How to video tape your audition

Discribes the ideal way to videotape an audition for TV or Film.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Video camera
• Audition :-)
• Quiet room
• Good light source
• VCR or Computer with video editing program
• Blank, new VHS tape or Blank DVD

1. First you will want to make sure you have your audition material ready. Know your lines and what the scene is about etc. For more details on this, search eHow for How to Prepare an Audition Scene.
   
   The material you are using to audition with is "SIDES." We all know what a script is, so SIDES are the portion of the script selected for you to audition with.

2. 

   Find a quiet room that has very little to no background noises. Noises to pay attention to are running refrigerators, TVs, Computer fans, fans, running water, traffic, and alike. The quietter it is, the less destractions there are for the viewer.
   
   The wall you stand in front of should ideally be White or Blue. Be sure to remove all background items like TVs, wall hangings, etc.
   
   If space allows, stand a good 2 - 3 feet away from the wall as to avoid distracting shadows. A great idea is to mark your spot on the floor with a piece of tape or even a book. This will help you have a consistant spot to stand and adjust your lighting, camera, and sound.

3. 

   After setting up your camera, preferrably on a tripod, make sure you are lit well. The viewer needs to be able to see you clearly. You want to make sure your eyes are seen very well.
   
   Lighting sources can be table top lamps, sloor lamps, window light, flood light, or whatever you might have to SAFELY light your scene.
   
   Record yourself briefly and then play the tape back and be very critical about the lighting. If it doesn't look then greatest, then you should not continue. Lighting and sound are two very important areas to make sure you are very particular about.

4. 

   Now you are ready to start taping. Focus the camera on yourself from top of head to toes. Make sure you do not chop off the top of your head.
   
   This is where you will SLATE (state your name, age, and role). Make your slate very natural, clear, slow, and in your own personality. You're not acting yet. You want to make it slow and clear so the Casting Director or whomever is viewing the tape can identify you easily.
   
   A great idea is to start our your Slate as if you are really introducing yourself in person. So add..."Hi, my name is ______ and I and ____ years old and reading for the ________ role." Then give a nice REAL smile.
   
   LOOK INTO THE CAMERA FOR YOUR SLATE
   
   A final note here is to start the camera recording for 5 - 10 second BEFORE and AFTER you talk. This allows you to have editting room, whether it be via a DVD in your computer or the more difficult method of connecting your camera and VCR together.

5. Now you are ready to tape your scenes. Many sets of sides will have 2 - 5 scenes that you will need to audition with. Some can be 1 and others have been known to be 7 and 8 scenes long. Each scene will need to be taped seperately. So you will tape your SLATE and then STOP the camera. Tape Scene #1 and the STOP the camera and so on. You will also want to tape each scene 2 to and ideal 3 times each. So on your tape it will look like this (commas representing "stop of camera")... slate #1, slate #1, scene #1, scene #1, scene #1, scene #2, scene, #2..... and so on.
   
   Here is where you will want to zoom your camera into yourself for a tighter headshot. This is anywhere from the elbows up or even closer from chest up. You will also be care full to make sure your head is not chopped off. Ideally you will want a golf ball sized space above your head.
   
   DO NOT LOOK INTO THE CAMERA FOR YOUR SCENES. Your off camera reader should stand close to the camera so your face is viewable.
   
   Be sure to stand cofidently and avoid swaying back and forth. You don't want your head bobbing from one side of the screen to the other and even worse, going out of camera.

6. 

   You are now ready to put your final audition tape together. Go though your tape and pick your best takes of each slate and scenes. Then go back and record those scenes onto a VHS tape or DVD.
   
   You will want to label your tape or DVD with your name, project (Film or TV show name), your role, and your contact information. A phone number and email is enough contact information to include. Add this information on the TAPE or DVD itself as well as the COVER.
   
   Should the Casting Director or Requesting Viewer allow, you can even upload your video to an Online Video Hosting site for instant viewing. Before doing this, make sure that this is an acceptable method.

Tips & Warnings

• Be yourself
• Be prepared
• Be critical of the lighting and sound
• Make sure you are the only one on camera. The person ready opposite you should sit or stand off camera. Ideally a little off the left or right of the lens.
• Avoid putting your physical address on the tapes or DVDs for your safety
• Remove the record tab from your VHS tape to avoid recording over all your hard work.
• Spend the extra to overnight your materials. You can track it and verify that it was recieved.

[grouch]

on 12/31/2007 This is a great idea and in the DVD or file on your computer format you could load it up to talent scouts. Thanks.