APPLY FOR ADMISSION
FIRST YEAR MEISNER ACTING PROGRAM
BEGINS
SEPTEMBER 10TH
Call To Schedule an Interview
(917) 794-3878
Why they never get past your slate in a Film and TV audition
-
3m- 0
3m
0
I was having coffee with a casting director friend of mine the other day. We started chatting about slates. For anyone who doesn’t know, a “slate” is when you look into the camera and state your name so the casting directors, producers and directors can keep track of everyone they’ve seen.
The casting director mentioned that when reviewing the tapes for call backs, there is no guarantee that they will watch past an actor’s slate to view the actual audition. Sounds a bit harsh, right?
When I asked her why, she said this;
“It amazes me how, in the slate, the director and I can tell right away if someone likes to be in front of the camera. As soon as they look into the lens they either are very comfortable and are open, or they shut down, and look nervous. Some directors right away will skip the person because they don’t want to deal with anyone who is not camera ready. ”
Camera ready. We often think of this as having the hair and make-up right, the lines to run, the appropriate clothes as you sit and wait for the camera to be turned on. In fact, the audition begins the moment you enter the building. Handling the nervousness, or at times, even the overconfidence, is also part of the audition. Directors and casting directors want actors who can handle extreme pressure and deliver results. If your uncomfortable speaking your name into the camera, how can they trust you to handle a challenging scene or a stressful situation on set?
If your nerves tend to get the better of you at the start of an audition practice, practice, practice. No joke. Get a friend, a camera and set it up. Practice looking into the camera and saying your name. The only way to get better at slating is…to slate. The more you do it the easier it will become and better it will go when it’s time for the real thing. I remember one student protesting “but I hate saying my name…” My advice? Change it to something you like to say or come to terms with it. That way it won’t distract you from the real work at hand, turning in a great audition tape.
The Maggie Flanigan Studio provides quality meisner acting instruction. Find out more about audition techniques by visiting the studio website.
Recent Post
6m
0
STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
“I was placed in the intense reigns of Charlie Sandlan. I became a better artist, actor, friend, sibling and daughter because of the studio. Even now, I crave the studio every day. What I learned is present in my work every day. I truly believe in everything they stand for.”
“Maggie taught me that I could control my work, my acting, and to throw all of the bullshit out that I had in my head about ‘what I should be doing’ and to just listen and respond honestly, in the moment. She gave me a craft. She is, quite simply put, THE BEST.”
“Maggie Flanigan taught me the true meaning of artistry, passion, and professionalism. I am certain that I continue to work as an actress because of my training with Maggie. At every audition and every performance, her guiding voice is with me. It is a gift beyond measure.”
“Maggie Flanigan is uncompromising, her instincts as a teacher are razor sharp. She doesn’t miss a beat”
“Maggie Flanigan has been one of the most important people in my artistic life. I want to work with Maggie trained actors. As an actor myself, she is my first source. I do not say this lightly, if you are serious about acting, and willing to work very hard, then go to Maggie.”
“Maggie helped me find my sense of truth, an actors greatest asset. Maggie is an expert at instilling that vital ingredient, which allows an actor’s potential to become limitless. My work will forever be rooted in the clarity and honesty she helped me develop.”
“After working for ten years, I did the 2 year program, and now feel that I have the tools I need to become the actor I’ve always dreamed of being. Maggie Flanigan instilled in me a clear sense of truth and a standard of perfection. I am a better actor because of this studio.”
“As an actor, the core of what you have to rely on is your sense of truth and humanity. Maggie allowed me to discover and embrace mine. Trusting my sense of humanity and truth has given me the ability to take risks in my work and my career decisions.”
“Maggie Flanigan has the unique ability to get an actor to the essence of what is true in a moment. She creates a safe and caring environment in which to work.”
“Maggie Flanigan introduced me to my own spirit and my own sense of Truth. Her passion for teaching and ability to communicate are rare gifts to any actor looking for a technique to set his or her talent free. Maggie’s voice has been the one constant guide in my career.”
