Self Taping: The Actor's Guide - Revised Edition

By Richard Evans CDG

Self taping (the process of an actor putting themselves on tape instead of going along to a conventional casting or audition) is an increasingly used method of casting in the film, television & theatre industries. Instead of a conventional audition or screen test, actors are now asked to film their own auditions, edit the scenes together and send the finished product to the casting director or production company concerned. Many find this process daunting and confusing, even terrifying, not knowing where to start, whether they've got it right or what they have filmed is of good enough quality.

This book, by an established casting director with over 30 years of experience, is packed with inside information, advice and resources to guide you through self taping step-by-step,from what to prepare before filming to sending your tape and what to expect afterwards.

An indispensable read for every actor and performer, which will ensure you’re prepared, keep you ahead of the competition and increase your success.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Jul 2, 2019
• ISBN: 9780244498634

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Self Taping: The Actor's Guide - Revised Edition

Self Taping: The Actor’s Guide – Revised Edition

by Richard Evans CDG

COPYRIGHT

© Richard Evans 2019

Richard Evans has asserted his rights in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work.

Published by SelfTaping.com

This second edition published in eBook format in 2019

First published in eBook format in 2014

ISBN: 978-0-244-49863-4

All rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. By payment of the required fees, you have been granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right to access and read the text of this eBook on screen. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, decompiled, reverse-engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereafter invented, without the express written permission of the Publisher.

1.      WHAT IS SELF TAPING?

We have all heard of the phenomenon of the 'selfie', a practice involving taking photographs of yourself in an interesting location or with other, sometimes famous people, using your camera phone and usually posting them on social media sites. However, as you are doubtless aware, there is a form of selfie that is becoming more and more common and necessary as a career tool for actors and performers. This is known as self taping and, as the name implies, it involves you doing an audition on camera, filmed in your own home, rather than a casting suite or studio, maybe being your own camera person and editor, and getting the finished product to the company that has requested it, to a (sometimes tight) deadline.

WHY SELF TAPING?

So, why do we have to do all this work instead of just turning up for a casting? While some people might think this a lazy, even cheapskate way of doing things – as the production company will be saving money on hiring an expensive casting suite and extra staff by putting the onus on you – it can also have some useful advantages to the actor concerned.

The main advantage of self taping over physically going to a casting or audition at a designated time, is that it will save your time and money, especially if the production in question is being cast or produced in a different city, or even country, from where you are based or happen to be. Another distinct plus in favour of the DIY route is, depending on the timescale involved, everything can be done at your own pace and at a time that suits you, rather than having to turn up at an allotted time on a specific day. It can also mean that you have more time to learn the script and get the filming just right. If necessary, you can do take after take until you're happy with the finished product (a luxury you will rarely, if ever be afforded in a casting suite,