Six years ago, when I started working as a booking agent, there was no such thing as “video auditions”. Auditions were always done in front of the casting director. Travel was part of the process. Today, things are done much differently. Casting Directors have realized that they can eliminate a lot of time by requesting video auditions from the actors. Some CDs use the video audition (electronic submission) as a prerequisite to the actual audition. If they’re impressed with an actor’s video audition, they may bring them in.
It is a good idea to do your homework- find out what a good video audition should look like. We receive hundreds of video auditions per week & I can tell you that many of them are done in a very unprofessional manner & will not be considered at all.
Here are some basic guidelines for creating a professional quality video audition:
1. Good Lighting- All you really need is ONE bright light (natural window lighting is great) shining directly on the subjects face. Not at an angle…straight on. That’s it! Don’t make it more complicated than it needs to be.
2, No Distracting background- A solid wall is all you need. If you have to take a picture off the wall, do it. But NO doors or door moldings, light switches, lamps, wall hangings, etc…If there is a light switch behind you, stand in front of it. You only need about a 3×3 ft solid space. So find it, and use it!
3. Crop in tight- Almost all CDs want the audition to be a tight shot. Have the camera zoom in so that there is only a fraction of space above the head & crop just at or below the chest. One important aspect of the audition is to see the facial expressions, At some point, you will want to zoom out & show your full body (usually at the end of the audition).
4. Good audio quality- A simple way to have better audio is to have the camera as close to you as possible without distorting your face. A lot of people set up their camera across the room & the reader/camera person is clearly heard, but not the person auditioning.
5. Avoid camera shake- If you have a basic video camera, it would be wise to use a tripod. You can buy one for under $20.00. If using a camera phone, make sure the person recording you has a steady hand. You may also be able to prop your camera or phone on a ladder or high piece of furniture to prevent camera shake.
6. Never look directly into the camera- Unless you are auditioning for a news reporter, you do not want to look directly into the camera. The reader should be right next to the camera & you should present your lines to the reader. You should almost look like you are looking into the camera, but not directly. This is a general rule.
7. MEMORIZE your lines- Often times you are only given a few hours to get a video audition together, but if at ALL possible, memorize your lines. Very often, we send out audition notices & the actors have days to study their lines. Instead they email the audition right away & the lines are not memorized. If you have done this, you have almost a zero chance of landing that role, If you can only memorize a portion of the script/sides, then do that. But not having your lines memorized looks very unprofessional.
8. Dress the part & use props- Do not go overboard in this area, but if you are auditioning for an executive, wear a suit and tie, not a t-shirt & jeans. If you are a bum, grow some facial hair. When using props, if they enhance your performance, do it. For example, if you are supposed to be talking on a cell phone, use your cell phone.
9. NO Introductory titles and captions!- Casting Directors will give each audition about 5 seconds & if they are not impressed, will go to the next. Go right into your audition. Do NOT put in a bunch of silly titles. When you slate, simply state your NAME & REPRESENTATION. Nothing more unless otherwise instructed by the casting director.
10. Hire a professional- If you cannot achieve a professional quality video audition on your own, you may want to hire a professional to shoot it for you. There are many who can provide this service in the major film cities. Do some research. You should be able to hire a pro for $15- $40. It could mean the difference between booking or not.
Here is a simple tutorial about creating video auditions: https://vimeo.com/33228955
If you have any specific questions regarding video auditions, feel free to comment on this blog page 🙂
REEL SISTERS TALENT AGENCY, LLC 