What do these self-tape audition requirements mean?

Submitted by luanaut t3_127qopk in movies

I was sent some slides for an upcoming movie and here are the directions for the self-tape:

SLATE REQUIRED! (Preferably TAIL Slate)

*Name, Agency, Height, Where Based*

Make sure you are well lit with good sound.

Frame shoulders up, against a solid background

I've looked up what a tail slate is and it appears to be with the slate held upside down at the end of your reading. Do they still want me to say my "Name, Agency, Height, Where Based" at the beginning? Do they still want me to slate after I say all that at the beginning? Does anybody know what I'm specifically supposed to do? And if I don't have an actual clapperboard, are there any alternatives I can use without looking unprofessional? Sorry, thanks in advance!

EDIT: I don't have an agent

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jhester3221 t1_jeflii8 wrote

Tail Slate for an audition means you say the info they’re asking for at the END of the video, versus at the beginning. You don’t need a clapperboard. That would be for if you were on a set and trying to sync sound with the clapper and let the eventual editor to know what take they’re about to see. For an audition that’s not necessary.

Framing shoulders up means they are ok with the audition close up on your head, without having to see much of your body. Think of a ‘close up’ shot in movies on just the character who’s speaking.

So do the scene they want, and then say your name, who your agent is, if you have one, and any other info they’re asking for. Then edit it together with the scene first, and then your slate at the end.

Hope this helps :)

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luanaut OP t1_jefy6i1 wrote

This definitely helps, thank you so much!

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roto_disc t1_jefd8dh wrote

I feel like your agent would have the answers to these questions.

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testingtor t1_jefdaqs wrote

Since theyre asking for your agency perhaps you should ask your agent what they want you to do.

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Muldertak t1_jefe58c wrote

Since this sounds like your first self-audition, you really should get your agent’s assistance.
Slating is pretty basic, and does not have anything to do with the actual board.

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tranquil45 t1_jefx7l7 wrote

People are suggesting you talk to your agent. Totally fine if you don't have one! Here's what you say:

Tranquil45, independent, earth.

Good luck!

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TheRealClose t1_jeg90ul wrote

Literally just put text on a black screen at the end of the video with that info. Hold it there for 5-10 secs. Don’t make it upside down.

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Muldertak t1_jege70k wrote

That is not what slating at an audition is.

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TheRealClose t1_jegj3fh wrote

Okay… what does it mean then? You told OP it’s super basic but haven’t cared to describe what it is?

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Muldertak t1_jegkayx wrote

Slating is literally just stating your name, your agency, your height, and your location in this case. Exactly what they asked for. And they want you to slate after the read, not prior.

In some cases you would include the name of the part you are reading for, or the monologue(s) that you will give them. It’s audition 101.

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