We are delighted to republish this article by Marci Liroff. Marci Liroff’s extensive credits as a casting director span more than 50 films. Read more from Marci on her blog.
As an acting coach Marci teaches actors what they need to know before, during and after their auditions. Marci also offers coaching via Skype
Marci’s Audition Bootcamp DVD is available to purchase online.
How to Self Tape Auditions/Castings
As many projects are asking for you to self-tape your audition as a form of pre-screening, many of you have asked how to self-tape your auditions. For some, the mere idea of this can be daunting. I urge you to get comfortable with doing this. It’s not as hard as it may seem. If you think about it, you’re actually the actor, director, and producer of your own audition! You are finally in control of your audition!
Here are some instructions that you should follow.
Pay attention to ALL of the instructions that the CD or website gives you. If they tell you to do it a specific way, DO IT THAT WAY!
Know the material. Be as off-book as possible so that you can interact with your scene partner (who’s off-camera). It’s ok to hold your sides, but we don’t want to see you literally reading off the page.
How to Self Tape Auditions/Castings – Technical Info
Tripod
This is important! Make your audition as professional as possible by attaching your camera to a tripod. Nobody wants to watch an audition on a hand-held camera.
If you don’t have access to a tripod (or can’t borrow one!), prop your camera on a table on top of some books so that it matches your eyeline (never shoot under your chin – that look isn’t good on anyone!)
Lighting
The best thing is to use natural light. Make sure you’re not shooting TOWARDS a window or the light, but that the natural light is actually lighting YOU! If you don’t have natural light, then get some appropriate lighting. You can actually use lamps if you don’t have real lights. You can even use those wonderful large globe Chinese Lanterns (w/the white shades) – those throw a lot of nice soft light.
Go onto YouTube and search for “3 point lighting“.
You’ll get A LOT of videos how to do this. This will make your video look very professionally done and you can even do it on the cheap if you’re going to be doing this at home a lot. Go to Home Depot and get some “work lights”, and you can fashion a stand for them.
Make sure you “white balance” your camera before you start shooting. Many cameras these days have an auto-white balance. If yours doesn’t, check the instructions and figure out how to do it. In many cases, you can just hold up a white piece of paper about 5 inches in front of the lens and that’ll do the trick.
How to Self Tape Auditions/Castings – The Basics
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LocationFind a quiet and well lit room. -
PositionHave the actor stand in front of a blank white, blue or grey painted wall. You can always use a plain sheet
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ReaderHave someone other than the actor (the “reader) reading the supporting lines off camera.
Do not attempt to do a scene by yourself unless it’s a monologue. Even then, have a friend operate your camera.
Have your “reader” stand RIGHT NEXT TO the camera – almost hugging the tripod. EYE LINE! This is very important. So often the actor is reading to a partner that is SO far away from the camera, all we see is his profile.
Make sure the actor looks at the reader during the scene and not directly at the camera. -
FramingYou want to frame CHEST UP – not too much head room. Make sure we can see your face.
You should stand about 3-5 ft. from the camera.
Some projects ask for a full body shot as well to include before or after you do your scene. -
Camera AngleCamera should be at eye level or just slightly above, NEVER underneath your chin.
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Test ItRecord a test sample first and see how it looks and sounds on the computer first to make final adjustments before taping the scenes.
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Slate ItWhen you are ready to record the scene, make sure the actor adds a verbal “slate” first by saying their name, the city they are from and role they are reading for.
Some Casting Directors request a slate on a piece of paper with the pertinent info. Just make sure we can READ IT! -
Take 2/3/4Record the scenes 2 or 3 times(or as many times as you need), pausing between takes so that you can pick the best one once youʼve had a chance to review them. Only include your best take.
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CreditsMake sure your audition is labeled with all your contact info clearly on the clip – you can do this before and after – it never hurts to be sure.
This is very important.
We need to be able to reach you if we want to call you back or give you re-direction.
You can also self-tape from your webcam on your computer (a video camera is better, but you can still do it this way). If you’re going to do it this way, I suggest you raise your laptop up a bit so that it’s not shooting “up” at you with an unflattering angle.
You can also practice your upcoming auditions with your webcam and play them back so you can see what’s working and what’s not!
Marci Liroff – Audition Bootcamp – Online Course
“Your audition should not feel like a visit to the doctor! It is your time to show us what you’ve got. I will help you feel more in your body than you’ve ever felt before.” – Marci Liroff
Audition Bootcamp: a one-of-a-kind online class to help actors learn exactly what it takes to win the role in a film and television audition. Takes you step by step through the audition process.
Your purchase of this online course gives you lifetime viewing privileges. New lectures are added throughout the years.
Marci Liroff – Audition Bootcamp – Testimonials
I read Marci’s articles in Backstage and was thrilled to see she had an online class. Her Backstage articles are amazing & full of great info all of us actors need to know, so I knew a class by her would be even better. I’m 50% done and I can’t believe how much I’ve learned. Writing extensive notes and can’t wait to watch the next half. Great class. I highly recommend!
I feel that if I can walk away from an online course with one juicy tidbit then I am happy. Holy Cow, this series offers dozens! And the cherry on top are the links in the end. Great! Thank you!
If you want to understand what you can really bring to an audition, this course is for you! Learn from Marci’s many years of experience in an honest and open class format. You’ll love being able to go back to this course over and over again!
I’ve been following Marci Liroff for a few years and have come to rely on her perspective as gospel. This behind-the-curtain look at the industry and where it’s gone over the last 20 years is a necessity for any actor who wants to connect with casting staff.
