There is so much advice on how to make your self-tapes 'as perfect as possible' for Casting Directors. Here's an interesting story I was reminded of recently: The actor Hugh Laurie was on vacation in Africa when his Agent (travelling with him.) received notification of the auditions for 'House'.
The U.S. Producers were having problems casting this role, but when they saw this tape, they knew they had 'obviously someone American with Medical knowledge!'. His self tape was recorded in the bathroom of a restaurant after a few drinks with the Agent reading for him. When you are 'the one' for a role, it doesn't matter how perfect your tape is: https://youtu.be/UqHh6TvGQIQ
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It's certainly true that for larger roles like this, Top of Show Guest Stars, and Recurring Co-Stars, that when they know, they know. Your performance will transcend the quality of the tape (to some degree).
However, for the under-5 co-stars (which is the bulk of the work out there), I think tape quality starts to factor in much more. For instance, Mark Fincannon (of Fincannon & Associates, one of the biggest and oldest Casting companies in the Southeast USA) showed a demo several years ago at a panel discussion. On a big projection screen for everyone to see, he showed 2 audition tapes. After showing both, he told us "If we were having in person callbacks, CLEARLY both of these actors would get called back. However, if we had to book from tape, who do you think would get more consideration?"
The difference? Well for context, the role was a young rapper. The first actor was auditioning in front of a staircase at home with a lot of echo and mediocre lighting. The second actor was using a professional setup, had great lighting and crisp audio, AND was rapping to a track. Mark's point was that when the tapes go up the food chain, and the studio and the network have to give approval, the high quality tape will either consciously or subconsciously give that actor a leg up.
I think the takeaway is that if you're in a market where self-tapes are the norm (everywhere right now, of course), the quality of that tape is the ONE THING you can control. So unless you're in a bind like Hugh was, there's really no reason you shouldn't be perfecting that home setup, or going to a professional taping service.
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Love this reminder. I was just on vacation too and had to tape for NCIS and my reps all said even though it was last minute, it was great work and commented on how smooth it felt with me using TWO readers. There are 3 people my character was interacting with, so I used two of my family members. Wouldn't have been that smooth if I was simply at home with my husband! Always be ready!
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So true, Steve! Even is a bathroom in Africa and having had a "few drinks," Laurie's talent is obvious.
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Ooo, what a great reminder! Also, it just forces you to go in, do your best, and move on. Aimee McGuire You are such a bad-ass! Go you! @Matthew - really good point. Get it in, but if you have the ability, show your best quality, lest it distracts from your performance.
Well, now I have to go binge House. Thanks! LOL