Has anyone else encountered this? I've only been on four audition, all for student films and at this one when I got home I got an email from the company that did the auditions and it offered me the chance to view myself.

I'm not sure if I want to but I am wondering from the more experienced people, is it good to tape yourself or work on being videotaped in an audition?

yes!!! if you want to be a film actor, its great to see yourself on camera. it really isnt as easy as just standing in front of a camera and acting.. there are a lot of technical things to consider. the more practice you get, the more conscious you'll be of things like angles and your posture, and cheating your face towards the camera, and the little things you do (for some reason i tend to do weird things with my mouth like bite my lip in scenes.) so you can be more aware of yourself.

thats just my two cents =)

Your two cents are valuable, Jen.

The camera doesn't lie, and an honest assessment of your strengths and weaknesses will serve you well.

Be prepared for a shock! Most people are surprised by something or other when they first watch themselves on video, and a lot of us hate it. In fact, quite a few leading movie stars never watch their films for the same reason. But I absolutely, without question or hesitation, recommend that every actor -- even stage actors -- watch themselves on video as much as possible. Once you get over the shock and start analyzing your performance objectively, you will make great strides toward being a better actor.

quote:

Originally posted by New LA Actor:
Has anyone else encountered this? I've only been on four audition, all for student films and at this one when I got home I got an email from the company that did the auditions and it offered me the chance to view myself.

I'm not sure if I want to but I am wondering from the more experienced people, is it good to tape yourself or work on being videotaped in an audition?

That depends.

For young actors who have yet to fully conceptualize "the fourth wall," I don't think watching your scenes in the beginning is advisable. The presence of cameras in the classroom for fledgling thespians only creates a diversion that newer actors will tend to defer to -- they'll play to the camera instead of focusing on their fellow students and remaining "in the moment."

Only when you're achieved enough training to successfully compete with other actors should you be allowed to view your work on film/tape. But apparently, you've already accomplished that. So watching your taped auditions could be very beneficial. At best, a camera is a valuable learning tool, enabling you to spot the sometimes unconscious behaviors and idiosyncracies that actors often develop. I often recommend on-camera workshops for more advanced acting students. But otherwise, I'm dead-set against cameras in the classroom.

Love to hear what you discovered by watching your audition, by the way.

“Whatever works.”

www.robertkim.com
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0453647

Thanks for the feedback, I was impressed you all wrote so quickly.

I decided to sign-up - the company is called CAZT.com.

You guys were definitely right, it was painful. But definitely useful. I think I ran my hand through my hair 200 times. But I mean it took an audition that I would have otherwise forgotten about and made it so that I was able to actually get something out of it (howeever embarassing).

I appreciate your insight though, I'm looking forward to going on my next one and not brushing my hair back.

Forgive the request if it's not in the right space but would you also reccommend on camera training with acting coaches?

Yes, if you can find a great on-camera coach, it will do you wonders.

In LA, check to see if Joe Hacker has a course available. He teaches on-camera technique at USC (and may also be available for private coaching) and is outstanding.

Good luck.

Best,

Ron

I've been auditing for years, and I have never seen this... until last week.

I don't like watching myself in the polished performances I give in films, s I am not anxious to see my auditions!

That being said, the things said above are true... it would be good for me to watch, so I am going to now.

My advice on film acting is very simple. If you don't need to move it, keep it STILL....

Once you get over the shock...(BOY DID I LOOK LIKE A MIDDLE AGED FAT WOMAN ON ATWT STINT) it's good to have feedback.

On set once in a while a director will ask me to watch a take so he can communicate what he wants using it a tool. But it's never happened to me in an audition. If it happens on set. Focus on the work and what is being asked of you. Save the drama about the how you look for your mama.

Good luck.

Thanks Roz,

I went on another audition yesterday, the same service was there. This morning I was able to compare myself and I definitely wasn't doing the nervous tics anymore. It's still painful but it was great to see progress.

Oh, I asked the people there and they said the company, www.cazt.com, films auditions and stuff so that their actors can have access.

Thanks again.

Well I will say one thing LA Actor.

You are "new" and making progress. At this rate...where will you be in five years.

I wish I could make progress daily. Sometimes...like now when I am moving it feels like I am in a holding pattern.

Thanks for the inspiration.

It might be a case of me feeling good and riding high, I should probably stay more level.

In any case I'm looking forward to the next podcast and becoming more active on these boards.


Corey.

I could have sworn I responded to this, but I agree with everyone. Watching your auditions is great. I took an on-camera audition class in which we all evaluated our auditions together and it changed my life. Roz is right, it is a bit of a shock at first, but once you're used to it, you'll be able to get past the, "god, i'm so fat/old/ugly/whatever," kneejerk reaction and have the ability to constructively critique your work.

Good luck!