Remote Auditions: The Future of Auditioning
A couple of months ago, I received a phone call from LA. It was about a feature film about to be made on dance. They wanted me to audition for them the next day in LA. I said sure. However, I am in the Bay Area and may need an extra day to drive there. The response was kind and surprising: “Don’t drive all the way here for the audition. Why don’t you send us a tape?”
It then hit me: We live in a day and age in which we have fewer and fewer excuses not to deliver. Geographical distances don’t matter as much anymore. We can make almost anything happen, anywhere.
And that’s exactly how I got the part. Here are some steps to help you in the process of auditioning remotely:
Print out the sides (analyze script and character motivations as you would when preparing for an actual show).
Identify who you are talking to and decide on which side of the camera that person is.
Choose the quietest spot / room away from a busy street, mute your phones, etc. (wait if planes are passing by, etc.).
Frame your scene (is it a long shot? A close-up? A close-up that gradually turns into a medium shot or vice versa? Are you using a smartphone? A video camera? A tablet, etc.?).
Pay attention to lighting depending on the time of day (can you use natural light? Combine it with a lamp, etc.?).
Practice a few times (or record the practice too because it will cost you nothing and any of those takes might be “the one”).
Watch the takes on a big screen (transfer from smart phone onto laptop or attach laptop to flat screen, etc.).
Determine which one(s) best show your skills and match what the casting directors/producers are looking for.
Label file with your name, project and either scene number or character name.
E-mail file.
Break a leg!
After-thought: Of course, auditioning remotely is never the same as meeting in person. But, it opens more doors for actors when producers, directors and casting directors are open to the idea. Plus, it’s “green”. Could this be the new way of auditioning?