Thread by @mrchrisaddison

Hello. I'm going to do a minor thread here for ac-TORs about self-taping for casting. The rest of you may go about your business. Please to understand that the following is meant absolutely as an aid and in the spirit of helping. So. Allons-y...

I've spent the last few years on the other side of the casting table and it's taught me a few things. The first is that no-one's agent EVER teaches them about how they might go about self-taping, which they absolutely should be doing. Drives me NUTS.

In their absence, may I offer the following small nuggets - the advice they should be giving you to give you the best chance:

Self-taping is a fucker because you never get to hear any notes after your first go. That's a problem because when you attend a casting and respond to notes you get an idea of what they're after AND you show you can respond to notes. So...

First piece of advice: Tape two versions of the scene. Think about how it could be played differently from your first choice and do that; it shows range and will make those watching feel like you can collaborate on the scene properly if given the job.

It's a pisser to be asked to self-tape because not everyone can get a scene partner to help them but do everything you can to get one. If you can't, don't be afraid of doing the thing solo without feeling the need to record the other lines off to respond to...

...because that often throws off your timing, which is unhelpful for your performance. On the other hand, if that freaks you out, recording the other lines and playing them back to yourself is fine. But that's the (or at least, MY) order of preference. Next:

We all have cameras now, because our laptops and phones do. But it's worth obeying some simple rules when using them. Remember that the cameras on those things are insanely wide-angle and the mics aren't great. So...

1) Turn the phone so it's landscape.
2) Don't stand too far away - we can't hear you properly.
3) Don't stand too close - a wide-angle lens up close can look mad.
4) CHECK IT BACK WHEN YOU'VE DONE.
5) Do it again if it looks/sounds shit. (But keep 1st perf in case it's best...)

I have seen actors who totally get all the above and others who have no idea. The ones who get it always have an edge, so teach yourself. It's mad no-one's telling you this stuff.

I have definitely cast people from self-tapes. Often, actually. BUT remember, a whole bunch of people are being seen for each of a whole bunch of roles so the people casting them can (wrongly, I know) get antsy and bored easily. Don't give them a reason to. Make your tape good.

As I say, I'm tweeting this only because I've seen so many folks put up by their agents and not given this advice, which is wrong. I hope it helps. Tweet me with any questions and I'll try to repsond. (Though I'm filming at the moment and may be slow...)

Last of all GOOD LUCK! You're brilliant. Now show them that. xx