Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1475555
NAIL YOUR NEXT SELF-TAPE PREPARE. PREPARE. PREPARE. Before you start to record, "Read the instructions and remember that the deadline is not the actual deadline," suggests commercials casting director and coach Stacy Gallo. Always try to get your audition sent in early, and if you are delayed for any reason, make sure that you or your agent clearly communicates that with the casting director. Directions are included for a reason. Ensure that you are aware of what the casting director is looking for, how many takes to submit, and the correct format of files to submit. Details matter. Gallo also notes that casting directors notice when you submit your self-tapes. Once you know what the casting director is looking for, be sure to give yourself ample time to rehearse; familiarize yourself with the script and make choices about how you want to approach the scene. KEEP IT SIMPLE. Many performers may be under the impression that for a successful self- tape you need the fanciest camera and the best studio lights and background. Experts suggest that's not the case and that your main priority is delivering your best performance. Worrying about the technical side of self-taping should not be your primary focus. You can achieve great results with most modern smartphones, balanced lighting and a neutral background, offer Zach Fineman and Juan Iglesias, who lead the SAG-AFTRA Foundation's self-tape programs. STAND OUT. One of the perks of the self-tape process is that you have the power to record multiple takes and decide which take — or two — you want to submit. Casting director Anne Mulhall recommends actors "expand the scene" and "think outside of the box." Because they are watching the same auditions over and over, casting is more likely to call back someone who was creative, confident and interesting. And, "if you send in two takes, make sure they're different" and "front load with the interesting stuff," says Mulhall. On a resume, you highlight your greatest strengths at the top; the same goes for a self-tape. SEEK ASSISTANCE. Free member resources are available through the SAG-AFTRA Foundation to help you nail your self-tape — no matter where you live. From one-on- one tech tips to editing advice to virtual readers, visit sagaftra.foundation for details. The self-tape process is simply that, a process. Don't overthink the technical aspects, the experts agree, but rather focus on making sure you can be seen and heard to show those casting directors what you've got! Check out SAG-AFTRA's educational webinars at sagaftra.org/videos as well as the SAG-AFTRA Foundation's tech tips at bit.ly/SAF-TECHTIPS. The above is for informational purposes and may not be a suitable substitute for the advice of other industry professionals. You should always use good judgment in these matters and not act or refrain from acting based solely on information provided here. A fter more than two years of adapting to the self-tape audition process, it is clear that self-tapes are not going away. While the task of self-taping can sometimes seem arduous, here are tips from the experts to help you not sweat your next audition. The President's Task Force on Education, Outreach & Engagement is hosting webinars on self-tapes and important updates to the Commercials Contracts. SCAN THIS CODE TO WATCH! 42 SAG-AFTRA | Summer 2022 | sagaftra.org