How to Make an Audition Tape
Technology has had an effect on the entertainment industry's auditioning techniques. No longer are you required to travel hundreds of miles for an audition. With websites such as NowCasting, many casting directors allow you to submit video tape auditions for upcoming projects. When a casting director looks at your audition tape, he wants to see you and your personality. Anything that is a hindrance to your personality shining through can result in you not getting cast for the role.
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Instructions
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Determine whether "sides" (specific lines) are required for the audition. This is a question you must ask the casting director. If sides are required, he will send you the sides.
If no sides are required, use a monologue of your choice. The monologue should fit the role that you are auditioning for. For example, if you are auditioning for a dramatic role, do a dramatic monologue instead of a comedic monologue.
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Practice your sides or monologue until you feel it is good enough to be recorded. You'll know when it is ready to be recorded, when you feel as if you are one with the character that you are portraying. If you are not feeling the emotions of the character, keep practicing until you do. This is a technique that can be learned in "scene study" and "character study" acting classes.
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Set up your camera in a room that has bright natural lighting. If you don't have a friend to hold the camera, place it on a tripod.
The camera should be focused toward a solid backdrop (background behind the actor), instead of a backdrop that has busy patterns or windows. White, blue or gray are the recommended background colors.
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Ensure that you have on a solid color shirt. Stay away from distracting patterns or crazy outfits. Don't wear a lot of jewelry and makeup. You want the casting director's attention to be on your face, not on what you are wearing.
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Start the recording. State your name, location and the title of your monologue at the beginning of the shoot. If you are under 18, you must also state your age. This is also referred to as "slating."
When slating, be sure to look directly into the camera lens. For your slate, get a full body shot. This will allow the casting director to see your entire body.
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Stop recording. Take a few seconds (or longer if needed) to get back into character. Many actors sit down in a chair for the rest of the audition. This is a matter of personal preference.
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Ensure that the camera is focused in on your face, instead of a full body shot. Start recording again. As you recite your audition piece, don't look directly at the camera lens. Instead, look toward the side of the camera. You can even look at the person who is behind the camera.
If the audition piece is a dialogue, you can have the person behind the camera to nonchalantly read through the other part. If you use another person to read the extra parts, his reading should not overpower your audition. You are the star of the audition.
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Tips & Warnings
Record the audition as many times as you need to. It may take 20 times for you to nail the perfect audition. The casting director won't know this. He only sees the finished product.
Refrain from using props during your audition since they can be distracting. All of the focus should be directed toward your face and facial expressions.
Depending upon the casting director, you may be required to add additional details to your audition tape. If so, it will generally be listed in the audition instructions.
References
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