Self Tape 401 - Week 2
Again this week, I want you to bring YOU to the role. Bring your rareness. You have the same Week 2 side from the 101. So whatever role you choose, focus on balancing tone and your rareness. My goal is that we’ll collectively create a “menu of actors” that a casting director could present to a producer – all amazing, and each different and unique because you’ve put in your rare qualities.
Click on the link below to download your side. This is for a pretend new series shooting in the Southeast.
Choose either the Taylor or Jordan role and self tape it. Choose your best take.
For a breakdown, let’s assume this is for a guest star role for a thriller-drama on a prestige network like FX or AMC. Think of shows similar to “Ozark” or “The Americans.” Remember the tone workshop we did in week 3 of the 201. These kinds of shows have incredibly high-stakes where characters actually die, often horribly, yet the performances are pinched, grounded and subtle. That said, remember to bring you to the role. How would you respond if put in this situation?
Also shoot a full-body slate. In it, please hold up a sign that has your name and height. During your slate, say your name, height, SAG-AFTRA status, if you are able to work as a local in Atlanta, and where you are currently located.
Edit everything into one file: starting with the slate, then your best take.
MOV, MP4, or MV4 files only.
Label the file ROLE_FIRSTNAME_LASTNAME_Agency (i.e. JORDAN_ABRAHAM_LINCOLN_AcmeTalentAgency)
Email a downloadable link of your self tape file to scott@talktothecamera.com Use a file transfer site like Hightail or WeTransfer. (No YouTube or Dropbox).
All file sizes must be less than 120 MB.
Due by NOON (PDT) two days prior to your workshop. (No late submissions without casting approval.)
This week, you’ve got lots of homework to prepare. So strap on your seatbelt; here it goes:
HOMEWORK 1 (Words of Wisdom) – In recent 301’s, we had the amazing honor of Jennifer Buster teaching week 4. I quoted her a lot in the last lecture, but you should really hear her words of wisdom. This Google Drive LINK has a brief snippet of her Q&A. For a bit of background, in the first part of her clip, she’s referencing two 301 actors who were assigned the same side, but each did it showcasing their own rareness. For the 2nd half of the clip, she had recognized 301 actor Jessie Nerud from three previous auditions and happened to mention that she had sent Jessie to producers all three times. Jessie didn’t know that, and what follows was Jennifer’s advice to Jessie (and to all of us).
HOMEWORK 2 (Cars) – This week, while going about your life, I want you to look at the cars surrounding you. What do you see when you’re driving in traffic? What cars catch your eye? Why? What cars disappear into the background? Why? If you need to park, look at the cars in the parking lot. Same questions: what catches your eye and why? We will discuss this in class.
HOMEWORK 3 (Your classmates) – Take a look your classmates link (provided in your homework email). It’s everyone’s headshot/resume and 1-minute demo from the 301 class. First look at the list of qualities you came up for them in your week 1 class (in the Google Drive). Then look at their materials. Do those same qualities work? Are there more qualities you’d add to the list? What are they? What are other words come up when watching them? When looking at them, where do you think they live? Are they urban/suburban/rural/small town? What types of jobs do you see them doing? Do they look like they work in a blue collar job? White collar job? Both? Also, what roles do you see them booking? What shows can you see them on? Do they remind you of any current or past actors? We will share and discuss your thoughts in class.
HOMEWORK 4 (Self assessment). This could be emotionally challenging. I want you to look back at your life and write down things people pointed out about you. This could be ordinary conversation or possibly in the form of teasing (which is why it might be triggering). The things that people notice about your could be something physical like the color of your hair, or it could be personality based, like you’re shy or excitable. Just so you know, what makes you special and rare are things that stand out, and people often point this out. I have a theory that your brand (or rareness) is usually found here. We will discuss this in class.
And yes, you have some reading and viewing:
PSYCHOLOGY TODAY: We all want to fit in
SESEME STREET: One of These Things…
Kat Elizabeth – Personal Branding For Actors
Finally, if you have the time, please watch the Emmy-winning Netflix special “Bo Burnham: Inside.” Also watch his directorial debut “Eighth Grade” on Hulu. How is rareness and the need-to-belong (or not belong) common themes for Bo Burnham? What can we all learn from him?