Actor Growth

I saw a posting today which was kind of interesting as for their audition process they requested actors to send a self taped audition. As well, they requested that the actors upload it to Youtube for consideration. This wasn’t for say a big Hollywood as it was just a independent production, but I thought this method sure raises a lot of questions.

Now there are many times where actors would simply create a self taped audition which is then sent to a casting director to review. This is usually for situations such as since I am in Vancouver. BC Canada, there could be a part in LA that a person thinks I would be great for. Therefore, instead of wasting time flying down to just audition they can pre-screen me this way.

Cost wise and efficiency I think it makes sense. In many ways it is like ditching the old paper headshots and submitting digital copies instead. My main concern would be quality though. Especially with film, the lighting can play a huge role in terms of what the person will look like on screen.

Literally, a person who is normally very good looking can look horrendous when the lighting isn’t proper. Now imagine an actor who doesn’t have the best equipment or know-how to create a good digital video. On top of that, usually the video quality degrades a little when uploading online to places like Youtube. Hence, you will look even worse if you don’t know what you are doing.

You may say it is about the talent, but many times it can be too distracting where you won’t take the person seriously. I guess that is something to think about as an actor where if you don’t already know so, it might be a good idea to get some technical skills if this is the way of the future. Unless you can afford to outsource all of your taping needs, then that would be different.