{"id":6853,"date":"2019-06-11T16:06:30","date_gmt":"2019-06-11T16:06:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/performerstuff.com\/mgs\/?p=6853"},"modified":"2019-06-21T19:20:45","modified_gmt":"2019-06-21T19:20:45","slug":"self-taping-auditions-part-2-acting-editing-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/performerstuff.com\/mgs\/self-taping-auditions-part-2-acting-editing-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Self-Taping Auditions Part 2: Acting & Editing Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

Self-Taping Auditions Part 2: Acting & Editing Tips<\/b><\/h3>\n \"\"<\/a><\/span>

Written by Ella Embry<\/p>\n

May 1st, 2019<\/p>\n<\/font>

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Now that you\u2019ve read about what you need for self-taping <\/span>here<\/a>,<\/strong><\/span><\/span> what\u2019s next? The audition itself! You\u2019ve got auditioning for staged theatre down but how is that different behind a camera? Here\u2019s a list of five acting for video audition tips along with five video editing tips to help you create the best audition you can. <\/span><\/p>\n
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Acting<\/strong><\/h1>\n

1. Don\u2019t look directly into the camera except to slate.<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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This is the same as not looking directly at the director\/producers when auditioning in person. Address the camera lens directly as yourself during your slate, but make sure to look above and slightly to the left or right of the lens for your monologue. If you have one, your reader should be able to help you find a good focus spot that looks natural.<\/p>\n

2. Focus your energy to where the camera will actually see you.<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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If you have a significant moment in your monologue where you stamp your foot in frustration rethink a way to bring that same intention and passion into your eyes. The camera won\u2019t be able to see your foot stomp, but it will be able to see your eyes gloss with anger and your lip sneer.<\/p>\n

3. Take your time & react.<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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No one acts in a void. Make sure you take a beat before you start your monologue to react to what starts your character\u2019s big speech. You may be reacting to Sweeny Todd about to slit your throat or waking up to Puck\u2019s magic love spell on you \u2013 whatever it is, make sure to take a moment to react first.<\/p>\n

4. Create the person you\u2019re speaking to.<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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Now that you\u2019ve reacted to the other person speaking that starts your monologue, put them somewhere and keep them there. If Rosencrantz is on your left and Guildenstern on your right, then make sure to reference the right side of the camera when delivering your monologue to either character.<\/p>\n

5. Have a good reader.<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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Sometimes you might need a reader to help with sides when the director wants more than just a monologue. They\u2019ll be reading the other characters in the scene for you to react to. Try to recruit another actor friend who will be easily understood on camera and is willing to help.<\/p>\n

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Editing<\/strong><\/h1>\n

6. Make sure you have the basics for a good video.<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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Background, lighting, sound quality – all of these things are essential when shooting an audition tape. You can shoot from home rather than rent out a studio, but you\u2019ll need to have the right equipment. For a full list of everything, you\u2019ll need to see our first article\u00a0<\/span>here!<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

7. Shoot how you are asked.\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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The default for self-taped auditions is all in landscape orientation with your slate as a full body shot and your monologue as a medium shot or a medium close up. However, some directors have different preferences, so look before you shoot. Never shoot in profile unless specifically asked.<\/p>\n

8. Watch the time \u2013 don\u2019t go over the limit.<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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Monologues typically run an exact 60 seconds, and your slate should only be a few seconds depending on how much the director asks you to include. When editing those two videos together, make sure to cut all dead space when you\u2019re not speaking to keep it short, sweet, and to the point.<\/p>\n

9. No fancy openings\/endings.<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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Adding an opening curtain as a way to start your monologue and a \u201cFin\u201d card to end it may sound like a fun idea, but it can be distracting, or worse give a bad first impression. Keep your editing simple, no fun frames or words running at the bottom of the screen to distract from your performance.<\/p>\n

10. Don\u2019t be afraid to adjust audio\/lighting in post<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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Video editing can be daunting, especially if you’ve never done it before or don\u2019t have any of the fancy software to help. But if for some strange reason your video looks super yellow or the audio is too quiet, try fixing it with basic video software before rearranging your entire set up and shooting again.<\/p>\n
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Need some advice? We\u2019ve got you covered.<\/h3>\n