1. Not using a tripod. 2. Vertical video. 3. Bad framing. 4. Looking into the camera (unless this character would look into the camera on set). 5. Not using a reader.
your videos are genuinely the most helpful tool i’ve had so far in my career! literally would not have gotten an agent when i did without you. thank you so much!
Hi Kurt, I just watched your video where you talked about Atlanta and how busy the scene is down there but that was 3 years ago. I was wondering how things are now? Btw, I literally auditioned for my 1st role on Thursday and I got the role and I start fiming tomorrow on Sunday 11/5. it's only a 5 line role but I'm so thankful to have gotten it! Hope all is well.
Thank you. I'm probably older than most breaking into the industry and I'm starting from scratch on getting my 'portfolio' together. Very helpful info. Thank you.
I have been subscribing to your channel for 2 months now. I appreciate the good info. Since watching this video, I have been putting your advice into practice, I have gotten more call backs and featured in 2 short movies.
Thank you so much for your helpful videos! ^_^ For the reader tip: You can also record yourself on another device saying the other lines (with the proper pauses, of course) and play it while taping. I've done this a few times now and it saved me the trouble of having to find someone else!
Thanks I enjoyed this and I have learned something else recently.. when your looking to the right or left its important to do it with the proper eye... if the person is to YOUR right (of the camera) use your right eye when talking to him or her and vice versa...that way your somewhat facing the camera without looking directly at it.
I'm from New Zealand and just finished high school. A few months ago I realised I want to be an actor. I have no experience whatsoever and I'm planning on starting my journey as soon as possible. It's going to be tough, especially considering I'm from a small little country away from everything but I'm not going to give up. Just found your channel today and have been binging through your videos like the ones about beginning as an actor with no experience and costs and stuff and you have been so extremely helpful. Immediately subscribed and I'll definitely be using this channel as I work towards my dream. Thank you❤
Your video looks fantastic! What camera did you use to film the footage? Also it’s nice to see you back in your usual space after all your traveling during this strike!
Something to also know is you can use the same tripod you use for your lighting umbrella or soft box if you have an extra one, its typically the same 1/4" that can be used with an adapter for your camera or iPhone.
How do you frame a self tape when you move forward and backwards from the camera during a specific audition (or should you avoid moving forwards and backwards in self tapes)? I find that I end up having at least some part of it with too much space above my head because I want to leave room for the movement. Thank you very much for your help and advice!
Thank you for this. I opened a few of your videos since you're in the top 10 videos on the first page of RUclips. I'm also in Atlanta and love the Jurassic Park reference quote in the background
First, greetings from Estonia. And sorry for my bad English, but I hope my English is understandable, but I wanted to share briefly how I got my first movie experience. In the summer of this year I got into movie as a background actor, but how I got it was just luck, I applied to be a background actor, but I wasn't chosen, but my mother was chosen, of course my mother was a bit scared, it was still a completely new experience for her, so I went to sent her to the shooting location, when we arrived, the casting director immediately recognized my face, she said to me - you also applied, right? I said Yeah, but I was not chosen and I'm here just to send my mother, to be a moral support and I'll leave when shooting starts. So we and the other background actors sat and waited for the shooting to start, then casting director came and says to me - Today is your lucky day, one actor cannot come and you can participate if you want. So that's how I got into movie as a background actor, I had to play an impatient theater guest who is the first to leave the theater before the end of the play.
Very helpful! I need to try the "virtual reader" concept. I think actors these days need to learn some basic video editing skills. I learned DaVinci Resolve (which is free). For framing, you can use a somewhat larger frame than you think you want, and then crop it down in editing. If you don't mind a criticism, I note that your framing video could have used some color grading. Your skin tone is way off from the main video. Lots of things you can do to improve your audition tapes once you master some basic editing skills. I've set up a mini studio in my basement with lighting and a green screen background. I usually substitute it with a simple gray background in post.
I loved your 5 self tape mistakes and convinced me to subscribe to your channel. But I have a question- I need to turn in an audition that says to audition - to position camera for a 3/4 body shot. Is this the same as what you explained to look either to the right or the left of the camera.?
Thank you so much. I realize your very busy. But this information is very much appreciated. Have a great day and I know im going to see You in your own Star wars film. Maybe youl consider a few of us to play a support side role for You Sir.
Hey Kurt, thanks a lot, I'm a big fan of your videos and work! When you don't have time to sort out a reader, what is your take on pre-recording you voice playing the reader part and using that in your audition? I have done it before and although it does constraint your timing and pace I was able to book my first role 😅. Best regards from the UK.
Congrats on booking your first role!! I've done that before too but only as a last resort. It's easy when the other character only has 1 or 2 lines. But now my auditions are multiple pages so I always have a reader.
Hi @ActingCareerCenter, I am an actress in ATL. I am just starting out and I have watched many of your videos thank you so much for you advice! I do have one question? How can I find an agent in ATL? Where do I go? Is there a website? Please help 😅 thank you
Hi, I love your videos and they have been very helpful and educational. I have a question about self-tapes where the scene has an action in the middle. Would you suggest acting that action scene even when there's no dialogue or skip the non-speaking acting part? For example, in a scene my character is telling their friend to get out of the house (they go back and forth talking), then action scene: I break down the door and pull my friend out of the house (no conversation, only action), and then we go back to talking. Would you act out the action scene of you breaking the door and pulling your friend out of the house in your audition? Thanks a bunch!
Also I noticed in your self tape that you angled yourself a little while looking in the opposite direction for your reader. Is this something you usually do? Or more often than not are you facing the camera with your shoulders and moving your face left and right of the camera.
I already sent my tape to the director, and realized afterwards it was vertical not horizontal. Is it a good or bad idea to ask if I can send another one to him? Thanks
this is great advice, however i’m reading a monologue where my character is talking on the phone, and the monologue does not have any lines for a second character, only lines for me. what should i do?
I always use a reader, although once on short notice I had to record the other lines and started and stopped them with my phone, then reacted to them and did my lines. I actually got that part, though I don't think that is the best policy. But I'd like to ask your opinion about readers. I've heard that the reader should just clearly read the lines since it is not their audition, but also that the reader should voice act those lines. What are your thoughts? Thanks for the great videos!
Another mistake I’ve also seen from new actors is that they will get the reader to read everything on the page (ie John walks into a dark dimly lit room or exterior night)
I was in an online SAG workshop last year sometime and a guy did his performance in his garden with sunglasses on. It did not pertain to the scene at all. Tip 6: don't do this.
hey acting career center I am wondering if you think you can help me become an actor I would really like to know how to become an actor I would like to talk to you personally
If you want to wear makeup, then only minimally to enhance your features or very natural makeup. Casting directors/ directors will want to see how you look naturally
Same. So much easier in person. Miss the old days where you could just concentrate on acting and leave the production up to those who know what they're talking doing. Lol.
really?? technical advice?? This are not tips for a self tape audition. These are general basic tips for any video. And what about the almost50 seconds begging for likes/subscribe intro. Instead of a thumbs up I added you to my channel block list.
Download my FREE 10 Step Audition Cheat Sheet: www.actingcareercenter.com/cheatsheet
Can u make a movie of me because I want to take care of my parents when they get old
It may sound like I want it for my self but I really want to do it to take care of my family
1. Not using a tripod.
2. Vertical video.
3. Bad framing.
4. Looking into the camera (unless this character would look into the camera on set).
5. Not using a reader.
Thank you
Thank you
I just realized you’re in Black Widow!
omg yh
your videos are genuinely the most helpful tool i’ve had so far in my career! literally would not have gotten an agent when i did without you. thank you so much!
How did you get an agent? By doing auditions or acting classes?
I am back in the business after many years and I can't tell you how much you are helping me! Thank you so much!
Hi Kurt, I just watched your video where you talked about Atlanta and how busy the scene is down there but that was 3 years ago. I was wondering how things are now? Btw, I literally auditioned for my 1st role on Thursday and I got the role and I start fiming tomorrow on Sunday 11/5. it's only a 5 line role but I'm so thankful to have gotten it! Hope all is well.
That’s awesome!!!! How did it go?
Thank you. I'm probably older than most breaking into the industry and I'm starting from scratch on getting my 'portfolio' together. Very helpful info. Thank you.
I have been subscribing to your channel for 2 months now. I appreciate the good info. Since watching this video, I have been putting your advice into practice, I have gotten more call backs and featured in 2 short movies.
Good to see ya back Kurt 😊
Thank you so much for your helpful videos! ^_^
For the reader tip: You can also record yourself on another device saying the other lines (with the proper pauses, of course) and play it while taping. I've done this a few times now and it saved me the trouble of having to find someone else!
Thanks I enjoyed this and I have learned something else recently.. when your looking to the right or left its important to do it with the proper eye... if the person is to YOUR right (of the camera) use your right eye when talking to him or her and vice versa...that way your somewhat facing the camera without looking directly at it.
Maybe this will solve the iguana look I've been struggling with. Thank you
I'm from New Zealand and just finished high school. A few months ago I realised I want to be an actor. I have no experience whatsoever and I'm planning on starting my journey as soon as possible. It's going to be tough, especially considering I'm from a small little country away from everything but I'm not going to give up.
Just found your channel today and have been binging through your videos like the ones about beginning as an actor with no experience and costs and stuff and you have been so extremely helpful.
Immediately subscribed and I'll definitely be using this channel as I work towards my dream. Thank you❤
I was just talking about acting with my family and this video came out… Right at time
If I don't have a reader I usually record myself and play off that
4&5!!👍🏻👍🏻. Thanks.
Nice to be able to enjoy a new video from you Kurt!
Finally he’s back🎉
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Your video looks fantastic! What camera did you use to film the footage?
Also it’s nice to see you back in your usual space after all your traveling during this strike!
Something to also know is you can use the same tripod you use for your lighting umbrella or soft box if you have an extra one, its typically the same 1/4" that can be used with an adapter for your camera or iPhone.
How do you frame a self tape when you move forward and backwards from the camera during a specific audition (or should you avoid moving forwards and backwards in self tapes)? I find that I end up having at least some part of it with too much space above my head because I want to leave room for the movement. Thank you very much for your help and advice!
Good question
Thank you so much i learnt so much
My guy... where can I get that Jeff Goldblum reference picture from behind you on 2:26 man? I love it!
I really appretiate your help I'm going to work on this now. Thank you
Kurt ... Thank you so much
Great stuff as always Kurt 😎
Thank you for this. I opened a few of your videos since you're in the top 10 videos on the first page of RUclips. I'm also in Atlanta and love the Jurassic Park reference quote in the background
Another great video!! Very informative!! Thanks!!
First, greetings from Estonia. And sorry for my bad English, but I hope my English is understandable, but I wanted to share briefly how I got my first movie experience.
In the summer of this year I got into movie as a background actor, but how I got it was just luck, I applied to be a background actor, but I wasn't chosen, but my mother was chosen, of course my mother was a bit scared, it was still a completely new experience for her, so I went to sent her to the shooting location, when we arrived, the casting director immediately recognized my face, she said to me - you also applied, right? I said Yeah, but I was not chosen and I'm here just to send my mother, to be a moral support and I'll leave when shooting starts. So we and the other background actors sat and waited for the shooting to start, then casting director came and says to me - Today is your lucky day, one actor cannot come and you can participate if you want. So that's how I got into movie as a background actor,
I had to play an impatient theater guest who is the first to leave the theater before the end of the play.
thank you 👍
Thought it was a lesson from Jacky Chan from the thumbnail😂 But thank you very much sir, noted all the points
Very helpful!
I need to try the "virtual reader" concept.
I think actors these days need to learn some basic video editing skills.
I learned DaVinci Resolve (which is free).
For framing, you can use a somewhat larger frame than you think you want, and then crop it down in editing.
If you don't mind a criticism, I note that your framing video could have used some color grading. Your skin tone is way off from the main video.
Lots of things you can do to improve your audition tapes once you master some basic editing skills. I've set up a mini studio in my basement with lighting and a green screen background. I usually substitute it with a simple gray background in post.
i watched your videos begginging of 2022 and they still pop up
You're very inspirational Kurt, thank you for everything you do 🙂
Subscribed! :) Cheers from Hungary, I'm starting my very first screen acting class in 2 days. Who knows, maybe we'll meet in a scene one day. :)
I loved your 5 self tape mistakes and convinced me to subscribe to your channel.
But I have a question- I need to turn in an audition that says to audition - to position camera for a 3/4 body shot. Is this the same as what you explained to look either to the right or the left of the camera.?
I really appreciate this video. I don’t have a reader available. What am I supposed to do?
Thank you so much
Hi Kurt, there is no link to a virtual reader, can you upload one, my only issue is finding a reader
Thank you so much. I realize your very busy. But this information is very much appreciated. Have a great day and I know im going to see You in your own Star wars film. Maybe youl consider a few of us to play a support side role for You Sir.
Thank you sm !!!
so do you need to make a different reel for every different audition you apply to?
Hey Kurt, thanks a lot, I'm a big fan of your videos and work! When you don't have time to sort out a reader, what is your take on pre-recording you voice playing the reader part and using that in your audition? I have done it before and although it does constraint your timing and pace I was able to book my first role 😅. Best regards from the UK.
Congrats on booking your first role!! I've done that before too but only as a last resort. It's easy when the other character only has 1 or 2 lines. But now my auditions are multiple pages so I always have a reader.
any acting schools you’d recommend ?
Hi @ActingCareerCenter, I am an actress in ATL. I am just starting out and I have watched many of your videos thank you so much for you advice! I do have one question? How can I find an agent in ATL? Where do I go? Is there a website? Please help 😅 thank you
THANK YOU !
My boyfriend hates being my reader. He said it feels like homework lol because sometimes he has to read more than I do.
Lmao same with my gf
Hi, I love your videos and they have been very helpful and educational.
I have a question about self-tapes where the scene has an action in the middle. Would you suggest acting that action scene even when there's no dialogue or skip the non-speaking acting part?
For example, in a scene my character is telling their friend to get out of the house (they go back and forth talking), then action scene: I break down the door and pull my friend out of the house (no conversation, only action), and then we go back to talking.
Would you act out the action scene of you breaking the door and pulling your friend out of the house in your audition?
Thanks a bunch!
Hey Kurt, I’m a young guy homeschooled looking to get into acting what’s the best thing I can do to kickstart my career?
Your the best my brother
Thank you
Please sir the reader you talked about, is it the same as a continuity person in a production?
Can you make a video about self practice at home
YAYYY KURT WELCOME BACK!! MISSED YOUR VIDEOS!! ♥️
Where do I find these opportunities/ self tape auditions?
free step audition cheat shere
Also I noticed in your self tape that you angled yourself a little while looking in the opposite direction for your reader. Is this something you usually do? Or more often than not are you facing the camera with your shoulders and moving your face left and right of the camera.
There’s no virtual reader bubble to click. I do my own BTW and edit.
Thanks
I already sent my tape to the director, and realized afterwards it was vertical not horizontal. Is it a good or bad idea to ask if I can send another one to him? Thanks
martin e brooks sua
Is it okay to be your own reade, and record the second character yourself then dub it in?
this is great advice, however i’m reading a monologue where my character is talking on the phone, and the monologue does not have any lines for a second character, only lines for me. what should i do?
Can someone edit themselves in saying lines to themselves if they can do other voices? Like overlaying the voice and perfectly timing the responses?
When i audition myself hiw do i send it to the cast
I always use a reader, although once on short notice I had to record the other lines and started and stopped them with my phone, then reacted to them and did my lines. I actually got that part, though I don't think that is the best policy. But I'd like to ask your opinion about readers. I've heard that the reader should just clearly read the lines since it is not their audition, but also that the reader should voice act those lines. What are your thoughts? Thanks for the great videos!
Another mistake I’ve also seen from new actors is that they will get the reader to read everything on the page (ie John walks into a dark dimly lit room or exterior night)
Having the reader read stage directions is SUPER AMATEUR!
Which is why we post these things so everyone can learn 😊
I was in an online SAG workshop last year sometime and a guy did his performance in his garden with sunglasses on. It did not pertain to the scene at all. Tip 6: don't do this.
Why did you not suggest your cheat sheet this time?
The popup for the virtual reader video did not pop up...
martin e brooks usa
Could you record yourself reading other lines and then basically having a scene with yourself do you this is acceptable or not ?
One thing I don’t know if my reader should read the scene opening and directions as well as the lines.
Are you the guy from Black Widow???❤😊
Yes he is
*cries in no reader*
There’s app you can use where you record yourself and it can read it
hey acting career center I am wondering if you think you can help me become an actor I would really like to know how to become an actor I would like to talk to you personally
Is it okay to wear makeup during an audition or headshot?
If you want to wear makeup, then only minimally to enhance your features or very natural makeup. Casting directors/ directors will want to see how you look naturally
I am so nervous about getting a reader.
I hate self taping I got to get better at it. I prefer in person auditions.
Same. So much easier in person. Miss the old days where you could just concentrate on acting and leave the production up to those who know what they're talking doing. Lol.
How was it working with Gerard butler?!? I just saw you in a scene with him in Greenland.
👏💯
Horizontally recording video
No head room
Looking at camera you shud not
U shud look directly into camera if character demands it
Not using reader
i used to think it was just my bad acting skills....
really?? technical advice?? This are not tips for a self tape audition. These are general basic tips for any video. And what about the almost50 seconds begging for likes/subscribe intro. Instead of a thumbs up I added you to my channel block list.
😂
😢
Thank u
is there anyone that has IMDb pro (and a good heart) that can say to me Michelle’s Calderon email 😞
thank you