Self Taping for Actors: You Control the Take

Adena Brumer, a recent transplant to Atlanta, is an actor/singer navigating the enormous and exciting Atlanta acting landscape. Having fully immersed herself in the industry here, she has great advice to share with others in the field.

Because of the quick turn-around times for most media these days, we actors are getting in front of casting directors much less frequently. As a result, self-taping is how our business is evolving. Many casting directors and actors are lamenting the loss of opportunity to “win the room” and create rapport. Many times, our personalities have been the deciding factor on booking a job, in addition to our talent. Those doing the casting got the chance to decide whether we were the kind of people they wanted to hang out with for a particular project. Now, they simply don’t have the time. On the other hand, being in charge of our own auditions, we can decide what choices to make and we don’t get just one shot. We can do as many takes as is necessary and send in the best one. And in order to do that, we have quite a few resources.

First, if you want to do it yourself, most casting directors do not recommend using an iPhone. Unless you are a genius at lighting and setups, they recommend getting an actual camera with a tripod. And this cannot be overstated: the quality of the taping is as important as the quality of the audition. So, not only do you have to look great, you have to sound great. Casting agents want to see our eyes and hear our voices. And they don’t want any distractions, so make sure you shoot against a solid wall or backdrop free of pictures, windows, furniture, your cat, etc. Also, make sure you’re not shooting from an angle—above or below. The shot should be straight on and, unless stated, do not look straight into the camera. If your audition consists of a side/script where you’re having a conversation, get someone to read with you—preferably an actor. We all do better when we’ve got someone who can give us something. But just get someone and make sure their lines can be heard—not as loud as you, but enough so they may be understood. Once you’re ready, here are some basic guidelines (each casting director is different and he/she may ask for different things or a different order of things, but here are the usual requirements):

Start with framing that shows your head and shoulders and the tape should start with the audition. (Nowadays, a lot of casting directors are not even looking at slates because they already have all your information. If they do look at a slate, it is normally at the end.)

Also, unless stated, send in your best take. If you feel strongly about submitting a different choice, do so, but know that they may only have time to watch one.

At the end, slate. The usual slate is your name, height, and role. But, again, each casting director is different. I have slated with my name, height, role, agency, and location. You just never know.

Then pull back for a quick full body shot. DO NOT TILT UP AND DOWN! They hate that.

Now, if you’re like me and do not have the equipment or confidence to tape yourself, there are plenty of places to go that are impeccably professional and affordable. I have taped with many of the below list and have been happy with the results. My best advice is to shop around and find the people you connect with and feel the most comfortable. This is not a complete list because people are popping up all the time, but these are the ones I’ve used or who have been recommended:

Drama Inc.: Scott Poythress, Claire Bronson, Catherine Dyer, and Jason MacDonald. All working actors who have come together to elevate the quality of our taped auditions. They offer a discount to union members and also have workshops and classes. Email them to schedule – they tape seven days a week. www.dramainc.net

Get Taped: Matt and Brooke Cornwell. Also working actors and very affordable. They also have a terrific video on their main page about THIS VERY SUBJECT! Email them to schedule – they tape every day but Sunday. www.get-taped.com/Get_Taped/Welcome.html

Actor Taping Services: through Kristen Shaw. Again, WORKING actors and affordable. They have workshops and classes as well and you can schedule online. http://actortapingservices.com/

YourAct: run by Bob Harter and Della Cole. I have taped very often with Alan Ridling. http://www.youract.tv/

Casting Direct: schedule through Schedulicity. Tim and Antonio come HIGHLY recommended. http://castingdirectatl.com/

These are just a few. You can Google “actor taping services Atlanta” and you’ll get many more resources.

Here’s the bottom line: do what you are comfortable with and what you can afford. But the most important thing is to make choices and commit to them. Do not tape what you think they want. Make a choice and tape it. Period.

Good luck!!