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10 Things that will please any director on your voice casting audition tape

 

Producers want to hire the best people for the job they can. It’s your job to ensure that you put yourself across as that person with your audition tape. The thing is, for the producer, your work reflects on them directly. It’s the voice over artist who makes them look good! They need you to be amazing to ensure that they can fill bigger and better roles in the future.

Recording your audition tape is a nerve-wracking time for even the most seasoned voice over actor. And make no mistake; your producer is feeling the heat, too. There are a few different things you can do to ensure that you deliver the best audition tape possible. We’ve thought long and hard about it, and here are 10 things you can do to please the producer with your next audition tape to help you get even closer to landing your next role.

1. Be gracious and professional

Keeping the producer on your side starts long before you send in your recording. First impressions are everything, and the very first opportunity you’ll have to make that impression is by accepting an audition. Accept your invitation with grace and be enthusiastic. Be sure to thank them for the opportunity and tell them how excited you are to have been chosen to audition.

Maintain an air of professionalism from acceptance right through to the end. The producer chose to audition you. Approach your recording in the right frame of mind, be professional and do the best possible job you are capable of.

2. Be confident

When the time comes to record your audition tape, enter the recording studio with confidence. Nothing displeases a producer more than a person crumbling under the pressure as soon as they step up to the microphone. Maintain your confidence and make the recording your own – own it. Don’t make any excuses; if you are carting around baggage from previous failed auditions, leave it at the door.

3. Ask questions… if you need to

Ask questions, but only if you have to. When you accept your audition, the producer may ask, “Do you have any questions?” What they are really asking you is, “Are you ready to deliver what we need?” If you are unsure about any aspect of the role, now is the time to ask. However, don’t feel compelled to ask a question at this point unless you really have one.

4. Prepare properly

As the old adage goes, “Fail to prepare, prepare to fail.” It is crucial that you prepare thoroughly for your audition taping. Failing to do so is a sure-fire way of putting your producer in a bad mood as soon as he or she hears your recording. Make sure you know your words and that you understand the subject matter. You don’t need to have the material learned perfectly. But if you have been spending a lot of time rehearsing with the script, then you will be very familiar with it. It’s also worth doing some background on the project. This will help you with the style and the tone required.

5. Don’t say sorry

Back yourself from the beginning. Make choices and stand by them. A good producer will appreciate this approach. Know exactly what you want to do and go and knock it out of the park. Don’t apologize for anything, ever!

6. Keep it simple

A voice casting recording is all about one thing, your voice. Stick to the script and stay in character throughout the recording. You want to stand out for the right reasons, not the wrong ones! Avoid too much activity or moving around during your recording. Instead, concentrate on producing a solid audition tape that will make the producer remember you. Simplicity is the name of the game here.

7. Take responsibility

When it comes to your voice casting tape, the buck stops with you. Whatever you do, don’t complain about the material, don’t blame any outside circumstances for your downfalls and make sure you take responsibility for your own recording. No matter how good or bad the material is, it’s vital that you engage with it 100%. If you bring your A-game, then the producer is going to be more engaged and will be more likely to cast you.

8. Be yourself

There could be hundreds of people auditioning for the same role as you. You need to be memorable and unique – a real individual. Your producer will appreciate you making bold choices. They want your unique character to shine on that audition tape, they want you to star, and they want something that only you can bring to the table. Give them what they want.

9. Be comfortable

When recording your audition tape, dress comfortably. The producer will be looking for people who are comfortable in their own skin, comfortable on tape and who understand how their voice sounds. Keep the producer comfortable by being comfortable yourself.

10.  Don’t take it personally

When all is said and done, don’t take the outcome personally. There will be more opportunities, maybe you just weren’t right for this particular role. The producer could be keeping you in mind for another project. Be mindful that you are there to collaborate with other professionals and that your evaluation is based on how you will fulfill that role. Keep your dignity and don’t bug out if things don’t go your way.

When it comes to auditions, everyone is human–the producer included. It’s your job to deliver, be memorable (for the right reasons) and share your unique artistry and take on the material. They want you to succeed and will guide you where possible in the hopes that you will be successful and they will have found an incredible voice over talent. You have the power to make that happen, nobody else.

External Link: http://www.imdb.com/list/ls000082159/

Sources:
http://www.voiceoverherald.com/voice-casting-agents-look/
http://www.videomaker.com/article/15804-10-ways-to-build-your-voice-over-skills