Are Self-Taped Auditions the New Normal?

In the last two years, self-taped auditions have become common practice in the industry. However, with their widespread use, there is an increased need to ensure that performers are recording safely and they feel confident when doing so. 

As part of the union’s work to further address issues concerning self-taping, the SAG-AFTRA President’s Task Force on Education, Outreach & Engagement hosted Spotlight on Self-Tapes on July 28. Joining SAG-AFTRA Executive Vice President Ben Whitehair was Vice President, Los Angeles Michelle Hurd; Vice President, Actors/Performers William Charlton and Vice President, Mid-Sized Locals Michele Proude. 

The group’s discussion revolved around the manner in which self-taping has become a commonplace industry practice since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, solutions to technical issues members face when recording and submitting their work, and how ... membership informs the union’s ongoing efforts to address safety concerns.

“[When] we renegotiated the contract, we felt very strongly … that no self-tape audition or even live virtual audition should ask you to do more than what you’re asked to do when you walk into a room,” said Charlton. “My hope is when we go into [future] wages and working conditions meetings, [people] share their thoughts about common sense solutions.”

Other PTEOE livestreams can be found at sagaftra.org/videos. 

This workshop is not intended to imply an endorsement of any individual or company by SAG-AFTRA. Unless otherwise stated, the views expressed are those of the individual guests, not of SAG-AFTRA. The information provided through the workshop is given for informational purposes and may not be a suitable substitute for applicable professional advice. You should always use good judgment in these matters and should not act or refrain from acting based solely on information provided through the workshop.