Tips for creating a "slate" and setting up a audition video. Watch both videos for great information and teaching tools to help you prepare for video/commercial auditions!

At the start of an on-camera commercial audition, actors are requested to "slate" their name - a "slate" is the actor introducing himself or herself to the camera before beginning their audition. Saying your name seems so simple, which is why many give it no real thought.

How to make a quality self-tape audition at home with the equipment that you already have on hand.

1. Camera of any kind (SLR, camcorder, phone, etc.)
2. Blank wall to shoot against, no distractions in background
3. Camera height: set up camera at approximately eye level (tripod, stack of books, etc)
4. Sound: set up the camera or microphone very close to you to ensure that you are the loudest thing on the tape and we can hear you clearly (anyone else talking should be much quieter, i.e. further away from the camera/mic)
5. Set your "frame", i.e. what the camera sees, so that we see the top of your head (without cutting off your head, no space above your head) down to just below the armpits
6. Make a "mark" on the ground so you can keep your performance in "frame" without moving the camera
7. Set up an "eyelight" so that there is a light reflected in your eyes (desk lamp beside the camera, large window behind camera, etc.)
8. Record the scene.