Chicago Self-Taped Auditions
It's hard to believe the holiday season is already upon us when I'm still snacking on Halloween candy! My sister has already given me her wish list for holiday gifts (I know, right?!), and it's never too early to start looking for those deals! So here's a deal for you: $5 off November self-tapes with code FACEBOOK. Have you liked the Facebook page yet? Be sure you do, so you can stay in-the-know on upcoming discounts and news.
Over the past few weeks, I've had the privilege of working with TimeLine Theatre to create promotional videos for their 2017-2018 season. Here's the first one!
Ever since I met these performers back in January during their Bit Tank auditions at iO Chicago, I've begun to notice them more and more on the audition circuit. Now, I'm not saying the two are connected, but...
Here's a look back at one of my favorite auditions from that day. Enjoy!
Q: All of the videos on the site have Vimeo's markings on them (share buttons, names, etc.). What if I don't want any markings on my audition video?
A: There will be NO markings on your audition video. I am just using Vimeo as a means of uploading videos to this site.
Q: What service do you use to send me my audition link?
A: Once I have edited and compressed your audition file, you will receive a link to it via WeTransfer.
Q: After I tape my audition, how long does it take to receive the link?
A: I can usually get the link to you within an hour.
Q: The videos shown on the site do not include the actors' slates. Would I have to get a separate link for my slate?
A: No, your audition will include your slate and all scenes on one video file. Of course, if your agent, casting director, producer, etc. requests files be sent separately, it's no problem!
Q: How many takes can I do of each scene during my taping?
A: As many as you want/need! It is my goal to make sure you leave your taping feeling confident with what we've shot; maybe that happens in two takes, maybe it happens in seven. You are in control.
Q: How long will my self-tape take to shoot?
A: I schedule self-taped auditions in half-hour and hour time slots. Kids/teens generally need an hour, as there is more coaching involved. Adults tend to take half an hour, unless they have several pages of sides and multiple scenes. When you schedule your appointment, I can help you determine how much time you will need.
Q: How far in advance do I need to schedule my audition taping appointment?
A: As soon as you get the request for a self-taped audition, you should schedule a taping appointment. Sometimes, the request comes in at the last minute and is due by the end of the day. THAT'S OK! I'm used to working with actors' schedules, and I know this business can get a little crazy at times. Same day appointments are sometimes available.
Events coming up this month:
Meeting with a local children's book author to discuss shooting some promo videos for his latest release. Exciting! PLUS, more Virtual Showcases to come!
For Throwback Thursday, here's a look at one of the contestants, Eric Lewis-Baker, from iO Chicago's live reality show Bit Tank, Season 2. I taped the auditions of all the performers, then we (and by we I mean myself and the creator of Bit Tank, Micah Sterenberg) informed all the contestant hopefuls that if they made it onto the show, this audition footage would be used as their intro video, sort of their "package" that would play as they walked out onto the stage. What we didn't tell them is that we'd mainly be using their bloopers.
With the show underway, one by one contestants were introduced, and the outtakes began to roll. Needless to say, it was a delightful surprise for the performers as well as the audience!