We have found 19,308 posts across 4 actor forums:
Tips and hints on Audition Self-Tapes from a professional Casting Director's office! by ShintoShinto • last post Sep 2nd
Hello my fellow artists! As an actor in LA I know how frustrating self-tapes can be. I want to share these tips with you from a professional Casting Director's office. ​ *EQUIPMENT* **1. Keep it simple.** a. You DON’T have to spend a lot of money to have a solid self-tape set-up. b. Don’t stress! Remember, we are not looking for a perfectly produced video. c. Do your best and try to enjoy it like any other audition. **2. Camera** a. Use a tripod or something similar to secure your camera, phone, or tablet. b. Always record horizontally, not vertically. Full-body slates are an exception. c. Computers can make great self-tapes while allowing you to have a virtual reader. d. Ideal framing is close enough to see your eyes. We connect with people’s eyes, so this is very important. You should be in the center with the bottom of the frame at about the middle of your chest and the top of the frame just above the top of your head. **3. Backdrops & Backgrounds** a. Backdrops are acceptable but not really necessary. A plain wall or even a sparsely decorated side of the room is perfectly fine, so long as it is not distracting from your performance. **4. Lighting** a. Be sure you have good light and can be seen clearly but not so bright that you are blown out. Make sure your eyes can be seen clearly. Can we tell what color they are? b. Natural, indirect sunlight, with you facing a window often works well. Ring lights also often work well, travel easily, and they don’t have to be expensive. c. Avoid bright lights behind you (ie. windows), which might draw light away from your face and eyes when on camera. **5. Sound** a. Find a quiet room without an echo. A smaller room may provide the best sound. b. Position the reader so that they are not closer to the camera and louder than you. c. Consider a directional mic or lavalier (lapel) mic if you experience background noise or if the reader is too loud. *PREPARATION & PERFORMANCE* **1. Prepare as you would any audition.** a. Do your research. Learn everything you need to know about the project and watch an episode! What is the genre? Where and when does it take place? Who is behind it? What is the tone and pacing? b. Understand your sides: Define words you don’t know; Learn how to pronounce unfamiliar words and names; Reference other character sides if available; Be confident with your understanding of the material. c. Try to be as off-book as possible but you don’t have to be empty-handed: Know your lines and be confident with the material so you can focus on performing. Unless told otherwise, we have no problem with actors holding their sides. d. Avoid paraphrasing and ad-libbing: Changing lines is generally not advisable, but if you HAVE to phrase a line slightly differently to get through it, we will try not to hold it against you. Keep in mind that many writers/producers may prefer that you do not change anything as you risk altering the pacing, flow, and/or humor. An exception may be the occasional, minor ad-libbed button at the end of a scene, but not every office is receptive to this. Use sparingly. e. Minimize action and movements. f. Ask Questions! If you can’t figure something out after doing your own research, always ask your rep to pass along your questions to us. We WANT you to have everything you need to succeed and we are happy to answer your thoughtful questions. **2. Wardrobe** a. Keep your wardrobe simple. Appropriate, everyday clothes are perfectly fine unless otherwise specified. b. You may dress towards a character but you should avoid costumes unless requested. For example, you can dress for a military role without wearing fatigues or a uniform. Instead of fatigues, maybe a t-shirt or tanktop tucked into khakis might work. Instead of military uniform, try a plain, button-down shirt with dark slacks. c. Avoid wardrobe with distracting text or clashing colors and patterns. **3. Props** a. In general, avoid props whenever possible. Props, especially unexpected props, may distract the viewer from your performance. b. Common exceptions to the props rule are cell phones, bags, glasses. c. If you use a prop, don’t make the scene about the prop. d. Avoid things in your mouth, such as gum, toothpicks, food, and beverages. 4. Always use a live reader when possible, but do your best with what you have. a. Pick a reader that you can work with, react to, and won’t upstage you. b. If a reader cannot physically be in the room with you, try reading the scene via video chat or phone. Consider platforms like Zoom or WeAudition which allow you to record yourself on the same device while working with a reader. I think all around they cover generally every point that can help you film a better self-tape. BUT to tell you my opinion and success I've had with my own way of doing it: don't upstage/stress yourself by being too technical when it comes to self-tapes. Your authenticity & performance is the most important part about your tape, don't be afraid to bend the rules in your benefit. Hope this helps a little - Shoot if you have any questions! Peace!
What to do next in my career by Actingchick1234 • last post Sep 2nd
Hello all, I've been acting since 2015 but I didn't start getting serious about it until the beginning of 2019 and I am stuck in a rut. I genuinely can't tell where to go from here with trying to break into this industry. Some may call it analysis paralysis. Is it just COVID slowing me down? Should I move somewhere with more opportunity? Should I go back to school? Should I make my OWN footage? Should I try for an agent? What did YOU do in your beginner's journey?? I was told by many actor friends and some teachers in the industry that the next best step for me was to audition for non-union projects, short films, and student films to build my reel. I have been doing that since the beginning of 2019 and I have been in a number of productions (up until COVID) but half the time I never see the footage again, the footage is crappy, or the project falls apart! Am I knocking at the wrong door? I am located in Philly. Maybe prospects would be better in a more serious location like New York or LA? Many have told me to get more experience before making that kind of move but I feel like I am doing all that I can in my area and so much is out of my control. A bit about me: \-I have a minor in Theatre Performance \-Many years of experience in community theatre \-I've taken classes in monologues, scene study, auditioning, commercial work, film acting, etc. outside of my undergrad minor. \-I booked two decent roles for low-budget short films back to back right before COVID, but now I seem to be auditioning with no results. Anyway, I am wondering where to go from here. Should I keep trying to book small projects to build a reel? Should I move to a more active industry location? Do you think it would help generate traction if I got an MFA or went to a conservatory (is it really worth the amount of money it costs)? Any advice would be so greatly appreciated!!
I want to be an actor but I don’t... by normalfldude • last post Sep 2nd
I (21m) need some advice I guess. I’m not close minded, I’m not “repressing myself”. I’m actually completely comfortable with my sexuality and sex in general. Just the idea of “doing it” (or at least pretending too) with someone that I A. Don’t know very well B. Am not attracted to (even if I was attracted to them it’ll be awkward) acting like I’m attracted to them doesn’t actually make me really attracted to them. Just doesn’t sit well with me but also being filmed or watched doing doesn’t make me comfortable...also being “nude” on screen or stage doesn’t either Here’s the thing I can do anything else...I can “kill” someone, kiss someone (not full make out though) anything else but sex...I can’t or least don’t feel comfortable doing it. I feel like my sexuality (even if I’m “someone else” for a role it’s still my face and body etc. that is on the stage or in the film) is something very private to me and is something that I want to share with myself and my partner... Another thing is looks...I’m decent looking but I’m no model or “typical” actor handsome...(though I have been told I’m good looking so maybe it’s insecurity talking idk) I don’t think I’ll make the cut in film or on the stage because of it I’m also thin (of course that can be changed but idk if I want to do that at the same time). I *love* acting itself, I love being in another world, becoming a “different person” and experiencing the scenes as that character and telling (or being apart of) a story...it’s magical even though magical doesn’t really do it justice. I just don’t think I have what it takes outside of the stage or film...I can act, I know I can (of course I want to improve) and it’s not arrogance or blind confidence or delusion talking...I’ve had people who’ve done it professionally (stage at least) tell me I could do it but I’m also my own worst critic but watching myself on video performing I have to admit I’m good...it’s the industry itself just seems awful, the people, the directors, the importance of looks, the insane competition...I don’t know...I mean I think I could push through but I’m not sure if it’ll effect me or not over time. Of course maybe I could be wrong about it as I’m not actually in it right now. If I don’t go for it I’m afraid I’ll be throwing away a chance at something I’ll love out of fear.. Location is also an issue as I live in a smaller city in the southern us (cliche I know a small city guy wants to be an actor lol) Guys would not doing sex scenes make me unprofessional? Also by reading my thoughts should I just stick to local unprofessional stuff? and have it as a hobby? Nothing wrong with it but one part of me has wanted to pursue it professionally.
Self tape studio? by Kennerps • last post Sep 2nd
Hey! I’m an actor in LA and since COVID started I haven’t had much places to shoot my self tapes due to my living situation. If anyone in LA has a homemade studio they wouldn’t mind me shooting a self tape at every so often it would be much appreciated. Preferably someone near the marina del rey area!
Acting schools in England??? by Lepord2404 • last post Sep 2nd
Heyy So I am doing my GCSE's next year and was curious in regards to acting schools for sixth form. If anyone can help it would be very helpful. I am looking to find out the best acting school in England (preferably near London) that I could go to. I love competition, so if its super hard to get into but would set me up well, I would still love to hear it. On the other hand, if anyone can give me some advice on how to move forward from after my GCSEs that would also be very helpful. I would like to be a well known young actor like Tom Holland. I know it's difficult, but I am up for the challenge and committed to acting. I am aiming for straight 9s at GCSE :D so I hope this widens the range of acting schools I could apply for a place in. ​ Thanks!!
Beware of teachers & coaches that aren't doing better than YOU. by June_Etoile • last post Sep 2nd
I've seen a few posts on here about teachers & schools and I wanted to weigh in because this is YOUR money. YOUR career. YOUR life. There are so many scammers out there and they want your MONEY. Make sure if you are looking for teachers/actors here are my thoughts: 1. They are BOOKING MORE THAN YOU. If this coach is booking more, they are doing something right in the room. If they are NOT booking more than you but the people they are coaching are BOOKING, getting callbacks, getting positive feedback and getting called back in by the same CDs, then that is fine too. This industry has seasons for us all. Make sure the last person they put on tape didn't book in 1983. 2. Beware of teachers that are expected to be treated like 'gurus' and worshipped and adored, that's usually a recipe for disaster - this industry (I mean look at all the girls that did Nxivm - tons of actresses) attracts some really insecure people. Trust your gut and don't work with abusive and condescending teachers that expect idol worship. Do your research. Google them, talk to others who have gone to them. Do those actors strike you as stable, responsible, balanced people that are working? Great. But if not... 3. If there are places you have to audition to get into, and you know people that have gotten rejected from those places, to me - I like that. It means that place has a standard. Things have changed with casting workshops, yes, so my thoughts here are admittedly dated but that is why I enjoyed One on One because I knew people that had gotten rejected from there. If not everyone gets in, there is a standard. That's good. They don't just want your money. 4. Beware of places that offer $200 consultations and above that HAVE NOT BOOKED that many people. Look at the ratios. I can't tell you how many of these places exist. They consult you, tell you you need new headshots, and then you're off and they've made $200 from your 30 minutes. Beware! If they've gotten people booking, and working, that's one thing - but have you really done your research. Alot of those places too have 'deals' with headshot photographers - in that they get kickbacks if they send you to the headshot photographer. That's shady. They will speak with such 'conviction' about everything and because you are currently feeling 'lost' in your career (understandable and human) you will fork over the dough to a headshot photographer that might not be right for you. One place (in my younger years) was so condescending to me and then years later when I booked something huge (on my own) they were first to tag me on FB/IG like "Congrats to our consultant (my name) for booking (Big Job)" - I wrote them back and told them to take it down. I never met the CD through their shady place. I met the CD through my new manager. If you are remotely successful they will try to own your success. Fuck them. 5. Create for yourself. This doesn't mean take 2 improv classes. It means write something for yourself and shoot it. Take a class where you come out with a PRODUCED piece of writing from a place you trust (and hell, if you want to do it on your own go for it) and then just shoot something. Anything. Even if it's 'not good' you will have learned and you will grow from it and get better from it. Promise. Create your own school in that way if need be. 6. Listen to podcasts from people you admire like crazy. Reverse-engineer your career from there. See how they got where they did, study their moves, and go from there. Read their bios. Learn about them. 7. Last but not least be very wary of people offering online classes that are like, 12 years old. Most times they do not know what they are talking about. Go to those with experience. Read books like AUDITION by Michael Shurtleff. I'm writing this because I see so many actors (especially young) wasting money on these programs that are just geared to make other people money. It's your money so be conscious with how you spend it. There is no silver bullet in this industry to 'make it' - keep working on your skillset, be kind, work with others you admire. All the best.
Having trouble finding a balance with screaming and regular lines. by Sokano • last post Sep 1st
Hey all, I'm a hobbyist voice actor. I just got an XLR mic, so I'm now able to mess about with gain and stuff in order to prevent my mic from peaking while I scream. The problem I've run into is that, when I have the gain lower, the audio sounds a bit muffled, and less clear than with higher gain. Obviously, that makes sense, but I'm trying to figure out how to make the difference between the gain levels for each kind of line less obvious. If I turn the gain any higher, it just starts peaking, so that's out. Hope I'm not being a dumbass! Edit: I think I got the best answers I can get for this. I'm going to experiment with proximity. The XLR splitter technique I unfortunately don't have access to, but that seems great too. Thanks for the advice, you few guys!
How do you feel about an actor who listen to music on set? by ACuteRedditAccount • last post Sep 1st
Hi, music makes my acting game so much easier/better when its an emotional scene where i cry. Will it be seen as unprofessional or complicated if I ask the team if i can wear my earphone during a particular scene? (Obviously only if I can hide the ear piece with my hair or the camera angle). I can still cry without music but its so helpfull for me. Music has the power of making me feel strong emotions so quickly. Thanks!
I need help by juju_love1999 • last post Sep 1st
When I was younger I’ve always wanted to be a singer/actor but with the paths I’ve taken it’s been a rocky battle between criticism and parents not really pushing me I’ve grown to be more scared and have pushed myself in a corner... not singing or expressing my self anymore... but this time I wanna change I’m turning 21 and I want to go back to my dreams of being on the big screen but I don’t know where to start... I live in Canada and I really do want to be like the beautiful stars I see today. So where do I start? Ps. I can’t attend any schools as I’m attending school to become a doctor
Hi, I need a voice actor for a single line (not paid) by The_MCGuffin_Show • last post Sep 1st
Hey there, I'm making a Spider-man short film. I am looking for someone to voice Curt Conners as a small cameo. It's for an audio log in the post-credit scene and it'll last no longer than 20 seconds. ​ Here's the line: "Audio log #12. I’ve almost perfected the serum, and I think that by tomorrow, I will have human trials begin. Though I have noticed possible, side effects in the formula. But I’m willing to take the risk, for the greater good... " If you want to send me your audio, my e-mail address is: [sammyjackdel@gmail.com](mailto:sammyjackdel@gmail.com) (If you want your name in the credits, feel free to send me your real name) ​ Thank you
Sanford Meisner Masterclass DVD online? by AlenACNL • last post Sep 1st
Hello fellow actors! I was trying to watch the full Sanford Meisner masterclass online today but I have not been able to find it. Some snippets of it exist online (Like: https://youtu.be/jP1Nkr1kc5o ) but trying to buy the DVD gives me a dead link here in Germany. I'm willing to pay so if someone has the full masterclass online for free or by payment method or a working link to buy the DVD I would greatly appreciate it! Thank you :)
Emotions casting video: I found out what it's for! by deletedbear • last post Aug 31st
So last month i posted on this subreddit grating about getting sent videos of people acting out emotions instead of acting out the script. Today i found out why! Spoke to an actress i know about it, and turns out it's something casting directors in Malaysia ask for! But! Its for commercials without dialogue. Apparently it's pretty standard, that they'll ask for 4 emotions. I guess some actors who want to transition from commercials to shorts etc assume it's going to be the same process?
Looking for volunteer voice actors for pilot animatic by CarveyShow • last post Aug 31st
Hello, I’m pitching a show to Adult Swim and I need to find a few volunteer actors who can fill some roles for me so that I’m not doing all the voices myself. I will gladly credit you and provide links to your work in the production documents. If anyone is interested please contact me at carveypumpkinson@gmail.com. Thank you!
Kevin Spacey amazing actor? by crackheadkittyy • last post Aug 31st
Is it me or is there an emotional disconnect with Kevin Spacey’s acting? It’s like nearly overacted but not and there is a slight blur where I can’t connect emotionally with his characters that always leaves me guessing or thinking more into the characters. My question is if this is intended or a flaw in his acting that can’t emotionally connect that leaves the viewer unhinged/ or wanting more to understand.
Is my plan decent? by justbeanon • last post Aug 31st
I'm 20 years old and have wanted to be an actor for as long as I can remember. I did plays in high school and even won a state wide talent show with a monologue, but I gave up for about two years after graduatiing high school. I recently got back into it and have been resume building in my small Midwest state only since January. I've managed to get representation from a regional agent and I have done 5 student/indie films and have two more lined up (all were small and low budget), as well as one local commercial. I've gotten most of this on my own. There aren't many roles for me around my area though because I play 15-22 and it seems like most roles in the Midwest market are either super young or past college age. Anyway, on top of this I have been working with an LA based coach for a year now and I am taking an ongoing class with another LA coach soon. I've also done several workshops. I know it's early, but I've been told by my coach that the sooner you move to LA the better as long as you can support yourself. I'm saving money and could have $25k saved up by March/April. My plan is to move then, spend the first few weeks looking for a job, beginning acting classes out there, updating my online profiles, making sure my reel looks great, and getting the best headshots made (I pretty much already know my brand.. I'm a petite young adult girl and can do girl next door, mean girl with a hidden heart, troubled teen, and awkward coming of age roles). After this, I want to start sending out my material to every single agent and manager in LA that accepts unsolicited material and seems like a good fit. I will continue resume building during this time and maybe do just a bit of background work as well. My hope is to have either an agent or a manager by pilot season 2022. Is this doable? If not then that's fine, I'm in it for the long haul.
Had such a bizarre live virtual audition. by silkk8 • last post Aug 31st
I had been struggling with how to prepare for this audition, as it is a scene where I have no lines, but I'm assisting someone in a reenactment. Some of it is reenacting very violent things, but my character is also very unconvincing in their acting. I join the virtual waiting room and get called in early, and the only thing I can see is the wall in the CD's office. Which was intentional on their part. So basically they read off the scene with the other character's lines but also cut some parts out to make it shorter. It was so weird and awkward trying to act out this "unconvincing" reenactment standing up, though sitting wouldn't really have helped either. I only did it once, no redirection. The CD chuckled a bit when I was done but I'm trying not to read into that, lol. I probably bombed, but my character was supposed to be a bad actor so I honestly have no idea what to think about how I came across. I think this audition was really better suited for in-person, but that's not possible atm. Has anyone else ever had super weird auditions that you couldn't make sense of?
The Business of Voiceover by NaturallyRPVoiceover • last post Aug 31st
Hi all, A few weeks ago, I was asked to give a free online talk on the business side of voiceover by the Collective Creative Initiative - a company that streams free content for actors and freelancers every day, then keeps the streams available for about 2 months after. My talk lasts about 50 minutes and covers agents, freelancing sites, P2P sites and direct marketing - with me going into some detail about what has worked and what hasn't in the four years since I went fulltime as a voiceover. I'd be really interested in any feedback from people on here - (as long as it's constructive?!) - as I've been asked to do a more indepth version of this for the Skillshare platform, and know there's a lot more I can go into detail about. Certainly website design is a thing I can expand on hugely. Hopefully it may be of some interest to people on here, regardless of what level you're at. The video is available to watch for the next few weeks here: [https://youtu.be/eizGXkscCxs](https://youtu.be/eizGXkscCxs) I'm not selling any coaching and won't be gaining anything except your feedback, just to be clear! Just want to make the content I have as concise, relevant and helpful as possible. Many thanks!
I feel like I’ve gotten worse at acting by sircarrgomm • last post Aug 31st
Two years ago I was really confident in my skills as an actor. I felt like I could approach any monologue and perform it in an engaging and exciting way. Now when I look at a monologue I’m totally lost on where to take it, and when I eventually deliver it it’s dry and uninteresting. Has anyone else experienced this kind of decline? What did you do about it?
Anyone else worried about past mistakes coming to light if they become a "movie star"? by JustSayin525 • last post Aug 31st
Hey everyone, I'm a 23 year old girl living in Los Angeles and pursuing acting professionally. I feel like we as actors are in a very unique position compared to 99.9% of the rest of the world because great success in our field also means increased visibility and fame. I've been envisioning my future self and life and the possibility of becoming very, very successful and famous in the entertainment industry. I've done things in my past that I'm not too proud of (if you look at my two recent posts you'll see what I mean.) Let's just say I've been foolish in my youth on some chat/webcam sites and my face may have been recorded when I was in a few compromising situations. Do you guys ever fear the possibility of becoming a big-name actor/director/producer/writer and having past photos/videos/texts/e-mails/etc. that may not show you in the best light surface and become widely distributed amongst the masses? It's just been something I've been thinking about more and more lately and is kind of making me scared to continuing pursing acting. Thoughts?
Finding a Mentor. Is it necessary? by nikecure • last post Aug 31st
I have seen a few articles about mentors in acting and the importance of them but I don't know how necessary it really is. This forum seems to talk about networking a lot so is finding a mentor the same as networking? Do you have to be at a certain point of your career to gain one? Do you think that mentors are outdated? I have found a few actors that I admire that work in my market and are signed to reputable agencies. Should I try networking with them or should I wait till I have something to show?