Self tape Auditioning

I used windows movie maker for a while but now I use Videopad video editor by NCH software both FREE.

• 9 years ago
• 1

Sometimes I used the filming function on an ipad - easy to send the video clip by email. Twice the audition has called for me to use the CCP video function that uses the cam on my PC. Once I even had a filmaker friend do some - but that cost a bit!

Certainly saves travelling to the audition and if you fluff your lines you can re-record until it's right. You can even put the lines near the camera if you need that little bit of security!

• 9 years ago
• 2

Thanks Jeremy and Andrew. Yes it definitely helped when I ended up giggling to myself!

• 9 years ago
• 3

I've used my phone, windows movie maker and the CCP video function to self tape. Thanks for your info Andrew. Sonia, which software have you downloaded?

• 9 years ago
• 4

I've tried using my webcam but the lighting in my place isn't brilliant, and holding my own phone just doesn't work very well, particularly when they ask for full length. I tend to use my camcorder on a tripod and a halogen light bounced off the wall.

Once the files are on the PC I use Roxio to edit them and place an ident at the front.

The issue I have with self-taping - especially as a single person - is that the sides often require a second/third person. I don't have a friendly neighbour/relative close enough to help and asking friends to record them and send them to me can be a bit much, notwithstanding the confidentiality of some pieces.

I have recorded them myself, tweaked them with Audacity and controlled the playback as I record the video before now, but that is such an effort.

I don't wish to hijack the thread but I am keen to know what everyone else does with self-taping two/three-handers.

• 9 years ago
• 5

Hi Sonia.

I was musing over the recent trend for self-taping auditions just this afternoon.

I personally enjoy self-tape auditions, if they are then followed by face to face interviews or auditions prior to shooting. I still think its important that both parties meet each other first to see if they are compatible.

Im fortunate enough to have a marvelous video camera (I do a lot of videos of my animals). Its a Panasonic HDC-5D90.

I use Adobe Premier Pro which took some time for me to get used to as it is a seriously powerful and complex editing tool.

I always make sure to do a shot at the beginning of the audition tape to say my name and contact number and the part I am auditioning for. I also leave my details in writing at the bottom of the screen (name, number, email) for the viewers to see.

Dont forget to thank them at the end of the audition tape and welcome any discussions or answer any questions.

x
Emma

• 9 years ago
• 6

Hi Sonia,

I use Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects. If you or anyone needs their showreel compiled and edited I'm happy to do so, to your liking, for a very competitive rate.
I edited my own a while back, and am looking to do another one soon.

• 9 years ago
• 7

Hi all,

Thanks for your offer Manveer, using Signalize who are on here and have used them before :)

Emma, John, thank you - more for me to explore.

Daphne, I found Debut Video capture. It's free to download and I managed to cut/ edit the starting point and you can save in whatever format you need to, which is good if someone requests something specific.

Good luck with work everyone xx

• 9 years ago
• 8

Thanks Sonia, interesting info' from everyone on this thread ;)

• 9 years ago
• 9

So far I've used my phone and tablet to self record but I agree John finding someone to read in at short notice is really hard. I will look at Roxio though, so thanks for the heads up.
Definitely thinking I need to invest in some kind of basic home studio kit though as many VO job specs are refering to the need for 'home studio recording' capacity.
K

• 9 years ago
• 10

I have a Panasonic SDR-H86 and a halogen light and I'm not afraid to use them!

Or to put it another way, in this business people help each other out with reading groups, audition forums and all sorts. So why not a self-taping group? What goes around comes around, does it not?

If people need to self-tape and don't have the facilities and/or an extra reader then I'm happy to have people come to me. I'll record it and send you the files - job done. An hour or so of my time and making new friends - why not?

And when I need to do one, I could come to you. Fair exchange, and all that. It's an idea that I think could work and adds to the whole 'must keep networking' adage. I may even set up a Facebook group!

On the understanding that self-taping also means self-directing and self-editing too, then no additional time/costs should be incurred.

So what do people think? I know Spotlight provide facilities for a cost, but we aren't all in a position to take advantage of that.

• 9 years ago
• 11

Hi Everyone,

Very interesting topic and very useful comments. Where can I find the CCP Video function that some of you mention though?

Thank you

• 9 years ago
• 12

Laurent-Charles - it's a facility provided on certain casting calls if the production co./casting director want video submissions...

• 9 years ago
• 13

Thanks Charlie

• 9 years ago
• 14

Hi Guys! Thank you all for all this useful information. I have used my canon (60d) to record and send as it. It took me ages. Due to this growing self tape tendency we have to find viable ways. John Conway, I think your idea is very good.
Bless you all.

• 9 years ago
• 15

Imovie

• 9 years ago
• 16

Counter productive, we are performers not movie makers. I feel it puts one at a complete disadvantage.
As always I could be wrong.
Brian

• 9 years ago
• 17

Hi Sonia,

You're welcome! Here to help if you ever do need it... 8-)

Manveer

• 9 years ago
• 18

...following on from Brian's comment,is this a presentation exercise?
Self taping is useful for all parties if the casting team is based around the UK or abroad; If the casting team is local (e.g. London) gives the impression they can't be bothered to invest in casting facilities. Casting 'in the flesh' so to speak is the most efficient 'filtering' process..!

• 9 years ago
• 19

I totally agree with Brian and Charles. As a professional actor I perform to the camera. I am not a cameraman, DoP sound or lighting engineer and editor and having to do all of that creates some distraction to the acting performance. I prefer to perform at live auditions and let the director test my versatility and skills. Unless its a big overseas production, in which case I believe it is worth paying someone to shoot it for you.

I am also concerned that some actors might be cleaver at producing self made videos but not so good on live sets.

Of course this is the thin end of the wedge and if it becomes too popular could mean that we actors should all learn to become cameramen, DoPs sound and lighting engineers, directors and editors. The technical stuff can be learned and if the industry wants more competitors then bring it on but, on the other hand, acting can be taught but not necessarily learned by everyone.

• 9 years ago
• 20