L.A. Conservatory Mini-Intensive Focuses on Self-Taping

A full-day virtual “mini-intensive,” hosted by the SAG-AFTRA L.A. Conservatory Committee on Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022, focused primarily on supporting members with self-taped auditions. 

The day began with a Universal Self-Taped Audition Tips lecture conducted by L.A. Conservatory Co-Chairs Shaan Sharma and Kevin McCorkle, and Vice Chair Carrie Certa. During their presentation, they broke down the self-taped audition from start to finish and covered audition notices, taping instructions, rehearsal, preparation for performance and capture, recording the audition, performance, editing, upload/transfer and live remote auditions.
     
Following the morning lecture was the How Self-Taped Auditions Affect DGA, WGA, PGA, CSA, & Teamsters panel. Joining the moderators were Joshua Butler (DGA), Gabriela Tagliavini (DGA), Steven Wolf (PGA), Lisa Zambetti (CSA) and Muffet Brinkman (Teamsters). Here are some highlights the group covered during their discussion:

Beginning the discussion, each panelist discussed how the pandemic has affected their relationship with self-tapes. Brinkman discussed how casting directors have been able to audition people globally due to self-taping. Tagliavini and Butler discussed the challenges it has created for them as directors, and they acknowledged how it is difficult to offer adjustments now, but it’s great that actors can film as many takes as they like, except in the cases when the tape isn’t an accurate representation of the performer’s actual skill.

L.A. Local President Jodi Long jumped into the conversation, asking if they prefer to do in-person, Zoom or self-tapes. Wolf shared that it is unlikely that producers will permanently return to in-person auditions. Brinkman added that it all depends upon your producer and director. Tagliavini noted that it is difficult to conduct chemistry reads on Zoom, so callbacks for them will usually be held in person now. Zambetti ended the discussion by noting Eco-cast auditions allow for a live remote option in which they can provide adjustments to actors.

Moving forward, the panelists discussed how the pandemic has affected the way they tell stories. Butler noted that directors had to get creative by filming a mini-web series via Skype. Tagliavini discussed a recent filming experience, when it was necessary to reduce the number of background actors on set and get creative by moving background within shots to fill the space. 

Closing the discussion, panelists discussed changes they’ve seen in the quality of work. Zambetti noted how they know there is fatigue surrounding self-tapes, so they try to give unsolicited feedback as much as they can. Wolf added how appreciative people are when given feedback, and reminded everyone if you are asked to tape, it is because they saw something in you for the role. 

After a lunch break, the second half of the day was broken down into two segments of elective small-group sessions, where attendees had the option to choose from the following classes:  

• Auditioning from Home: Booking Commercial Jobs - Instructors: John Ruby/Charles Carpenter
• Reclaiming Mastery: Your Magic and Mojo in Self-Taping - Instructor: Caryn West
• 7 Steps to a Competitive Self-Taped Audition
• How to Diversify Your Performing Revenue Streams With Voiceover - Instructor: Tish Hicks/ Catherine Campion
• Audition, the Movie: This Time … It’s Personal - Instructor: Jason George

The Conservatory Mini-Intensive could not have happened without the hard work and participation of the panelists, instructors and Conservatory members. One participant shared, “I have been a SAG member since the ’90s, and this was the most useful interactive workshop I have had the pleasure to attend. It was well organized and the information was superbly useful. I especially appreciated that the information was not focused on folks who are just starting out. For those of us who have been around for a while ... it was a breath of fresh air to have such diverse perspectives and well-thought-out information that was useful and practical.” Hopefully, this event will become just a small taste of programming that is to come in 2023.

The SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Conservatory exists as a place for actors to stretch their artistic muscles, practice their craft and sharpen their skills. The Conservatory provides actors the opportunity to build an artistic community in a safe and relaxed setting. Overseen by dedicated professionals, the Conservatory offers members a means to nurture their talents, mechanics and skills through workshops and seminars. The goal is to lead to a better understanding of the role of the professional actor in the business of acting and to a more successful and productive career. Click Here for frequently asked questions about the program. The committee hopes to begin enrollments soon. Check your L.A. Local email blasts for more information.

Photo: From top left, Lisa Zambetti, Gabriela Tagliavini, Joshua Butler, Carrie Certa, Shaan Sharma, Steven Wolf, Muffet Brinkman and Kevin McCorkle.