How are you labelling your audition files? Currently I'm just using the name of the production company and the role I'm applying for, but not prefixing it with my name. Would it be wise to do so?
I've also heard the term 'slate' in reference to auditions (saying who i am and the role being applied for before the audition audio). Should I be 'slating' my auditions too, or is the cover letter sufficient?
It's kind of a personal choice really and when it comes to Mandy maybe even totally academic, as I believe Mandy automatically renames our uploaded files when a client downloads them. But personally I do always label my audition demos with my own name as well as with the specific job details, but I never slate anymore, unless specifically asked to, as it seems to have fallen out of favour with a lot VO casting directors in recent years in my experience.
It could be said that if Mandy does indeed rename our files when they are downloaded by the client, then we should all be slating our files for auditions, on this platform at the very least, unless specifically asked not to by the casting director in the breakdown of course.
Sorry for not being able to give you a definitive answer, but it's definitely a good call to have your name attached to the files you send out, be that in the file name itself or recorded as a slate.
Anyway that's my penny's worth on the matter... clear as mud as it may be. lol
Thanks for the informative reply Brendan - I really appreciate, especially the part about the slate.
I had a sneaking suspicion that, as time is money etc, casting directors wouldn't want to sit through an audio introduction before hearing the audition so I'm glad I don't have that to worry about now ;).
I believe Mandy does rename the files. I thing the methodology behing no slate/renamed file is so that the client listens to demo without knowing who it is or where it's from, in case they have used you before. It's so that all the submissions start out relatively equal. you may have noticed after you've submitted for a job that the client has looked at your profile. This is usually because they liked the demo, and the renamed submission simply pointed back to your profile.
As far as naming, as mentioned, it's a good idea to have a standard naming procedure for yourself that makes your files easier to, well, file. All my files have a date reference which allows me to look up certain jobs easier, as long as I can sort of remember when I did it, even if I can't remember the name of the job. Whether Mandy renames the files or not, make sure you know what the file is, and how to find it at a later date.
I find the slating / non-slating argument quite fascinating, as I've heard such vehemance on boths sides of the fence it astounds me. I'm like Brendan myself: I slate when asked to, otherwise the demo starts with my read. Back when I started professionally, everyone slated. Much like acting auditions, it was part of the process. 10 years later, it's fallen out of favour with some. Different platforms have different criteria. Read the instructions for every demo. you won't go wrong. before you hit the record button, make sure you've read everything, including the sides twice. You might think you are wasting time, but you are actually saving yourself time and headaches.
Slate if you want to... don't if you don't. The business is changing and morphing. There is no definitive yes or no. Or be like myself and Brendan... slate if asked to.
Why thank you Kasper - a lot of effort went into making that classic happen :))!
That's really good advice regarding naming your files with a date reference. At the moment I'm keeping track of auditions on a spreadsheet, and have labelled my DAW sessions to match the spreadsheet. I'm going to go with your suggestion though and start naming my files with the date too - with the memory I have it'll be a bonus.
Thanks Brian. To each their own really. I just remember thinking, why do I have to label the filles anything special? Now, I look back at all the auditions I've done and I'm glad I have. some people have different folders for different platforms. Myself, I just need the dates. It also shows me when I doing lots of demos and when I wasn't.
The other reason for the date, for me personally, is I keep the files for 4-6mths, especially the demos that were attached to jobs. After 6mths, I dump all the DAW files and usually keep the mp3, as it's small and easy to file away. Those become references for myself to see how my style has changed over time, as I learn new techniques, or revist ones I forgot about.
I can absolutely see the benefit of using the dates for archiving purposes Kasper - my hard drive is bulging as it is.
Thanks again - you keep rocking too!
1 year ago
7
You must login as a candidate to participate in the forum.
Please note:Messages written in the forum do not represent the views of The Mandy Network, nor have they been vetted by The Mandy Network staff.
If you read something which you believe to be offensive or defamatory, please contact us and we will take the appropriate action.
We use cookies to ensure you have a personalised user experience, as well as to analyse our traffic and tailor content, ads and social media features. We share some of this information with our technology, analytics and marketing partners.
Privacy Policy
