Acting : In reference to Slate ( On Tape auditions) by Michael Adare

There is a lots of information on this backstage website http://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/casting-director-note/one-foo...

Thanks Maria,but it didn't address slating.

I appreciate the feedback Jeffery,it's not being overly friendly thats my issue,it's the awkwardness as in posing im concerned with.I don't want the last impression on tape to be insecurity,if that makes any since,oh and by the way i should have mentioned on tape auditions,in person im fine.But seriously thanks for the feedback

Hey Michael, If it feels uncomfortable, I'd just keep practicing it over and over until it doesn't feel so awkward. Maybe even have someone film it for you and watch it and see what you do. The point with slating is to be clear, approachable, friendly, but not overly friendly, it can also show something different if you have a very serious or dramatic monologue. Anyway, when you practice for your auditions either with your scene or monologue, make it a point to practice slating as well. Best to you!

What works for me is to really connect with the person on the other side of the camera. Hard as it may be, I make direct eye contact and smile. I let them know I see them, not just the camera and the promise of a job. Somehow, this courageous moment, helps me relax into the slate. Another trick I learned years ago is a bit more metaphysical in nature. I say hello to the camera, ask it to be kind to me and imagine my smiling face and voice reaching the person who will be watching the video in a positive way. In other words, I make it more about the people than the camera.

I hate slates, too! But nerves affect me more in person! Head shots are particularly tricky because like you, I'm not a model that typically poses for things, so being asked to pose for a head shot feels fake. I'm not posing in character, I'm not posing for a product so I struggle to not look fake and uncomfortable. But Like Neva suggested, make it about the person on the other side of the camera. I always look my best and the most accessible when I'm relating to the cameraperson or treating the camera like a person. Also, like Aimee suggested, practice! There's nothing like it!

Thanks Folks I appreciate your time on this,Neva great stuff, always wondered how to make friends with the camera,will work on that,I;ve always said I love every aspect of film acting,except the acting part and those damn cameras,LOL,thanks again

I've actually realized that auditions that I walk out thinking I could have did better or felt awkward I actually get callbacks and casted for. I feel to me it's all in my head. As once I leave, I think of a million things I could have done better.

Neva said a lot. I was told once: "You are an actor. So act." Don't talk to a camera. Make the camera someone you want to engage, and be the person that can best engage that person. Don't do a slate. do a two-second scene.

I say my name slowly and just smile, keep it simple, rehearse it so you are comfortable. I like the 2 second scene idea, creative!

You must always thing "actor" first. Get into the character named Michael Adare and forget everything else except what you must do to promote the actor Michael. I separate my stage character on radio, stage, film, tv, master of ceremony, etc presentation and get into the character Rick Jey, my acting, stage, broadcast name. Rick is the entertainer first and foremost. Rick

I think it is quite a normal feeling... as slating makes you feel like a bit of a robot and when you see other people do it it sort of makes you laugh. I think the trick is to try and be very spontaneous and relaxed. Let your true self come out and shine. A relaxed person on camera is always pleasant to watch and will make people watching also relaxed and comfortable.

That should be...you must always think (not thing) "actor". Sorry for my typo Michael. Anna you are 100% correct and a relaxed actor makes it seem so natural to a viewer and much more believable.

I agree with both sentiments,I guess I have to work on speaking to the camera,when Im out of character and looking at the camera I feel like I'm staring out into the great abyss,trying to find a trick for that problem

You typically only speak to camera for hosting or commercial auditions, other than that you look to the side or above the camera not into it.

Pretend that you are whatever person that would best be delivering that delivery and act him out. Nothing else should be in mind at the time. You must be terribly camera shy. It is only a machine. lol

Hi Michael! You know how comfortable you are introducing yourself in person? That's what a slate is. An introduction. Just think of it as introducing yourself to the camera. I think the advice about practicing it is a great idea. The more you practice, the more comfortable it'll become. For headshots, I usually have a song in my head - think of it as background music - that help sets the mood, for the shot you want. Example, if I'm doing "glamour" shots, I have the song "Unforgettable" in my head - sets the mood, you know? And when you're shooting, if you start feeling stiff - look down, take a deep breath and then look up and go back into it - the photogs not gonna shoot the top of your head, so it's a good way to regain your composure. :)