AKT ADVICE

SELF TAPE:

In recent times the frequency of self-tape (filming at home) has far surpassed other forms of casting, particularly for first rounds.
This can sometimes be daunting and does throw some technical aspects to consider into the mix.

It really is nothing to be worried about and casting directors aren’t expecting blockbuster quality filmed in your sitting room.

you may be sent some material at home to send back to the casting team. Recording these on an IPad or IPhone is perfectly acceptable.

LOCATION – Pick a quiet room that has minimum background noise.

LIGHTING – Natural light is always best, this can be achieved by having a window behind the camera where possible, ring lights or other lighting tools can be useful but aren’t essential.

BACKDROP – Choose a plain wall, ideally black, white, blue but mainly nothing too busy. Do not film towards a window.

PROPS - Limit prop usage this is often not necessary and can be a distraction for the casting team and performer.

ANGLE - unless directed otherwise only shoot head and shoulders, the initial ident should be carried out looking to camera and unless requested specific attention should be paid to ensuring the sides/text is performed naturally look off camera. Wandering eyes to the lens can sometimes be a tell of inexperience, keep a focus point, the off-camera reader can be the best point for this.

When shooting on a phone this should be carried out landscape

OFF CAMERA READER – For the lines that aren’t that of the character you are taping for you will require an off-camera reader. This person doesn’t need to be competing for a BAFTA they just need to be able to read in the alternative lines allowing for your reactions and responses to be clear. They are also a good focus point.

THE PROCESS:

Start with a full (Long) shot so we can see your full body from head to toe. Then the rest should be filmed head and shoulders unless requested otherwise. 

Don’t filter or add any transitions whilst editing, keep it simple!

IDENT - should be delivered directly into the camera in native accent, stating:

o Full stage name, o Age
o Height,
o Agent

o Location
o Role / Project you’re taping for
o Anything interesting that may be relevant.

SCENE / SIDES: Pause for a second then begin to act out the scene. Make sure you are framed tight (from top of the head to just past the shoulder). 

DO NOT read directly to camera. Interact with your reader, who should be positioned next to the camera so you will be facing the direction of the camera but not looking to the camera. Keep one fixed angle and keep it as natural as possible.

Files should be saved in the requested format and clearly labelled. Most casting teams will want these returned via WeTransfer (The free service is fine), or via an UNLISTED YouTube link. Tagmin or Spotlight may also be used directly.

There are lots of benefits to self-taping, including being able to retake until you are happy. However, we would advise you to ensure you are off book (lines are learnt) and you don’t over think it. Sometimes you can do too many takes and lose the natural element, so try not to panic. Learn it and just get it done.

                                                                          HAPPY TAPING!

MUSICAL THEATRE

Pro’s

First round auditions will usually require one short version of a song (32 bar cut) and generally also include a dance round.

Ensure music is well prepared and taped or in an appropriate folder. You should also be knowledgeable on tempo and key and able to guide the accompanist on this if asked.

Select well-rehearsed pieces and ensure they are appropriate for the role you are being considered for.

Further rounds will be more specific however, always ensure all requested material is fully prepared and if in doubt ask questions.

TOP TIPS:

• Don’t hide at the back of the room.
• Use material you know (adapt for style if needs)
• If in doubt, ask.
• Have fun! If you show you enjoy the process this demonstrated how
  workable you are!

What to wear?
Block colours are always a safe bet and give the panel a point of reference, form fitting wear is best for a dance round but if changing attempt to keep the same accent colour.
Ensure you have all appropriate footwear for the dance call.

Etiquette
Always ensure you are early and polite to EVERYONE! Where there are large casting calls, you will encounter lots of different personalities. Just be YOU and try not to let the environment affect you.
Remember, you can always run ideas and questions by your agent!

For young performers:

One monologue no longer than 2mins, and a short verse and chorus of a song (usually unaccompanied) something enjoyable for the performer, that will allow them to show their skills off to the best of their abilities
(Short poems, film extracts or Musical theatre pieces are all acceptable).

Auditionees will arrive, be registered, and await a group round in a holding area. Performers will then generally be taken in groups to perform their pieces. Singing is generally performed in front of the group during the first rounds with the acting pieces if required normally being performed on a more one to one basis.

The panel will usually consist of around three or four members.

Dance: any dance calls must just be tackled with full confidence, remembering that the panel understand that it will be a new routine for you, so will be looking for auditionees who perform the choreography. It’s not all about being the best dancer or getting every step correct.

 If you can perform with character, confidence and demonstrate enough determination to make it through the routine it will normally be enough to make it through the initial rounds.

Any further rounds are usually on a smaller scale and will be more about the casting team exploring the performers skills, providing them with possible material to learn.

TELEVISION & FILM

TV and film auditions will, for most, be the favoured type of audition. It will be on a lower scale, resulting in slightly less pressure.

You will usually be sent a section of script (sides) to learn. Sometimes this will be short notice, so ensuring you are able to learn these as quick as possible is essential. Only when you are off script will the director be able to explore the character and piece with you and see full reactions.

These first rounds will normally be a 10 min time slot with a casting team and a camera, the panel will normally be around 1 – 3 people and their aim will be to capture everything on camera for later considerations.

You will be asked to say your name, age and usually turn profile (meaning turn side on to the camera, looking to one side and then the other and sometimes asked to show the front and back of your hands).

Remember, for TV and film they want to see YOU not a pretence or over the top character. Whilst you may be given emotions and a background story you should ask yourself how YOU would act in this situation as a starting point.

TOP TIP: Don’t over think anything, in reality we act on impulse, and this is what casting teams will be looking for in performance.

Be yourself, be personable and have something to talk about. It is at these auditions that they may try and get to know you, so be confident in yourself and just be willing to go with whatever they ask or direct, without hesitation.

After this type of audition, it can sometimes be a rather lengthy process before finding out the result. You must remember, the outcome is not always a reflection of talent as with TV & Film, more than stage, the look and specifics dictate the outcome.

We hope you find some of the information helpful and it assists you to be the best you can be when those exciting opportunities arise!

You can download these tips in our handbook or request a pdf on email: agent@aktmanagement.co.uk

GOOD LUCK, BE YOURSELF & HAVE FUN!