What are some common mistakes to avoid when doing a self-tape or a video audition?

They say “know the material” which basically means “come prepared!” Use the casting process as an opportunity to demonstrate your ability to bring someone else’s words to life. Acknowledge the road it’s taken to get that script in your hands and put in the hard work needed to book the gig.

Great article! I would add that being comfortable with the material and really understanding it is key. Don’t have the mindset that you can “wing it.” Another tip to keep in mind is that your video delivery is very different from an in-person delivery in that your energy level has to be bigger, a lot more engaging. As a TV News Reporter, I learned early on that the camera minimizes your energy level so your facial expressions and voice need to be slightly elevated so you don’t come across as monotone.

Don't audition, if you don't know your dialogue. If you stutter a line in an audition because you did not prepare correctly, you may damage your acting career. Casting directors never forget. Casting directors will often stop an audition and ask the actor to repeat a line, backup or pick up the dialogue somewhere else in the script. Casting directors will also ask you to read parts of the script that were not detailed in the audition. They may ask you to read a different part than you came in for. Preparing for an audition means being ready to nail anything they may ask you to do. Be prepared and open to change. YES, I can do it! Always the correct answer.

Practice might not make perfect, tho it will make a difference - and sometimes a key differentiator is all you need to stand out and get discovered. Pro tip: use your full voice when rehearsing! Don’t whisper or mimic movement, stretch and teach for your potential. I believe in you. 🙌 #linkedvin

Don't act, be. Read the script and let the words tell you who your character is. The writer had someone in mind. You have to create that person. You have to learn everything about the character from where they drink their coffee to how they feel about politics and love. Keep asking yourself who is this character and how would they react, what does their voice sound like, where are they from, do they have an accent, were they poor growing up, who were their parents? How does this character think and what do they think about? For professional actors, knowing your lines must be a given. There is a big difference between memorizing your lines and knowing them. Once you KNOW your lines, developing rich characters wins auditions.

Not sure what to wear for an audition? Dress the way you want to be remembered. Be mindful of color psychology and the tones that work best for you under indoor/professional lighting.

All the contributor's points are right on! I can add this: Each audition is its own universe. What to wear and who to be is radically different for each audition. We all rewrite resumes to fit the position we are applying for. That's the goal of any audition, to demonstrate your ability to create. Sometimes the casting directors, producers or clients do not know what they want until you show it to them. On a two-actor callback, I was blown out by an actor who came dressed in a Kung Fu Gi. I was amused, at first. He had his entire character tricked out. I had me. I couldn't see his complete vision of the role until I saw it on television. HE brought the character to life. I memorized the script and acted.

It's important to be polite to everyone when working in the film industry, from the runner to the casting director. Firstly, the runner you interact with today may become a prolific director in the future, and it's important to maintain good relationships for networking, connecting, and career longevity. Secondly, having a professional and polite attitude can help you be recommended for future auditions and projects. Teamwork is a fundamental skill in the film industry, and being a collaborator is always preferred over someone who is rude and self-centred.

Breathe. Don’t let nerves make you forget common courtesy. Remember why you chose this profession, and acknowledge the thousands of people you will impact on screen and off. As a creative collaborator, it is well within your power to make this industry a kinder, more inclusive, more impactful place to create content and opportunities that we all benefit from.

To say, be polite, can be overlooked as a generality. People working on movie and television sets are the most cordial work environment I have ever witnessed. The film industry values hustle and dedication. If you are on set for the first time, do some research about where to be and how to act on a movie or television set. Be ready to be helpful in any way you can imagine. Look for opportunities to assist and always be available. When I am not helping or working on a scene, I always make sure that I am in earshot of the directors. If they utter, I fulfill, coffee, cokes, wet rags, I don't care. Be a joy and an inspiration to work with. Learn when to speak and when not to. If in doubt, keep it to yourself. A film set is not a democracy.

5 Mistakes to avoid in castings within your control: - Be On Time - Bring identification - Don’t apologize - Use first names - Believe in yourself and your abilities #linkedvin

One of the most common mistakes I have noticed actors make during self-tape auditions is that they tend to scan read the instructions and end up missing specific requests from the casting director, such as file size, labelling, where to place the ident, and grouping the files together instead of sending them in as separate clips. Another mistake is not taking enough time to read through the script and synopsis and instead rushing through the takes. It is important to take your time, read everything at least twice, don't leave things to the last minute, take a sip of water between takes, experiment with the script and give your character a backstory and record a few different takes.

Proper lighting is key. Too dim will not allow casting to properly see your facial expressions. But, too bright I'd not ideal either as it can wash out the actor and potentially prevent them from seeing acting nuances. Sound is also very important as you want a ultra quiet environment with no background noise. Allow your performance to shine and sing!

If you are doing a self-tape, then you have to accomplish everything a film director does. Set your scene and surroundings, have proper lighting and acoustics and a music-bed. Are you going to style your hair and makeup? Be patient. Shoot it until it's perfect! For an in-person audition or callback, first thing I try to do is figure out why they liked me. Compared to all the other actors what stood out about me? On a callback, I try to delve deeper into the character with wardrobe and additional character insights not expressed in the first audition. The callback is an opportunity for you to show them your entire arsenal. Don't hold back or be afraid to be different.

Learning and improving doesn’t have to happen AFTER casting, it often happens DURING the casting process. Ask questions, provide options, and follow through. Try to avoid “just following up” conversations without providing something new to follow up with, whether that be an update on your credits, skills, or other special interests. #casting #creatoreconomy

Ensure the lighting is bright and that your face is evenly Illuminated. The room should also be quiet with no background noise or distracting sounds. And, always shoot in landscape and compress your video files whenever possible.

DO YOU!!! Meaning, be Yourself... The character is a conduit for You to flow through. Put your authentic, personal touch on the scene as you remain present, in the moment, having fun. Lights, Camera, Action!

Continuous learning is key to every actor's development. Seeking feedback, practicing consistently, and celebrating milestones are all essential steps. I'd also emphasize the value of coaching to refine accents and characterizations. Working with a skilled dialect coach can provide invaluable insights and techniques to elevate your performances, providing you with more tools to craft authentic characters that have depth. Remember, every role is a new opportunity to grow and expand your acting range. Keep pushing your boundaries and striving for excellence.