides.

Please let the audition play out in its entirety for the video. It helps if the camera stays on the actor for a couple of seconds after the audition to make sure we are seeing everything that is there.

Please tape in front of a light-colored, solid wall or backdrop (no distractions in the background!). Light blue, light green, or dark gray are best. No bright colors/black/white.

There is no need to use props during the audition. A cell phone is fine if scripted and appropriate for the scene.

No “costumes,” but wardrobe, hair and make-up should be appropriate and realistic for the role. Be careful that there is contrast between actor’s clothing and backdrop color.